God promised in 1 Kings 19 that he would punish the house of Israel through Elisha, Hazael, and Jehu.  We have not heard anything in 10 chapters about this, but now all three are on the scene.  God provides opportunities for Israel and Judah to see his mercy and repent, but they continue to worship Baal. A major theme is that though God will judge (and in a sense, he delights in this), he prefers to offer and give mercy.  Will Israel–will we–repent and know that mercy? Or will they and we force him to show us his righteous judgment?