2 Kings 9:20

KJV

And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving [is] like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the watchman {H6822} told {H5046}, saying {H559}, He came {H935} even unto them, and cometh not again {H7725}: and the driving {H4491} is like the driving {H4491} of Jehu {H3058} the son {H1121} of Nimshi {H5250}; for he driveth {H5090} furiously {H7697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The watchman reported, "He reached them, but he isn't coming back. Also, it looks like the driving of Yehu Nimshi's [grand]son - he's driving like a maniac!"

Berean Standard Bible

Again the watchman reported, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the charioteer is driving like Jehu son of Nimshi—he is driving like a madman!”

American Standard Version

And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not back: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 9:20 records the crucial moment when a watchman in Jezreel identifies the approaching chariot company's leader by his distinctively furious and zealous driving style, recognizing it as unmistakably that of Jehu, the recently anointed instrument of God's judgment against the house of Ahab. This recognition signals the imminent and decisive execution of divine prophecy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of Jehu's coup. Immediately preceding it, King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah are in Jezreel, recovering from battle wounds. A watchman on the tower observes an approaching company. Two envoys are sent out to inquire their purpose, but neither returns, raising alarm and suspicion (2 Kings 9:17-19). The watchman's identification of Jehu by his unique driving style in verse 20 is the climax of this observation sequence, confirming the identity of the approaching party and setting the stage for the dramatic, violent confrontation that follows, leading to the deaths of Joram, Ahaziah, and Jezebel. It transitions the narrative from observation to direct action.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jezreel, a royal city where King Ahab had a palace and vineyard. Chariots were elite military vehicles, and their drivers were often skilled and identifiable. Watchmen on city towers were essential for security, providing early warnings of approaching forces. Jehu, a military commander, had just been secretly anointed by a prophet sent by Elisha with a divine mandate to utterly destroy the wicked house of Ahab, including Jezebel, as punishment for their idolatry and injustice (2 Kings 9:6-10). His "furious" driving style would have been remarkable and perhaps even alarming, signaling a leader on an urgent, non-negotiable mission, defying conventional protocol. The mention of "Jehu the son of Nimshi" grounds the identification in his known lineage and public persona.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Judgment and Execution:** Jehu's swift and furious approach symbolizes the unstoppable nature of God's judgment against the corrupt dynasty of Ahab. He is God's chosen instrument, and his zeal reflects the urgency and certainty of the divine plan unfolding, fulfilling prophecies made earlier by Elijah (e.g., [1 Kings 21:21-24](/1_kings/21-21 "1 Kings 21:21-24 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Ahab")).
* **Character and Reputation:** Jehu's distinctive driving style highlights his well-known, aggressive, and determined character. His reputation for decisive and perhaps even reckless action precedes him, making him immediately recognizable even from a distance. This characteristic was perfectly suited for the uncompromising and violent task God had given him, as seen in his subsequent actions in [2 Kings 9](/2_kings/9 "2 Kings 9 - Jehu's Anointing and Coup").
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The entire sequence, from Jehu's anointing to his decisive actions, is a direct fulfillment of the word of the Lord spoken through Elijah against Ahab and Jezebel, emphasizing God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His word, whether in blessing or judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Watchman (Hebrew, _tsophêh_):** This term refers to a sentinel or lookout, typically positioned on a high vantage point (like a city tower) to observe and report on approaching individuals or groups. The watchman's role here is crucial; his accurate and immediate identification of Jehu based on his distinctive driving style underscores the reliability of his observation and the unique nature of Jehu's approach. His report is the catalyst for the unfolding drama.
* **Driving (Hebrew, _minhag_):** Derived from a root meaning "to lead" or "to guide," this word refers to the manner, conduct, or custom of driving a chariot. It signifies Jehu's particular, recognizable technique or style of controlling his horses and chariot. The fact that this "driving" is so distinct as to be a personal identifier speaks to Jehu's skill, perhaps his signature intensity, and the powerful impression his movements made.
* **Furiously (Hebrew, _b'shiggaon_):** This adverb, derived from the noun _shiggaon_ meaning "madness," "frenzy," or "wildness," describes the extreme intensity and speed of Jehu's driving. It does not imply that Jehu was literally insane, but rather that his driving was characterized by an almost reckless, uncontrolled, or exceptionally zealous pace. This conveys a sense of single-minded determination, impetuousness, and an uncompromising approach to his mission, perfectly reflecting the zealous and violent nature of the divine judgment he was about to execute.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again:"**: This initial report from the watchman confirms the failure of the second envoy to return after approaching the advancing company. This signifies that the approaching group is not friendly or compliant, and their leader is not interested in parley, immediately raising the level of alarm and suspicion in Jezreel.
* **"and the driving [is] like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi;"**: This is the critical identification. The watchman, observing from a distance, recognizes the distinctive manner in which the leader of the chariot company drives. This "driving" is so unique and characteristic that he immediately identifies it as belonging to Jehu, the son of Nimshi, implying Jehu's driving style was well-known and unmistakable.
* **"for he driveth furiously."**: This clause provides the specific characteristic that makes Jehu's driving so recognizable. His driving is described as "furious" – intensely fast, zealous, perhaps even wild or reckless. This explains the watchman's certainty and foreshadows the swift, decisive, and uncompromising nature of Jehu's actions upon arrival.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Characterization** is evident as Jehu's personality is immediately conveyed through his "furious" driving style; he is portrayed as zealous, decisive, and perhaps impetuous, perfectly suited for the violent task ahead. This method of indirect characterization allows the reader to understand Jehu's nature before he even speaks. **Foreshadowing** is also prominent, as the intensity and speed of Jehu's approach implicitly predict the swift and uncompromising judgment he is about to unleash upon the house of Ahab. The "furious" driving is a symbolic representation of the impending divine wrath. Furthermore, the watchman's ability to identify Jehu solely by his driving highlights the power of **Reputation** and consistent behavior; Jehu's actions literally precede his physical presence, demonstrating how one's established character can be a potent identifier.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The recognition of Jehu by his "furious" driving underscores a profound theological truth: God often uses individuals with distinct, even intense, personalities to accomplish His sovereign purposes. Jehu's zeal, though leading to violent acts of judgment, was instrumental in fulfilling God's prophetic word against the wicked house of Ahab. This passage reminds us that God's judgment, while sometimes delayed, is ultimately certain and decisive, often executed through chosen instruments. It highlights God's absolute control over history and His unwavering commitment to justice, even when it involves drastic measures.

