Jehu
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Jehu in the Bible?
Jehu was a military officer in the army of King Ahab who orchestrated a coup to overthrow the Omride dynasty, establishing his own rule over Israel for approximately twenty-eight years.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Jehu's violent consolidation of power clarifies the biblical narrative's emphasis on divine judgment against idolatry and provides context for the political instability that characterized the northern kingdom prior to its eventual exile.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Jehu reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Jehu in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Jehu clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Jehu." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/jehu/