From the blue and purple and scarlet yarns they made finely woven garments, for ministering in the Holy Place. They made the holy garments for Aaron, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
2 He made the ephod of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. 3 And they hammered out gold leaf, and he cut it into threads to work into the blue and purple and the scarlet yarns, and into the fine twined linen, in skilled design. 4 They made for the ephod attaching shoulder pieces, joined to it at its two edges.5 And the skillfully woven band on it was of one piece with it and made like it, of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
6 They made the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold filigree, and engraved like the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the sons of Israel.7 And he set them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod to be stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
8 He made the breastpiece, in skilled work, in the style of the ephod, of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. 9 It was square. They made the breastpiece doubled, a span its length and a span its breadth when doubled. 10 And they set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle was the first row; 11 and the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; 12 and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 13 and the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in settings of gold filigree. 14 There were twelve stones with their names according to the names of the sons of Israel. They were like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes. 15 And they made on the breastpiece twisted chains like cords, of pure gold. 16 And they made two settings of gold filigree and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two edges of the breastpiece. 17 And they put the two cords of gold in the two rings at the edges of the breastpiece. 18 They attached the two ends of the two cords to the two settings of filigree. Thus they attached it in front to the shoulder pieces of the ephod.19 Then they made two rings of gold, and put them at the two ends of the breastpiece, on its inside edge next to the ephod. 20 And they made two rings of gold, and attached them in front to the lower part of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, at its seam above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. 21 And they bound the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, so that it should lie on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastpiece should not come loose from the ephod, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
22 He also made the robe of the ephod woven all of blue,23 and the opening of the robe in it was like the opening in a garment, with a binding around the opening, so that it might not tear. 24 On the hem of the robe they made pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. 25 They also made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates all around the hem of the robe, between the pomegranates— 26 a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate around the hem of the robe for ministering, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
27 They also made the coats, woven of fine linen, for Aaron and his sons, 28 and the turban of fine linen, and the caps of fine linen, and the linen undergarments of fine twined linen, 29 and the sash of fine twined linen and of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, embroidered with needlework, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
30 They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it an inscription, like the engraving of a signet, “Holy to the Lord.” 31 And they tied to it a cord of blue to fasten it on the turban above, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
32 Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished, and the people of Israel did according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses; so they did. 33 Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses, the tent and all its utensils, its hooks, its frames, its bars, its pillars, and its bases; 34 the covering of tanned rams' skins and goatskins, and the veil of the screen; 35 the ark of the testimony with its poles and the mercy seat; 36 the table with all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence;37 the lampstand of pure gold and its lamps with the lamps set and all its utensils, and the oil for the light;38 the golden altar, the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the entrance of the tent;39 the bronze altar, and its grating of bronze, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin and its stand; 40 the hangings of the court, its pillars, and its bases, and the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, and its pegs; and all the utensils for the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of meeting; 41 the finely worked garments for ministering in the Holy Place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons for their service as priests. 42 According to all that the Lord had commanded Moses, so the people of Israel had done all the work. 43 And Moses saw all the work, and behold, they had done it; as the Lord had commanded, so had they done it. Then Moses blessed them.
 
Meditation
God desires for us to approach Him confidently, holding firmly to the faith we profess. Jesus is our Great High Priest whose work makes us holy, cleansed to receive mercy in times of need (Hebrews 4:14-16).
 
We have previously studied the power of the priestly garments in representing the heart of our Heavenly Father. Today’s reading dives deeper into the significance of the stones.
 
The intricately made breast piece included twelve precious stones with names according to the sons of Israel. As an act of mediation the priest represented the twelve tribes in the Holy of Holies, a place of intimacy with the Lord.
 
The stones are rare and reveal the dignity God has for His people. In the New Testament we read of a new stone with new names given to new creations, those redeemed by the work of Jesus (Revelation 2:17). The new stones are more rare than those for the high priest- pure white.
 
