Compare Jehu's anointing with other biblical anointings; what similarities do you find? Jehu’s Anointing: 2 Kings 9:1-11 • Elisha sends a young prophet with a flask of oil to Ramoth-gilead. • Oil poured on Jehu’s head: “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: ‘I have anointed you king over the LORD’s people Israel’ ” (2 Kings 9:6). • Specific commission: end Ahab’s dynasty and eradicate Baal worship. • Jehu steps outside; comrades ask, “Why did this madman come to you?” (v. 11). The anointing is still drying, but the call is already in force. Shared Threads in the Bible’s Royal Anointings • Divine Initiative — God originates each anointing, never mere human ambition. • Prophetic Instrument — A recognized prophet or priest applies the oil (Samuel, Zadok, Elisha’s messenger). • Visible Symbol — Oil signifies the Spirit’s empowerment and the setting apart of a leader. • Spoken Word — A clear, verbal declaration of call accompanies the act. • Spirit Empowerment — The Spirit “rushes” on Saul (1 Samuel 10:6), David (1 Samuel 16:13), and by implication on Jehu for his mission. • Covenant Purpose — Each king is raised up either to protect the covenant line (David, Joash) or to purge idolatry (Jehu). Side-by-Side Snapshots • Saul — “Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head… ‘Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?’ ” (1 Samuel 10:1). Same portable flask, same sudden promotion, same link to deliverance from enemies (vv. 5-7). • David — “Samuel took the horn of oil… the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David” (1 Samuel 16:13). Private setting, later public recognition—just like Jehu walking out to the captains. • Solomon — “Zadok the priest… anointed Solomon, and they blew the trumpet” (1 Kings 1:39). Public ceremony at Gihon, stressing rightful succession. Jehu’s ceremony is covert but soon confirmed by trumpet (2 Kings 9:13). • Joash — Hidden child anointed by Jehoiada (2 Kings 11:12); both Joash and Jehu usher in reform after wicked reigns. • Cyrus — Called the LORD’s “anointed” (Isaiah 45:1), showing God can raise even outsiders for covenant purposes—echoing Jehu, a military commander outside Ahab’s bloodline. • Jesus — “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power” (Acts 10:38). All earlier anointings, Jehu included, foreshadow the ultimate King whose mission destroys the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). Key Similarities Highlighted • God’s Sovereign Choice outweighs lineage (Jehu, David, Cyrus). • Anointing often precedes Public Recognition, demanding patient faith (David waits years; Jehu waits minutes). • Judgment and Mercy mingle: Jehu brings judgment on Ahab; David brings mercy to Saul’s house; Jesus bears judgment for us. • Reform Follows the Oil: each anointed king is tasked with purging idolatry or restoring worship. Why These Parallels Matter Today • The same God who chose imperfect men like Jehu still sovereignly appoints leaders for His purposes (Romans 13:1). • Anointing is never an end in itself; it equips for obedience. Jehu’s zeal (2 Kings 10:16) challenges us to wholehearted follow-through. • Every Old Testament anointing builds anticipation for the perfect, sinless Anointed One—Christ—whose reign secures eternal salvation (Hebrews 1:9). |
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