2 Kings Chapter 9

Jehu Anointed King of Israel

1And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead: 2And when thou comest thither, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brethren, and carry him to an inner chamber; 3Then take the box of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not.

4So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramothgilead. 5And when he came, behold, the captains of the host were sitting; and he said, I have an errand to thee, O captain. And Jehu said, Unto which of all us? And he said, To thee, O captain. 6And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel. 7And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel. 8For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel: 9And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah: 10And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her. And he opened the door, and fled.

11Then Jehu came forth to the servants of his lord: and one said unto him, Is all well? wherefore came this mad fellow to thee? And he said unto them, Ye know the man, and his communication. 12And they said, It is false; tell us now. And he said, Thus and thus spake he to me, saying, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel. 13Then they hasted, and took every man his garment, and put it under him on the top of the stairs, and blew with trumpets, saying, Jehu is king.

Jehu Kills Joram and Ahaziah

(2 Chronicles 22:8-9)

14So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram. (Now Joram had kept Ramothgilead, he and all Israel, because of Hazael king of Syria. 15But king Joram was returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) And Jehu said, If it be your minds, then let none go forth nor escape out of the city to go to tell it in Jezreel. 16So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Jezreel; for Joram lay there. And Ahaziah king of Judah was come down to see Joram.

17And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace? 18So there went one on horseback to meet him, and said, Thus saith the king, Is it peace? And Jehu said, What hast thou to do with peace? turn thee behind me. And the watchman told, saying, The messenger came to them, but he cometh not again. 19Then he sent out a second on horseback, which came to them, and said, Thus saith the king, Is it peace? And Jehu answered, What hast thou to do with peace? turn thee behind me. 20And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously.

21And Joram said, Make ready. And his chariot was made ready. And Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they went out against Jehu, and met him in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite. 22And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many? 23And Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, There is treachery, O Ahaziah. 24And Jehu drew a bow with his full strength, and smote Jehoram between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot. 25Then said Jehu to Bidkar his captain, Take up, and cast him in the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite: for remember how that, when I and thou rode together after Ahab his father, the LORD laid this burden upon him; 26Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith the LORD; and I will requite thee in this plat, saith the LORD. Now therefore take and cast him into the plat of ground, according to the word of the LORD.

27But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him, and said, Smite him also in the chariot. And they did so at the going up to Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo, and died there. 28And his servants carried him in a chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his sepulchre with his fathers in the city of David.

29And in the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab began Ahaziah to reign over Judah.

The Murder of Jezebel

30And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window. 31And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master? 32And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.

33And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot. 34And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter. 35And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands. 36Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel: 37And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Jehu Anointed King of Israel

1 Elisha the prophet called one of the sons of the prophets, and said to him, “Put your belt on your waist, take this vial of oil in your hand, and go to Ramoth Gilead. 2 When you come there, find Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brothers, and carry him to an inner room. 3 Then take the vial of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, ‘Thus says Yahweh, “I have anointed you king over Israel.”’ Then open the door, flee, and don’t wait.”

4 So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramoth Gilead. 5 When he came, behold, the captains of the army were sitting. Then he said, “I have a message for you, captain.” Jehu said, “To which of us all?” He said, “To you, O captain.” 6 He arose, and went into the house. Then he poured the oil on his head, and said to him, “Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, ‘I have anointed you king over the people of Yahweh, even over Israel. 7 You shall strike the house of Ahab your master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of Yahweh, at the hand of Jezebel. 8 For the whole house of Ahab shall perish. I will cut off from Ahab everyone who urinates against a wall, both him who is shut up and him who is left at large in Israel. 9 I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah. 10 The dogs will eat Jezebel on the plot of ground of Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her.’” He opened the door, and fled.

11 Then Jehu came forth to the servants of his lord: and one said to him, “Is all well? Why did this mad fellow come to you?” He said to them, “You know the man and what his talk was.” 12 They said, “That is a lie. Tell us now.” He said, “He said to me, ‘Thus says Yahweh, I have anointed you king over Israel.’” 13 Then they hurried, and took every man his garment, and put it under him on the top of the stairs, and blew the trumpet, saying, “Jehu is king.”

Jehu Kills Joram and Ahaziah
(2 Chronicles 22:8–9)

14 So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram. (Now Joram was keeping Ramoth Gilead, he and all Israel, because of Hazael king of Syria; 15 but king Joram was returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) Jehu said, “If this is your thinking, then let no one escape and go out of the city, to go to tell it in Jezreel.” 16 So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Jezreel; for Joram lay there. Ahaziah king of Judah had come down to see Joram.

17 Now the watchman was standing on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, “I see a company.” Joram said, “Take a horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, ‘Is it peace?’” 18 So there went one on horseback to meet him, and said, “Thus says the king, ‘Is it peace?’” Jehu said, “What do you have to do with peace? Fall in behind me!” The watchman said, “The messenger came to them, but he isn’t coming back.” 19 Then he sent out a second on horseback, who came to them, and said, “Thus says the king, ‘Is it peace?’” Jehu answered, “What do you have to do with peace? Fall in behind me!” 20 The watchman said, “He came to them, and isn’t coming back. The driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he drives furiously.”

21 Joram said, “Get ready!” They got his chariot ready. Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they went out to meet Jehu, and found him in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite. 22 It happened, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, “Is it peace, Jehu?” He answered, “What peace, so long as the prostitution of your mother Jezebel and her witchcraft abound?” 23 Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, “There is treason, Ahaziah!” 24 Jehu drew his bow with his full strength, and struck Joram between his arms; and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot. 25 Then Jehu said to Bidkar his captain, “Pick him up, and throw him in the plot of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite; for remember how, when you and I rode together after Ahab his father, Yahweh laid this burden on him: 26 ‘Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons,’ says Yahweh; ‘and I will repay you in this plot of ground,’ says Yahweh. Now therefore take and cast him onto the plot of ground, according to the word of Yahweh.”

27 But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. Jehu followed after him, and said, “Strike him also in the chariot!” They struck him at the ascent of Gur, which is by Ibleam. He fled to Megiddo, and died there. 28 His servants carried him in a chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his tomb with his fathers in the city of David.

29 In the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab began Ahaziah to reign over Judah.

Jezebel’s Violent Death

30 When Jehu had come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her eyes, and attired her head, and looked out at the window. 31 As Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, “Do you come in peace, Zimri, you murderer of your master?” 32 He lifted up his face to the window, and said, “Who is on my side? Who?” Two or three eunuchs looked out at him.

33 He said, “Throw her down!” So they threw her down; and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses. Then he trampled her under foot. 34 When he had come in, he ate and drink; and he said, “See now to this cursed woman, and bury her; for she is a king’s daughter.” 35 They went to bury her; but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands. 36 Therefore they came back, and told him. He said, “This is the word of Yahweh, which he spoke by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, ‘The dogs will eat the flesh of Jezebel on the plot of Jezreel, 37 and the body of Jezebel shall be as dung on the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel, so that they shall not say, “This is Jezebel.”’”

Jehu Anointed King of Israel

1 Now Elisha the prophet summoned one of the sons of the prophets and said to him, “Tuck your cloak under your belt, a take this flask of oil, and go to Ramoth-gilead. 2 When you arrive, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go in, get him away from his companions, and take him to an inner room. 3 Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and declare, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run. Do not delay!”

4 So the young prophet went to Ramoth-gilead, 5 and when he arrived, the army commanders were sitting there. “I have a message for you, commander,” he said.

“For which of us?” asked Jehu.

“For you, commander,” he replied.

6 So Jehu got up and went into the house, where the young prophet poured the oil on his head and declared, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over the LORD’s people Israel. 7 And you are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the LORD shed by the hand of Jezebel. 8 The whole house of Ahab will perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male, b both slave and free, in Israel. 9 I will make the house of Ahab like the houses of Jeroboam son of Nebat and Baasha son of Ahijah. 10 And on the plot of ground at Jezreel the dogs will devour Jezebel, and there will be no one to bury her.’ ”

Then the young prophet opened the door and ran.

