Jehu and Hezekiah—A Contrast - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of Jehovah the God of Israel with all his heart.

And [Hezekiah] did what was right in the sight of Jehovah He trusted in Jehovah the God of Israel And He clave to Jehovah, and did not turn aside from following Him, but kept His commandments.
2 Kings 10:31; 2 Kings 18:3, 5-6

Jehu and Hezekiah—A Contrast
Sometimes we learn a great deal through the contrasts which the Scriptures present to us. Outwardly, Jehu's reign appears to have been quite prosperous. He executed God's judgment on the house of Ahab and exterminated Baal worship out of the northern kingdom of Israel. We read of "all that he did" and his "might" (v. 34). It is striking to read that Jehu recognized on at least three occasions that the word of the Lord had been fulfilled (2 Ki. 9:25-26; 9:36; 10:10). Yet he did not take heed to walk according to this word for his own life with all his heart. How solemn to recognize the power and authority of the Word of God, and yet to not take heed to obey it!

In a wonderful contrast, Hezekiah "clave to Jehovah" and "kept His commandments." Yet this did not mean that Hezekiah's reign was without difficulty or trial. In fact, we know that Hezekiah faced two serious trials at the same time, with the Assyrian army surrounding Jerusalem, and his becoming sick unto death. As believers today, too, we cannot expect to escape the trials and difficulties of this life. However, our God uses them for our good, and to form Christ in us (Rom. 8:28-29).

Hezekiah saw the power of his God, both in the destruction of the Assyrian army, and in his being raised up to health.

How about you and me? Do we recognize the power and authority of the Word of God, yet do not take heed to obey what it says? May we each be more like Hezekiah, cleaving to the Lord in these last days, reading His Word, and obeying it!

Kevin Quartell