Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Kings 10:28

Charles Ellicott Commentary

2 Kings 10:28

1819–1905
Anglican
Charles Ellicott
Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott Commentary

2 Kings 10:28

1819–1905
Anglican
SCRIPTURE

"Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel." — 2 Kings 10:28 (ASV)

Thus Jehu destroyed Baal. — Objectively considered, the slaughter of the servants of Baal was in perfect harmony with the Law; but, subjectively, the motive which influenced Jehu was thoroughly selfish. The priests and prophets of Baal in Israel, as depending entirely on the dynasty of Ahab, the king who had originally introduced the Baal-worship, might prove dangerous to Jehu. By exterminating them he might hope to secure the whole-hearted allegiance of the party that stood by the legitimate worship. His maintenance of the cultus established by Jeroboam (2 Kings 10:29) proves that he acted from policy rather than religious zeal.