2 Kings 9:14

So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram. (Now Joram had kept Ramothgilead, he and all Israel, because of Hazael king of Syria.

So Jehu {H3058} the son {H1121} of Jehoshaphat {H3092} the son {H1121} of Nimshi {H5250} conspired {H7194} against Joram {H3141}.(Now Joram {H3141} had kept {H8104} Ramothgilead {H7433}{H1568}, he and all Israel {H3478}, because {H6440} of Hazael {H2371} king {H4428} of Syria {H758}.

Yehu the son of Y'hoshafat, the son of Nimshi, formed a conspiracy against Yoram. (At the time, Yoram was guarding Ramot-Gil'ad, he and all Isra'el, because of Haza'el king of Aram;

Thus Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, conspired against Joram. (Now Joram and all Israel had been defending Ramoth-gilead against Hazael king of Aram,

So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram. (Now Joram was keeping Ramoth-gilead, he and all Israel, because of Hazael king of Syria;

Commentary

2 Kings 9:14 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, detailing the beginning of Jehu's dramatic coup against King Joram. This verse sets the stage for the swift and brutal fulfillment of prophetic judgment against the house of Ahab, initiating a new dynasty in the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jehu's anointing by a young prophet, sent by Elisha, with a specific commission to destroy the house of Ahab. The anointing took place among the military commanders at Ramothgilead, a strategic Israelite city located in Gilead, east of the Jordan River. At this time, King Joram of Israel (son of Ahab) was recovering from wounds sustained in battle against Hazael, king of Syria, at Ramothgilead. He had returned to Jezreel to recuperate, leaving Jehu and other commanders to hold the city. The parenthetical remark in the verse, "Now Joram had kept Ramothgilead, he and all Israel, because of Hazael king of Syria," highlights the ongoing military tension and explains Joram's absence from the front lines, creating the opportunity for Jehu's conspiracy to unfold.

Key Themes

  • Divine Mandate and Judgment: Jehu's conspiracy was not merely a political power grab but a divinely ordained mission. He was anointed king by prophetic decree specifically "to cut off the house of Ahab" (2 Kings 9:7), fulfilling earlier prophecies made against Ahab and Jezebel for their idolatry and wickedness, particularly the murder of Naboth (1 Kings 21:21-24).
  • Political Instability: The constant conflict with powerful neighbors like Syria, led by King Hazael, contributed to the volatile political climate in Israel. This external pressure often weakened the reigning monarchy, making it susceptible to internal plots and coups like Jehu's.
  • Strategic Location: Ramothgilead served as a critical border fortress, frequently contested between Israel and Syria. Its strategic importance meant a significant portion of Israel's military leadership, including Jehu, was gathered there, providing the ideal environment for the secret anointing and the initiation of the conspiracy.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "conspired" (קָשַׁר - qashar) implies a binding together, often in a secret plot or rebellion. It is a strong term indicating a deliberate act of treason against the reigning monarch. The phrase "kept Ramothgilead" (שָׁמַר - shamar) means to guard or defend, indicating Joram's role in maintaining control over this crucial city against Syrian aggression.

Practical Application

While the specific context of Jehu's coup is unique to ancient Israel, the verse illustrates several enduring principles. It reminds us of God's sovereignty over human affairs, including political changes and the rise and fall of leaders. Even in seemingly chaotic events like a military conspiracy, God can work to bring about His purposes and fulfill His word. For believers, it underscores the truth that no power or dynasty is beyond God's ultimate judgment when they defy His righteous standards. It encourages reflection on the consequences of unrighteousness and the certainty of divine justice.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 8:28

    And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael king of Syria in Ramothgilead; and the Syrians wounded Joram.

  • 1 Kings 22:3

    And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead [is] ours, and we [be] still, [and] take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?

  • 2 Kings 8:12

    And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child.

  • 2 Kings 8:15

    And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped [it] in water, and spread [it] on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.

  • 1 Kings 16:7

    And also by the hand of the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani came the word of the LORD against Baasha, and against his house, even for all the evil that he did in the sight of the LORD, in provoking him to anger with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam; and because he killed him.

  • 2 Kings 9:31

    And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, [Had] Zimri peace, who slew his master?

  • 1 Kings 15:27

    And Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him; and Baasha smote him at Gibbethon, which [belonged] to the Philistines; for Nadab and all Israel laid siege to Gibbethon.
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