And Jehu commandedJehu, the tenth king of the northern kingdom of Israel, was anointed by a prophet sent by Elisha to execute judgment on the house of Ahab. His command here reflects his authority and determination to eradicate Baal worship from Israel, fulfilling the prophecy given to Elijah (
1 Kings 19:16-17). Jehu's actions are part of a broader divine judgment against idolatry and apostasy in Israel.
Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal.
A solemn assembly was typically a sacred gathering, often associated with religious festivals or significant events (Leviticus 23:36). However, Jehu's proclamation was a strategic deception to gather all the worshipers of Baal in one place. Baal was a Canaanite deity whose worship had been introduced into Israel by Jezebel, Ahab's wife. This false god's worship involved rituals that were abominable to the God of Israel, including idolatry and immorality. Jehu's proclamation was a cunning plan to eliminate Baal worshipers, aligning with God's command to destroy idolatry (Deuteronomy 13:12-18).
So they announced it.
The announcement indicates the compliance of the people or officials with Jehu's command, showing his influence and authority. This also reflects the widespread acceptance of Baal worship at the time, as the people were willing to gather for what they believed was a legitimate religious assembly. The announcement set the stage for Jehu's subsequent actions, which would lead to the destruction of Baal worshipers and the temple of Baal, as recorded later in the chapter (2 Kings 10:25-28). This event underscores the theme of divine justice and the fulfillment of God's word against idolatry.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JehuThe king of Israel who was anointed to destroy the house of Ahab and eradicate Baal worship from Israel. His actions were both politically and religiously motivated.
2.
BaalA Canaanite deity whose worship was prevalent in Israel, often associated with idolatry and apostasy from the worship of Yahweh.
3.
Solemn AssemblyA gathering that Jehu commanded under the pretense of worshiping Baal, which was actually a strategic move to eliminate Baal worshipers.
4.
IsraelThe Northern Kingdom where Jehu reigned and where Baal worship had become widespread due to the influence of previous kings like Ahab.
5.
Prophets of BaalThe religious leaders and followers of Baal who were targeted by Jehu in his campaign to purify Israel from idolatry.
Teaching Points
Zeal for the Lord's HonorJehu's actions, though extreme, reflect a zeal for purifying Israel from idolatry. Believers today are called to have a similar zeal for God's honor, though expressed through love and truth.
Discernment in LeadershipJehu's strategy involved deception, which raises questions about the ethics of his methods. Christian leaders are called to lead with integrity and wisdom, seeking God's guidance in all decisions.
The Dangers of IdolatryThe prevalence of Baal worship in Israel serves as a warning against allowing anything to take precedence over God in our lives. Modern idolatry can take many forms, such as materialism or self-worship.
God's Sovereignty and JudgmentJehu's actions were part of God's judgment against the house of Ahab and Baal worship. This reminds us of God's sovereignty and the reality of His judgment against sin.
The Importance of True WorshipThe false worship of Baal contrasts with the true worship of Yahweh. Believers are encouraged to worship God in spirit and truth, as emphasized in
John 4:24.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 10:20?
2.How does 2 Kings 10:20 demonstrate Jehu's commitment to eradicating Baal worship?
3.What can we learn from Jehu's actions about confronting false worship today?
4.How does 2 Kings 10:20 connect with the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3?
5.In what ways can we ensure our worship aligns with God's truth?
6.How can Jehu's zeal inspire us to uphold God's standards in our lives?
7.What is the significance of Jehu's command in 2 Kings 10:20?
8.How does 2 Kings 10:20 reflect God's judgment on idolatry?
9.Why did Jehu call for a solemn assembly for Baal in 2 Kings 10:20?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 10?
11.How does 2 Kings 10:1-11 reconcile mass slaughter with the broader biblical prohibition against murder?
12.Why does God apparently endorse Jehu's violent actions in 2 Kings 10:30, when other passages condemn such bloodshed?
