Jehu Wipes Out Ahab’s Royal House
1Ahab’s royal family in the city of Samaria had a total of 70 sons. Jehu wrote some letters to the officials of the city. He also sent them to the elders there. And he sent them to the people who took care of Ahab’s children. Jehu said, 2“Your master’s sons are with you. You also have chariots and horses and weapons. And you are living in a city that has high walls around it. As soon as you read this letter, here’s what I want you to do. 3Choose the best and most respected son of your master. Place him on his father Joram’s throne. Then fight for your master’s royal house.”
4The leaders of Samaria were terrified. They said, “King Joram and King Ahaziah couldn’t stand up against Jehu. So how can we?”
5The city governor and the person in charge of the palace sent a message to Jehu. The message was also from the elders and the people who took care of Ahab’s children. In the message, they said, “We will serve you. We’ll do anything you say. We won’t appoint anyone to be king. Do what you think is best.”
6Then Jehu wrote them a second letter. He said, “You say you are on my side. You say you will obey me. If you really mean it, bring me the heads of your master’s sons. Meet me in Jezreel by this time tomorrow.”
There were 70 royal princes. They were with the most important men of the city. Those men were in charge of raising them. 7When Jehu’s letter arrived, the men went and got the princes. They killed all 70 of them. They put their heads in baskets. Then they sent them to Jehu in Jezreel. 8When the messenger arrived, he spoke to Jehu. He told him, “The heads of the princes have been brought here.”
Then Jehu ordered his men, “Put them in two piles. Stack them up at the entrance of the city gate until morning.”
9The next morning Jehu went out. He stood in front of all the people. He said, “You aren’t guilty of doing anything wrong. I’m the one who made plans against my master Joram. I killed him. But who killed all these? 10I want you to know that the Lord has spoken against Ahab’s royal house. Not a word of what he has said will fail. The Lord has done exactly what he announced through his servant Elijah.” 11So Jehu killed everyone from Ahab’s family who was in Jezreel. He also killed all Ahab’s chief men. And he killed Ahab’s close friends and his priests. He didn’t leave anyone alive in Ahab’s family.
12Then Jehu started out for Samaria. At Beth Eked of the Shepherds, 13he saw some people. They were relatives of Ahaziah, the king of Judah. Jehu asked them, “Who are you?”
They said, “We are Ahaziah’s relatives. We’ve come down to visit the families of the king and of his mother.”
14“Take them alive!” Jehu ordered. So his men took them alive. Then they killed them by the well of Beth Eked. They killed a total of 42 of them. Jehu didn’t leave anyone alive.
15Jehu left there. On the way he met Jehonadab. He was the son of Rekab. Jehonadab was on his way to see Jehu. Jehu greeted him. He asked, “Are you my friend? You know I’m your friend.”
“I am,” Jehonadab answered.
“If that’s true,” said Jehu, “hold out your hand.” So he did. Then Jehu helped him up into the chariot. 16Jehu said, “Come along with me. See how committed I am to serve the Lord.” Jehu had Jehonadab ride along in his chariot.
17Jehu came to Samaria. He killed everyone there who was left from Ahab’s family. And so he completely destroyed Ahab’s royal house. That’s what the Lord had said would happen. He had spoken that message to Elijah.
Jehu Kills the People Who Serve Baal
18Then Jehu brought together all the people. He said to them, “Ahab served the god named Baal a little. I will serve him a lot. 19Send for all of Baal’s prophets. Also send for all his priests and the others who serve him. Make sure that not a single one is missing. I’m going to hold a great sacrifice to honor Baal. Anyone who doesn’t come will be killed.” But Jehu was lying to them. He was planning to destroy everyone who served Baal.
20Jehu said, “Call everyone together to honor Baal.” So they did. 21Then he sent a message all through Israel. All those who served Baal came. Not a single one of them stayed away. They crowded into Baal’s temple. It was full from one end to the other. 22Jehu spoke to the one who took care of the sacred robes. He told him, “Bring robes for everyone who serves Baal.” So he brought the robes out for them.
23Then Jehu went into Baal’s temple. Jehonadab, the son of Rekab, went with him. Jehu said to those who served Baal, “Look around. Make sure that no one who serves the Lord is here with you. Make sure only those who serve Baal are here.” 24So they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings. Jehu had stationed 80 men outside. He warned them, “I’m placing some men in your hands. Don’t let a single one of them escape. If you do, you will pay for his life with yours.”
25Jehu finished sacrificing the burnt offering. As soon as he did, he gave an order to the guards and officers. He commanded them, “Go inside and kill everyone. Don’t let a single one of them escape.” So they cut them down with their swords. The guards and officers threw the bodies outside. Then they entered the most sacred area inside Baal’s temple. 26They brought the sacred stone of Baal outside. They burned it up. 27So they destroyed Baal’s sacred stone. They also tore down Baal’s temple. People have used it as a public toilet to this day.
28So Jehu destroyed the worship of the god named Baal in Israel. 29But he didn’t turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat. Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit those same sins. Jehu worshiped the golden calves at Bethel and Dan.
30The Lord said to Jehu, “You have done well. You have accomplished what is right in my eyes. You have done to Ahab’s royal house everything I wanted you to do. So your sons after you will sit on the throne of Israel. They will rule until the time of your children’s grandchildren.” 31But Jehu wasn’t careful to obey the law of the Lord. He didn’t obey the God of Israel with all his heart. He didn’t turn away from the sins of Jeroboam. Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit those same sins.
32In those days the Lord began to make the kingdom of Israel smaller. Hazael gained control over many parts of Israel. He gained control over all their territory 33east of the Jordan River. It included the whole land of Gilead from Aroer by the Arnon River valley all the way to Bashan. That was the territory of Gad, Reuben and Manasseh.
34The other events of Jehu’s rule are written down. Everything he did and accomplished is written in the official records of the kings of Israel.
35Jehu joined the members of his family who had already died. He was buried in Samaria. His son Jehoahaz became the next king after him. 36Jehu had ruled over Israel in Samaria for 28 years.
Pinatay ang Pamilya ni Ahab
1May 70 anak10:1 anak: o, mga angkan. Ganito rin sa talatang 6 at 7. si Ahab sa Samaria. Kaya nagpadala ng sulat doon si Jehu sa mga opisyal ng lungsod,10:1 lungsod: Ganito sa tekstong Griego. Sa Hebreo, Jezreel. sa mga tagapamahala at mga tagapag-alaga ng mga anak ni Ahab. Ito ang sinasabi sa sulat, 2“Ang mga anak ni Haring Ahab ay nasa inyo pati ang mga karwahe, mga kabayo, napapaderang lungsod at mga armas. 3Kaya pagkatanggap ninyo ng sulat na ito, pumili kayo ng nararapat na maging hari sa mga anak ni Haring Ahab at makipaglaban kayo para sa angkan niya.”
4Pero labis silang natakot at sinabi, “Kung hindi natalo ng dalawang hari si Jehu, kami pa kaya?” 5Kaya ang namamahala ng palasyo, gobernador sa lungsod, mga tagapamahala at mga tagapag-alaga ng mga anak ng hari ay sumulat kay Jehu. Ito ang sinasabi sa sulat, “Mga lingkod nʼyo kami at gagawin namin ang lahat ng iuutos ninyo. Hindi kami pipili ng ibang hari; gawin nʼyo kung ano sa tingin nʼyo ang pinakamabuti.”
6Sinagot sila ni Jehu sa pamamagitan ng pangalawang sulat: “Kung kakampi ko kayo at handa kayong sumunod sa akin, pugutan ninyo ng ulo ang mga anak ni Ahab at dalhin ninyo sa akin dito sa Jezreel bukas, sa ganito ring oras.”