11 When Jehu went out to the servants of his master, they asked, “Is everything all right? Why did this madman come to you?”

“You know his kind and their babble,” he replied.

12 “That is a lie!” they said. “Tell us now!”

So Jehu answered, “He talked to me about this and that, and he said, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ ”

13 Quickly, each man took his garment and put it under Jehu on the bare steps. Then they blew the ram’s horn and proclaimed, “Jehu is king!”

Jehu Kills Joram and Ahaziah
(2 Chronicles 22:8–9)

14 Thus Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, conspired against Joram.

(Now Joram and all Israel had been defending Ramoth-gilead against Hazael king of Aram, 15 but King Joram c had returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds he had suffered at the hands of the Arameans in the battle against Hazael their king.)

So Jehu said, “If you commanders wish to make me king, then do not let anyone escape from the city to go and tell it in Jezreel.”

16 Then Jehu got into his chariot and went to Jezreel, because Joram was laid up there and Ahaziah king of Judah had gone down to see him.

17 Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!”

“Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’ ”

18 So a horseman rode off to meet Jehu and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’ ”

“What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.”

And the watchman reported, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.”

19 So the king sent out a second horseman, who went to them and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’ ”

“What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.”

20 Again the watchman reported, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the charioteer is driving like Jehu son of Nimshi d—he is driving like a madman!”

21 “Harness!” Joram shouted, and they harnessed his chariot.

Then Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah set out, each in his own chariot, and met Jehu on the property of Naboth the Jezreelite.

22 When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?”

“How can there be peace,” he replied, “as long as the idolatry e and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?”

23 Joram turned around f and fled, calling out to Ahaziah, “Treachery, Ahaziah!”

24 Then Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders. The arrow pierced his heart, and he slumped down in his chariot.

25 And Jehu said to Bidkar his officer, “Pick him up and throw him into the field of Naboth the Jezreelite. For remember that when you and I were riding together behind his father Ahab, the LORD lifted up this burden against him: 26 ‘As surely as I saw the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons yesterday, declares the LORD, so will I repay you on this plot of ground, declares the LORD.’ Now then, according to the word of the LORD, pick him up and throw him on the plot of ground.”

27 When King Ahaziah of Judah saw this, he fled up the road toward Beth-haggan.

And Jehu pursued him, shouting, “Shoot him too!”

So they shot Ahaziah in his chariot on the Ascent of Gur, g near Ibleam, and he fled to Megiddo and died there. 28 Then his servants carried him by chariot to Jerusalem and buried him with his fathers in his tomb in the City of David.

29 (In the eleventh year of Joram son of Ahab, Ahaziah had become king over Judah.)

Jezebel’s Violent Death

30 Now when Jehu arrived in Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. So she painted her eyes, adorned her head, and looked down from a window. 31 And as Jehu entered the gate, she asked, “Have you come in peace, O Zimri, murderer of your master?” h

32 He looked up at the window and called out, “Who is on my side? Who?”

And two or three eunuchs looked down at him.

33 “Throw her down!” yelled Jehu.

So they threw her down, and her blood splattered on the wall and on the horses as they trampled her underfoot.

34 Then Jehu went in and ate and drank. “Take care of this cursed woman,” he said, “and bury her, for she was the daughter of a king.”

35 But when they went out to bury her, they found nothing but her skull, her feet, and the palms of her hands.

36 So they went back and told Jehu, who replied, “This is the word of the LORD, which He spoke through His servant Elijah the Tishbite: ‘On the plot of ground at Jezreel the dogs will devour the flesh of Jezebel. 37 And Jezebel’s body will lie like dung in the field on the plot of ground at Jezreel, so that no one can say: This is Jezebel.’ i”

Footnotes:

1 a Literally Gird up your loins
8 b Literally (all) those who urinate against a wall
15 c Or Jehoram , a variant of Joram ; also in verses 17, 21, 22, 23, and 24
20 d Or grandson of Nimshi ; see verse 14.
22 e Hebrew adultery  or prostitution , here a metaphor for idolatry
23 f Literally turned his hands
27 g See Syriac, Vulgate, and LXX; Hebrew “Shoot him, too, in his chariot!” (They did this) on the Ascent of Gur,
31 h Or “Is there peace for Zimri, the murderer of his master?”  See 1 Kings 16:10.
37 i See verse 10 and 1 Kings 21:23.

