And they brought forth the images out of the house of Baal, and burned them.
The burning of the images from the house of Baal belongs to Jehu's stern reform that destroyed Baal worship, continuing the reformation begun by Elijah and carried forward by Elisha. In that reform the priests of Baal and of Ashtoreth were set aside and their heathen altars were thrown down. God raised up Jehu to slay wicked Jezebel and all the house of Ahab.
This work came by merciful providence and reveals God's love and compassion for erring Israel and for those weak in moral power, with His judgments tempered with mercy. God permitted calamity after calamity, including scourging by the Syrians, to remove temptation, foreseeing that with temptation removed some would forsake heathenism and turn heavenward to inquire after Him. Together with the slaying of all the house of Ahab, the destruction of the house of Baal led many to forsake the altars of Baal and to inquire after God. In those who chose to serve Him with all the heart and learned to inquire after Him, God's purpose was fulfilled slowly yet surely, and when His purpose was accomplished He turned the tide in their favor.
The burning of the images from the house of Baal belongs to Jehu's stern reform that destroyed Baal worship, continuing the reformation begun by Elijah and carried forward by Elisha. In that reform the priests of Baal and of Ashtoreth were set aside and their heathen altars were thrown down. God raised up Jehu to slay wicked Jezebel and all the house of Ahab.
This work came by merciful providence and reveals God's love and compassion for erring Israel and for those weak in moral power, with His judgments tempered with mercy. God permitted calamity after calamity, including scourging by the Syrians, to remove temptation, foreseeing that with temptation removed some would forsake heathenism and turn heavenward to inquire after Him. Together with the slaying of all the house of Ahab, the destruction of the house of Baal led many to forsake the altars of Baal and to inquire after God. In those who chose to serve Him with all the heart and learned to inquire after Him, God's purpose was fulfilled slowly yet surely, and when His purpose was accomplished He turned the tide in their favor.