JEHU, eleventh king of Israel, B. C. 883-855; son of Jehoshaphat, and grandson of Nimshi, beginning his military career as one of the guards of Ahab. lie was distin guished as a charioteer for his rapid driving, find a certain reckless vehemence of man ner. The first mention made of him in driving, is his appearance, with his comrade. Bidkar, ou a journey from Samaria to Jezrecl, riding in company with Ahab, when he hears the warning of Elijah against the murderer of Naboth. He is mentioned in the vision at Horeb as the coming king of -Israel, who should be an instrument of vengeance upon Israel, but was annotated by a prophet of Elisha in the reign of Ahaziah and Jehoram, when sus a commander in the Israelitish army, posted at Ramoth Gilead, at a council of war, there appeared unexpectedly at the door of the tent a disciple ofElisha, who poured the contents of a vial of sacred oil upon his head, announced the prophecy of Elisha that he was to become king of Israel, and that the house of Ahab should fall by his hand, then vanished from their midst. Oa this suggestion he was-proclaimed king with the wildest enthusiasm. He at once appointed Bidkar captain in his place,.and having by a strategic movement brought himself face to face with Jehoram on the field of Naboth, killed him by a shot from his bow. At that moment he recalls to Bidkar's remembrance the scene of the ride with Ahab, and the warning of Elijah. Riding into the conquered city he caused Jezabel to be thrown from the palace walls, killing her instantly. He required, as proof of the loyalty of Samaria, that the heads of all the royal princes should be brought to him; the next morning 70 human beads lay in a pile at the palace gate. He also slew 42 brothers of Ahaziah, sons of the late king ofjudah,
whom he met on his way to Samaria. Having made an ally of Jelionadab the Recha bite, he proclaimed a festival, at which he assembled all the ministers and chief adhe rents of Baal, whom he provided with sacerdotal vestments so that the worshipeA of Jehovah might not be confounded with them. The multitude of these idolaters filled the great temple of Samaria, around which, to prevent the escape of any, guards were placed. The chief sacrifice Jehu himself offered in the fervor of his pretended zeal. After be had made himself doubly sure that none except the adherents of Baal were present, he gave the signal to his trusted guards, who, by a sweeping massacre, cut off the chief heathen population of the kingdom. Thus a staggering blow was struck at a form of idolatry which, from its entrance among the Israelites, had been the source of unbounded licentiousness, varied abominable immoralities, and cruel infanticide. But after this Jehu's hostility to idolatry manifestly declined, and for fear of adverse politi cal consequences to himself, lie allowed the worship of the golden calves to continue undisturbed. For the measure of right that he had practiced his dynasty was continued through four generations, but because of his imperfect obedience his prosperity was cut short. He died in outward tranquillity and was buried in Samaria. His name has passed into a type of fierce and fiery zeal uncontrolled by the grander forces of right eousness and the Divine love.: