In Second Kings, chapter ten, verse twenty-eight, Jehu had been chosen by God to destroy the idolatrous dynasty of Ahab, as in verse thirty and chapter nine, verses six through ten. Inherent in that call was the commission to eradicate Baalism, an unspeakable vile and cruel religion associated with fornication, drunkenness, and human sacrifice. The destruction of the house of Ahab and Baal was an act of mercy for the Israelites.
Objectively considered, the slaughter of the servants of Baal was in perfect harmony with the law. However, subjectively, the motive that influenced Jehu was thoroughly selfish. The priests and prophets of Baal in Israel, depending entirely on the dynasty of Ahab, the king who had introduced the Baal worship, might prove dangerous to Jehu. By exterminating them, he might hope to secure the whole-hearted allegiance of the party that stood by the legitimate worship. His maintenance of the cultus established by Jeroboam in Second Kings ten, verse twenty-nine proves that he acted from policy rather than religious zeal.
Is thine heart right? That is the question we should often ask ourselves. I make a fair profession and have gained a reputation among men, but is my heart true? Am I sincere with God?
Jehonadab owned Jehu in the work, both of revenge and reformation. An upright heart approves itself to God and seeks no more than his acceptance. Still, if we aim at the applause of men, we are upon a false foundation. Whether Jehu looked any further, we cannot judge. The law of God emphasizes that idolaters should receive death.
Therefore, idolatry was extinct for the present out of Israel. May we desire that the root of it be out of our hearts. Idolatry is one of the most opposing sins that God does not tolerate. The first two commandments of the ten are at the top of the list.
1 You shall have no other gods before me.
2 You shall not make idols
3 You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain
4 Remember the Sabbath day, tokeep it holy.
5 Honor your father and your mother
6 You shall not murder
7 You shall not commit adultery
8 You shall not steal
9 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
10 You shall not covet