Jehu was a king of Israel, known for his dramatic rise to power in the 9th century BCE. He is often remembered for his zealous actions against the worship of the Canaanite god Baal and for eliminating the house of Ahab, a previous king. His reign is documented in the biblical books of 2 Kings, where he is portrayed as a figure who fulfilled prophetic messages. Jehu's rule lasted for about 28 years, during which he sought to restore the worship of Yahweh in Israel. His military campaigns and political maneuvers helped solidify his authority, but his legacy is mixed due to his violent methods and the continued struggles within the kingdom.