House of Jehu
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The House of Jehu or Jehu dynasty was a reigning dynasty of the Kingdom of Israel. They are depicted in both of the Books of Kings. Their estimated reign is placed from the 9th century to the 8th century BCE.[1]
Reign[]
The dynasty is named after its founder Jehu. His immediate predecessor was Jehoram of Israel of the House of Omri. Jehoram was wounded in battle during a campaign against the rival state of Aram-Damascus. Jehoram retreated to the city of Jezreel in order to recover from his wounds, but Jehu attacked and killed him there. Jehu also killed Jehoram's ally, Ahaziah of Judah.[1]
Jehu was reportedly anointed as king by the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 19:16). According to the Books of Chronicles, Jehu was authorized to eliminate the descendants of his predecessor Ahab and all the priests of the god Baal (2 Chronicles 22:7). Jehu continued the worship of the golden calves at the holy places of Bethel and Dan (2 Kings 10:28-31). The Book of Kings accuses Jehu of idolatry. The God Yahweh Himself proclaimed that four generations of Jehu's descendants would hold the throne of Israel, but then the dynasty would lose the throne as punishment for Jehu's idolatry (2 Kings 15:12).[1] Jehu reigned for 28 years.[1]
Jehu was succeeded by his son Jehoahaz of Israel. Jehoahaz was a vassal to the monarchs of Aram-Damascus. He was reportedly a poor administrator, and the Book of Kings associates his reign with "great suffering" for his kingdom. He reigned for 17 years.[1]
Jehoahaz was succeeded by his son Jehoash of Israel. Jehoash is credited with victories over the kingdom of Aram-Damascus, and with freeing the Kingdom of Israel from its subordination to the monarchs of Damascus.[1] Jehoash was reportedly allied to the prophet Elisha, who had promised him victory over Aram-Damascus. Jehoash is mentioned mourning Elisha's death. Jehoash reigned for 16 years.[1]
Jehoash was succeeded by his son Jeroboam II. Jeroboam is depicted as a very competent leader for Israel. He dominated the Arameans of Syria and reclaimed territories that the Kingdom of Israel had lost in previous conflicts. Israel's political power increased during his reign. Jeroboam reigned for 41 years.[1]
Jeroboam was succeeded by his son Zechariah of Israel, the last monarch of the House of Jehu. Zechariah only reigned for 6 months. He was assassinated by Shallum of Israel, who then claimed the throne of Israel for himself.[1]
