2 Kings 9:12

"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.'"

Study Bible

“That is a lie!” they said.
In this context, Jehu's fellow officers express skepticism about the message delivered by the prophet. This reflects the tension and distrust prevalent in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during this period. The officers' reaction indicates a culture of suspicion, possibly due to the political instability and frequent coups that characterized Israel's monarchy. This skepticism can also be seen as a reflection of the broader spiritual decline in Israel, where the word of the LORD was often met with disbelief or outright rejection.

“Tell us now!”
The demand for immediate truth underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the anointing of a king was a significant event, often accompanied by divine sanction. The officers' insistence on knowing the truth highlights the importance of prophetic messages in guiding political actions. This urgency also reflects the volatile nature of leadership in Israel, where power struggles were common, and the support of military leaders was crucial for any claim to the throne.

So Jehu answered,
Jehu's response marks a pivotal moment in the narrative. As a commander in the army, his acknowledgment of the prophetic message signifies his acceptance of the divine mandate. This moment is critical in the unfolding of God's judgment against the house of Ahab, as prophesied by Elijah (1 Kings 21:21-24). Jehu's role as an instrument of divine justice is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, where God raises leaders to fulfill His purposes.

“He talked to me about this and that, saying,
Jehu's initial vagueness may indicate his hesitation or the sensitive nature of the message. In the cultural context, discussing matters of kingship and divine anointing was fraught with danger, especially in a politically charged environment. This phrase also reflects the common practice of prophets delivering messages in private before they were publicly declared, ensuring the recipient's understanding and acceptance.

‘This is what the LORD says:
The phrase introduces the divine authority behind the message. In the biblical tradition, the formula "This is what the LORD says" is used to convey the certainty and authority of God's word. It emphasizes that the message is not of human origin but is a direct communication from God. This divine endorsement is crucial for legitimizing Jehu's claim to the throne and his subsequent actions.

I anoint you king over Israel.’”
The anointing of Jehu as king is a fulfillment of God's judgment against the house of Ahab. Anointing was a sacred act, symbolizing God's choice and empowerment of a leader. This event connects to earlier biblical narratives where anointing signifies divine selection, such as the anointing of David by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13). Jehu's anointing also prefigures the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah, who would fulfill God's redemptive purposes. The act of anointing underscores the theme of divine sovereignty in the establishment and removal of kings, a central motif in the books of Kings.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Prophet's Messenger
A young prophet sent by Elisha to anoint Jehu as king over Israel.

3. Israel
The northern kingdom, where Jehu was anointed to rule.

4. House of Ahab
The ruling dynasty in Israel, known for its idolatry and wickedness, which Jehu was commanded to destroy.

5. Elisha
The prophet who directed the anointing of Jehu, continuing the work of his predecessor, Elijah.

Teaching Points

Divine Appointment
God chooses leaders according to His purpose, often in unexpected ways. Jehu's anointing reminds us of God's sovereignty in leadership.

Obedience to God's Call
Jehu's acceptance of his anointing challenges us to respond obediently to God's calling in our lives, even when it involves difficult tasks.

Judgment and Justice
The anointing of Jehu signifies God's judgment on the house of Ahab, illustrating that God will not tolerate persistent sin and idolatry.

Truth and Integrity
Jehu's initial reluctance to disclose the message highlights the importance of truthfulness and integrity in our communication.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
The fulfillment of God's word through Jehu's anointing encourages us to trust in the reliability and certainty of God's promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jehu's anointing as king reflect God's sovereignty in choosing leaders, and how can this understanding influence our view of current leadership?

2. In what ways does Jehu's response to his anointing challenge us to be obedient to God's calling in our own lives?

3. How does the judgment on the house of Ahab serve as a warning against idolatry and sin in our personal and communal lives?

4. What can we learn from Jehu's initial reluctance to share the prophet's message about the importance of truth and integrity?

5. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jehu's account encourage us to trust in God's promises, and what other biblical examples reinforce this trust?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 19:16
This verse foretells the anointing of Jehu as king over Israel, showing the fulfillment of God's plan.

2 Kings 9:6-10
Provides the context of Jehu's anointing and the prophecy against the house of Ahab.

1 Samuel 16:13
The anointing of David as king, drawing a parallel to Jehu's anointing and God's sovereign choice.

Romans 13:1
Discusses the authority of rulers as instituted by God, relevant to Jehu's divine appointment.

Hosea 1:4
References the bloodshed of Jezreel, connecting to Jehu's actions and their long-term implications.