2 Kings 9:13

Quickly, each man took his garment and put it under Jehu on the bare steps. Then they blew the ram's horn and proclaimed, "Jehu is king!"

Study Bible

Then each man quickly took his garment
The act of taking one's garment and placing it under another is deeply symbolic in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Garments often represented personal identity and authority. By laying their garments under Jehu, the men were symbolically submitting their authority and identity to him. This gesture can be seen as an act of allegiance and recognition of Jehu's new role. In the Hebrew context, garments were also associated with one's status and role in society, making this act a profound acknowledgment of Jehu's kingship.

and put it under Jehu on the bare steps
The "bare steps" indicate a place of elevation, possibly the steps leading to a throne or a significant public area. This setting underscores the public nature of Jehu's anointing as king. The act of placing garments on the steps can be seen as creating a makeshift throne, signifying the immediate and divine appointment of Jehu. Historically, this reflects the urgency and spontaneity of Jehu's rise to power, as well as the people's readiness to accept him as their leader.

They blew the ram’s horn
The blowing of the ram's horn, or shofar, is a significant ritual act in the Hebrew tradition. It is often associated with proclamations, celebrations, and divine interventions. The sound of the shofar would have been a powerful auditory signal to the people, announcing a momentous event. In the context of Jehu's anointing, it signifies the divine approval and the commencement of his reign. The shofar's blast is a call to attention, marking a new chapter in Israel's history.

and proclaimed, 'Jehu is king!'
The proclamation "Jehu is king!" is a public declaration of Jehu's new status as the ruler of Israel. This announcement is not just a statement of fact but a call to the people to recognize and support Jehu's authority. In the biblical narrative, such proclamations are often seen as fulfilling God's will, as Jehu's kingship was prophesied by Elisha. This moment marks the fulfillment of divine prophecy and the beginning of a new era in Israel's history, emphasizing the theme of God's sovereignty in appointing leaders.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehu
A commander in the army of Israel, anointed by a prophet to become king and tasked with eradicating the house of Ahab.

2. The Men (Jehu's Companions)
Fellow officers or soldiers who were present with Jehu and participated in the act of proclaiming him king.

3. The Ram’s Horn (Shofar)
A traditional instrument used in Israel for signaling important events, such as the coronation of a king.

4. The Bare Steps
Likely a reference to a place of elevation or prominence where Jehu was symbolically lifted up as king.

5. Proclamation of Kingship
The act of declaring Jehu as king, signifying a divinely ordained change in leadership.

Teaching Points

Divine Appointment
Jehu's anointing and proclamation as king remind us that God appoints leaders according to His purposes. We should seek to understand and align with God's will in leadership roles.

Symbolism of the Garment
The act of laying garments under Jehu signifies submission and honor. In our lives, we should consider how we show respect and support for those God places in authority.

The Power of Proclamation
The blowing of the ram’s horn and the public declaration of Jehu as king emphasize the importance of proclaiming truth and God's plans boldly in our communities.

Obedience to God's Word
The swift action of Jehu's companions reflects immediate obedience to God's directive. We are called to respond promptly and faithfully to God's instructions in our lives.

Transition and Change
The shift in leadership from Ahab's house to Jehu illustrates God's control over transitions. We can trust God during times of change, knowing He orchestrates events for His glory.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the anointing and proclamation of Jehu as king demonstrate God's sovereignty in leadership transitions?

2. In what ways can we show respect and support for those in authority, as Jehu's companions did with their garments?

3. What are some modern equivalents to the "ram’s horn" that we can use to proclaim God's truth in our communities?

4. How can we cultivate a heart of immediate obedience to God's word, as seen in the actions of Jehu's companions?

5. Reflect on a time of transition in your life. How did you see God's hand at work, and how can this passage encourage you in future changes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 19:16
This passage foretells the anointing of Jehu as king over Israel, connecting the prophetic word to its fulfillment in 2 Kings 9:13.

2 Samuel 15:10
Similar use of the ram’s horn to announce Absalom as king, illustrating the cultural practice of using the shofar in royal proclamations.

Zechariah 9:9
The proclamation of a king, which foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, highlighting the theme of divine appointment and kingship.