2 Kings 9:3

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!"

Study Bible

Then take the flask of oil
The use of a "flask of oil" in this context is deeply symbolic, rooted in the Hebrew tradition of anointing. The Hebrew word for oil, "shemen," often signifies consecration and the presence of the Holy Spirit. In ancient Israel, oil was used to anoint priests, prophets, and kings, setting them apart for divine service. The flask, a container for this sacred oil, represents the vessel through which God's authority and blessing are conferred. This act of anointing is a physical manifestation of God's choice and empowerment of an individual for a specific purpose.

pour it on his head
The act of pouring oil on the head is a significant ritual in the Hebrew tradition, symbolizing the outpouring of God's Spirit and blessing. In the ancient Near East, anointing the head was a public declaration of God's selection and empowerment. The head, being the seat of thought and decision-making, signifies that the anointed one is endowed with divine wisdom and authority. This act is not merely ceremonial but a profound spiritual transaction, marking the individual as God's chosen leader.

and declare, ‘This is what the LORD says
The phrase "This is what the LORD says" is a prophetic formula used throughout the Old Testament to introduce a divine message. It underscores the authority and authenticity of the words that follow, indicating that they are not of human origin but are a direct communication from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This declaration serves as a reminder that the anointing is not a human decision but a divine mandate, reinforcing the legitimacy of the anointed one's role.

I anoint you king over Israel.’
The declaration "I anoint you king over Israel" is a powerful affirmation of God's sovereign choice. The Hebrew word for anoint, "mashach," is the root of the term "Messiah," meaning "the anointed one." This anointing signifies a divine appointment to leadership, with the king serving as God's representative on earth. In the historical context, this anointing of Jehu marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as God raises him to execute judgment and bring about reform.

Then open the door and run
The instruction to "open the door and run" reflects the urgency and potential danger surrounding this prophetic act. In the historical context, Jehu's anointing was a politically sensitive event, as it signaled a divinely sanctioned coup against the reigning dynasty. The prophet's need to flee underscores the volatile nature of the situation and the potential for immediate backlash. This urgency highlights the seriousness of God's intervention in the affairs of Israel.

Do not delay!”
The command "Do not delay!" emphasizes the immediacy and importance of the task at hand. In the biblical narrative, timing is often crucial to the fulfillment of God's plans. This sense of urgency serves as a reminder that when God calls, obedience must be swift and decisive. It reflects the broader biblical theme of acting in faith and trust, even in the face of uncertainty or danger, knowing that God's purposes will ultimately prevail.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elisha the Prophet
A major prophet in Israel who succeeded Elijah. He is known for performing miracles and delivering God's messages.

2. Jehu
A commander in the army of Israel who is anointed as king over Israel by the instruction of God through Elisha's messenger.

3. Ramoth-gilead
A city in the territory of Gad, east of the Jordan River, where Jehu was stationed when he received the anointing.

4. The Young Prophet
A disciple of Elisha sent to anoint Jehu as king, demonstrating the continuation of prophetic ministry.

5. Anointing with Oil
A symbolic act representing God's choice and empowerment for leadership, often used in the Old Testament for kings and priests.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
God chooses leaders according to His purposes, often in unexpected ways. Trust in His divine plan even when it seems unconventional.

The Role of Obedience
The young prophet's obedience to Elisha's instructions highlights the importance of following God's commands promptly and faithfully.

Symbolism of Anointing
Anointing with oil signifies God's empowerment and setting apart for a specific purpose. Reflect on how God has anointed each believer for His service.

Urgency in God's Commands
The instruction to "run" and "not delay" emphasizes the urgency and importance of God's mission. Consider the urgency in fulfilling God's call in your life.

Prophetic Fulfillment
The anointing of Jehu fulfills earlier prophecies, showing that God's word is reliable and will come to pass. Trust in the fulfillment of God's promises.

Bible Study Questions

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

2. In what ways does the young prophet's obedience to Elisha's instructions challenge us in our own obedience to God's commands?

3. What is the significance of anointing with oil in the Bible, and how does it relate to the anointing of believers today?

4. Why do you think there was an urgency in the young prophet's mission, and how can we apply a sense of urgency to our spiritual lives?

5. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jehu's anointing encourage us to trust in the promises of God found in Scripture?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 16:13
The anointing of David by Samuel, which parallels the anointing of Jehu, showing God's sovereign choice in leadership.

1 Kings 19:16
Elijah's command to anoint Jehu as king, which Elisha fulfills, demonstrating the continuity of God's plan.

Psalm 23:5
The imagery of anointing with oil as a sign of blessing and favor, reflecting God's provision and protection.

Isaiah 61:1
The anointing of the Messiah, which foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's anointing in Jesus Christ.