Purges

In 2 Kings 9-11 power struggles take place in both north and south. Jehu is anointed king over the northern kingdom, and immediately begins to take power by killing every relative of Ahab he can get his hands on, as well as all of the worshipers of Baal. In the south, Athaliah tries to kill all of the royal heirs and almost succeeds, leaving only Joash, a one-year-old, as heir to the throne. When Joash is seven he is crowned king and Athaliah is killed.

God keeps His promises, and yet is merciful. Ahab's descendants are killed and both northern and southern kingdoms can start anew without the plague of Baal worship. The same is often true of our lives; sometimes it takes drastic measures to cleanse us of our wicked habits.