2 Kings 9:15

But king Joram was returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) And Jehu said, If it be your minds, [then] let none go forth [nor] escape out of the city to go to tell [it] in Jezreel.

But king {H4428} Joram {H3088} was returned {H7725} to be healed {H7495} in Jezreel {H3157} of the wounds {H4347} which the Syrians {H761} had given {H5221} him, when he fought {H3898} with Hazael {H2371} king {H4428} of Syria {H758}.) And Jehu {H3058} said {H559}, If it be {H3426} your minds {H5315}, then let none {H408} go forth {H3318} nor escape {H6412} out of the city {H5892} to go {H3212} to tell {H5046} it in Jezreel {H3157}.

but Yoram himself had returned to Yizre'el to recover from the wounds Aram had inflicted on him when fighting Haza'el king of Aram.) "If you agree," said Yehu, "then don't allow anyone to leave town and take the news to Yizre'el."

but King Joram had returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds he had suffered at the hands of the Arameans in the battle against Hazael their king.) So Jehu said, β€œIf you commanders wish to make me king, then do not let anyone escape from the city to go and tell it in Jezreel.”

but king Joram was returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) And Jehu said, If this be your mind, then let none escape and go forth out of the city, to go to tell it in Jezreel.

Commentary

2 Kings 9:15 marks a pivotal moment in the anointing and subsequent actions of Jehu, setting the stage for a dramatic shift in the monarchy of Israel. This verse reveals Jehu's immediate and strategic move to secure his divinely appointed mission.

Context

The preceding verses describe how Jehu, a commander in the Israelite army, was anointed king by a prophet sent by Elisha. This anointing was a direct fulfillment of a prophecy given through Elijah concerning the house of Ahab (see 1 Kings 19:16). At this point, King Joram (or Jehoram), son of Ahab, was not with the army at Ramoth-gilead. He had returned to Jezreel to recover from wounds sustained in battle against Hazael, the king of Syria. This vulnerability in Joram's position presented Jehu with a critical window of opportunity to execute his coup.

Key Themes

  • Decisive Action: Jehu immediately takes control and issues a command that brooks no dissent, demonstrating his resolve to fulfill his prophetic mandate.
  • Secrecy and Strategy: Preventing news from reaching Joram is paramount to the success of the coup. Jehu understands that surprise is key to his military and political objective.
  • Divine Mandate: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, Jehu's actions are driven by the prophetic anointing he just received, highlighting God's sovereign hand in changing leadership.
  • Vulnerability of Leadership: Joram's absence and wounds create an opening for his overthrow, illustrating how even powerful leaders can be exposed in times of weakness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "If it be your minds" translates the Hebrew `im yesh et-nafshachem` (אם Χ™Χ© אΧͺ־נ׀שכם), which more literally means "if it is in your soul" or "if it is your desire/will." This indicates Jehu appealing to the shared intention or agreement of his fellow officers and men. It's a call for their absolute commitment and solidarity in the impending action, ensuring no one would betray his purpose.

Strategic Significance and Cross-References

Jehu's command to prevent anyone from escaping to Jezreel underscores the urgency and high stakes of his mission. He knew that if Joram was forewarned, he would have time to prepare a defense or flee, complicating the divinely ordained judgment against the house of Ahab. Jehu's swift and secret departure from Ramoth-gilead ultimately leads to Joram's death at Jehu's hand, as well as the demise of other key figures in the Omride dynasty, including Jezebel. The context of Hazael's rise to power in Syria is also significant, as he was also anointed by Elijah's successor, Elisha, as an instrument of God's judgment against Israel (see 2 Kings 8:13).

Practical Application

This verse highlights the importance of decisive and strategic action when undertaking a critical task. For believers, it can illustrate the need for focus and commitment when pursuing God's will, understanding that sometimes swift and discreet action is necessary to overcome obstacles. It also reminds us that God often uses human agents, sometimes through dramatic means, to bring about His purposes in history, even in the realm of political change.

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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 8:29

    And king Joram went back to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.

  • 1 Samuel 27:9

    And David smote the land, and left neither man nor woman alive, and took away the sheep, and the oxen, and the asses, and the camels, and the apparel, and returned, and came to Achish.

  • 1 Samuel 27:11

    And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring [tidings] to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so [will be] his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines.

  • 2 Chronicles 22:6

    And he returned to be healed in Jezreel because of the wounds which were given him at Ramah, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria. And Azariah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Jehoram the son of Ahab at Jezreel, because he was sick.
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