Many of us are cowardly when we consider coming to God’s throne, defining ourselves by shame, sins, and struggle.  In Christ we can have confidence because He took our shame and makes us holy.
 
Jesus purifies us to be in God’s presence. Though our sins were like scarlet we have been made white as snow (Isaiah 1:18)- or white as a stone that will be brought into the Holy of Holies. New creations in Christ must have a renewed confidence to come to God’s throne of grace, holding firmly to our faith and receiving mercy in times of need.
 
Richly Dwelling
-Do you have confidence to approach God’s throne of Grace or are you cowardly when considering the invitation? Why?
 
-Does it impact you to consider you will have a stone with your name on it?
 
-Jesus is our Great High Priest whose work is complete. He longs to give you mercy in times of need. Take a moment to confidently approach His throne of grace with two or three areas of anxiety. Ask Him to increase your faith and give mercy!
 
Key Verse
14 There were twelve stones with their names according to the names of the sons of Israel. They were like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes. 

​So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Lights in the World12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
Timothy and Epaphroditus19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need,26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
 
Meditation
Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones was once asked the secret of humility. His response did not center on any method or technique because people will find pride in their actions. He said, “Look into the face of Christ. You cannot be anything else but humble when you see (Jesus).” (Living Water)
 
Gospel humility begins by gazing upon Jesus with eyes of faith.  As God, Jesus had every reason to live an exalted life. Yet Jesus humbled Himself as a servant, obedient to death on a cross (6-8).
 
Focusing our faith on Jesus brings freedom to have the mind of Christ, seeing others as better than ourselves (1-5). Timothy and Epaphroditus reflect the opportunity of this invitation (19-30). Timothy was a servant of the church and set apart by his “genuine concern for (their) welfare.” Epaphroditus is a fellow worker who nearly died for the work of the gospel, mirroring the sacrifice of Jesus in his service to the church.
 
Look upon Jesus and the beauty of His work! Have His mind among yourselves and gospel humility will begin to glow through your life and love.
 
Richly Dwelling
-What do you allow your eyes of faith to focus on other than Jesus Christ and His work for the Church?
 
-How does gazing upon Jesus give ground for us to humble ourselves before Him?
 
-Jesus invites you to look upon Him and have His mind. Take a few minutes to stop and focus on His life and love, asking His Spirit to shape the same substance through you.
 
Key Verse
4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

​Ephraim feeds on the wind
    and pursues the east wind all day long;
they multiply falsehood and violence;
    they make a covenant with Assyria,
    and oil is carried to Egypt.
The Lord's Indictment of Israel and Judah
2 The Lord has an indictment against Judah
    and will punish Jacob according to his ways;
    he will repay him according to his deeds.
3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel,
    and in his manhood he strove with God.
4 He strove with the angel and prevailed;
    he wept and sought his favor.
He met God at Bethel,
    and there God spoke with us--
5 the Lord, the God of hosts,
    the Lord is his memorial name:
6 “So you, by the help of your God, return,
    hold fast to love and justice,
    and wait continually for your God.”
7 A merchant, in whose hands are false balances,
    he loves to oppress.
8 Ephraim has said, “Ah, but I am rich;
    I have found wealth for myself;
in all my labors they cannot find in me iniquity or sin.”
9 I am the Lord your God
    from the land of Egypt;
I will again make you dwell in tents,
    as in the days of the appointed feast.
10 I spoke to the prophets;
    it was I who multiplied visions,
    and through the prophets gave parables.
11 If there is iniquity in Gilead,
    they shall surely come to nothing:
in Gilgal they sacrifice bulls;
    their altars also are like stone heaps
    on the furrows of the field.
12 Jacob fled to the land of Aram;
    there Israel served for a wife,
    and for a wife he guarded sheep.
13 By a prophet the Lord brought Israel up from Egypt,
    and by a prophet he was guarded.
14 Ephraim has given bitter provocation;
    so his Lord will leave his bloodguilt on him
    and will repay him for his disgraceful deeds.
 
