The Revolt of Jehu

Ramoth-Gilead

Jehu (who had previously been anointed by Elijah – see 1 Kings 19:16) is secretly anointed King of Israel at Ramoth Gilead on the orders of Elisha, and drives his chariot to Jezreel “as if he were mad!”

2 Kings 9:20

Jezreel– Megiddo

Jehu confronts King Joram over the idolatry and witchcraft brought to Israel by his mother Jezebel and then kills him. Jehu dumps Joram’s body in Naboth’s vineyard at Jezreel. Jehu then pursues King Ahaziah of Judah.

When Ahaziah king of Judah saw what had happened, he fled up the road to Beth Haggan. He is wounded near Ibleam and escapes to Megiddo where he dies.

2 Kings 9:21-29

Jezreel

Jehu then moves back to Jezreel. Jezebel is thrown from the window of her apartment by her eunuchs and the dogs eat her body by the wall of Jezreel in fulfillment of Elijah’s prophesy (see 1 Kings 21:23).

2 Kings 9:30-37

Jezreel

From Jezreel, Jehu orders the death of seventy princes descended from Ahab and all of Ahab’s family in Samaria. He then sets off for Samaria to claim the throne. At Beth Eked (‘Shepherd’s camp’) he slaughters forty-two relatives of Ahaziah of Judah

2 Kings 10:1-17

Samaria

On arriving at Samaria in 842BC, King Jehu summons all the prophets of Baal, then kills them when they come to sacrifice. He destroys the temple of Baal in Samaria and restores the worship of the LORD.

2 Kings 10:18-31