2 Kings 9:3

KJV

Then take the box of oil, and pour [it] on his head, and say, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then take {H3947} the box {H6378} of oil {H8081}, and pour {H3332} it on his head {H7218}, and say {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, I have anointed {H4886} thee king {H4428} over Israel {H3478}. Then open {H6605} the door {H1817}, and flee {H5127}, and tarry {H2442} not.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and say, 'This is what ADONAI says: "I have anointed you king over Isra'el."' After that, open the door; and get away from there as fast as you can."

Berean Standard Bible

Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and declare, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run. Do not delay!”

American Standard Version

Then take the vial of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus saith Jehovah, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 9:3 records the clandestine anointing of Jehu as king over Israel, a direct and urgent command from the prophet Elisha executed by one of his prophetic disciples. This pivotal moment, marked by a divine mandate and the immediate instruction to flee, signifies God's sovereign intervention in the political landscape of the Northern Kingdom, setting in motion the swift and violent judgment against the idolatrous and wicked house of Ahab, thereby fulfilling long-standing prophecies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culmination of Elisha's precise instructions to the "young man, the prophet" in [2 Kings 9:1-2](/2_kings/9-1-2 "2 Kings 9:1-2 - Elisha's Commission to Anoint Jehu"). The preceding verses detail Elisha's commission to anoint Jehu, a commander in the Israelite army stationed at Ramoth-gilead, and to deliver a specific message of divine judgment against the house of Ahab. Immediately following this anointing, [2 Kings 9:4-10](/2_kings/9-4-10 "2 Kings 9:4-10 - Jehu's Anointing and Prophetic Declaration") describes Jehu's officers recognizing the prophetic significance, leading to Jehu's swift mobilization to execute the divine judgment. This narrative arc culminates in the violent overthrow of King Jehoram and the subsequent eradication of Ahab's dynasty, directly fulfilling the prophecies given earlier to Elijah in [1 Kings 19:16](/1_kings/19-16 "1 Kings 19:16 - Elijah's Commission to Anoint Jehu") and later reiterated by Elisha himself. The secrecy and urgency of the anointing in this verse underscore the gravity and danger inherent in challenging the established, yet corrupt, royal authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Kings 9:3 unfold in Ramoth-gilead, a strategically vital military outpost on Israel's eastern frontier, frequently contested with the Arameans. At this juncture, Israel was under the rule of Jehoram, a descendant of the infamous King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, whose prolonged reign had deeply entrenched idolatry and moral depravity throughout the nation. The anointing of a king was a sacred and public ritual, typically performed by a prophet, priest, or elder, symbolizing divine selection, authorization, and the transfer of legitimate authority. However, Jehu's anointing was deliberately clandestine, reflecting the rebellious and treasonous nature of this act against the reigning monarch. The imperative command to "flee, and tarry not" highlights the immense personal danger to the young prophet, as such an act constituted high treason and would invite immediate and severe reprisal from the powerful Omride dynasty. This period was characterized by profound political instability, spiritual apostasy, and moral decay, setting the stage for God's decisive and often violent intervention to restore justice and covenant fidelity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to the Books of Kings and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it emphatically highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is the ultimate authority who raises up and brings down kings according to His immutable will, as seen in the declaration that He "changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")). Jehu's kingship is not a product of human ambition or dynastic succession but a direct divine decree, underscored by the authoritative prophetic formula, "Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel." Secondly, it underscores **Prophetic Authority**, emphasizing the crucial role of prophets as God's authoritative spokespersons, validating and initiating God's will in the earthly realm. The simple, direct command from the prophet carries the full weight of God's word, acting as the catalyst for a national upheaval. Thirdly, the urgency and secrecy of the mission point to **Divine Judgment**, as Jehu is consecrated specifically to execute God's long-awaited punishment against the wicked house of Ahab, a theme consistently woven through the narrative, as prophesied in [1 Kings 21:21-24](/1_kings/21-21-24 "1 Kings 21:21-24 - Prophecy Against Ahab's House"). Finally, it speaks to **Obedience to Divine Mandate**, showcasing the young prophet's faithful and immediate execution of a dangerous and unconventional mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **מָשַׁח (Hebrew, _mâshach'_):** This primitive root means "to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint." In a ceremonial and spiritual context, it signifies the act of setting apart or consecrating a person for a special office or divine service. It was a ritual performed for priests, prophets, and especially kings, symbolizing divine authorization, empowerment, and the bestowal of the Holy Spirit for the task. Jehu's anointing by a prophetic messenger underscores that his authority derived directly from Yahweh, not from human lineage or military prowess alone, marking him as divinely chosen for a specific purpose.
* **שֶׁמֶן (Hebrew, _shemen'_):** This Hebrew word refers to "grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness." In this context, it is not merely a common commodity but a sacred substance—olive oil—used for anointing. As a symbol, oil represented consecration, blessing, divine presence, and the impartation of spiritual authority. Its pouring upon Jehu's head visually and tangibly marked him as divinely chosen and endowed for his specific, albeit violent, mission of judgment.
