2 Kings 9:20

20 Again the sentinel reported, "He reached them, but he is not coming back. It looks like the driving of Jehu son of Nimshi; for he drives like a maniac."

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 the horseman went to meet him; he said, "Thus says the king, "Is it peace?' " Jehu responded, "What have you to do with peace? Fall in behind me." The sentinel reported, saying, "The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back."

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

20 Again the sentinel reported, "He reached them, but he is not coming back. It looks like the driving of Jehu son of Nimshi; for he drives like a maniac."

21 Joram said, "Get ready." And they got his chariot ready. Then King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah set out, each in his chariot, and went to meet Jehu; they met him at the property of Naboth the Jezreelite.

22 When Joram saw Jehu, he said, "Is it peace, Jehu?" He answered, "What peace can there be, so long as the many whoredoms and sorceries of your mother Jezebel continue?"