Inalagaan ng mga namumuno ng Samaria mula pagkabata ang 70 anak ni Haring Ahab. 7Pagdating ng sulat ni Jehu, pinatay nila ang 70 anak ng hari. Inilagay nila ang mga ulo nito sa mga basket at ipinadala kay Jehu sa Jezreel. 8Nang dumating ang mensahero, sinabi niya kay Jehu, “Ipinadala nila ang ulo ng mga anak ng hari.” Pagkatapos, sinabi ni Jehu, “Itumpok ninyo sa dalawa ang mga ulo sa pintuan ng lungsod at iwanan doon hanggang umaga.”
9Kinaumagahan, lumabas si Jehu, tumayo sa harap ng mga tao at sinabi, “Wala kayong kasalanan. Ako ang nagplano laban sa aking amo at pumatay sa kanya. Pero sino ang pumatay sa kanilang lahat? 10Gusto kong malaman ninyo na matutupad ang lahat ng sinabi ng Panginoon laban sa pamilya ni Ahab. Tinupad ng Panginoon ang sinabi niya sa pamamagitan ng lingkod niyang si Elias.” 11Pagkatapos, pinatay ni Jehu ang lahat ng kamag-anak ni Ahab sa Jezreel, pati ang mga opisyal, kaibigan at mga pari nito. Wala talagang natirang buhay sa kanila. 12Lumakad si Jehu papunta sa Samaria. Habang nasa daan siya, sa lugar na tinatawag na Pinagtitipunan ng mga Pastol ng mga Tupa, 13nakita niya ang mga kamag-anak ni Haring Ahazia ng Juda. Tinanong niya ang mga ito, “Sino kayo?” Sumagot sila, “Mga kamag-anak po kami ni Ahazia at nagpunta kami rito para dumalaw sa pamilya ni Haring Ahab at Reyna Jezebel.” 14Inutusan ni Jehu ang mga tauhan niya, “Hulihin ninyo sila nang buhay!” Kaya hinuli sila nang buhay. Dinala sila at pinatay doon sa balon sa lugar na tinatawag na Pinagtitipunan ng mga Pastol ng mga Tupa – 42 silang lahat. Walang iniwang buhay si Jehu.
15Pag-alis ni Jehu roon, nakita niyang paparating ang anak ni Recab na si Jehonadab para makipagkita sa kanya. Pagkatapos nilang batiin ang isaʼt isa, tinanong siya ni Jehu, “Tapat ka ba sa akin tulad ng pagiging tapat ko sa iyo?” Sumagot si Jehonadab, “Opo.” Sinabi ni Jehu, “Kung ganoon, iabot mo sa akin ang kamay mo.” Iniabot ni Jehonadab ang kamay niya at pinaakyat siya ni Jehu sa kanyang karwahe. 16Sinabi ni Jehu, “Sumama ka sa akin para makita mo ang katapatan ko sa Panginoon.” Kaya sumama si Jehonadab sa kanya. 17Pagdating ni Jehu sa Samaria, pinapatay niya ang lahat ng natira sa pamilya ni Ahab, ayon sa sinabi ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan ni Elias.
Pinapatay ang mga Naglilingkod kay Baal
18Tinipon ni Jehu ang lahat ng tao at sinabi, “Hindi ganoon katapat si Ahab sa paglilingkod niya kay Baal kung ikukumpara sa gagawin kong paglilingkod. 19Kaya papuntahin ninyo sa akin ang lahat ng propeta, pari ni Baal at ang lahat ng naglilingkod sa kanya. Kailangang nandito silang lahat, dahil mag-aalay ako ng malaking handog para kay Baal. Ipapapatay ko ang hindi pupunta.” Pero nagkukunwari lang si Jehu para mapatay niya ang mga naglilingkod kay Baal.
