Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 9 - Verse 7

The verse "And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel" is a command given by God to Jehu, instructing him to eradicate the dynasty of Ahab in order to avenge the deaths of the prophets of the Lord. Ahab, the king of Israel, and his wife Jezebel, were notorious for their idolatry and persecution of the followers of the true God. Throughout their reign, they had killed many prophets who spoke out against their wickedness. God's command to Jehu was a fulfilment of the prophecy that He had spoken against the house of Ahab for their sins. By carrying out this command, Jehu was executing divine judgement on those who had shed innocent blood and defied the Lord's commands. This verse serves as a reminder of God's justice and His faithfulness in avenging the deaths of His faithful servants.

In this passage, the command to smite the house of Ahab sheds light on the concept of divine justice in the Old Testament. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes God's role as a just avenger, seeking retribution for the innocent blood shed by the wicked. Ahab and Jezebel, notorious for their idolatry and persecution of the prophets, are held accountable for their actions through the prophetic words of Elijah. The word "avenge" carries a significant weight, indicating God's commitment to upholding justice and vindicating his faithful servants. This verse also highlights the importance of standing up against oppression and immorality, even in the face of powerful rulers. Through the destruction of the house of Ahab, God demonstrates His sovereignty and ultimate authority over all human affairs.