2 Kings 9:5

KJV

And when he came, behold, the captains of the host [were] sitting; and he said, I have an errand to thee, O captain. And Jehu said, Unto which of all us? And he said, To thee, O captain.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when he came {H935}, behold, the captains {H8269} of the host {H2428} were sitting {H3427}; and he said {H559}, I have an errand {H1697} to thee, O captain {H8269}. And Jehu {H3058} said {H559}, Unto which of all us? And he said {H559}, To thee, O captain {H8269}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he arrived, he found the senior army officers sitting there. He said, "I have a message for you, commander." Yehu asked, "For which one of us?" "For you, commander," he said.

Berean Standard Bible

and when he arrived, the army commanders were sitting there. “I have a message for you, commander,” he said. “For which of us?” asked Jehu. “For you, commander,” he replied.

American Standard Version

And when he came, behold, the captains of the host were sitting; and he said, I have an errand to thee, O captain. And Jehu said, Unto which of us all? And he said, To thee, O captain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 9:5 captures the precise moment a young prophet, dispatched by Elisha, arrives at Ramoth-Gilead and dramatically singles out Jehu from among his fellow military captains. The prophet's direct and urgent declaration, "I have an errand to thee, O captain," immediately disrupts the routine of the military council, setting a tone of mystery and divine purpose. Jehu's natural query, "Unto which of all us?" is met with an unwavering reaffirmation, "To thee, O captain," underscoring the highly specific and personal nature of the divine commission about to be revealed, which will initiate a violent purge of the Omride dynasty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the critical pivot point in the narrative of 2 Kings 9. Immediately preceding it, Elisha, the prophet of God, gives a precise and urgent commission to one of the "sons of the prophets" (a young prophet), instructing him to go to Ramoth-Gilead, find Jehu, anoint him king, and then flee (2 Kings 9:1-3). The prophet's arrival in verse 5, therefore, is the direct fulfillment of Elisha's command, initiating the dramatic events that follow. The scene is set in a military encampment, highlighting the tension of war with Aram (Syria), and the prophet's abrupt intrusion into a meeting of high-ranking officers underscores the divine disruption of human affairs. The specific address to Jehu, amidst others, builds immediate suspense and signals the extraordinary nature of the impending message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ramoth-Gilead was a strategically vital fortress on the eastern frontier of Israel, frequently contested between Israel and Aram (Syria). At this time, King Joram of Israel (Ahab's son) was recovering from wounds sustained in battle against the Arameans, leaving the military command to his captains, including Jehu. The Omride dynasty, founded by Omri and continued by Ahab, Jezebel, and Joram, was notorious for its rampant idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal. Prophets like Elijah and Elisha had consistently denounced this apostasy, and divine judgment against the house of Ahab had been prophesied long ago (e.g., [1 Kings 21:21-24](/1_kings/21-24 "Prophecy Against Ahab's House")). The anointing of a new king by a prophet was a legitimate, though often disruptive, means of divine intervention in Israelite monarchy, signifying God's sovereign choice and often His judgment against the reigning house. The prophet's youth and directness would have been striking in a room full of seasoned military leaders.
* **Key Themes:** The events of 2 Kings 9:5 contribute significantly to several key themes. First, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Specificity**, showing God's precise control over human events and His ability to single out individuals for specific tasks, even amidst a crowd. Jehu's individual calling, "To thee, O captain," highlights this divine particularity. Second, the scene underscores the **Authority of the Prophetic Word**. Though the prophet is unnamed and young, his message carries the weight of God's command, demanding immediate attention and action from powerful military leaders. This demonstrates that God's word is not subject to human protocols or hierarchies. Third, this verse serves as the immediate precursor to **Divine Judgment against Idolatry**. The anointing of Jehu is the divinely appointed means to execute long-standing prophecies of judgment against the wicked house of Ahab, particularly their promotion of Baal worship, as seen in the broader narrative of [1 Kings 16](/1_kings/16 "Omri and Ahab's Wicked Reigns") and [2 Kings 9](/2_kings/9 "Jehu's Anointing and Purge"). The "errand" is not merely a message but a divine mandate for a violent purge.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Errand (Hebrew, _mishlachath'_):** This noun derives from the verb _shalach_ (to send). It signifies "a sending," "a mission," "a commission," or "a delegation." In this context, it is far more than a casual message; it denotes an urgent, divinely authorized, and purposeful task. The prophet is not merely delivering news but is an agent of a significant, pre-ordained divine action. The use of this word immediately signals the gravity and importance of the prophet's presence.
