2 Kings 9:20

20 So the watchman announced, "He has reached them, but he isn't coming back. The troop's leader is driving like a lunatic, like Jehu, grandson of Nimshi."

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 a chariot driver rode off, met Jehu, and said, "The king asks, 'Is everything alright?'" Jehu replied, "Why should that matter to you? Follow me." So the watchman announced, "The messenger you sent has reached them, but he isn't coming back."

19 Then Joram sent out a second driver. When he came to them, he said, "The king asks, 'Is everything alright?'" Jehu replied, "Why should that matter to you? Follow me."

20 So the watchman announced, "He has reached them, but he isn't coming back. The troop's leader is driving like a lunatic, like Jehu, grandson of Nimshi."

21 "Hitch the horses to the chariot," Joram ordered. When that was done, King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah went to meet Jehu, each in his own chariot. They found him in the field that belonged to Naboth from Jezreel.

22 When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, "Is everything alright, Jehu?" Jehu answered, "How can everything be alright as long as your mother continues her idolatry and witchcraft?"