Meditation
One of the greatest hurdles to gospel growth is a lack of faith in the work of Christ. Rather than gospel freedom people are defined by toxic shame from past sins, poisonous people, and present sanctification. The gospel exclaims, “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
 
Paul continues, “Who can bring ANY charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Jesus Christ died… and was raised”  (Romans 8:33-36). 
 
God brings charges against Israel throughout Hosea (2:1; 4:1, 4; 12:2). Today’s reading is an indictment (2) rooted in Israel’s history (3-9)- Their hearts have gone after other lovers. The more God pursued Israel with multiplied visions and revelations, the more Israel rebelled by multiplying altars (10-13). The charges leave them with condemnation, namely that the guilt requires a blood sacrifice (14).
 
God’s story of redemptive revelation does not leave His people in a place of condemnation. God’s charge is levied and God’s justice must be executed. God Himself pays the price for the sin of His people- “It is God who justifies.” In Christ there is no condemnation because the penalty for our sin is satisfied through His death.
 
The same God who charged Israel with sin in Hosea is the same God who asks, “Who can bring a charge against God’s elect?” No one- we are in Christ Jesus! Christians are set free from the penalty of sin to live freely over the power of sin and for the purpose of glorifying our gracious God.
 
Yes- No condemnation in Christ!
 
Richly Dwelling
-Do you have toxic shame, defining yourself by past failures, people’s accusations, or present sin struggles? In Christ there is no condemnation. Do you believe this truth?
 
-God satisfies the charge He brings against humanity so He can be glorified with our lives. How can you respond to God’s grace by living more faithfully for His glory?
 
-It is finished. The penalty of sin is paid. The power of sin is lost. How can you live more freely from the finished work of Jesus? Be specific.
 
Key Verse
2 The Lord has an indictment against Judah and will punish Jacob according to his ways; he will repay him according to his deeds.

On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2     the Lord loves the gates of Zion
    more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
3 Glorious things of you are spoken,
    O city of God. Selah
 
4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
    behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush--
    “This one was born there,” they say.
5 And of Zion it shall be said,
    “This one and that one were born in her”;
    for the Most High himself will establish her.
6 The Lord records as he registers the peoples,
    “This one was born there.” Selah
 
7 Singers and dancers alike say,
    “All my springs are in you.”
 
Meditation
God wants to satisfy your soul with the glory of His promises totally fulfilled. John Newton wrote a classic hymn based from this Psalm with this truth. In Galatians 4:25 the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of this Psalm to give substance to the freedom we have as children of God, promises totally fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The “glorious things” spoken of for the future are intended to give you satisfaction today.
 
God is the architect of the glorious city that is to come, the New Jerusalem. God loves the city and will dwell with His people in the city. These glorious truths should offer present hope (1-3).
 
The city is a home city for all who believe, converted enemies and peoples from the ends of the earth (4-6). The names of those born into the promise should catch us off guard- Rahab is Egypt, former oppressors of Israel, Babylon destroyed the country and carried Israel into exile, Tyre is an old business partner and Cush is Ethiopia, representing countries from the ends of the earth. The glorious promises of God are for all born of faith, enemies who are converted, and peoples from the ends of the earth!
 
The springs of Living Water flow from the glorious city of God. The waters will revive, restore, renew, and refresh. Jesus is the Living Water (John 4:14) who promises living water for all who trust in Him (John 7:38).
 
Richly Dwelling
-Does the glory of God’s promise for His future plans form you today? Should they? How?
 
-The promises of God are for all who believe, all born by faith are welcomed into the eternal presence of God. The glory of His promises are NOT accessed by anything BUT faith.
 
-Jesus is the fullness of God’s promises, the glory of God incarnate. Ask Him to increase your faith in Him so you can grow in being shaped by the sure promises of God.
 
Key Verse
3 Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God. 