* **יְהוָה (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From the root הָיָה (hayah), meaning "to be," this name signifies "(the) self-Existent or Eternal." It is the Jewish national name of God, Jehovah or the Lord. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" (כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה, _koh amar Yᵉhôvâh'_) is a powerful prophetic formula, meaning "Thus says Yahweh." It is a declaration of absolute divine authority, signifying that the words spoken are not the prophet's own opinion or wisdom, but a direct, infallible message from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. Its inclusion here lends absolute weight and truthfulness to the proclamation of Jehu's kingship, leaving no doubt that this was a divine appointment, not a human insurrection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then take the box of oil, and pour [it] on his head,"**: This initial command describes the ritual act of anointing. The "box of oil" (KJV, more accurately "flask" or "vial" of oil, H6378 _pak_) indicates a vessel containing the sacred anointing oil. Pouring it on the head was the customary manner of anointing kings and priests, signifying the setting apart of the individual for a holy office and the impartation of divine authority and empowerment. This physical act was the tangible sign of a spiritual reality, a visible manifestation of God's choice.
* **"and say, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel."**: This is the core prophetic declaration, emphasizing the divine origin of Jehu's kingship. The authoritative phrase "Thus saith the LORD" authenticates the message as Yahweh's direct word, not the prophet's personal pronouncement. The declaration "I have anointed thee king over Israel" asserts God's sovereign choice and installation of Jehu, bypassing the established dynastic succession and revealing God's active, direct involvement in the political affairs of His people, specifically for a purpose of judgment.
* **"Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not."**: This final, urgent command highlights the immediate, secretive, and highly dangerous nature of the mission. The anointing of a new king, especially one not in the direct line of succession, was an act of treason against the reigning monarch, Jehoram. The instruction to "open the door" (H6605 _pâthach_ the H1817 _deleth_ "door") and then "flee, and tarry not" (H5127 _nûwç_ and H2442 _châkâh_) emphasizes the immediate peril to the young prophet's life and the need for swift, decisive action to ensure the success of the divine mandate and the prophet's safety from reprisal by the existing, powerful regime.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message and urgency. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, as the entire verse is a series of direct, forceful commands from Elisha to his disciple ("take," "pour," "say," "open," "flee," "tarry not"), conveying the non-negotiable and immediate nature of the divine mission. **Symbolism** is central, with the "oil" representing divine selection, consecration, and empowerment for a specific, divinely ordained task. The act of "pouring" the oil on the head is a powerful symbolic gesture of setting apart. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" functions as a potent **Prophetic Formula**, lending absolute authority and divine backing to the proclamation, underscoring that the words are God's own. The concluding directives, "flee, and tarry not," create a pervasive sense of **Urgency** and impending danger, highlighting the high stakes involved in this divinely orchestrated coup. This swift, decisive action also serves as **Foreshadowing** for the equally swift and violent actions Jehu will take to fulfill God's judgment against the house of Ahab.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's active and sovereign involvement in human history, particularly in the realm of political leadership and national destiny. It demonstrates that kings and rulers are ultimately established and removed by divine decree, not merely by human will, dynastic succession, or military might. God uses individuals, even those with complex or flawed characters like Jehu, as instruments to accomplish His righteous purposes, especially when it comes to executing judgment against rampant wickedness and upholding His covenant. The anointing signifies a divine commissioning, setting apart an individual for a specific task within God's overarching plan, powerfully reminding us that all authority ultimately stems from Him and is subject to His ultimate will.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Down")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - All Authority is from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine anointing of Jehu, though set in a context of ancient Israelite monarchy and divine judgment, offers profound insights for believers today. It reminds us that God remains utterly sovereign over all earthly powers, political landscapes, and challenging circumstances, actively working to fulfill His eternal purposes. We are called to recognize God's providential hand in history and to trust His ultimate justice, even when His methods seem unconventional or His timeline extended beyond our comprehension. Furthermore, this passage challenges us to consider our own callings and divine assignments. Just as Jehu was anointed for a specific, albeit dangerous, task, so too are believers equipped by the Holy Spirit for service within God's kingdom. Obedience to God's clear commands, even when they demand swift action, require personal courage, or involve perceived risk, is paramount. It encourages us to be sensitive to the Spirit's leading, to act decisively when God calls, and to trust that He will provide the necessary authority, wisdom, and protection to accomplish His will for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over earthly rulers impact your perspective on current political events and the challenges facing society?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "flee and tarry not" – to act decisively and without hesitation in response to a divine prompting?**
* **What does it mean to be "anointed" by God for a specific purpose in your own life, and how can you better discern and faithfully fulfill that calling in your daily walk?**

### FAQ
**Why was the anointing done in secret and with such urgency?**

Answer: The anointing of Jehu was a direct act of rebellion and treason against the reigning King Jehoram, who was part of the deeply entrenched and wicked Omride dynasty. Performing it publicly would have immediately exposed the young prophet to mortal danger and potentially jeopardized the entire mission. The secrecy and urgency, encapsulated by the command to "flee, and tarry not," were crucial for the prophet's safety and to ensure the successful initiation of the divinely ordained coup. This clandestine operation allowed Jehu to gather support and execute the judgment before the existing regime could react, highlighting the high stakes and the absolute necessity for immediate, decisive action in fulfilling God's command.

**What is the significance of "oil" in this context?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, oil, specifically olive oil, was a powerful symbol of divine selection, consecration, and empowerment. Pouring oil on someone's head signified their being set apart by God for a special office or sacred task. For kings, it conferred divine authority and indicated that they were God's chosen instrument. In Jehu's case, the oil was not merely a ceremonial fluid but a tangible sign that his kingship was divinely mandated, endowing him with the authority to execute God's judgment against the house of Ahab, as prophesied in [1 Kings 19:16](/1_kings/19-16 "1 Kings 19:16 - Elijah's Commission to Anoint Jehu") and reiterated in [2 Kings 9:7](/2_kings/9-7 "2 Kings 9:7 - God's Judgment on Ahab's House"). It was a visible sign of an invisible divine appointment.

**Why was Jehu chosen to be king, and what was his primary mission?**

Answer: Jehu was chosen by God as His specific instrument of judgment against the deeply wicked and idolatrous house of Ahab, thereby fulfilling earlier prophecies delivered through the prophet Elijah (e.g., [1 Kings 21:21-24](/1_kings/21-21-24 "1 Kings 21:21-24 - Prophecy of Ahab's Doom")). His primary mission was to utterly eradicate the Omride dynasty and their pervasive idolatrous influence from Israel. Jehu was known for his zealous, decisive, and ruthless character, making him a fitting, albeit severe, agent for God's righteous wrath. His anointing was not primarily for establishing a long-lasting, righteous dynasty, but for a specific, destructive purpose of national purification and the execution of divine justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 9:3 describes a physical anointing for a temporal, violent kingship focused on judgment, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ. The Hebrew word for "anointed" (_mâshach_) is the very root of "Messiah" (_Mashiach_), and its Greek equivalent is "Christos," from which we derive "Christ." Jesus is the true King, not merely over Israel, but over all creation, whose kingship is eternal, spiritual, and universal, as proclaimed in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). Unlike Jehu, whose anointing was for the overthrow of an earthly dynasty and physical judgment, Jesus' anointing by the Holy Spirit at His baptism ([Matthew 3:16-17](/matthew/3-16-17 "Matthew 3:16-17 - Jesus' Baptism")) was for the establishment of God's spiritual kingdom, bringing salvation, eternal life, and reconciliation. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), not a bringer of physical destruction, but of spiritual redemption. Furthermore, just as Jehu was divinely commissioned, so too are believers, through Christ, spiritually "anointed" by the Holy Spirit ([2 Corinthians 1:21-22](/2_corinthians/1-21-22 "2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - God Anoints Us")) to be a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to participate in His redemptive mission, not through violence, but through the proclamation of the Gospel and lives transformed by His grace.

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

1 Kings 19:16

And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint [to be] king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint [to be] prophet in thy room.

1 Samuel 16:2

And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear [it], he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD.

2 Kings 8:13

And Hazael said, But what, [is] thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou [shalt be] king over Syria.

Exodus 29:7

Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour [it] upon his head, and anoint him.

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.

Matthew 2:13

¶ And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

1 Samuel 15:1

¶ Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee [to be] king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.