2 Kings 9:20

20 The watchman reported, "He came even to them, and he did not return; and ¹the driving is like the driving of ²Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives 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 a horseman went to meet him and said, "Thus says the king, 'Is it peace?' " And Jehu said, "What have you to do with peace? Turn behind me." And the watchman reported, "The messenger came to them, but he did not return."

19 Then he sent out a second horseman, who came to them and said, "Thus says the king, 'Is it peace?' " And Jehu answered, "What have you to do with peace? Turn behind me."

20 The watchman reported, "He came even to them, and he did not return; and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously."

21 Then Joram said, "Get ready." And they made his chariot ready. Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they went out to meet Jehu and found him in the property of Naboth the Jezreelite.

22 When Joram saw Jehu, he said, "Is it peace, Jehu?" And he answered, "What peace, so long as the harlotries of your mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?"

Cross References

• 1. 2 Samuel 18:27
• 2. 1 Kings 19:17

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "told, saying"