* [1 Kings 21:21-24](/1_kings/21-21 "1 Kings 21:21-24 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Ahab and Jezebel")
* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Instrument of Judgment")
* [Jeremiah 51:20](/jeremiah/51-20 "Jeremiah 51:20 - Babylon as God's Battle-Axe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The watchman's immediate recognition of Jehu's distinctive driving style serves as a powerful reminder that our character and actions often precede us, speaking volumes about who we are and what we represent, even before we utter a word. Just as Jehu's "furious" driving signaled his zealous and uncompromising nature, our consistent demeanor, work ethic, and commitment can communicate our values and intentions to those around us. For believers, this prompts reflection on how our "driving style" – our daily conduct, the energy we bring to our tasks, and our spiritual zeal – reflects our devotion to Christ and our commitment to His kingdom. God uses diverse personalities and gifts to accomplish His will; Jehu's story encourages us to embrace our unique temperament for God's glory, acting with decisive commitment when called to a divine task, trusting that God can use even our intense or unconventional traits for His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does our "driving style" (our character, work ethic, and spiritual zeal) reflect our commitment to God's will and our identity as followers of Christ?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to act with greater zeal or decisiveness, much like Jehu, in fulfilling His purposes?**
* **What does Jehu's story teach us about God's sovereignty in using imperfect or intensely characterized individuals to accomplish His perfect and just will?**

### FAQ
**What does "furiously" mean in the context of Jehu's driving?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "furiously" (b'shiggaon) comes from a root meaning "madness" or "frenzy." In this context, it doesn't imply Jehu was literally insane, but rather that his driving was characterized by extreme speed, intensity, and zeal. It suggests an almost reckless or wild pace, indicative of his single-minded and uncompromising pursuit of his divinely appointed mission, without regard for conventional protocol or hesitation.

**Why was Jehu's driving so recognizable from a distance?**

Answer: Jehu's driving was likely a distinctive and well-known characteristic of his personality and leadership. It probably reflected his aggressive, no-nonsense approach to everything, including movement. His unique, intense, and perhaps unconventional manner of controlling his chariot made him easily identifiable, even from the city watchtower. This speaks to the power of a person's consistent actions and reputation to precede them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jehu was an instrument of God's judgment, executing a specific, violent decree against a wicked dynasty, his zealous, decisive, and unstoppable approach foreshadows aspects of Christ's own mission, though with a profoundly different character and ultimate purpose. Jehu's "furious" driving, signifying an urgent and uncompromising mission, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the zeal of Christ. Jesus, too, was driven by an intense zeal for God's house and God's will, as demonstrated when He cleansed the temple (John 2:17, quoting [Psalm 69:9](/psalms/69-9 "Psalm 69:9 - Zeal for God's House")). His coming into the world was not a hesitant or uncertain arrival, but a decisive, divinely appointed invasion of the kingdom of darkness, culminating in His victory over sin and death (Colossians 2:15). Just as Jehu's arrival signaled judgment for Ahab's house, Christ's first coming inaugurated the judgment of the world, though primarily as a mission of salvation, offering grace and truth ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Christ Came Not to Condemn")). However, His second coming will be marked by a definitive and righteous judgment, where He will come swiftly and decisively, not as a Lamb, but as a conquering King, executing divine justice upon all unrighteousness ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as the Rider on the White Horse")). Jehu's zeal was for destruction; Christ's ultimate zeal is for the complete establishment of God's righteous kingdom, bringing both salvation and final, perfect judgment.

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 Samuel 18:27

And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He [is] a good man, and cometh with good tidings.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

2 Kings 10:16

And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot.

1 Kings 19:17

And it shall come to pass, [that] him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

Habakkuk 1:6

For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, [that] bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces [that are] not theirs.

Daniel 11:44

But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.

Habakkuk 3:12

Thou didst march through the land in indignation, thou didst thresh the heathen in anger.