Jehu Anointed King of Israel

1And Elisha the prophet hath called to one of the sons of the prophets, and saith to him, 'Gird up thy loins, and take this vial of oil in thy hand, and go to Ramoth-Gilead, 2and thou hast gone in there, and see thou there Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, son of Nimshi, and thou hast gone in, and caused him to rise out of the midst of his brethren, and brought him in to the inner part of an inner-chamber, 3and taken the vial of oil, and poured on his head, and said, Thus said Jehovah, I have anointed thee for king unto Israel; and thou hast opened the door, and fled, and dost not wait.'

4And the young man goeth -- the young man the prophet -- to Ramoth-Gilead, 5and cometh in, and lo, chiefs of the force are sitting, and he saith, 'I have a word unto thee, O chief!' and Jehu saith, 'Unto which of all of us?' and he saith, 'Unto thee, O chief.' 6And he riseth and cometh in to the house, and he poureth the oil on his head, and saith to him, 'Thus said Jehovah, God of Israel, I have anointed thee for king unto the people of Jehovah, unto Israel, 7and thou hast smitten the house of Ahab thy lord, and I have required the blood of My servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of Jehovah, from the hand of Jezebel; 8and perished hath all the house of Ahab, and I have cut off to Ahab those sitting on the wall, and restrained, and left, in Israel, 9and I have given up the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam son of Nebat, and as the house of Baasha son of Ahijah, 10and Jezebel do the dogs eat in the portion of Jezreel, and there is none burying;' and he openeth the door and fleeth.

11And Jehu hath gone out unto the servants of his lord, and one saith to him, 'Is there peace? wherefore came this madman unto thee?' and he saith unto them, 'Ye have known the man and his talk.' 12And they say, 'False, declare, we pray thee, to us;' and he saith, 'Thus and thus spake he unto me, saying, Thus said Jehovah, I have anointed thee for king unto Israel.' 13And they haste and take each his garment, and put it under him at the top of the stairs, and blow with a trumpet, and say, 'Reigned hath Jehu!'

Jehu Kills Joram and Ahaziah

(2 Chronicles 22:8-9)

14And Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, son of Nimshi, conspireth against Joram -- (and Joram was keeping in Ramoth-Gilead, he and all Israel, from the presence of Hazael king of Aram, 15and king Joram turneth back to be healed in Jezreel, of the wounds with which the Aramaeans smite him, in his fighting with Hazael king of Aram) -- and Jehu saith, 'If it is your mind, let not an escaped one go out from the city, to go to declare it in Jezreel.' 16And Jehu rideth, and goeth to Jezreel, for Joram is lying there, and Ahaziah king of Judah hath gone down to see Joram.

17And the watchman is standing on the tower in Jezreel, and seeth the company of Jehu in his coming, and saith, 'A company I see;' and Joram saith, 'Take a rider and send to meet them, and let him say, Is there peace?' 18and the rider on the horse goeth to meet him, and saith, 'Thus said the king, Is there peace?' and Jehu saith, 'What -- to thee and to peace? turn round behind me.' And the watchman declareth, saying, 'The messenger came unto them, and he hath not returned.' 19And he sendeth a second rider on a horse, and he cometh in unto them, and saith, 'Thus said the king, Is there peace?' and Jehu saith, 'What -- to thee and to peace? turn round behind me.' 20And the watchman declareth, saying, 'He came unto them, and he hath not returned, and the driving is like the driving of Jehu son of Nimshi, for with madness he driveth.'