The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel 3 and say to the land of Israel, Thus says the Lord: Behold, I am against you and will draw my sword from its sheath and will cut off from you both righteous and wicked.4 Because I will cut off from you both righteous and wicked, therefore my sword shall be drawn from its sheath against all flesh from south to north. 5 And all flesh shall know that I am the Lord. I have drawn my sword from its sheath; it shall not be sheathed again.
6 “As for you, son of man, groan; with breaking heart and bitter grief, groan before their eyes. 7 And when they say to you, ‘Why do you groan?’ you shall say, ‘Because of the news that it is coming. Every heart will melt, and all hands will be feeble; every spirit will faint, and all knees will be weak as water. Behold, it is coming, and it will be fulfilled,’” declares the Lord God.
8 And the word of the Lord came to me: 9 “Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus says the Lord, say:
“A sword, a sword is sharpened
    and also polished,
10 sharpened for slaughter,
    polished to flash like lightning!
(Or shall we rejoice? You have despised the rod, my son, with everything of wood.) 11 So the sword is given to be polished, that it may be grasped in the hand. It is sharpened and polished to be given into the hand of the slayer. 12 Cry out and wail, son of man, for it is against my people. It is against all the princes of Israel. They are delivered over to the sword with my people. Strike therefore upon your thigh. 13 For it will not be a testing—what could it do if you despise the rod?” declares the Lord God.
14 “As for you, son of man, prophesy. Clap your hands and let the sword come down twice, yes, three times,  the sword for those to be slain. It is the sword for the great slaughter, which surrounds them, 15 that their hearts may melt, and many stumble.  At all their gates I have given the glittering sword. Ah, it is made like lightning; it is taken up for slaughter. 16 Cut sharply to the right; set yourself to the left, wherever your face is directed. 17 I also will clap my hands, and I will satisfy my fury; I the Lord have spoken.”
18 The word of the Lord came to me again: 19 “As for you, son of man, mark two ways for the sword of the king of Babylon to come. Both of them shall come from the same land. And make a signpost; make it at the head of the way to a city. 20 Mark a way for the sword to come to Rabbah of the Ammonites and to Judah, into Jerusalem the fortified. 21 For the king of Babylon stands at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination. He shakes the arrows; he consults the teraphim;[h] he looks at the liver. 22 Into his right hand comes the divination for Jerusalem, to set battering rams, to open the mouth with murder, to lift up the voice with shouting, to set battering rams against the gates, to cast up mounds, to build siege towers.23 But to them it will seem like a false divination. They have sworn solemn oaths, but he brings their guilt to remembrance, that they may be taken.
24 “Therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you have made your guilt to be remembered, in that your transgressions are uncovered, so that in all your deeds your sins appear—because you have come to remembrance, you shall be taken in hand. 25 And you, O profane wicked one, prince of Israel, whose day has come, the time of your final punishment, 26 thus says the Lord God: Remove the turban and take off the crown. Things shall not remain as they are. Exalt that which is low, and bring low that which is exalted. 27 A ruin, ruin, ruin I will make it. This also shall not be, until he comes, the one to whom judgment belongs, and I will give it to him.
28 “And you, son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus says the Lord God concerning the Ammonites and concerning their reproach; say, A sword, a sword is drawn for the slaughter. It is polished to consume and to flash like lightning— 29 while they see for you false visions, while they divine lies for you—to place you on the necks of the profane wicked, whose day has come, the time of their final punishment. 30 Return it to its sheath. In the place where you were created, in the land of your origin, I will judge you. 31 And I will pour out my indignation upon you; I will blow upon you with the fire of my wrath, and I will deliver you into the hands of brutish men, skillful to destroy. 32 You shall be fuel for the fire. Your blood shall be in the midst of the land. You shall be no more remembered, for I the Lord have spoken.”

Meditation
God’s love for you rises like the morning sun from the dark night of judgment against sin. The description of judgment in this difficult chapter is a doorway of hope, revealing the anatomy of Jesus’ work on the cross.
 
