2 Kings 9:20

20 And the watchman told, saying, "He came even unto them and cometh not back; and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he driveth furiously."

2 Kings 9:20 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 9:20

And the watchman told, saying, he came even unto them, and
cometh not again
Was detained, as the other was: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi;
for, coming nearer, the watchman could discern the manner of his driving: for he driveth furiously;
in great haste, making much speed, being a man of a very warm and active spirit; and now being eager to come up with Joram, and seize him unprepared, and ascend the throne; the Targum is the reverse, ``for he driveth quietly or slowly,'' being desirous of drawing Joram out of the city, and get him into his hands, and slay him, that he might not have the trouble of besieging the place, which was able to hold out some time against him; and besides, he remembered the prophecy of Elisha, that Naboth's blood would be requited in the field of Jezreel, ( 2 Kings 9:26 ) , and therefore was desirous of drawing him out of the city, in order to slay him there.

2 Kings 9:20 In-Context

18 So there went one on horseback to meet him, and said, "Thus saith the king: `Is it peace?'" And Jehu said, "What hast thou to do with peace? Turn thee in behind me." And the watchman told, saying, "The messenger came to them, but he cometh not back."

19 Then he sent out a second on horseback, who came to them and said, "Thus saith the king: `Is it peace?'" And Jehu answered, "What hast thou to do with peace? Turn thee in behind me."

20 And the watchman told, saying, "He came even unto them and cometh not back; and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he driveth furiously."

21 And Joram said, "Make ready." And his chariot was made ready. And Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot; and they went out against Jehu and met him in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite.

22 And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, "Is it peace, Jehu?" And he answered, "What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?"