* **Captain (Hebrew, _sar'_):** This term broadly means "prince," "chief," "commander," or "leader." Here, it specifically refers to a military commander, highlighting Jehu's position of authority within the army. The prophet's repeated use of "O captain" to address Jehu, both initially and in response to Jehu's question, emphasizes that the divine message is directed to his person and his office, setting him apart from the other leaders present.
* **Unto which of all us? (Hebrew, _lemi mikkullanu'_):** This phrase perfectly captures Jehu's initial reaction: surprise, curiosity, and perhaps a touch of apprehension. It reflects a natural human response to an unexpected, private summons from a prophetic figure, especially one that disrupts a public gathering. The question reveals that Jehu, like his fellow captains, is unaware of the specific divine purpose, adding to the dramatic tension and highlighting the element of surprise in God's interventions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he came, behold, the captains of the host [were] sitting":** This opening clause sets the scene. The prophet arrives at Ramoth-Gilead, a military outpost, and finds the high-ranking officers of the Israelite army gathered, likely in a strategic meeting. The word "behold" (Hebrew _hinneh_) draws the reader's attention to the immediate situation, emphasizing the prophet's sudden appearance and the established, perhaps routine, setting he is about to disrupt.
* **"and he said, I have an errand to thee, O captain.":** The prophet's direct address is striking. He does not greet the entire group or seek permission; he immediately singles out Jehu with a declaration of a specific "errand" or mission. This directness establishes the urgency and the personal nature of the divine message, bypassing all military protocol and human hierarchy. The use of "thee, O captain" is precise and unambiguous.
* **"And Jehu said, Unto which of all us?":** Jehu's response is a natural one. Surrounded by other high-ranking "captains," he seeks clarification. His question reflects the shared rank among the officers and perhaps a mix of curiosity, suspicion, or even a premonition that such a direct, private summons from a prophet often portended significant, life-altering news, whether good or ill. It also builds suspense for the reader.
* **"And he said, To thee, O captain.":** The prophet's unwavering repetition of the specific address removes all ambiguity. This firm affirmation underscores the divine specificity of the call. It confirms that Jehu, and no one else, is the intended recipient of this momentous "errand," setting him apart for the unique and violent task God has prepared for him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to heighten its impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the prophet's specific and urgent summons of Jehu unmistakably hints at the momentous events about to unfold – Jehu's anointing as king and the subsequent purge of the Omride dynasty. There is a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the other captains are present but oblivious to the earth-shattering divine commission about to be delivered to their colleague, while the reader is aware of the prophet's ultimate purpose from Elisha's instructions (2 Kings 9:1-3). The scene also masterfully builds **Tension** and **Suspense** through the prophet's abrupt arrival, his mysterious declaration of an "errand," and Jehu's questioning response, all culminating in the prophet's resolute confirmation of Jehu as the sole recipient. Finally, the use of **Direct Address** ("to thee, O captain") repeatedly emphasizes the personal and undeniable nature of the divine call, cutting through any collective identity and isolating Jehu for his unique destiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 9:5 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand in history, demonstrating His ability to raise up and specifically commission individuals to fulfill His divine purposes, often in unexpected ways and at critical junctures. The prophet's single-minded focus on Jehu, amidst a group of equally qualified captains, underscores that God's calls are not random but deeply personal and precisely targeted for the task at hand. This verse sets the stage for a dramatic display of God's justice, as Jehu is about to become the instrument of divine judgment against the deeply entrenched idolatry and wickedness of the Omride dynasty. It reminds us that God's word, delivered through His chosen messengers, carries intrinsic authority and will always find its intended recipient and accomplish its purpose.