21And Jehoram saith, 'Harness;' and his chariot is harnessed, and Jehoram king of Israel goeth out, and Ahaziah king of Judah, each in his chariot, and they go out to meet Jehu, and find him in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite. 22And it cometh to pass, at Jehoram's seeing Jehu, that he saith, 'Is there peace, Jehu?' and he saith, 'What is the peace, while the whoredoms of Jezebel thy mother, and her witchcrafts, are many?' 23And Jehoram turneth his hands, and fleeth, and saith unto Ahaziah, 'Deceit, O Ahaziah!' 24And Jehu hath filled his hand with a bow, and smiteth Jehoram between his arms, and the arrow goeth out from his heart, and he boweth down in his chariot. 25And Jehu saith unto Bidkar his captain, 'Lift up, cast him into the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite -- for, remember, I and thou were riding together after Ahab his father, and Jehovah lifted upon him this burden: 26Have I not the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons seen yesternight -- the affirmation of Jehovah -- yea, I have recompensed to thee in this portion -- the affirmation of Jehovah; -- and now, lift up, cast him into the portion, according to the word of Jehovah.'

27And Ahaziah king of Judah hath seen, and fleeth the way of the garden-house, and Jehu pursueth after him, and saith, 'Smite him -- also him -- in the chariot,' in the going up to Gur, that is Ibleam, and he fleeth to Megiddo, and dieth there, 28and his servants carry him in a chariot to Jerusalem, and bury him in his burying-place, with his fathers, in the city of David.

29And in the eleventh year of Joram son of Ahab reign did Ahaziah over Judah.

The Murder of Jezebel

30And Jehu cometh in to Jezreel, and Jezebel hath heard, and putteth her eyes in paint and maketh right her head, and looketh out through the window. 31And Jehu hath come into the gate, and she saith, 'Was there peace to Zimri -- slayer of his lord?' 32And he lifteth up his face unto the window, and saith, 'Who is with me? -- who?' and look out unto him do two or three eunuchs;

33And he saith, 'Let her go;' and they let her go, and some of her blood is sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses, and he treadeth her down. 34And he cometh in, and eateth, and drinketh, and saith, 'Look after, I pray you, this cursed one, and bury her, for she is a king's daughter.' 35And they go to bury her, and have not found of her except the skull, and the feet, and the palms of the hands. 36And they turn back, and declare to him, and he saith, 'The word of Jehovah it is, that He spake by the hand of this servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel do the dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel, 37and the carcase of Jezebel hath been as dung on the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel, that they say not, This is Jezebel.'

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of 2 Kings 9?

1.1Introduction to 2 Kings 9

1.2Context of 2 Kings 9

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.52 Kings 9 Unique Insights

1.62 Kings 9 Connections to Yeshua

1.72 Kings 9 Scriptural Echoes

1.82 Kings 9 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of 2 Kings 9?

Introduction to 2 Kings 9

2 Kings 9 presents one of the most dramatic chapters in Israel’s history, recording the divinely orchestrated overthrow of the wicked house of Ahab through the anointing and subsequent actions of Jehu. This pivotal chapter serves as the fulfillment of 1 Kings 21:21-24, where יהוה pronounced judgment against Ahab’s dynasty through the prophet Elijah. The narrative masterfully weaves together themes of divine justice, prophetic fulfillment, and the consequences of idolatry, while demonstrating God’s sovereign control over the political affairs of nations.

Context of 2 Kings 9

The immediate context of 2 Kings 9 follows the ministry of Elisha and the ongoing spiritual decay in the northern kingdom of Israel. The previous chapters detail various miracles and prophecies through Elisha, while simultaneously depicting the deteriorating political and spiritual condition under the dynasty of Ahab. This chapter serves as the dramatic culmination of יהוה’s promised judgment against the house of Ahab, particularly concerning Jezebel’s influence in promoting Baal worship.

In the broader biblical narrative, this chapter represents a crucial turning point in Israel’s history, functioning as both an act of divine judgment and a catalyst for religious reform. It demonstrates how יהוה uses human instruments, even those with mixed motives like Jehu, to accomplish His purposes and fulfill His word. The events here connect directly to earlier prophecies, particularly those in 1 Kings 19:15-17 and 1 Kings 21:17-24, showing the reliability of God’s word and His perfect timing in executing judgment.

