Frequently the predictions of the prophets have the character of simple forecasts rather than divine decrees; God does not decree all the events He predicts. At other times the utterances of the prophets are pronouncements of judgment. It was the prerogative of God to assign the punishment to be meted out upon an evil ruler.

 The penalty was death where the wickedness merited it. In carrying out the intent of the judgment, the executioners of the divine decree were acting as agents of Heaven (see 2 Kings 9:7). Frequently, however, they served selfish ends, and acted from motives that were entirely vindictive. To the degree that they acted from such motives they incurred guilt. Thus the Assyrians, who executed God’s judgment, were later punished for the selfish and cruel motives that prompted their course (Isa. 10:5-13). Zimri probably went beyond the original intent of the judgment proclaimed against the “house of Baasha,” and slew many who were not worthy of destruction.