2 Kings 10:24
And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore men without, and said, If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escape, he that letteth him go, his life shall be for the life of him. And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore men without, and said, If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escape, he that letteth him go, his life shall be for the life of him.
2 Kings 10:24 belongs to Jehu's execution of Baal's prophets and worshipers under his commission to destroy the house of Ahab and avenge the Lord's servants. When those inside had gone in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, he stationed eighty men outside with orders that if any of the men brought into their hands escaped, the guard who let him go would answer with his own life. That guarding action secured the decisive destruction of Baal worship in Israel, in which the priests of Baal and Ashtoreth were set aside and their altars thrown down.
These stern measures of reform included the slaying of all the house of Ahab at a time when judgment upon judgment had fallen on apostate Israel under Hazael the Syrian. The removal of Baal worship was a merciful act that took away temptation and gave people the chance to forsake heathenism and turn to God. This reformation begun by Elijah and carried forward by Elisha led many to inquire after God and forsake the altars of Baal, so that slowly yet surely God's purpose was fulfilled in those who chose to serve Him with all the heart.
Jehu's forceful, violent course in this account stands as a warning not to lose self-control and speak harshly.