Ancient Key Word Study

מָשַׁח (mashach) – “to anoint”: This Hebrew verb, used in verse 3, carries deep theological significance beyond merely pouring oil. It implies divine appointment and empowerment for a specific task. The same root gives us “Messiah” (מָשִׁיחַ), pointing to the ultimate Anointed One, Yeshua.
שִׁגָּעוֹן (shiga’on) – “madness”: Used to describe Jehu’s driving in verse 20, this word suggests not mere reckless behavior but a divinely inspired urgency and zeal. It shares its root with prophetic ecstasy, suggesting Jehu’s actions were driven by supernatural purpose.
יִזְרְעֶאל (Yizre’el) – “Jezreel”: Beyond being a geographical location, this name means “God will sow,” carrying deep irony in this context as it becomes the place where God “harvests” His judgment against the house of Ahab.
דָּמִים (damim) – “bloodshed”: Appearing multiple times in the chapter, this word carries legal and covenantal implications, referring not just to violence but to blood guilt requiring justice.
חֶלֶק (cheleq) – “portion/field”: Used in reference to Naboth’s vineyard, this term carries deeper meaning of inheritance and divine allotment, making the justice of this chapter particularly poignant.
צָפָה (tsaphah) – “watchman”: This term implies more than mere observation; it carries the weight of spiritual responsibility and discernment.
שָׁלוֹם (shalom) – “peace”: Repeatedly used in ironic contrast to the violent events unfolding, this word emphasizes the false peace of those about to face divine judgment.
יָרָה (yarah) – “to shoot”: The root carries the idea of teaching or instruction, ironically used here in the context of divine judgment being “taught” through military action.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 3’s anointing formula “Thus says יהוה, I anoint you king” uses the direct divine declaration formula. This contrasts with standard royal installation ceremonies, emphasizing divine initiative rather than human political process. The Hebrew could have used a more formal court language but instead employs the prophetic declaration style.
Verse 13’s spreading of garments uses וַיָּשִׂימוּ (and they put) rather than the more common וַיַּנִּיחוּ (and they placed), suggesting hasty, enthusiastic action rather than formal ceremony.
The description of Jehu’s driving in verse 20 employs בְּשִׁגָּעוֹן (in madness) rather than the more standard מְהִירוּת (in haste), suggesting divine inspiration rather than mere human urgency.
Verse 22’s question about peace uses הֲשָׁלוֹם rather than הֲיֵשׁ שָׁלוֹם, creating a sharper, more confrontational tone fitting the moment of judgment.
The description of Jezebel’s death uses וַיִּז (spattered) rather than נָפַל (fell), emphasizing the graphic fulfillment of prophecy rather than mere historical reporting.
The command to “throw her down” uses שִׁמְטֻהָ rather than הַפִּילֻהָ, suggesting divine authority rather than mere human violence.
The final description of Jezebel’s remains uses specifically לֹא־מָצְאוּ (they found not) rather than לֹא־הָיָה (there was not), emphasizing the active search that confirmed prophecy fulfillment.

2 Kings 9 Unique Insights

The chapter contains several layers of prophetic and theological significance often overlooked in casual reading. The anointing of Jehu represents the only recorded instance in Scripture where a prophet anoints a king over the northern kingdom of Israel, marking this as an extraordinary divine intervention. The Targum Jonathan adds interesting insight here, suggesting that the oil used for Jehu’s anointing was from the same flask used to anoint both Saul and David, symbolizing divine continuity in judgment and kingship.

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The timing of these events is particularly significant in Jewish understanding. According to the Seder Olam Rabbah, these events occurred during a Sabbatical year, suggesting a divine “release” from the bondage of Ahab’s dynasty. This timing would have carried powerful messaging to the original audience about God’s perfect timing in executing both judgment and deliverance.

