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wounded, and retired to Jezreel to be healed of his
wounds. Ahaziah, son and successor of Jehoram, king
of Judah, went to pay a friendly visit to the son of Ahab,
in Jezreel, during his illness. Meantime the hosts of
Israel still lay encamped before Ramoth-Gilead. One
day while the generals were sitting together, a young
prophet entered, and declared that he had an errand to
one of them. The one to whom he had an errand was
called Jehu, and the errand was to anoint him king of
Israel.

Johnnie. But why was he to be anointed king?
Jehoram was not dead, was he?

Grandfather. He was not; but Jehu was the instru-
ment used by God to put to death all the descendants of
the wicked Ahab. When the captains knew that Jehu
was anointed by the prophet, they blew trumpets and
made proclamation, saying, “ Jehu is king.” Jehu
then entered his chariot and drove to Jezreel. A watch-
man on the tower of that city said to the king, “ I see
a company.” Jehoram replied, “ Take a horseman and
send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace?” It
was done. The question was put to Jehu; but little
satisfaction was obtained from him. ‘ What hast thou
to do with peace?” he said; “ turn thee behind me.”
A second messenger on horseback was sent, and he
met with the same treatment from Jehu. Then the
king of Israel ordered his own chariot to be prepared,
and he and Ahaziah, king of Judah, went out to meet
the company. “Is it peace, Jehu?” said Jehoram.