Israel and Judah continued in sin in spite of the mighty ministry of Elisha. Elisha informed the king of Israel of the attacks of the Arameans so that Israel continually avoided them and frustrated the king of Aram. The king of Aram attempted to have Elisha killed, but the Lord watched over his prophet and allowed him to blind their army, convincing them of the futility of further attacks.
After this, because of the wickedness in Israel, the Lord allowed the king of Aram to lay siege to Samaria. This caused a great famine in the cities and the people resorted to eating unclean animals and even cannibalism! Finally the Lord allowed Elisha to be victorious over the Arameans again and end the siege and famine.
Because of the wickedness of Jezebel and the continuing influence of Ahab's sons and family, God raised up Jehu, son of Jehoshaphat, to destroy Ahab's descendants and to become king of Israel. Jehu had an almost manic determination to rid the land of Ahab and Jezebel's influence. He utterly destroyed all of Ahab's descendants, all of the officials and friends who associated with Ahab. He also had Jezebel killed. Finally, through trickery, Jehu brought all the worshipers of Baal to the temple of Baal with all the priests and killed them all, eradicating these from the land of Israel.
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