Jehu | |
---|---|
King of Israel | |
Reign | c. 841–814 BCE |
Coronation | Ramoth-Gilead, Israel |
Predecessor | Jehoram of Israel |
Successor | Jehoahaz of Israel |
Died | c. 814 BCE |
Burial | Samaria, Kingdom of Israel |
Issue | Jehoahaz of Israel |
Father | Jehoshaphat |
Jehu (/ˈdʒiːhjuː/; Hebrew: יֵהוּא, Modern Yehu, Tiberian Yēhû, meaning "Yahu is He"; Akkadian: Ia-ú-a; Latin: Iehu) was the tenth king of the northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) since Jeroboam I, noted for exterminating the house of Ahab at the instruction of Jehovah. He was the son of Jehoshaphat, and grandson of Nimshi. His reign lasted for 28 years.
William F. Albright has dated his reign to 842–815 BCE, while E. R. Thiele offers the dates 841–814 BCE. The principal source for the events of his reign comes from 2 Kings 9–10.
The reign of Jehu's predecessor, Jehoram, was marked by the Battle of Ramoth-Gilead against the army of the Arameans. Jehoram was wounded and returned to Jezreel to recover. He was attended by Ahaziah, king of Judah, who was also his nephew. The writer of the Book of Kings tells that when the captains of the Israelite army were assembled away from the king's eyes, the prophet Elisha sent one of his students to the gathering. Elisha's student led Jehu away from the others, anointed him king in an inner chamber, and then departed (2 Kings 9:5-6). Jehu's companions asked where he had been. When told, they enthusiastically blew their trumpets and proclaimed him their king.