It seems I missed one chapter while working through Chronicles and Kings. It is a period of great evil in the wake of Ahab, one of the most wicked kings of Israel. His widow Jezebel, Ahaziah King of Judah, and Joram King of Israel are hunted down and assassinated by Jehu, who the Lord anointed to be the new King of Israel.
“…Jezebel… painted her eyes and adorned her head and looked out of the window. And as Jehu entered the gate… he lifted up his face to the window and said, ‘Who is on my side?…’ Two or three eunuchs looked out at him. He said, ‘Throw her down.’ So they threw her down. And some of her blood spattered… on the horses, and they trampled on her… [Jehu] said, ‘This is the word of the Lord, which he spoke by his servant Elijah the Tishbite: “…the dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel… so that no one can say, This is Jezebel.” ‘ ” (v30-37 abr)
Jezebel was a wicked woman who encouraged her deceased husband Ahab, her sons, and all of Israel to perform many pagan practices and to worship false gods. The Lord sent Jehu to eradicate the house of Ahab from the face of the earth because of their wickedness – this included Jezebel, her son Joram, her son-in-law Ahaziah, and their families.
I encourage us all to take heart – our Lord is going to eradicate all evil once and for all on the Day of the Lord. Scripture says a great deal about this day, and it is clear by any observations that day has not yet arrived (this world is still very broken). If you want to learn more about the Day of the Lord, read virtually any prophetic book (eg. Isaiah, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, etc.).
I also encourage us to rest well knowing that God promises eternal safety for those who remain loyal to Him. Though we will die physical deaths in this world (a result of sin) we will live eternally in God’s presence (a result of grace and mercy available through Jesus’ redeeming sacrifice). Let’s praise God for His grace, mercy, and justice.
Father God, our Benevolent and Just Lord, we praise Your holy name. You have promised justice for the wicked and oppressed, yet You offer abundant grace and mercy. Jesus thank you for opening the door to our Father’s grace, and showing us the paths of righteousness. May we be examples unto this world, lights in the darkness, and may many more souls be saved because of Your Spirit’s work in us. Father we await Your final judgement on evil, and ask that many more will be spared before that day arrives. We honor, praise and adore You, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training