Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
This story proceeds at a breakneck speed, like Jehu's driving (verse 20). Evidently the Israelite army officers have grown tired of King Joram, perhaps because of his unsuccessful alliance with Judah's King Ahaziah against Syria (8.28–29). Jehu is ruthless, murdering both kings and Joram's mother Jezebel, who meets her end with a fine courage (verses 30–31).
The prophet whom Elisha sends to anoint Jehu as king appears to amplify his message considerably, telling him to kill Ahab and all his descendants (verses 7–8). There's no reason to suppose he has just made it up, however: Jehu is presented as God's instrument, avenging the crimes of the house of Ahab.
We don't go to a tale like this for sweet words of inspiration and comfort; it's not that kind of story. But in the midst of the bloodshed and treachery – which gets even worse in the next chapter – there's one verse that stands out. A desperate King Joram asks Jehu if he is coming in peace. '"How can there be peace," Jehu answered, "when we still have all the witchcraft and idolatry that your mother Jezebel started?"' (verse 22).
That question, 'How can there be peace?' is an uncomfortable one. We like to seek consensus – a 'win/win' situation in which everyone walks away happy. Sometimes, though, there can be no compromise; evil has to be rooted out. The battles, executions and power struggles of the Old Testament often dramatise in violence and death the battles we have to fight today.
God, help me to know when to compromise, and when to stand firm. Help me to recognise real evil, and to hold fast to what's good.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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