Jehu Anointed King of Israel 1Now 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. 2When 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. 3Then 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!” 4So the young prophet went to Ramoth-gilead, 5and 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. 6So 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. 7And 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. 8The whole house of Ahab will perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male,b both slave and free, in Israel. 9I will make the house of Ahab like the houses of Jeroboam son of Nebat and Baasha son of Ahijah. 10And 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. 11When 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, saying, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’” 13Quickly, 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 14Thus 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, 15but King Joramc 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.” 16Then 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. 17Now 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?’” 18So 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.” 19So 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.” 20Again the watchman reported, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the charioteer is driving like Jehu son of Nimshid—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. 22When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?” “How can there be peace,” he replied, “as long as the idolatrye and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?” 23Joram turned aroundf and fled, calling out to Ahaziah, “Treachery, Ahaziah!” 24Then Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders. The arrow pierced his heart, and he slumped down in his chariot. 25And 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.” 27When 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. 28Then 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 30Now when Jehu arrived in Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. So she painted her eyes, adorned her head, and looked down from a window. 31And as Jehu entered the gate, she asked, “Have you come in peace, O Zimri, murderer of your master?”h 32He 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. 34Then 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.” 35But when they went out to bury her, they found nothing but her skull, her feet, and the palms of her hands. 36So 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. 37And 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. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  2 Kings 9 Summary Jezebel's Violent DeathVerses 1–3 – Elisha’s Secret Mission Verses 4–10 – Jehu Anointed and Judgment Pronounced Verses 11–13 – Jehu Proclaimed King Verses 14–16 – The Revolt Moves Out Verses 17–20 – Watchmen on the Wall Verses 21–26 – Death of Joram Verses 27–29 – Death of Ahaziah Verses 30–37 – Jezebel’s End In 2 Kings Chapter 9, the ancient wheels of prophecy turn with resounding force. Jehu, a commander of the Israelite army, becomes anointed king, triggering a dramatic shift in power that sees the brutal downfall of Ahab's house. The chapter reveals a fierce tale of retribution, painted with the colors of power, ambition, rebellion, and divine judgment. Historical Setting • Ramoth-gilead sat east of the Jordan, a strategic fortress contested with Aram (modern Syria). • Jezreel, in the fertile Valley of Esdraelon, served as Ahab’s summer palace and military hub. • Jehu was a commander of chariots, likely hardened by years of border skirmishes with the Arameans. His sudden coronation echoes earlier divine interventions that shifted national leadership (e.g., Saul, David). Archaeological Insights • The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III (c. 841 BC) depicts Jehu or his envoy bowing before the Assyrian king—an extra-biblical confirmation of Jehu’s reign and date. • Tel Jezreel excavations reveal massive fortifications and royal quarters fitting the narrative’s setting. Pottery layers show evidence of violent destruction in the 9th century BC, possibly reflecting Jehu’s purge. • Seal impressions from the area carry Phoenician motifs, aligning with Jezebel’s Sidonian heritage. Prophetic Fulfillment 1 Kings 19:16-17 – God told Elijah to anoint Jehu to “put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael.” The timing waited nearly a decade, proving God’s patience but sure justice. 