Jehu (prophet)

Jehu (UK  /ˈhjuː/ or US /ˈh/[1]) son of Hanani was a prophet in the Hebrew Bible, who was active in the 9th century BC.

According to the Bible, Jehu condemned the house of Baasha, king of Israel, accusing him of leading the people into sin like his predecessor Jeroboam. Jehu's words were fulfilled in the reign of Elah, Baasha's son, when the traitor Zimri assassinated Elah and murdered all of Baasha's family and associates. (1 Kings 16:1,7,12)

Jehu also challenged Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab ended in the latter's death at the Battle of Ramoth-Gilead. Jehoshaphat returned safely, but Jehu rebuked him for helping the wicked. He went on to say that nevertheless the Lord found good in the king, as he had removed the Asherah poles from the land and set his heart to seek God. (2 Chron 19:2-3)

Notes

  1. ^ Wells, John C. (1990). Longman pronunciation dictionary. Harlow, England: Longman. p. 383. ISBN 0582053838.  entry "Jehu"