Ezekiel was commanded to “set his face toward Jerusalem…” (1), to preach God’s just judgment against sin. Jesus “set His face toward Jerusalem” to receive the judgment our sin deserves (Luke 9:51, 53). The picture of judgment is difficult- “every heart will melt… every spirit will faint….” (7) The revelation of God’s love rises through the work of Jesus.
 
The leaders of Israel were “profane and wicked,” allowing injustice, false visions, violence, and lies. They are commanded to “take off the crown… exalt that which is low…” (26-30). Jesus is the ultimate leader of Israel who took off His crown and made Himself as low as a servant, becoming obedient to death on a cross (Philippians 2:6-8).
 
Judgment is described as God “pouring out (His) indignation” on sinners (31). Jesus had the cup of God’s wrath against sin poured out on Him when He became our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). God’s wrath against sin is satisfied in the work of Jesus so all who believe are free to begin again!
 
God’s love rises like the sun when we read the details of the dark night of judgment. In Christ we are free and forgiven- God’s mercy is new every morning!
 
Richly Dwelling
-Which description of judgment in this chapter is most difficult for you?
 
-Do you see the unity of a God angry at sin and sinners in the Old Testament and a God of love and grace in the New Testament? How does the cross reconcile these revelations of God?
 
-How does the revelation and connection of the work of Jesus ON YOUR BEHALF deepen the revelation of God’s love for you?
 
Key Verse
1- The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem…

Then Elisha the prophet called one of the sons of the prophets and said to him, “Tie up your garments, and take this flask of oil in your hand, and go to Ramoth-gilead. 2 And when you arrive, look there for Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat, son of Nimshi. And go in and have him rise from among his fellows, and lead him to an inner chamber. 3 Then take the flask of oil and pour it on his head and say, ‘Thus says the Lord, I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and flee; do not linger.”
4 So the young man, the servant of the prophet, went to Ramoth-gilead. 5 And when he came, behold, the commanders of the army were in council. And he said, “I have a word for you, O commander.” And Jehu said, “To which of us all?” And he said, “To you, O commander.” 6 So he arose and went into the house. And the young man poured the oil on his head, saying to him, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, I anoint you king over the people of the Lord, over Israel. 7 And you shall strike down the house of Ahab your master, so that I may avenge on Jezebel the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the Lord.8 For the whole house of Ahab shall perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel. 9 And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah. 10 And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the territory of Jezreel, and none shall bury her.” Then he opened the door and fled.
11 When Jehu came out to the servants of his master, they said to him, “Is all well? Why did this mad fellow come to you?” And he said to them, “You know the fellow and his talk.” 12 And they said, “That is not true; tell us now.” And he said, “Thus and so he spoke to me, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord, I anoint you king over Israel.’” 13 Then in haste every man of them took his garment and put it under him on the bare steps, and they blew the trumpet and proclaimed, “Jehu is king.”
Jehu Assassinates Joram and Ahaziah
14 Thus Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram. (Now Joram with all Israel had been on guard at Ramoth-gilead against Hazael king of Syria, 15 but King Joram had returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds that the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) So Jehu said, “If this is your decision, then let no one slip out of the city to go and tell the news in Jezreel.” 16 Then Jehu mounted his chariot and went to Jezreel, for Joram lay there. And Ahaziah king of Judah had come down to visit Joram.
17 Now the watchman was standing on the tower in Jezreel, and he saw the company of Jehu as he came and said, “I see a company.” And Joram said, “Take a horseman and send to meet them, and let him say, ‘Is it peace?’” 18 So a man on horseback went to meet him and said, “Thus says the king, ‘Is it peace?’” And Jehu said, “What do you have to do with peace? Turn around and ride behind me.” And the watchman reported, saying, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.” 19 Then he sent out a second horseman, who came to them and said, “Thus the king has said, ‘Is it peace?’” And Jehu answered, “What do you have to do with peace? Turn around and ride behind me.”20 Again the watchman reported, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously.”
21 Joram said, “Make ready.” And they made ready his chariot. Then Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah set out, each in his chariot, and went to meet Jehu, and met him at the property of Naboth the Jezreelite. 22 And when Joram saw Jehu, he said, “Is it peace, Jehu?” He answered, “What peace can there be, so long as the whorings and the sorceries of your mother Jezebel are so many?” 23 Then Joram reined about and fled, saying to Ahaziah, “Treachery, O Ahaziah!” 24 And Jehu drew his bow with his full strength, and shot Joram between the shoulders, so that the arrow pierced his heart, and he sank in his chariot. 25 Jehu said to Bidkar his aide, “Take him up and throw him on the plot of ground belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. For remember, when you and I rode side by side behind Ahab his father, how the Lordmade this pronouncement against him: 26 ‘As surely as I saw yesterday the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons—declares the Lord—I will repay you on this plot of ground.’ Now therefore take him up and throw him on the plot of ground, in accordance with the word of the Lord.”
27 When Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled in the direction of Beth-haggan. And Jehu pursued him and said, “Shoot him also.” And they shot him[b] in the chariot at the ascent of Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo and died there. 28 His servants carried him in a chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his tomb with his fathers in the city of David.
29 In the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab, Ahaziah began to reign over Judah.
Jehu Executes Jezebel
30 When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. And she painted her eyes and adorned her head and looked out of the window. 31 And as Jehu entered the gate, she said, “Is it peace, you Zimri, murderer of your master?”32 And he lifted up his face to the window and said, “Who is on my side? Who?” Two or three eunuchs looked out at him. 33 He said, “Throw her down.” So they threw her down. And some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses, and they trampled on her.34 Then he went in and ate and drank. And he said, “See now to this cursed woman and bury her, for she is a king's daughter.” 35 But when they went to bury her, they found no more of her than the skull and the feet and the palms of her hands. 36 When they came back and told him, he said, “This is the word of the Lord, which he spoke by his servant Elijah the Tishbite: ‘In the territory of Jezreel the dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel, 37 and the corpse of Jezebel shall be as dung on the face of the field in the territory of Jezreel, so that no one can say, This is Jezebel.’”

