And the captains cast them out— And the captains were dismissed. Houbigant.
REFLECTIONS.—Jehu with indefatigable diligence pursues his blow; and as he drives to Samaria,
1. He meets Jehonadab the son of Rechab, a man of eminent piety, coming to congratulate him on his accession, and to encourage him to perfect what he had begun. Jehu with all respect salutes him, and inquires if Jehonadab as heartily espoused his cause, as he reverenced and respected him. On receiving the warmest assurances of his good wishes, Jehu invites him into his chariot, that he may be convinced of his zeal in the Lord's cause; and by the presence of so good a man, no doubt, concludes to gain the greater reputation to himself. Note; (1.) It is a question that we need often put to ourselves and each other, Is thine heart right? upright and sincere in God's service. All profession of zeal without that, is but hypocrisy and design. (2.) Whenever there appears an outward fair profession of zeal for God, a good man cannot but charitably wish success, and countenance the work. Hearts must be left to God's searching. (3.) They who boast much of their zeal give cause to suspect their sincerity. (4.) Many will appear to serve God, as long as their own interest is advanced thereby, whose zeal quickly cools when they can no longer serve themselves.
2. Having destroyed at Samaria all Ahab's friends and family, as he had done at Jezreel, he contrives how at a stroke to cut off the worshippers of Baal from the land. The design was good, but the lie which paved the way was evil. Professing an uncommon zeal for the worship of Baal, which during Joram's reign; who had removed the image of Baal, might have been less public and solemn, he convokes all the priests, and perhaps also all the zealous worshippers of Baal, to Samaria, to partake of a great sacrifice which he intends to their God, threatening death to the man who should be found wanting. This collected a vast concourse, the gates of Baal's temple are open, the house thronged, and all the worshippers dressed for the solemn service: and now pretending zeal for the purity of the sacrifice, lest any servants of Jehovah should have mingled with them, he orders strict search to be made. All things being ready, guards are placed at the avenues, that not a man may escape: every soul is massacred in the temple, the building laid in ruins, the images burnt, and the worship of Baal for the time utterly exterminated. Note; (1.) The wisdom of the serpent may be lawfully used in the cause of God, provided none of the poison of the serpent mingles therewith. (2.) The executioners of God's vengeance, more terrible than Jehu's guards, will shortly without mercy execute their commission on every servant of iniquity. (3.) God's curse, though long oppressed, will rise victorious at the last; and when Jesus shall have cast the wicked into hell, then shall he reign over his saints gloriously.