2 Kings 10:19
What is written? (ESV)
Now therefore call to me all the prophets of Baal, all his worshipers and all his priests. Let none be missing, for I have a great sacrifice to offer to Baal. Whoever is missing shall not live. But Jehu did it with cunning in order to destroy the worshipers of Baal.
What does it say?
Now call all of Baal’s prophets to me [Jehu], as well as his worshipers and all his priests. Don’t overlook anyone because I have a great sacrifice to offer Baal. Whoever is missing shall be killed. So Jehu planned the deception in order to kill all the worshipers of Baal.
What is its immediate context?
Jehu is the king of Israel (northern ten tribes) around 800BC. He followed Jehoram, reigned himself for twenty-eight years, and was succeeded by Jehoahaz. He primarily fought against Syria during his reign and is attributed with fulfilling God’s curse on the house of Ahab (vss 11, 17, 30). Refer to our Old Testament Kingdom xReference
How 2 Kings 10:19 is applied across Bible answers
Did Abram lie about Sarai?
This passage could apply. Jehu said he was going to have a "great sacrifice" to Baal but it was "cunning in order to destroy the worshippers of Baal". God later said that Jehu had "done well in carrying out what was right in my eyes" (vs 30).
God's approval seems to be directly related to Jehu's actions to eliminate the house of Ahab. However, it could be broader and it could be destroying the worshippers of Baal was related to the task given Ahab's affinity to Baal.