* [Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "God's Foreknowledge and Calling of Jeremiah")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "God Raising Up a Prophet Like Moses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Kings 9:5 challenges us to consider our own responsiveness to God's call. Just as Jehu was singled out from a group, God often has specific assignments for individuals within His larger plan. This verse invites us to cultivate an attentiveness to God's voice, even when it comes through unexpected channels or seems to disrupt our established routines. Are we willing to be pulled aside, to listen intently when God has an "errand" for us? The prophet's unwavering focus on Jehu reminds us that divine calls are often clear and persistent, requiring our willingness to set aside distractions and embrace the specific task God has for us. Furthermore, it highlights the weight and seriousness of a divine commission, urging us to approach our unique roles in God's kingdom with a sense of purpose and obedience, recognizing that even seemingly small acts of obedience can be part of God's grand, unfolding plan for justice and redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be seeking to "pull you aside" for a specific "errand" in your life today?**
* **How willing are you to be disrupted from your routine or comfortable setting by a divine call?**
* **What might it mean to respond with Jehu's initial curiosity, but then with obedience to a clear divine directive?**
* **How does the specificity of God's call to Jehu encourage or challenge your understanding of your own unique purpose?**

### FAQ

**Why did the prophet need to single out Jehu so explicitly, even after Jehu asked "Unto which of all us?"**

Answer: The prophet's explicit and repeated singling out of Jehu served several crucial purposes. First, it established the undeniable **divine authority** behind the message. This was not a general announcement but a highly personal and specific commission from God. Second, it created immediate **intrigue and separation**, pulling Jehu away from his peers and setting him apart for a unique, private encounter. This privacy was essential for the anointing that followed, which was a sacred act not meant for public display at that moment (2 Kings 9:6). Third, Jehu's question, "Unto which of all us?" was a natural human reaction to such an unexpected and direct address. The prophet's firm repetition, "To thee, O captain," removed all ambiguity, ensuring Jehu fully understood that he, and no one else, was the intended recipient of this momentous divine "errand." This clarity was vital for Jehu to grasp the weight of the coming revelation and his subsequent actions.

**What was the significance of Ramoth-Gilead as the setting for this event?**

Answer: Ramoth-Gilead was a highly significant and strategic location, making it a fitting backdrop for Jehu's anointing and the initiation of a military coup. Historically, it was a contested city on the eastern frontier of Israel, frequently fought over by Israel and Aram (Syria). At this time, King Joram of Israel had been wounded in battle there (2 Kings 8:28-29), indicating it was a place of ongoing conflict and military tension. By anointing Jehu in a military camp at Ramoth-Gilead, God underscored that the coming judgment on the Omride dynasty would be executed through a military leader and would involve decisive, forceful action. It emphasized that God was intervening in the political and military affairs of the nation, using the very context of war to bring about His purposes of judgment and the establishment of a new dynasty. The location highlights the practical, real-world nature of God's sovereign intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 9:5 details a specific, violent commission for judgment in Old Testament Israel, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate "errand" of God's Son. Just as Jehu was singled out for a unique mission, Jesus Christ was uniquely chosen and sent by the Father for the ultimate divine mission: to redeem humanity and establish God's eternal kingdom. The prophet's direct address, "To thee, O captain," echoes the Father's specific commissioning of Jesus, who declared, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me" ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "Jesus Doing the Father's Will")). Jesus is the ultimate "Captain" (or "Author") of our salvation ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Jesus, the Author of Salvation")), sent to execute God's righteous judgment against sin and to establish a new covenant. Unlike Jehu, whose mission was one of earthly destruction and temporary kingship, Christ's "errand" was one of self-sacrificial love and eternal salvation, culminating in His death and resurrection. He is the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King, fulfilling all the shadows of Old Testament figures, including those chosen for specific divine tasks. His coming was the ultimate divine disruption, not of a military council, but of the powers of sin and death, bringing about a spiritual purge and establishing a reign that is eternal and righteous ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Christ as Righteous Judge and King")).

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

Judges 3:19

But he himself turned again from the quarries that [were] by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.