2 Kings 9:11

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.

Study Bible

When Jehu went out to the servants of his master
Jehu, a commander in the army of Israel, was anointed by a young prophet sent by Elisha to become king over Israel. This event marks a significant turning point in Israel's history, as Jehu is chosen to execute judgment on the house of Ahab. The "servants of his master" refers to the other military officers serving under King Joram, the current king of Israel. This setting highlights the tension and secrecy surrounding Jehu's anointing, as it was a divine appointment that would lead to a dramatic shift in power.

they asked, “Is everything all right?
The question posed by the servants indicates their concern and curiosity about the unusual visit from the prophet. In the ancient Near Eastern context, unexpected visits from prophets often signaled important or troubling news. The phrase reflects the anxiety and anticipation among the officers, as they sense that something significant has occurred.

Why did this madman come to you?”
The term "madman" reflects the perception of prophets in that era. Prophets were often seen as eccentric or unpredictable due to their intense spiritual experiences and messages from God. This perception is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as in Hosea 9:7, where prophets are called "fools" and "madmen." The servants' question underscores their skepticism and possible disdain for the prophetic message, which was not uncommon in a culture that often resisted divine warnings.

“You know his kind and their babble,” he replied.
Jehu's response is dismissive, suggesting that he is downplaying the significance of the prophet's visit to avoid arousing suspicion or alarm among the officers. The term "babble" implies that prophetic messages were sometimes viewed as incoherent or irrelevant by those who did not understand or accept their divine origin. This response also serves to protect the secrecy of his anointing until the right moment to reveal his divine mission. Jehu's strategic handling of the situation reflects his cunning and leadership qualities, which would soon be demonstrated in his decisive actions against the house of Ahab.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehu
A commander in the army of Israel, anointed by a prophet to become king and tasked with eradicating the house of Ahab.

2. Servants of Jehu's Master
Fellow officers or soldiers under Jehu's command, questioning the unusual visit of the prophet.

3. The Madman
Refers to the prophet sent by Elisha to anoint Jehu as king. Prophets were sometimes seen as mad due to their intense and often unconventional behavior.

4. Israel
The northern kingdom where these events take place, during a time of significant political and spiritual turmoil.

5. Ahab's House
The ruling dynasty in Israel, known for its idolatry and opposition to the worship of Yahweh.

Teaching Points

Perception of Prophets
Prophets were often misunderstood and seen as mad due to their divine calling and message. This challenges us to discern spiritual truth beyond societal perceptions.

Divine Appointments
Jehu's anointing was a divine appointment, reminding us that God raises leaders according to His purposes, often in unexpected ways.

Courage in Obedience
Jehu's response to the prophet's message required courage and faith. We are called to act boldly when God directs us, even if others question our actions.

Judgment and Justice
The anointing of Jehu was part of God's judgment against Ahab's house, illustrating that divine justice, though delayed, is certain.

Community and Accountability
The interaction between Jehu and his fellow officers highlights the importance of community and accountability in discerning and following God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the perception of prophets as "madmen" challenge our understanding of spiritual authority and discernment today?

2. In what ways can we identify and respond to God's divine appointments in our own lives, as Jehu did?

3. How can we cultivate the courage to act on God's instructions, especially when they are met with skepticism or misunderstanding by others?

4. What lessons can we learn from the account of Jehu about God's justice and the consequences of idolatry and disobedience?

5. How can we foster a community that supports and holds each other accountable in discerning and following God's will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 19:16
This passage foretells the anointing of Jehu as king over Israel, connecting the prophetic mission to the broader account of God's judgment against Ahab's house.

2 Kings 9:1-10
Provides context for the anointing of Jehu, detailing the instructions given to the prophet by Elisha.

1 Samuel 10:11
Similar reactions to prophetic activity, where Saul is also questioned about his encounter with prophets, highlighting the common perception of prophets as "madmen."

Hosea 9:7
Describes the perception of prophets as fools or madmen, reinforcing the cultural view of prophetic behavior.