The MassacreThe Massacre

Is someone who takes revenge on a bully a

hero? Acts of justice can turn into a power or

popularity grab

What is the definition of a hero?

Kings of IsraelProphets Judah Both Israel Prophets

Samuel   Saul    

Nathan David   Ish-Bosheth  

    David    

    Absalom    

  David      

    David    

    Rehoboam    

  Rehoboam   Jeroboam Ahijah

  Abijah      

  Asa   Nadab  

      Elah  

      Zimri  

      Omri  

Micaiah Jehosaphat   Ahab Elijah

      Ahaziah Elisha

  Jehoram   Joram  

  Ahaziah   Jehu  

  Athaliah      

         

A threat to Israel’s health and well-being as

God’s special people included Baal worship. Jezebel, the wife of Ahab, had brought Baal

worship to Israel God had promised to wipe out Ahab’s family,

and was going to do so through King Jehu.

1. Threats to Israel’s identity

Ahab and Jezebel sealed an alliance with

Judah through the marriage of their daughter, Athaliah, to Jehoshaphat’s son, Jehoram.

2. Family ties

This story is located in Naboth’s field,

pointing to the guilt that hangs over the house of Ahab for killing Naboth and his family.

It establishes God’s holy purpose in purging Ahab’s family from Israel.

3. Location, location, location

State who died and how and important details

about the death

4. The Massacre

Shot Joram between the shoulders; body

thrown onto Naboth’s field Ahaziah died of his wounds

A. Joram and Ahaziah

Went out in style; thrown out the window and

trampled by horses Her body was eaten by dogs of Jezreel

B. Jezebel

Killed by their own guardians at Jehu’s

command Their heads sent to Jehu and set out at the

entrance to the city gate

C. 70 Sons of Ahab

Killed everyone in the household, including

chief men, close friends and priests He left no survivors

D. House of Ahab

42 of them traveling to see Ahaziah’s family Left no survivors

E. Ahaziah’s Relatives

Pretended to hold a sacrifice to Baal and

killed the priests instead Temple of Baal destroyed and used as a toilet

F. Servants of Baal

His actions would not have honored God He continued in the sin of Jeroboam

Wanted to maintain political power Set up Golden calves at Dan and Bethel, so

people wouldn’t worship in Jerusalem Appointed priests Instituted festivals

Question: Is Jehu a hero?