1 Kings 21:19-24 – Elijah’s word about Ahab’s blood in Naboth’s vineyard and dogs eating Jezebel comes to pass verse by verse in 2 Kings 9. Hosea 1:4 later references “the blood of Jezreel,” showing the nation remembered Jehu’s coup for centuries. Character Profiles Jehu: decisive, relentless, zealous for judgment, yet later slides into idolatry (2 Kings 10:31). Joram: son of Ahab, tolerant of mother Jezebel’s influence, ignores prophetic warnings, cut down in mid-plot. Jezebel: unrepentant to the end, relying on appearance and taunts; her death is symbolic of the downfall of state-sponsored idol worship. Key Themes • God keeps His word—whether of blessing or judgment. • Leadership matters: ungodly alliances spread consequences across kingdoms (Judah suffers through Ahaziah). • Outward glamour cannot hide inward rebellion (Jezebel’s makeup vs. her fate). • Swift obedience, as seen in Jehu’s officers, can advance God’s plan when aligned with His revealed will. Geography and Strategy • Chariot travel from Ramoth-gilead to Jezreel required descending from the Gilead highlands, crossing the Jordan, then racing the flat valley—explaining the watchman’s early sighting. • Ibleam and Megiddo guarded the western approach; Ahaziah’s choice of route reflects panic rather than sound tactic. Practical Lessons • Zeal must remain anchored to continued faithfulness; initial obedience can fade (compare 2 Kings 10:31). • Do not mistake God’s delay for indifference. Justice may come suddenly after years of apparent silence. • Associations matter; Ahaziah’s partnership with Ahab’s house cost him life and legacy. Cross-References for Further Study • 1 Kings 19:15-18 – Original commission of Jehu. • 1 Kings 21 – Naboth’s vineyard injustice. • 2 Chronicles 22 – Parallel account of Ahaziah’s death. • Psalm 75:7 – “It is God who judges; He brings one down, He exalts another.” • Romans 12:19 – “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord,” reminding readers to leave judgment to God. Takeaway 2 Kings 9 shows a pivotal moment when long-announced judgment crashes into Israel’s royal house. Every prophecy lands with precision, proving God’s absolute control over nations and kings. Jehu’s whirlwind ascent demonstrates that the LORD can raise up an unexpected instrument to accomplish His purposes—sometimes in a single, furious day. Connections to Additional Scriptures 1 Kings 21:17-24The prophecy of Elijah concerning Ahab and Jezebel, which is fulfilled in 2 Kings 9. Romans 12:19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' Psalm 37:28 For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off. Teaching Points Divine AppointmentJehu's anointing as king was orchestrated by God. Then Elisha the prophet called one of the sons of the prophets and said to him, 'Tie up your garments, take this flask of oil in your hand, and go to Ramoth-gilead' (2 Kings 9:1). This highlights God's sovereign choice and timing. Fulfillment of Prophecy Jehu's mission was a direct fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy against Ahab's house. You are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and all the servants of the LORD at the hand of Jezebel (2 Kings 9:7). Judgment on Jezebel The dramatic end of Jezebel serves as a stark reminder of God's judgment on wickedness. When they went out to bury her, they found nothing but her skull, her feet, and the palms of her hands (2 Kings 9:35). Jehu's Zeal Jehu's actions demonstrate a zeal for carrying out God's commands, albeit with a mix of personal ambition. Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD (2 Kings 10:16). Practical Applications Trust in God's TimingJust as God appointed Jehu at the right time, we can trust that God's timing in our lives is perfect. Heed God's Warnings The fulfillment of prophecy against Ahab's house reminds us to take God's warnings seriously and live in obedience. Pursue Righteousness Jehu's zeal, though flawed, encourages us to pursue righteousness and align our actions with God's will. Recognize God's Justice The account of Jezebel's demise is a sobering reminder of the reality of divine justice and the importance of living a life pleasing to God. People 1. Elisha the ProphetElisha is the prophet who sends one of the sons of the prophets to anoint Jehu as king over Israel. His role is pivotal as he acts on God's command to bring about change in the leadership of Israel. The Hebrew root for "prophet" is נָבִיא (navi). 2. Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, son of Nimshi Jehu is anointed as king over Israel by the young prophet sent by Elisha. He is tasked with executing judgment on the house of Ahab. His name in Hebrew, יֵהוּא (Yehu), means "Yahweh is He." 3. The Young Prophet This unnamed young prophet is sent by Elisha to anoint Jehu. He carries out the task quickly and then flees, as instructed by Elisha. 4. Jehoram (Joram) son of Ahab, King of Israel Jehoram is the reigning king of Israel at the time Jehu is anointed. He is the son of Ahab and Jezebel and is ultimately killed by Jehu. His name in Hebrew, יוֹרָם (Yoram), means "Yahweh is exalted." 5. Ahaziah son of Jehoram, King of Judah Ahaziah is the king of Judah and a relative of the house of Ahab through his mother. He is also killed by Jehu. His name in Hebrew, אֲחַזְיָה (Achazyah), means "Yahweh has grasped." 6. Jezebel Jezebel is the wife of Ahab and the mother of Jehoram. Known for her idolatry and opposition to the prophets of Yahweh, she meets her end at the hands of Jehu. Her name in Hebrew, אִיזֶבֶל (Izevel), is often associated with the meaning "not exalted." 