The Bible presents a complex picture of how individuals and nations can be both chosen by God for a specific purpose and held accountable for their actions in fulfilling that purpose. This tension is evident in the examples of Jehu, Hosea, and Babylon.

Jehu’s Anointing and Subsequent Judgment:

• Anointing: Jehu was anointed king of Israel by a prophet acting on God’s command to execute judgment on the house of Ahab, which was notoriously wicked. In this sense, Jehu was God’s instrument for a specific task.
• Punishment: While Jehu carried out the initial purge with zeal, he went beyond God’s mandate by perpetuating the idolatrous worship of the golden calves. For this disobedience, his own dynasty was eventually judged and removed.

Hosea’s Prophecy and Symbolic Marriage:

• Anointing: Hosea was called to be a prophet, which in itself is a form of anointing for a specific purpose. His prophetic ministry was closely tied to his symbolic marriage to Gomer, a woman who was unfaithful to him.
• Punishment: Hosea’s personal life became a living parable of God’s relationship with Israel. Just as Gomer’s unfaithfulness mirrored Israel’s spiritual adultery, Hosea’s struggles and pain symbolized God’s own heartbreak and impending judgment on the nation.

Babylon as God’s Instrument and Object of Wrath:

• Anointing: God used the Babylonian Empire as a tool to punish Judah for its persistent sin and rebellion. Babylon was allowed to conquer Judah, destroy Jerusalem, and take its people into exile.
• Punishment: Despite being God’s instrument, Babylon’s own pride and excessive cruelty in carrying out this judgment did not go unpunished^. God eventually judged Babylon for its arrogance and wickedness, leading to its downfall.

Key Principles:

1. Sovereignty and Accountability: God is sovereign and can choose whomever He wills to accomplish His purposes. However, this does not negate the individual’s moral responsibility. Even those chosen for a specific task are still accountable for their actions and attitudes in carrying it out.
2. Degrees of Obedience: Obedience to God is not merely about performing the assigned task but also about the manner in which it is done. Jehu’s initial zeal was commendable, but his subsequent disobedience showed that his heart was not fully aligned with God’s will.
3. God’s Justice and Mercy: God’s use of nations like Babylon demonstrates His justice in punishing sin. However, it also highlights His mercy in offering opportunities for repentance. Even Babylon, in its role as an instrument of judgment, was subject to God’s ultimate justice.
4. The Complexity of Human Agency: The biblical examples show that human agency operates within the context of God’s overarching plan. Individuals can be both free agents and instruments in God’s hands, but they are ultimately responsible for their choices.
5. The Heart of the Matter: God is concerned not only with outward actions but also with the inner motives and intentions of the heart. Jehu’s actions might have appeared righteous on the surface, but his heart was not fully committed to God’s purposes.

Conclusion:

The biblical examples of Jehu, Hosea, and Babylon illustrate the complex relationship between divine calling and human accountability. While God may choose individuals or nations for specific tasks, they are not exempt from His moral law. Their actions, motives, and attitudes in fulfilling their calling are all subject to God’s scrutiny and judgment. This principle underscores the importance of humility, obedience, and a genuine commitment to God’s will in all aspects of life.