Jehu, Israel's colorful king during a time of rampant idolatry, was determined to rid his nation of Baal worship. This hideous form of paganism involved gross sensualism, moral degradation, and human sacrifice. Because Jehu successfully rooted out all Baal worship from the land, God told him that his descendants would occupy Israel's throne for four generations (2 Ki. 10:30).

But God was not fully pleased with Jehu. First, the king did not completely obey the Lord. He still permitted the idolatrous worship of the golden calves in Bethel and Dan (v.29). Second, the Lord was displeased with Jehu's inexcusable cruelty and treachery (vv.1-17). Years later, God declared through the prophet Hosea that He would "avenge the bloodshed of Jezreel on the house of Jehu" and bring an end to the northern kingdom of Israel (Hos. 1:4).

A war is raging between the Lord's army and the organized hosts of Satan (Eph. 6:12). We are called to do spiritual battle on God's side. By all means, answer God's call to fight for truth and justice. But do so in ways that please the Lord and bring honor to Him. Don't be like Jehu, who fought the right war but in the wrong way. God wants more than good results; He wants children who love Him.  — Herbert Vander Lugt