7. Bidkar Bidkar is Jehu's officer who assists in the execution of Jehoram. His name in Hebrew, בִּדְקַר (Bidqar), is not well-defined but is part of the narrative involving Jehu's rise to power. 8. Joram's Servants These are the servants of King Jehoram who witness Jehu's actions and are involved in the events surrounding Jehoram's death. 9. The Watchman The watchman is stationed on the tower in Jezreel and reports the approach of Jehu's company to King Jehoram. 10. The Horsemen These are the messengers sent by Jehoram to meet Jehu and inquire about his intentions. They end up joining Jehu. Places 1. Ramoth-gileadThis is the location where Jehu was anointed king over Israel. It was a significant city in the territory of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. The Hebrew root "רָמוֹת גִּלְעָד" (Ramoth-gilead) indicates a "heights of Gilead," suggesting its elevated position. 2. Jezreel Jezreel is where King Joram was recovering from wounds and where Jehu traveled to confront him. It was a prominent city in the northern kingdom of Israel, known for its fertile valley. The Hebrew "יִזְרְעֶאל" (Yizre'el) means "God sows," reflecting the agricultural richness of the area. 3. Beth-eked of the Shepherds This is the place where Jehu met the relatives of Ahaziah, king of Judah, and ordered their execution. The name suggests a location associated with shepherding, possibly a sheepfold or a place where shepherds gathered. 4. Samaria Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. Jehu sent letters to the leaders of Samaria as part of his campaign to consolidate power. The Hebrew "שֹׁמְרוֹן" (Shomron) is derived from "שָׁמַר" (shamar), meaning "to watch" or "to guard," indicating its strategic importance. 5. Beth Baal-meon Although not directly mentioned in 2 Kings 9, it is referenced in the context of Jehu's actions against the house of Ahab. It was a city in Moab, east of the Jordan River, associated with the worship of Baal. Events 1. Elisha Sends a Prophet to Anoint JehuElisha the prophet calls one of the sons of the prophets and instructs him to go to Ramoth-gilead to anoint Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat, as king over Israel. This act is a fulfillment of God's command to anoint Jehu as king, as previously mentioned in 1 Kings 19:16. 2. Jehu is Anointed King The young prophet finds Jehu among the army officers, takes him aside into a private room, and anoints him with oil, declaring, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over the LORD’s people Israel.’" (2 Kings 9:6). The Hebrew word for "anoint" is מָשַׁח (mashach), which signifies consecration for a divine purpose. 3. Prophecy Against the House of Ahab The prophet delivers a message from the LORD, stating that Jehu is to strike down the house of Ahab, avenging the blood of the prophets and servants of the LORD shed by Jezebel. This prophecy emphasizes divine justice and retribution. 4. Jehu's Conspiracy After the prophet departs, Jehu's fellow officers inquire about the visit. Jehu reveals the anointing and the prophecy, and they quickly proclaim him king by blowing the trumpet and shouting, "Jehu is king!" (2 Kings 9:13). 5. Jehu Kills Joram Jehu rides to Jezreel, where King Joram of Israel is recovering from wounds. Joram goes out to meet Jehu, and upon realizing Jehu's intentions, attempts to flee. Jehu shoots Joram with an arrow, fulfilling the prophecy against Ahab's house. 6. Ahaziah of Judah is Killed King Ahaziah of Judah, who is visiting Joram, also attempts to escape. Jehu's men pursue and wound him, and he later dies in Megiddo. This event signifies the end of Ahaziah's alliance with the house of Ahab. 7. Jezebel's Death Jezebel, upon hearing of Jehu's arrival in Jezreel, adorns herself and confronts him. Jehu orders her eunuchs to throw her down from the window, resulting in her death. Dogs consume her body, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy that dogs would devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel (1 Kings 21:23). 8. Jehu's Reign Begins After dealing with Jezebel, Jehu consolidates his power and begins his reign over Israel. His actions are seen as a divine cleansing of idolatry and corruption from the land, aligning with the LORD's judgment against the house of Ahab. Topics 1. Elisha Sends a Prophet to Anoint Jehu (2 Kings 9:1-3)Elisha instructs one of the sons of the prophets to go to Ramoth-gilead and anoint Jehu as king over Israel. This act is a fulfillment of God's command and signifies divine appointment. The Hebrew root for "anoint" (מָשַׁח, mashach) indicates a consecration for a specific purpose. 2. Jehu is Anointed King of Israel (2 Kings 9:4-10) The young prophet follows Elisha's instructions, anointing Jehu and delivering a message of judgment against the house of Ahab. The anointing signifies God's choice and empowerment for Jehu to execute divine justice. 3. Jehu's Conspiracy Against Joram (2 Kings 9:11-15) After being anointed, Jehu conspires against King Joram. His fellow officers initially question the prophet's message but soon rally behind Jehu, recognizing the divine mandate. The Hebrew term for "conspiracy" (קֶשֶׁר, qesher) implies a binding agreement or alliance. 