2 Kings, 10
32. At that time Yahweh began to whittle Israel down, and Hazael defeated the Israelites throughout the territory east of the Jordan:
32. At that time Yahweh began to whittle Israel down, and Hazael defeated the Israelites throughout the territory east of the Jordan:
Chapter 10 of 2 Kings narrates Jehu's revenge against the descent of Ahab and Jezebel, including the execution of the seventy children of Ahab and the killing of the worshipers of Baal in Israel. Jehu is portrayed as a relentless and zealous leader, but also as someone who deviates from the law of God in his pursuit of power. Following are five verses that deal with the themes present in this chapter:
Psalm 94:1: "O Lord God, whom revenge belongs, O God, whom revenge belongs, show you resplendent!" This psalm calls for divine justice and revenge against the wicked who oppress the righteous. Jehu's desire to punish Baal worshipers can be seen as a search for divine justice, but his actions can also be seen as excessively violent.
Jeremiah 9:24: "But whatever is glory, glorie this: in understanding and knowing myself, that I am the Lord, that I make charity, judgment and justice on earth; for these things I like, say the Lord. " This verse highlights the importance of God's knowledge and understanding and his actions. Jehu may have deviated from God's law in his pursuit of power and revenge, and this can be seen as a lack of understanding of divine will.
Proverbs 28:1: "The wicked runs away, without anyone persecuting it; but the righteous is confident as a lion." This proverb emphasizes the trust and security of the righteous, even in the face of threats and persecution. Jehu can be seen as someone who seeks security and power through the elimination of their enemies, while the righteous trust God and their protection.
Isaiah 59:7-8: "Their feet run to evil, and hurry to shed the innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; destruction and brokenness there is on their roads. In their ways, they twist their paths to themselves; whatever walks for them has no knowledge of peace. " These verses describe the wickedness of the wicked and their lack of knowledge of peace and justice. The pursuit of Jehu for revenge and power can be seen as a manifestation of this wickedness and ignorance.
Ezekiel 18:30: "Therefore, I will judge you to each one according to your ways, O house of Israel, say the Lord God. perdition. " This verse highlights the importance of repentance and conversion before divine judgment. Jehu's search for justice can be seen as positive, but his lack of repentance and conversion about his violence and deviation from God's law can be seen as a failure to follow the path of divine justice. Thus, this verse highlights the importance of recognizing their own transgressions and seeking behavior change, to avoid perdition and divine judgment.
“No tumulto das paixões terrenas e das adversidades, surge a grande esperança da misericórdia inexorável de Deus. Corramos confiantes ao tribunal da penitência onde Ele, com ansiedade paterna, espera-nos a todo instante.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
