The Anointing of Hazael and Jehu by Elijah

The anointing of Hazael and Jehu by Elijah, as commanded by God, is a significant event that foreshadows major political upheavals in the biblical narrative of Israel and Aram. This episode is recorded in 1 Kings 19:15-17. Here are some quick facts about this event:

1. Biblical Reference: The directive is given in 1 Kings 19:15-17.
2. Divine Command: While Elijah is on Mount Horeb, God instructs him to anoint Hazael as king over Aram and Jehu as king over Israel. This command comes directly after God reveals Himself to Elijah in a “still small voice,” underscoring a shift in God’s strategy from miraculous confrontation to political maneuvering.
3. Hazael’s Role: Hazael is to be anointed as the king over Aram (modern-day Syria). His reign would be marked by his opposition to Israel, fulfilling God’s plan to punish Israel for their apostasy through external threats.
4. Jehu’s Role: Jehu is commanded to be anointed as the king of Israel. His future actions would lead to the eradication of Ahab’s lineage and a significant reduction in Baal worship in Israel, aligning with the divine judgment against the house of Ahab and Jezebel for leading Israel into idolatry.
5. Prophetic Succession and Action: Interestingly, Elijah himself does not directly anoint Hazael and Jehu. Instead, Elisha, his prophetic successor, carries out these anointings, emphasizing the continuation of Elijah’s mission through Elisha.
6. Strategic Shift: This directive marks a strategic shift in the divine approach to dealing with Israel and its neighbors. Instead of solely supernatural interventions, God uses political changes to achieve His purposes, showcasing a multifaceted approach to governance and divine retribution.

The directive given to Elijah by God on Mount Horeb to anoint Hazael as king over Aram and Jehu as king over Israel, as recorded in 1 Kings 19:15-17, represents a significant turning point both in the narrative of Elijah’s ministry and in the broader historical and theological context of the biblical text. Here is a detailed analysis of this event:

Context and Setting

The command follows Elijah’s profound encounter with God at Mount Horeb, where God revealed Himself not through grandiose displays but through a “still small voice.” This encounter reorients Elijah’s prophetic mission towards initiating change through political means, indicating a strategic shift in divine intervention from the purely miraculous to the politically instrumental.

The Anointing of Hazael and Jehu

1. Hazael: Hazael’s anointing marks a critical point in the geopolitics of the region. Aram and Israel were frequently at odds, and Hazael’s rise to power is later characterized by his opposition to Israel, fulfilling God’s plan to use neighboring nations as instruments of judgment against Israel for their idolatrous practices and apostasy. This move also emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all nations, not just Israel.
2. Jehu: Jehu’s anointing is directed more internally within Israel. His violent overthrow of the house of Ahab and subsequent eradication of Baal worship directly confront the entrenched idolatry instituted by Ahab and Jezebel. Jehu’s actions, though brutal, are portrayed as executing divine justice, purging Israel of the Baal worship that had drawn them away from Yahweh.

Prophetic Succession and Execution

While Elijah receives the command, it is Elisha who actually carries out the anointing of Jehu, highlighting the succession of prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha. This transition ensures the continuity of God’s plans through His prophets and underscores the theme of mentorship and legacy within the prophetic office.

Theological and Political Implications

1. Divine Governance: The anointings signify a deep intertwining of divine purpose with political events, illustrating how God’s governance extends beyond the spiritual realm into the political arena, influencing leadership and power dynamics to achieve His purposes.
2. Justice and Judgment: The eventual actions of Hazael and Jehu, resulting in significant bloodshed and political upheaval, reflect the complex nature of divine justice, which often involves judgment not only on individual rulers but also on entire populations for communal sins.
3. Instrumentality of Leaders: Both Hazael and Jehu, though not Israelites in the traditional sense of devout followers of Yahweh, are used as instruments of divine will, showing that God can use various leaders, regardless of their personal devotion, to enact His plans.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the anointing of Hazael and Jehu represents a multifaceted approach to divine intervention in the biblical narrative. This episode not only advances the storyline of Elijah and Elisha but also sets the stage for significant shifts in the political and religious landscapes of Israel and the surrounding nations. It challenges readers to consider the ways in which divine action can manifest through political changes and raises complex questions about morality, justice, and the means by which divine ends are achieved.