Jehu is an interesting figure in the Bible. He ruled as Israel’s king for 28 years. He is most known for how he became king. When Elijah was in the cave fretting over Jezebel’s letter, the Lord told him that Jehu son of Nimshi would be anointed king of Israel and that he would be an avenger of blood (1 Kings 19:16-17; 2 Kings 9:36-37;10:10). Once Jehu was anointed to become Israel’s next king, it didn’t take him long to begin executing the Lord’s vengeance on Ahab and Jezebel.
As I read Jehu’s exploits I was reminded of Elijah, Naboth, and the prophets who had been killed. None of them got to see the Lord take vengeance on Ahab and Jezebel. Though those men were gone, God was still working on their behalf. God’s promise that Ahab and Jezebel would pay for their atrocities didn’t have an expiration date. Just because Elijah was no longer on earth, didn’t mean God wouldn’t come through.
A friend of mine was going through a tough season many years ago facing many adversaries. One morning during prayer the Lord spoke this word to him: “I’ll fight for you, but I won’t fight with you.” In other words, God alone will make vengeance, but He won’t be our accomplice in revenge.
The apostle Paul, referencing the Lord in Deuteronomy said, “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:17-19). While we may want to payback those who have wronged us, that is not our place. But make no mistake, when God’s people and His justice has been harmed, vengeance is the Lord’s. Furthermore, the Lord can inflict far more pain than we ever could. But in our attempts for revenge, we harm ourselves far more than we harm others.
Just remember: God will fight for you, but He won’t fight with you.