2 Kings 9:24

And Jehu drew a bow with his full strength, and smote Jehoram between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot.

And Jehu {H3058} drew a bow {H7198} with his full {H4390} strength {H3027}, and smote {H5221} Jehoram {H3088} between his arms {H2220}, and the arrow {H2678} went out {H3318} at his heart {H3820}, and he sunk down {H3766} in his chariot {H7393}.

Yehu drew his bow with all his strength and struck Yoram between the shoulder-blades; the arrow went through his heart, and he collapsed in his chariot.

Then Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders. The arrow pierced his heart, and he slumped down in his chariot.

And Jehu drew his bow with his full strength, and smote Joram between his arms; and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot.

Commentary

2 Kings 9:24 vividly describes the dramatic and fatal moment when King Jehoram of Israel is struck down by Jehu. This verse marks a pivotal point in the biblical narrative, signifying the swift and decisive execution of divine judgment against the house of Ahab.

Context

This verse is the climax of Jehu's swift and violent coup. Jehu, a commander in the Israelite army, had just been anointed king by a prophet sent by Elisha, with a specific mandate from the Lord: to utterly destroy the wicked house of Ahab and avenge the blood of the prophets shed by Jezebel, Ahab's wife. King Jehoram was Ahab's son, and thus the current head of the condemned dynasty. Jehoram, along with Ahaziah, king of Judah (Ahab's grandson through Athaliah), had come out to meet Jehu, unaware of his murderous intentions. Upon realizing Jehu's treachery, Jehoram attempted to flee, crying, "There is treachery, O Ahaziah!" (2 Kings 9:23).

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment Fulfilled: This act directly fulfills the prophecies made against the house of Ahab, particularly those delivered by Elijah in 1 Kings 21:21-24 and reiterated by the prophet who anointed Jehu in 2 Kings 9:7-10. God uses Jehu as His instrument of justice.
  • Jehu's Zealous Execution: Jehu acts with immediate and overwhelming force, demonstrating the "fury of Jehu" (as mentioned in 2 Kings 9:20). His "full strength" shot underscores his determination to complete his mission.
  • Irreversible Consequences: Jehoram's death is sudden and absolute, highlighting the unavoidable consequences of persistent rebellion against God and the severity of divine wrath against systemic wickedness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "drew a bow with his full strength" emphasizes Jehu's immense power and resolve. The arrow smiting Jehoram "between his arms" suggests that Jehoram was struck in the back as he turned to flee, a particularly vulnerable and perhaps ignominious spot for a king to be fatally wounded. The arrow going "out at his heart" confirms the immediate and fatal nature of the wound, leaving no doubt about his demise.

Related Scriptures

The events leading to this moment begin with Jehu's anointing and commission in 2 Kings 9:1-10. Jehoram's attempts to rule righteously were half-hearted compared to his father Ahab (2 Kings 3:2), but his family's deep-rooted idolatry and wickedness sealed his fate. Jehu's actions, though violent, were explicitly approved by God, as seen in 2 Kings 10:30, because he executed the Lord's judgment against the corrupt dynasty.

Practical Application

While we do not live under the Old Testament covenant of immediate, physical judgment in the same way, 2 Kings 9:24 still offers profound lessons. It reminds us of God's absolute sovereignty and His justice, which will always prevail. No one can escape the consequences of persistent sin and rebellion against His will. The narrative also underscores that God can use unexpected and even ruthless instruments to bring about His purposes. For believers, it's a call to consider the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin, encouraging us to walk in obedience and seek His righteousness.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 22:34 (4 votes)

    And a [certain] man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:12 (2 votes)

    Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his [days] be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:

  • Ecclesiastes 8:13 (2 votes)

    But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong [his] days, [which are] as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.

  • Psalms 50:22 (2 votes)

    Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear [you] in pieces, and [there be] none to deliver.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:3 (2 votes)

    For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

  • Proverbs 21:30 (2 votes)

    ¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

  • Job 20:23 (2 votes)

    ¶ [When] he is about to fill his belly, [God] shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him, and shall rain [it] upon him while he is eating.