And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it.
The solemn assembly proclaimed for Baal was a deliberate strategy to draw all of Baal's worshipers together into one place. It formed part of stern measures of reform that included the slaying of the house of Ahab. Once gathered, the prophets and servants and priests of Baal were put to the sword. Their altars were then abandoned and thrown down, so that Baal worship was destroyed in Israel.
The setting aside of the priests of Baal and Ashtoreth was a merciful providence by which God permitted temptation to be taken away. In this removal He opened the way for some in Israel to forsake heathenism and turn toward Him. His judgments in this work were tempered with mercy. Yet in this same chapter self is seen rising up in an unbefitting torrent of words, warning that zeal must be tempered by gentleness and tact.
The solemn assembly proclaimed for Baal was a deliberate strategy to draw all of Baal's worshipers together into one place. It formed part of stern measures of reform that included the slaying of the house of Ahab. Once gathered, the prophets and servants and priests of Baal were put to the sword. Their altars were then abandoned and thrown down, so that Baal worship was destroyed in Israel.
The setting aside of the priests of Baal and Ashtoreth was a merciful providence by which God permitted temptation to be taken away. In this removal He opened the way for some in Israel to forsake heathenism and turn toward Him. His judgments in this work were tempered with mercy. Yet in this same chapter self is seen rising up in an unbefitting torrent of words, warning that zeal must be tempered by gentleness and tact.