2 Kings 9:6

And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, [even] over Israel.

And he arose {H6965}, and went {H935} into the house {H1004}; and he poured {H3332} the oil {H8081} on his head {H7218}, and said {H559} unto him, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, I have anointed {H4886} thee king {H4428} over the people {H5971} of the LORD {H3068}, even over Israel {H3478}.

Yehu got up and went into the house. Then the prophet poured the oil on his head and said to him, "This is what ADONAI the God of Isra'el says: 'I have anointed you king over the people of ADONAI, over Isra'el.

So Jehu got up and went into the house, where the young prophet poured the oil on his head and declared, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over the LORD’s people Israel.

And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of Jehovah, even over Israel.

Commentary

Context

Second Kings chapter 9 marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The prophet Elisha, acting on divine command, sends one of the "children of the prophets" to Ramoth-Gilead. His mission is to secretly anoint Jehu, a military commander, as the new king of Israel. This anointing is not merely a change of leadership but a direct divine judgment against the wicked house of Ahab and Jezebel, fulfilling prophecies made earlier by Elijah concerning their downfall and the extermination of their lineage (1 Kings 21:21-24). Jehu's anointing sets in motion a violent purge of Baal worship and the corrupt monarchy.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment and Sovereignty: This verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over earthly rulers and nations. Despite the political instability and moral decay in Israel, the LORD directly intervenes to appoint a new king, emphasizing that true authority originates from Him. This highlights God's sovereignty over kingdoms.
  • Prophetic Fulfillment: Jehu's anointing is a direct fulfillment of the prophecy given to Elijah, and later reiterated to Elisha, that Jehu would be anointed king as part of the judgment against Ahab's house (1 Kings 19:16). It underscores the certainty of God's word and His commitment to justice.
  • Consecration for a Specific Purpose: The act of pouring oil on Jehu's head signifies his consecration and setting apart for a specific, divinely ordained task. In this case, it was to execute judgment and cleanse Israel of idolatry, particularly the influence of Baal worship introduced by Ahab and Jezebel.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "anointed" is mashach (מָשַׁח), which means "to smear" or "to rub with oil." From this root comes the word mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ), meaning "anointed one," which in Greek is Christos (Χριστός). While Jehu was an 'anointed one' for a specific historical task, the ultimate 'Anointed One' is Jesus Christ, who was anointed by the Holy Spirit not with oil, but for salvation and eternal kingship (Acts 10:38).

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Kings 9:6 reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, even in the midst of chaos and corruption. He raises up leaders and brings down rulers according to His perfect will and timing. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem bleak or unjust. It also highlights the principle that God often uses ordinary individuals, like a military commander, to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Our ultimate allegiance is to the LORD, who has delivered us from the power of darkness and appointed His Son as King.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 9:3 (4 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Kings 19:16 (4 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Chronicles 22:7 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Psalms 2:6 (2 votes)

    Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

  • 1 Kings 10:9 (2 votes)

    Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.

  • Daniel 2:21 (2 votes)

    And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

  • Daniel 5:20 (2 votes)

    But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him: