The anointing of Jehu as king over Israel is a significant event in the biblical narrative, highlighting the divine appointment and consecration of leaders for specific purposes within God's sovereign plan. This event is recorded in the Old Testament, primarily in 2 Kings 9.

Biblical Context

Jehu's anointing occurs during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, marked by idolatry and the reign of the house of Ahab. The prophet Elijah had previously received a divine mandate to anoint Jehu as king, as part of God's judgment against Ahab's dynasty (1 Kings 19:16-17). However, it is Elisha, Elijah's successor, who ultimately carries out this task through one of his disciples.

The Anointing Ceremony

In 2 Kings 9:1-13, Elisha instructs one of the sons of the prophets to go to Ramoth-gilead and anoint Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat, as king over Israel. The young prophet follows Elisha's command, taking a flask of oil and seeking out Jehu, who is among the military commanders. The anointing is performed in a private setting, away from the public eye, underscoring the solemnity and divine authority of the act.

The prophet declares to Jehu, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over the LORD’s people Israel. 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 who died at the hand of Jezebel’" (2 Kings 9:6-7). This pronouncement not only establishes Jehu's kingship but also outlines his divine mission to eradicate the idolatrous influence of Ahab and Jezebel.

Significance of the Anointing

The anointing of Jehu is a pivotal moment that signifies God's intervention in the affairs of Israel. It serves as a divine endorsement of Jehu's authority and a call to execute judgment against the corrupt leadership of Ahab's lineage. The use of oil in the anointing ritual symbolizes the Holy Spirit's empowerment and the setting apart of Jehu for a holy purpose.

Jehu's anointing also reflects the broader biblical theme of God raising up leaders to fulfill His purposes, often in unexpected ways. Despite Jehu's initial reluctance and the clandestine nature of his anointing, he becomes a key instrument in God's plan to purify Israel from idolatry and restore a measure of righteousness.

Jehu's Reign and Fulfillment of Prophecy

Following his anointing, Jehu swiftly moves to fulfill the prophetic word spoken over him. He leads a coup against Joram, the reigning king of Israel, and subsequently eliminates Jezebel, as well as the remaining members of Ahab's family (2 Kings 9:14-37; 10:1-17). Jehu's actions fulfill the prophecy given to Elijah and demonstrate the seriousness with which God regards idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness.

Jehu's reign, while marked by zeal in executing judgment, also serves as a cautionary tale. Although he accomplishes the task of purging Ahab's house, his failure to fully turn Israel back to the worship of Yahweh and his continuation of the sins of Jeroboam highlight the complexities of leadership and the need for wholehearted devotion to God.

In summary, the anointing of Jehu as king over Israel is a profound example of God's sovereign choice and the consecration of individuals for His divine purposes. It underscores the themes of judgment, redemption, and the necessity of faithful obedience to God's commands.1 Kings 19:16
And Jehu the son of Nimshi shall you anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shall you anoint to be prophet in your room.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 9:1-3,6,12
And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said to him, Gird up your loins, and take this box of oil in your hand, and go to Ramothgilead:
Nave's Topical Index

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the anointing of Saul (1 Samuel 9:16; x.1 ... blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu,
and will ... homage, and had granted him that religious consecration which had ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Gad did not possess the districts between the Jabbok and the Arnon till the time
of the early kings, and retained them only till about the reign of Jehu, as we ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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