2 Kings 9:1-10

1 Meanwhile the prophet Elisha called one of the young prophets and said to him, "Get ready and go to Ramoth in Gilead. Take this jar of olive oil with you,
2 and when you get there look for Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi. Take him to a private room away from his companions,
3 pour this olive oil on his head, and say, "The Lord proclaims that he anoints you king of Israel.' Then leave there as fast as you can."
4 So the young prophet went to Ramoth,
5 where he found the army officers in a conference. He said, "Sir, I have a message for you." Jehu asked, "Which one of us are you speaking to?" "To you, sir," he replied.
6 Then the two of them went indoors, and the young prophet poured the olive oil on Jehu's head and said to him, "The Lord, the God of Israel, proclaims: "I anoint you king of my people Israel. 1
7 You are to kill your master the king, that son of Ahab, so that I may punish Jezebel for murdering my prophets and my other servants.
8 All of Ahab's family and descendants are to die; I will get rid of every male in his family, young and old alike.
9 I will treat his family as I did the families of King Jeroboam of Israel and of King Baasha of Israel.
10 Jezebel will not be buried; her body will be eaten by dogs in the territory of Jezreel.' " After saying this, the young prophet left the room and fled. 2

2 Kings 9:1-10 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS 9

In this chapter we are told that one of the sons of the prophets was sent by Elisha to anoint Jehu king of Israel, and to order him to smite and destroy the whole house of Ahab, 2Ki 9:1-10, which being done unto him, and the order received by Jehu, he acquainted his captains with it, 2Ki 9:11-15, who set out with him immediately to Jezreel, 2Ki 9:16-21, where he slew Joram king of Israel, 2Ki 9:22-26, and Ahaziah king of Judah, 2Ki 9:27-29, and Jezebel, the widow of Ahab, and mother of Joram, 2Ki 9:30-37.

Cross References 2

  • 1. 9.6 1 Kings 19.16.
  • 2. 9.10 1 Kings 21.23.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.