2 Kings 9:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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,

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
The dramatic initiation of Jehu's coup against King Joram marks the setting in motion of the divinely ordained judgment upon the house of Ahab in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This pivotal verse details Jehu's conspiracy, rooted in his recent prophetic anointing, and highlights the strategic military context at Ramothgilead, where Joram's absence due to battle wounds created the opportune moment for this significant shift in Israelite monarchy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the clandestine anointing of Jehu by a young prophet, dispatched by Elisha, with the explicit divine commission to annihilate the entire house of Ahab ([2 Kings 9:1-10](/2_kings/9-10 "2 Kings 9:1-10 - Jehu's Anointing")). Jehu's fellow military commanders, initially skeptical, quickly affirm his kingship upon hearing the prophetic message. The narrative flow swiftly transitions from the anointing and Jehu's acceptance of the mandate to the immediate execution of the conspiracy. The parenthetical note serves to explain King Joram's absence from Ramothgilead, providing the critical backdrop for Jehu's decisive move. This act is the direct fulfillment of earlier prophecies against Ahab's dynasty due to their idolatry and wickedness, particularly the murder of Naboth ([1 Kings 21:21-24](/1_kings/21-24 "1 Kings 21:21-24 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Ahab")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Omride dynasty, which included Ahab and Joram, was characterized by significant political instability, often exacerbated by ongoing conflicts with neighboring Aram (Syria). Ramothgilead, situated strategically on the eastern frontier, was a frequently contested border city, vital for controlling trade routes and defending against Syrian incursions. King Joram had been wounded in a recent battle against Hazael, the newly crowned king of Syria ([2 Kings 8:28-29](/2_kings/8-29 "2 Kings 8:28-29 - Joram Wounded at Ramothgilead")), and had retreated to Jezreel to recover. This left the military command at Ramothgilead in the hands of officers like Jehu, creating a power vacuum and an ideal environment for a coup. Coups were not uncommon in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, a reflection of its turbulent political history and the often-conditional nature of its kingship, which was frequently tied to prophetic endorsement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**. Jehu's conspiracy, while seemingly a human political maneuver, is presented as the direct instrument of God's righteous judgment against the persistent idolatry and injustice of the Omride dynasty, fulfilling prophecies made decades earlier by Elijah ([1 Kings 21:21-24](/1_kings/21-24 "1 Kings 21:21-24 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Ahab")). It highlights the **Consequences of Apostasy**, demonstrating that divine patience has limits and that unrepentant sin inevitably leads to severe repercussions. Furthermore, the verse illustrates the **Volatility of Power** in ancient Israel, where military strength and strategic locations like Ramothgilead ([2 Kings 8:28](/2_kings/8-28 "2 Kings 8:28 - Joram's Battle at Ramothgilead")) played a crucial role in the rise and fall of dynasties, often intertwined with prophetic pronouncements and popular support or discontent.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Conspired (Hebrew, _qashar'_):** This verb signifies a binding together, often in a secret plot, conspiracy, or rebellion against a legitimate authority. It is a strong term indicating a deliberate and often treacherous act of treason. In this context, it emphasizes the intentional and organized nature of Jehu's move, not merely an opportunistic seizure of power but a calculated overthrow.
* **Kept (Hebrew, _shamar'_):** Meaning to guard, watch, or preserve. Here, it describes Joram's role in maintaining control over Ramothgilead. It highlights the strategic importance of the city and Joram's responsibility as king to defend it, even as his absence from the front lines created the very opportunity for his downfall.
* **Son of (Hebrew, _ben'_):** While seemingly simple, the repeated "son of" in Jehu's lineage ("Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi") serves to identify him clearly and establish his background. In biblical genealogies, "son of" can sometimes mean "descendant of," but here it likely indicates direct paternal lineage, providing his credentials and perhaps hinting at his family's standing among the military elite.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram.":** This opening clause immediately identifies the protagonist, Jehu, and his specific action—a conspiracy. The mention of his father and grandfather (Jehoshoshaphat and Nimshi) serves as a formal introduction, establishing his identity among the military commanders. The target of his conspiracy is King Joram, the reigning monarch of Israel. The "So" links this action directly to the preceding narrative of Jehu's anointing and the divine mandate he received, indicating that the conspiracy is the direct outcome of that prophetic commission.
* **"(Now Joram had kept Ramothgilead, he and all Israel, because of Hazael king of Syria.":** This parenthetical statement provides crucial background information, explaining the circumstances that enabled Jehu's conspiracy. It clarifies that Joram, along with the Israelite army, had been actively defending Ramothgilead against the Syrian king Hazael. The implication is that Joram's presence at Jezreel, recovering from battle wounds ([2 Kings 8:28-29](/2_kings/8-29 "2 Kings 8:28-29 - Joram Wounded")), left Jehu and the other commanders at Ramothgilead, providing the ideal environment for the secret anointing and the subsequent plotting without the king's immediate oversight. This detail underscores the strategic importance of Ramothgilead and the ongoing geopolitical tensions.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Parenthetical Remark** to provide vital contextual information without interrupting the main narrative flow. The phrase "(Now Joram had kept Ramothgilead, he and all Israel, because of Hazael king of Syria)" clarifies Joram's absence from the front, which is crucial for understanding how Jehu's conspiracy could unfold among the military leaders. There is also a strong sense of **Foreshadowing** as this initial act of conspiracy sets the stage for the swift and violent purge of the house of Ahab, fulfilling long-standing prophecies. The narrative also subtly uses **Irony**: Joram's efforts to defend Israel against external enemies (Syria) inadvertently create the conditions for an internal enemy (Jehu) to rise and overthrow him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative is a powerful testament to God's active involvement in human history, even in seemingly chaotic political upheavals. It demonstrates that divine judgment is not merely a theological concept but a tangible reality that can manifest through human agents and circumstances. Jehu's conspiracy, while a violent and politically motivated act, is framed as the direct fulfillment of God's word against the persistent idolatry and wickedness of the Omride dynasty. This highlights God's sovereignty over nations and rulers, reminding us that no earthly power is beyond His ultimate authority and scrutiny. The verse also underscores the principle that unrepentant sin, particularly the rejection of God's covenant and the promotion of idolatry, inevitably leads to severe consequences, as seen in the tragic end of Ahab's house.