13.Where is the archaeological evidence for Jehu's widespread purge and the destruction of the Baal temple in 2 Kings 10:27?
14.What did Jehu do about Baal worship?What Does 2 Kings 10:20 Mean
And Jehu commanded,• The verse opens with decisive leadership. Jehu, newly anointed king (2 Kings 9:1-13), acts under the earlier prophetic charge to wipe out Ahab’s house and purge idolatry (1 Kings 19:16-17).
• His command shows personal responsibility in executing God’s judgment, echoing Joshua’s resolve inJoshua 24:15 and Elijah’s earlier confrontation in1 Kings 18:36-40.
• The literal record underscores that Jehu is not acting on mere impulse; he is fulfilling what the LORD had spoken through Elijah (2 Kings 10:10).
“Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal.”• A “solemn assembly” was normally reserved for sacred occasions before the LORD (Leviticus 23:36;Joel 1:14). Jehu cleverly borrows this language to lure every Baal devotee into one place.
• His strategy mirrors the wisdom ofProverbs 21:30: “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD”. Though it appears Jehu honors Baal, he is actually setting a trap (2 Kings 10:18-19).
• By calling for what seems a grand revival of Baal worship, Jehu ensures the completeness of the purge, just as Moses required the complete destruction of idolatry inDeuteronomy 13:12-16.
So they announced it.• The worshippers respond without suspicion. Their quick compliance highlights both the depth of idolatry in Israel and the blindness that often accompanies rebellion against God (Romans 1:21-23).
• The announcement spreads throughout the land, gathering “all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; not one was left who did not come” (2 Kings 10:21), preparing the stage for their downfall.
• This moment parallels the gathering of the priests of Baal under Elijah (1 Kings 18:20), but here the outcome will be final and decisive (2 Kings 10:25-28).
summaryJehu’s command, the proclamation, and the immediate announcement together form a divinely sanctioned strategy to eradicate Baal worship from Israel. The verse captures the king’s obedience to prophetic mandate, the cunning execution of judgment, and the unsuspecting compliance of idolaters. In a single sentence, Scripture demonstrates how God can turn what looks like a celebration of falsehood into its utter destruction, fulfilling His word with precision and finality.
(20)
Proclaim a solemn assembly.--Rather,
Sanctify a solemn meeting (
Isaiah 1:13). Every person who wished to attend would have to "sanctify," or purify, himself in due form.
They proclaimed--i.e., gave notice of the festival by criers "through all Israel" (2Kings 10:21).
Verse 20. -
And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. The word translated "solemn assembly" is the same which is applied to the great feasts of Jehovah among the Israelites in
Leviticus 23:36;
Numbers 29:35;
Deuteronomy 16:8;
2 Chronicles 7:9;
Nehemiah 8:18;
Isaiah 1:13;
Joel 1:14;
Joel 2:15; and
Amos 5:21. Originally, it signified a time of repression, or abstention from worldly business; but it had probably grown to mean a day when worldly business was suspended for the sake of a religious gathering. Such gatherings had no doubt been held from time to time in honor of Baal; and Jehu's proclamation consequently excited no distrust.
And they proclaimed it. No opposition was made to the king's wish. No Jehovist party showed itself. The "solemn assembly" was proclaimed for some day in the near future, when all the people had been apprised of it.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And Jehuיֵה֗וּא(yê·hū)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3058:Jehu -- 'the LORD is He', the name of several Israelitescommanded,וַיֹּ֣אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Proclaimקַדְּשׁ֧וּ(qad·də·šū)Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 6942:To be set apart or consecrateda solemn assemblyעֲצָרָ֛ה(‘ă·ṣā·rāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6116:An assembly, on a, festival, holidayfor Baal.”לַבַּ֖עַל(lab·ba·‘al)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1168:Baal -- a heathen godSo they called one.וַיִּקְרָֽאוּ׃(way·yiq·rā·’ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, read
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OT History: 2 Kings 10:20 Jehu said Sanctify a solemn assembly (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) 