Meditation
There is a greater peace than the absence of conflict. True peace comes when evil is exposed, judgment is accomplished, justice and God’s king is on the throne. Do you have true peace?
 
Joram king of Israel wanted to know if the battle at Roamoth-gilead had gone in their favor, if they had won and if there would be no more fighting (14-17). Twice Joram’s messengers were sent to great Jehu to ask, “Is it peace?” Twice Jehu commanded the messengers to align behind him. True peace is more than a battle ending in your favor. True peace comes at the fulfillment of God’s word.
 
Jehu reaches Joram and responds to his question, “Is it peace?” with a pointed answer: What peace can there be when your house is rejecting God and His word (22)?
 
Jehu was anointed king to bring judgment on the house of Joram (1-13), fulfilling the promise God made to Elisha in 1 Kings 19:19-21. The rebellious kings, Joram and Ahaziah, were killed along with Jezebel. True peace cannot come unless the heart of the problem is addressed, rebellion against God and his word.
 
Jesus is the true King who died in our place, both fulfilling God’s word and satisfying the judgment we deserve. In Christ alone we discover true peace when we face the real problem, the sin of our hearts. This does not always mean the absence of conflict! But it does mean we expose evil, trust Christ to judge, and live in obedience to the true King.
 
Richly Dwelling
-Do you want a peace greater than the absence of conflict?
 
-Are you bold enough to address the heart of the problem, the sin of our hearts and rebellion against God and his word? Where in your life is avoiding the true issue robbing you of true peace?
 
-Jesus is God’s true King who brings justice and judgment through His own death. In Christ we are free to expose evil and live in obedience to Him. Where do you need to experience the power of the Gospel in these ways? Be specific.
 
Key Verse
36 When they came back and told him, he said, “This is the word of the Lord, which he spoke by his servant Elijah the Tishbite…