unto the fourth generation
2 Kings 15:12
15:12 unto the fourth generation. Even though Jehu continued in the sins of Jeroboam I and his calf-worship, he did serve as the Lord’s instrument for purging the land of Baalism and the house of Ahab. Accordingly, God had promised him that four generations of his sons would be kings in Israel (II Kings 10:30). These turned out to be Jehoahaz, Joash, Jeroboam II and Zachariah. Then, however, as prophesied by Amos during the long reign of Jeroboam II (Amos 7:9), the line would be cut off by the sword. And so it was.