The death of Jezebel contains multiple layers of symbolic meaning. Her final appearance “painting her eyes” uses the Hebrew פּוּךְ (puk), which shares its root with the word for “blindness,” suggesting spiritual blindness to the impending judgment. The ancient Jewish commentary Pesikta Rabbati notes that her death by being thrown from a window mirrors how she had “thrown down” the worship of יהוה from its proper place, demonstrating the principle of divine poetic justice.

The details about dogs consuming Jezebel’s body fulfill prophecy but also carry deeper significance in ancient Near Eastern culture. Dogs were considered unclean, and denial of proper burial was the ultimate dishonor. The rabbinical text Pirke de Rabbi Eliezer suggests that this specific form of judgment was measure-for-measure (middah k’neged middah) justice for how she had treated the prophets of יהוה.

2 Kings 9 Connections to Yeshua

The anointing of Jehu as king provides a fascinating typological connection to the Messiah. Just as Jehu was anointed to bring judgment against false worship and corruption, Yeshua’s first coming included cleansing the Temple and pronouncing judgment against corrupt religious leadership. The Hebrew term מָשִׁיחַ (Mashiach) used here finds its ultimate fulfillment in Yeshua, the Anointed One who brings both judgment and salvation.

The chapter’s themes of divine justice and the overthrow of evil powers parallel Yeshua’s ultimate victory over spiritual forces of wickedness. Just as Jehu executed judgment against Jezebel, who promoted false worship, Yeshua’s return will bring final judgment against all systems of false worship and spiritual corruption as prophesied in Revelation 19:11-16.

2 Kings 9 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous biblical passages and themes. The anointing scene echoes 1 Samuel 16 where David is anointed, both involving prophetic authority and divine selection. The judgment against Jezebel connects back to 1 Kings 21:23 and forward to Revelation 2:20, where “Jezebel” becomes symbolic of false teaching and corruption.

The theme of divine judgment against false worship systems finds parallels in Exodus 32, 1 Kings 18, and ultimately in Revelation 17-18. The concept of blood vengeance echoes the principle established in Genesis 9:5-6 and finds its ultimate resolution in the Messiah’s final judgment.

2 Kings 9 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own spiritual allegiances and the consequences of our choices. Jezebel’s dramatic end reminds us that positions of power and external appearances offer no protection against divine judgment. Her attempt to face death with dignity by applying makeup serves as a powerful metaphor for how we often try to maintain appearances while facing spiritual crisis.

We’re also challenged to consider Jehu’s zeal. While God used him powerfully, his later life shows that outward zeal for God must be matched by inward devotion. This prompts us to examine our own motivations in serving God – are we driven by genuine love for Him or by other motives?

The fulfillment of prophecy in this chapter encourages us to trust God’s word completely. Just as every word spoken against Ahab’s house came to pass, we can trust that God’s promises and warnings in our own lives are equally reliable. This should motivate both our obedience and our hope in His faithfulness.

Did You Know

Archaeological evidence from the Tel Dan Inscription explicitly mentions the “House of David,” confirming the historical reality of the Davidic dynasty during this period.
The location where Jezebel died, the Jezreel palace complex, has been excavated, revealing impressive fortifications and evidence of violent destruction dating to this period.
The practice of anointing kings with oil was unique to Israel among ancient Near Eastern cultures, who typically used other installation ceremonies.
The Hebrew phrase describing Jehu’s driving style (בְּשִׁגָּעוֹן) is the same word used to describe prophetic ecstasy, suggesting divine inspiration rather than mere reckless behavior.
The destruction of Jezebel’s body by dogs carried special significance as dogs were considered sacred in her native Phoenician culture, making her end particularly ironic.
The window from which Jezebel was thrown likely faced east, based on archaeological findings of similar palace structures, adding symbolic significance as she faced the rising sun – a deity she worshipped – in her death.
The name Jehu (יֵהוּא) means “יהוה is He,” making his role as God’s instrument of judgment particularly fitting.
Recent archaeological discoveries have found seals bearing names mentioned in this chapter, confirming the historical accuracy of these accounts.
The specific type of trumpet used to proclaim Jehu as king was the שׁוֹפָר (shofar), the same instrument that will announce the Messiah’s return.

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Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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