20Sinabi ni Jehu, “Maghanda ng banal na pagtitipon para sambahin si Baal.” Kaya ipinaalam nila ito sa mga tao. 21Ipinatawag ni Jehu sa buong Israel ang lahat ng naglilingkod kay Baal. Pumunta silang lahat at walang naiwan sa bahay nila. Pumasok silang lahat sa templo ni Baal at napuno ito. 22Sinabi ni Jehu sa nangangasiwa ng espesyal na kasuotan, “Ipasuot mo ito sa bawat isa na sasamba kay Baal.” Kaya binigyan niya ng damit ang mga ito.
23Pagkatapos, pumasok si Jehu at ang anak ni Recab na si Jehonadab sa templo ni Baal. Sinabi ni Jehu sa mga naglilingkod kay Baal, “Tiyakin ninyo na walang sumasamba sa Panginoon na napasama sa inyo. Kayo lang na mga sumasamba kay Baal ang dapat na nandito.” 24Nang nandoon sila sa loob ng templo, nag-alay sila ng mga handog na sinusunog at ng iba pang handog. Mayroong 80 tauhan si Jehu sa labas ng templo. Sinabi niya sa kanila, “Ibinigay ko sila sa inyong mga kamay para patayin. Ang sinuman sa inyo ang magpabaya na makatakas kahit isa sa kanila ay papatayin ko.”
25Matapos ialay ni Jehu ang mga handog na sinusunog, inutusan niya ang mga guwardya at mga opisyal, “Pumasok kayo at patayin ninyo ang mga sumasamba kay Baal! Huwag ninyong hayaang may makatakas sa kanila!” Kaya pinatay nila ang mga ito sa pamamagitan ng espada at itinapon ang mga bangkay nila sa labas. Pagkatapos, pumasok sila sa pinakaloob na bahagi ng templo ni Baal 26at kinuha nila roon ang alaalang bato at dinala sa labas ng templo, at sinunog. 27Dinurog nila ang alaalang bato ni Baal at giniba nila ang templo nito. Ginawa nila itong pampublikong palikuran hanggang ngayon. 28Sa ganitong paraan sinira ni Jehu ang pagsamba ng Israel kay Baal. 29Pero sinunod pa rin niya ang mga kasalanan ni Jeroboam, na anak ni Nebat, na naging dahilan ng pagkakasala ng mga taga-Israel. Ito ay ang pagsamba sa mga gintong baka sa Betel at Dan.
30Sinabi ng Panginoon kay Jehu, “Mabuti ang ginawa mong pagsunod sa mga utos ko na patayin ang pamilya ni Ahab. Dahil sa ginawa mong ito, magiging hari sa Israel ang angkan mo hanggang sa ikaapat na henerasyon.” 31Pero hindi sumunod si Jehu sa kautusan ng Panginoon, ang Dios ng Israel, nang buong puso. Sa halip, sinunod niya ang kasalanan ni Jeroboam, na naging dahilan ng pagkakasala ng mga taga-Israel.
32Nang panahong iyon, unti-unting pinaliliit ng Panginoon ang teritoryo ng Israel. Nasakop ni Haring Hazael ang mga lugar ng Israel 33sa silangan ng Ilog ng Jordan: ang buong Gilead, Bashan, at mga lugar sa hilaga ng bayan ng Aroer na malapit sa Lambak ng Arnon. Ang mga lugar na ito ay dating pinamayanan ng mga lahi ni Gad, Reuben at Manase.
34Ang iba pang salaysay tungkol sa paghahari ni Jehu, at ang lahat ng ginawa niya at pagtatagumpay ay nakasulat sa Aklat ng Kasaysayan ng mga hari ng Israel. 35Nang mamatay si Jehu, inilibing siya sa Samaria. At ang anak niyang si Jehoahaz ang pumalit sa kanya bilang hari. 36Naghari si Jehu sa Israel doon sa Samaria sa loob ng 28 taon.