* [1 Samuel 2:7](/1_samuel/2-7 "1 Samuel 2:7 - God Raises Up and Brings Down")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God is the Judge")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Jehu's conspiracy, though set in a specific historical and cultural context of ancient Israelite monarchy, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It compels us to recognize God's overarching sovereignty, even amidst political turmoil, social injustice, and seemingly random events. Just as God used Jehu to bring about His purposes, so too does He work through various means in our world, often in ways we do not immediately comprehend. This should instill in us a deep trust in His ultimate control and the certainty that His justice will prevail. Furthermore, the downfall of Ahab's house serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of unrighteousness, idolatry, and moral decay. It challenges us to examine our own lives and societies, asking if we are aligning with God's righteous standards or succumbing to the temptations of the age. Our response should be one of humility, repentance, and a renewed commitment to living in accordance with His will, understanding that true stability and blessing comes from obedience to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of divine sovereignty, as illustrated by Jehu's anointing and conspiracy, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's involvement in current global or national events?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the judgment against the house of Ahab regarding the long-term consequences of persistent sin and idolatry, both individually and corporately?**
* **In what ways might God be calling us to be instruments of His justice or righteousness in our own spheres of influence, even if it means confronting established norms or systems?**
* **How does the strategic importance of Ramothgilead in this narrative prompt us to consider the "strategic" places or positions in our own lives where God might be working out His purposes?**

### FAQ
**Was Jehu's conspiracy an act of rebellion or divine obedience?**

Answer: While Jehu's actions certainly constituted a rebellion against the reigning monarch, Joram, the biblical narrative explicitly frames it as an act of divine obedience and the fulfillment of God's prophetic word. Jehu was specifically anointed by a prophet sent by Elisha with a clear mandate to "strike down the house of Ahab your master, so that I may avenge on Jezebel the blood of my servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the Lord" ([2 Kings 9:7](/2_kings/9-7 "2 Kings 9:7 - Jehu's Divine Mandate")). Therefore, from a theological perspective, it was a divinely authorized execution of judgment, making it an act of obedience to God's command, even if it involved political upheaval and violence.

**Why was Ramothgilead so important in this story?**

Answer: Ramothgilead was a strategically vital fortress city located in Gilead, east of the Jordan River. It was a key border defense against the Arameans (Syrians) and frequently contested between Israel and Aram. Its importance meant that a significant portion of Israel's military leadership, including Jehu, was gathered there. King Joram's absence, due to wounds sustained defending the city ([2 Kings 8:28-29](/2_kings/8-29 "2 Kings 8:28-29 - Joram Wounded at Ramothgilead")), left the military command in the hands of his officers. This created the perfect, isolated environment for Jehu's secret anointing and the subsequent initiation of his conspiracy without immediate detection by the king or his loyalists, making it the ideal staging ground for the coup.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic events, depicting Jehu's divinely sanctioned coup against the wicked house of Ahab, powerfully foreshadow the ultimate and perfect judgment and kingdom established by Jesus Christ. While Jehu's reign was marked by violence and a temporary cleansing of idolatry, it ultimately remained an earthly, flawed kingdom. In contrast, Jesus, the true King of Israel, came not to overthrow an earthly dynasty through conspiracy, but to dismantle the spiritual dominion of sin and death through His sacrificial death and resurrection ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). He is the one who truly "conspires" against the powers of darkness, binding the strong man to plunder his house ([Mark 3:27](/mark/3-27 "Mark 3:27 - Binding the Strong Man")). Unlike Jehu, whose dynasty eventually failed due to its own shortcomings ([2 Kings 10:31](/2_kings/10-31 "2 Kings 10:31 - Jehu's Failure to Depart from Jeroboam's Sins")), Christ establishes an eternal kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Eternal Dominion")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's righteous judgment, not merely against a wicked house, but against all unrighteousness, and the perfect King who brings true spiritual cleansing and everlasting peace to His people ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice to Put Away Sin")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.