Have you ever found yourself taking significant action instinctively, without thinking? Did it turn out to be the right thing to do? Had you considered the situation in advance, and acted from what you had figured out beforehand, or was the situation completely new for you? Had you thought the action and consequences through, would you have done the same thing?
Jehu
Unexpectedly anointed king of Israel, a general kills everyone in his path who will not get behind him and takes control of the palace.
Context
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Reference: 2 Kings 9:3
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The Assyrian army, under their king Hazael, fought the armies of Israel and Judah.
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King Jehoram of Israel was wounded, and went to court of his nephew, King Ahaziah of Judah, in Jezreel to recover.
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Elisha sent one of his students to a camp where commanders were meeting to anoint Jehu as the new king.
Aftermath
- Jehu reigned for close to 30 years. He cut Israel's ties to Judah, and is seen on the Black Obelisk offering tribute to Assyria's king Shalmaneser III.
Notes
I didn't know anything about Jehu when his name came up as the subject for this story. I knew that there was a band named Drive Like Jehu, which I assumed was a Biblical reference, but that was about it.
Jehu's story in 2 Kings is quite action-packed and straightforward. In writing this, I just had to tell it from his point of view.
Capturing that point of view, though, was a challenge. Unlike many of the characters in the book, Jehu didn't seem talkative or prone to introspection. Discussing it with my friend Vee, I complained that he didn't think or feel, but just acted. She said "That's your opening line." The story took off from there.
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