2 Kings 9:16

¶ So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Jezreel; for Joram lay there. And Ahaziah king of Judah was come down to see Joram.

So Jehu {H3058} rode in a chariot {H7392}, and went {H3212} to Jezreel {H3157}; for Joram {H3141} lay {H7901} there. And Ahaziah {H274} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} was come down {H3381} to see {H7200} Joram {H3141}.

So Yehu, riding in a chariot, went to Yizre'el, for Yoram was laid up there. Achazyah king of Y'hudah had come down to visit Yoram.

Then Jehu got into his chariot and went to Jezreel, because Joram was laid up there and Ahaziah king of Judah had gone down to see him.

So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Jezreel; for Joram lay there. And Ahaziah king of Judah was come down to see Joram.

Commentary

2 Kings 9:16 describes the immediate and decisive action of Jehu following his anointing as king of Israel. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic fulfillment of God's judgment against the wicked house of Ahab.

Context

Immediately prior to this verse, Jehu has been secretly anointed by a prophet sent by Elisha, with a specific divine mandate: to utterly destroy the house of Ahab and avenge the blood of God's prophets shed by Jezebel (2 Kings 9:7-10). Having secured the loyalty of his fellow commanders, Jehu wastes no time. He rides swiftly in his chariot towards Jezreel, a royal city often associated with King Ahab and his queen Jezebel, most notably for the infamous incident of Naboth's vineyard. Joram, the reigning king of Israel and son of Ahab, was recuperating in Jezreel from wounds sustained in battle against Hazael of Syria (2 Kings 8:28-29). His presence there, along with Ahaziah king of Judah (Joram's nephew and ally), creates the perfect scenario for Jehu to execute his divine commission simultaneously upon both kings.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Fulfillment of Prophecy: This verse marks the beginning of the rapid execution of God's long-standing prophecies against the house of Ahab. Jehu's journey is not just a military maneuver but a divinely ordained mission of justice.
  • Swift and Decisive Action: Jehu's immediate departure for Jezreel underscores his resolve and the urgency with which he embraced his commission. He acts with purpose and speed, indicating his commitment to God's command.
  • God's Sovereignty and Orchestration: The seemingly coincidental presence of both King Joram and King Ahaziah at Jezreel highlights God's sovereign hand. Their convergence at this specific location ensures that God's judgment can be carried out efficiently and completely, affecting both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, which had become entangled through a wicked alliance.

Linguistic Insight

The name Jezreel (Hebrew: יִזְרְעֶאל, Yizre'el) carries significant weight. While its literal meaning is "God sows" or "God scatters," in the context of the house of Ahab, it became a place synonymous with judgment and the scattering of the wicked, particularly after the shedding of innocent blood there.

Practical Application

The account of Jehu's swift journey to Jezreel reminds us of several timeless truths:

  • God's Justice Prevails: Sooner or later, God's justice will be meted out. This narrative offers a stark reminder that wickedness does not go unpunished indefinitely, and God holds all, especially leaders, accountable for their actions.
  • Divine Timing: The convergence of events—Joram's injury, Ahaziah's visit, and Jehu's anointing—demonstrates God's perfect timing in bringing about His purposes. We can trust that God orchestrates circumstances to fulfill His will.
  • Obedience and Resolve: Jehu's immediate and determined response to his divine call serves as an example of the importance of prompt obedience when God gives a clear directive.
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Cross-References

  • 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.

  • 2 Chronicles 22:7

    And the destruction of Ahaziah was of God by coming to Joram: for when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab.

  • 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.

  • 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.
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