4. Jehu Kills Joram and Ahaziah (2 Kings 9:16-29) Jehu executes King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah, fulfilling the prophecy against Ahab's house. This act of judgment is seen as a direct intervention by God to cleanse Israel from idolatry and corruption. 5. The Death of Jezebel (2 Kings 9:30-37) Jehu confronts Jezebel, who is thrown from a window and trampled underfoot. Her death fulfills Elijah's prophecy, demonstrating the certainty of God's word. The Hebrew root for "trample" (רָמַס, ramas) conveys the idea of complete destruction and humiliation. Themes 1. Divine Judgment and Fulfillment of ProphecyThis chapter highlights the theme of divine judgment as prophesied by Elijah. Jehu is anointed king to execute God's judgment on the house of Ahab. The fulfillment of prophecy is evident as Jehu carries out the destruction of Ahab's lineage, as foretold. The Hebrew root for "anoint" (מָשַׁח, mashach) signifies being set apart for a divine purpose, as seen in 2 Kings 9:6: "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: ‘I anoint you king over the LORD’s people Israel.’" 2. God's Sovereignty and Authority The narrative underscores God's sovereignty in orchestrating events according to His will. Jehu's rise to power and the subsequent events demonstrate that God is in control over the kingdoms of men. This is reflected in 2 Kings 9:7: "You are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and all the servants of the LORD at the hand of Jezebel." 3. Justice and Retribution The theme of justice is prominent as Jehu executes judgment on Joram, Ahaziah, and Jezebel. This retribution is a response to their idolatry and the bloodshed they caused. The Hebrew word for "avenge" (נָקַם, naqam) in 2 Kings 9:7 emphasizes the aspect of divine retribution: "I will avenge the blood of My servants the prophets." 4. The Role of Prophets Prophets play a crucial role as messengers of God's will. The young prophet sent by Elisha to anoint Jehu acts as a divine instrument to initiate God's plan. This highlights the importance of prophetic ministry in guiding and directing the affairs of Israel. In 2 Kings 9:1, Elisha instructs the young prophet: "Tuck your cloak into your belt, take this flask of oil, and go to Ramoth-gilead." 5. The Consequences of Idolatry The chapter illustrates the severe consequences of idolatry and turning away from God. The downfall of Ahab's house serves as a warning against the worship of false gods and the moral decay it brings. Jehu's actions fulfill the prophecy against Jezebel, as seen in 2 Kings 9:10: "The dogs will devour Jezebel on the plot of ground at Jezreel, and there will be no one to bury her." Answering Tough Questions 1. How can the sudden acceptance of Jehu as king (2 Kings 9:1–13) be historically verified beyond the biblical text? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think Elisha chose Jehu to become king? 2. How does the prophecy and its fulfillment in this chapter reaffirm your faith in God's word? 3. Discuss the importance of Jehu's officers' response to his anointing. How does this reflect on leadership and followership? 4. What does the downfall of Ahab's house teach about the consequences of evil actions? 5. How can you apply the lessons from Jehu's story in modern times, especially in your professional or personal life? 6. In what ways does Jezebel's end reflect the biblical principle of "reaping what you sow"? 7. What parallels can you draw between Jehu's rebellion and modern struggles for power and justice? 8. How does this chapter highlight the significance of obedience to God's will? 9. Discuss the themes of divine retribution and prophecy fulfillment in the context of this chapter. 10. How can the consequences faced by Ahab's house serve as a deterrent to unrighteousness in today's world? 11. How might the turn of events in this chapter have affected the spiritual climate of Israel during Jehu's reign? 12. What do Joram's last moments reveal about his understanding of his family's sins? 13. Jehu was chosen by God to carry out his judgment. How does this speak to the idea that God uses individuals for specific tasks? 14. What lessons on leadership can be learned from the life of Jehu? 15. How do you reconcile the violent means by which Jehu accomplishes God's will with the concept of a loving and merciful God? 16. What lessons can modern leaders learn from the downfall of Ahab's house? 17. How does Jehu's response to his anointing demonstrate his faith and determination? 18. Considering Ahaziah's fate, how does this chapter reflect the dangers of keeping the wrong company? 19. Jezebel's defiance persisted until her death. What does this tell us about the hardened hearts of those living in sin? 20. In what ways does 2 Kings 9 challenge you to reassess your understanding of God's justice? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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