The Irony of Death: Recognizing Worth in the Unlikely
"And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter." - 2 Kings 9:34
In 2 Kings 9:34, we encounter a powerful and notable moment in the life of Jehu, the newly anointed king of Israel, who has just executed judgment upon Jezebel—a woman infamous for her idolatry, manipulation, and persecution of the prophets of the LORD. This verse states, "And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter."
The context of this verse is rich with irony and deep theological implications. Jehu, after ruthlessly overthrowing the reign of Ahab’s family, comes in from a formidable battle. Instead of celebrating his bloody triumph with incense and pomp, he sits down to eat and drink—a curious choice given the order of his day and the fate of Jezebel whom he has just killed. It seems remarkably flippant; however, within that mundane act of eating and drinking, there lies profound truth about humanity and how God views His creations.
Firstly, let us look at Jezebel herself—represented in the biblical narrative as a deeply flawed character whose life was steeped in sin. She is described as a manipulator, the idolater of Baal, and a murderer of God’s prophets. Yet, Jehu, despite calling her 'cursed', recognizes her as "a king's daughter.", which is most striking. Herein lies one of the essential messages of this passage—there is inherent value even in one who has lived a life contrary to God’s commandments. As the daughter of a king, Jezebel was born into nobility; her life represented considerable potential that was tragically squandered.
In the same essence, we are reminded that God’s eyes see beyond our earthly titles or sinful behaviors. Psalm 139:14 tells us, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Juxtaposing this truth with Jezebel's fate leads us to wrestle with God’s love and grace toward humanity, regardless of the paths we choose.
Moreover, Jehu's command to bury Jezebel adds another layer to our understanding. Cultural practices of burying the dead often reflect honor and respect from the survivors. Jehu, in the midst of executing judgment, commands a burial for someone who, in many ways, exemplifies rebellion against God. By asserting her worthiness to be buried, Jehu seems to express a reluctant acknowledgment of her royal lineage. It's as if through the remnants of her life, a reminder emerges: the life we live is a choice—a tapestry woven together with decisions that can either honor or dishonor us in God’s sight.
This passage confronts us with the sobering question: how do we see those around us, especially those whose lives manifest the kind of destruction or disregard for God’s law, similar to that of Jezebel? Are there people whom we label as 'cursed', forgetting that they too are created in the image of God? Are we willing to recognize the inherent dignity in their being, even while condemning their actions?
As we reflect on this verse, let it lead us toward a posture of humility—a desire to see people not only through the lens of their sins or failures but as potential vessels for redemption. Jesus came to save the lost, the marginalized, and those deemed unworthy. Thus, may we echo the heart of our Savior in how we interact with the world around us.
Finally, when we come to the table in our own lives—whether in moments of victory or defeat—let us remember to eat and drink with gratitude, acknowledging that we, too, are merely vessels of grace, navigating between the complexities of humanity and divinity.
In closing, may our hearts be softened to see every life—regardless of the chaos it chooses—as worthy of God’s love and deserving of our compassion.
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2 kings 9:34-36
2 Kings 9:34 - "And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter."
“Then Jehu went into the palace and ate and drank. Afterward he said, “Someone go and bury this cursed woman, for she is the daughter of a king.” But when they went out to bury her, they found only her skull, her feet, and her hands. When they returned and told Jehu, he stated, “This fulfills the message from the Lord, which he spoke through his servant Elijah from Tishbe: ‘At the plot of land in Jezreel, dogs will eat Jezebel’s body.” 2 Kings 9:34-36 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/2ki.9.34-36.NLT
"And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter." - 2 Kings 9:34
2 Kings 10:34 - "Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 19:34 - "For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake."
2 Chronicles 34:11 - "Even to the artificers and builders gave they it, to buy hewn stone, and timber for couplings, and to floor the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed."
2 Kings 18:34 - "Where are the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? have they delivered Samaria out of mine hand?"
2 Kings 15:34 - "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD: he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done."
2 Chronicles 20:34 - "Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel."
1 Kings 2:34 - "So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell upon him, and slew him: and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness."
Nehemiah 9:34 - "Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them."
2 Chronicles 9:22 - "And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom."
2 Kings 9:9 - "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:"
2 Kings 23:34 - "And Pharaoh-nechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there."
"Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?" - 2 Kings 10:34
2 Kings 9:4 - "¶ So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramoth-gilead."
2 Kings 9:23 - "And Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, There is treachery, O Ahaziah."
2 Kings 9:29 - "And in the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab began Ahaziah to reign over Judah."
2 Kings 5:9 - "So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha."
1 Kings 9:2 - "That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon."
2 Kings 9:31 - "And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?"
2 Kings 9:35 - "And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands."
2 Kings 24:9 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father had done."
"For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake." - 2 Kings 19:34
2 Kings 17:34 - "Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the LORD, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel;"
1 Kings 4:34 - "And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom."
2 Kings 13:9 - "And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead."
2 Chronicles 9:26 - "¶ And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt."
2 Kings 9:37 - "And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel."