Emotions in 2 Kings, Chapter 10

Resolve and Ruthlessness

The chapter begins with Jehu's unwavering resolve to eliminate the house of Ahab. His actions are marked by a ruthless determination to fulfill his mission (2 Kings 10:1-11).

Fear and Submission

The leaders of Samaria, filled with fear, submit to Jehu’s demands to surrender the heads of Ahab’s seventy sons, showing the stark contrast between fear and submission (2 Kings 10:4-7).

Deception and Loyalty

Jehu uses deception to gather all the worshipers of Baal, proclaiming a great sacrifice. This act of deception is driven by his loyalty to the mission of eradicating Baal worship from Israel (2 Kings 10:18-19).

Shock and Horror

The slaughter of Baal worshipers inside the temple creates an atmosphere of shock and horror. Jehu's actions, although justified in his eyes, bring about a sense of brutal finality (2 Kings 10:25-28).

Satisfaction and Solemnity

Jehu's mission is accomplished, and there is a sense of grim satisfaction and solemnity as he reflects on fulfilling the prophecy given to Elijah (2 Kings 10:30-31).

Disappointment and Incomplete Reformation

Despite Jehu's success in eliminating Baal worship, he fails to turn Israel away from the sins of Jeroboam. This leads to a sense of disappointment and recognition of incomplete reformation (2 Kings 10:29, 32-36).