2 Kings 9:2
When you arrive, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go in, get him away from his companions, and take him to an inner room.
When you arrive
This phrase sets the stage for a divine mission. The Hebrew root for "arrive" is "בּוֹא" (bo), which often implies not just physical arrival but also the fulfillment of a purpose or mission. In the biblical narrative, arrivals often signify the beginning of God's intervention or a pivotal moment in His divine plan. This arrival is not merely geographical but also spiritual, marking the commencement of a significant prophetic act.

look for Jehu
The instruction to "look for" Jehu indicates a deliberate search, emphasizing the importance of Jehu in God's plan. The Hebrew word "רָאָה" (ra'ah) means to see or perceive, suggesting a deeper understanding or recognition. Jehu, whose name means "Yahweh is He," is chosen by God to execute judgment and bring about reform. This search is not random but divinely orchestrated, highlighting Jehu's role as an instrument of God's justice.

son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi
This genealogical reference establishes Jehu's lineage, grounding his identity in a historical and familial context. Jehoshaphat, meaning "Yahweh has judged," and Nimshi, though less known, provide a backdrop of divine judgment and legacy. The mention of his ancestry underscores the continuity of God's covenantal promises and the unfolding of His redemptive history through specific families and individuals.

Go to him
The command to "go" is a directive for action, derived from the Hebrew "הָלַךְ" (halak), which means to walk or proceed. This is not a passive encounter but an active engagement with Jehu. It signifies obedience to God's command and the urgency of the prophetic mission. The act of going is a step of faith, aligning human action with divine will.

get him away from his companions
This phrase indicates the need for separation, a common biblical theme where God calls individuals away from distractions or influences to focus on His purposes. The Hebrew concept of separation often implies sanctification or setting apart for a holy task. Jehu's removal from his companions symbolizes a transition from the ordinary to the extraordinary, preparing him for his anointing and mission.

take him into an inner room
The "inner room" suggests a place of privacy and intimacy, away from public view. In Hebrew culture, inner rooms were often places of safety and secrecy. This setting is significant for the anointing of Jehu, as it reflects the sacredness and confidentiality of God's calling. The inner room becomes a sanctuary where divine instructions are imparted, emphasizing the personal and transformative nature of God's call on Jehu's life.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehu
The central figure in this verse, Jehu is the son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi. He is a military commander in Israel and is chosen by God to become king and execute judgment on the house of Ahab.

2. Jehoshaphat
Jehu's father, not to be confused with King Jehoshaphat of Judah. His lineage is mentioned to establish Jehu's identity and legitimacy.

3. Nimshi
Jehu's grandfather, mentioned to further establish Jehu's lineage.

4. Inner Room
The location where Jehu is to be taken, symbolizing a place of privacy and divine appointment, away from public view.

5. Prophetic Anointing
The event that is about to unfold, where Jehu is anointed as king over Israel, marking a significant turning point in Israel's history.
Teaching Points
Divine Appointment and Timing
God's plans are executed in His perfect timing. Jehu's anointing was foretold and fulfilled according to God's schedule, reminding us to trust in His timing for our lives.

Obedience to God's Commands
The prophet's obedience in anointing Jehu demonstrates the importance of following God's instructions, even when they require courage and faith.

Separation for God's Purpose
Jehu is taken into an inner room, symbolizing the need for separation from worldly influences to hear and fulfill God's calling.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
God raises leaders according to His purpose. Jehu's anointing shows that God is sovereign over nations and leaders, and He appoints them to accomplish His will.

Judgment and Justice
Jehu's mission to execute judgment on Ahab's house underscores God's commitment to justice and the fulfillment of His promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does Jehu's anointing teach us about God's sovereignty in appointing leaders, and how can this understanding influence our prayers for current leaders?

2. How does the concept of divine timing in Jehu's anointing encourage us to trust God's timing in our personal lives?

3. In what ways can we practice separation from worldly influences to better hear and fulfill God's calling, as symbolized by Jehu being taken into an inner room?

4. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jehu's anointing strengthen our faith in the reliability of God's Word?

5. Reflecting on Jehu's mission to execute judgment, how can we balance the concepts of justice and mercy in our own lives, in light of other scriptures such as Micah 6:8?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 19:16
This verse connects to the prophecy given to Elijah to anoint Jehu as king over Israel, showing the fulfillment of God's word.

2 Kings 9:6-13
These verses describe the actual anointing of Jehu, fulfilling the command given in 2 Kings 9:2.

2 Kings 10:30
This verse highlights God's approval of Jehu's actions in executing judgment on Ahab's house, showing the divine purpose behind his anointing.
Jehu Made KingJ. Orr 2 Kings 9:1-14
The Deaths of Jehoram and Jezebel; Or, the Divine Law of RetributionC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 9:1-37
Incomplete ObedienceG. Swinnock.2 Kings 9:2-37
JehuF. Whitefield, M. A.2 Kings 9:2-37
Jehu's Ready ObedienceJ. Parker, D. D.2 Kings 9:2-37
The History of JehuDavid Thomas, D. D.2 Kings 9:2-37
Value of Jehu's WorkJ. Parker, D. D.2 Kings 9:2-37
People
Ahab, Ahaziah, Ahijah, Aram, Baasha, David, Elijah, Elisha, Hazael, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jehu, Jeroboam, Jezebel, Jezreel, Joram, Naboth, Nebat, Nimshi, Syrians, Zimri
Places
Beth-haggan, Gur, Ibleam, Jerusalem, Jezreel, Megiddo, Ramoth-gilead, Syria
Topics
Arise, Arrive, Bid, Brethren, Bring, Brothers, Carry, Caused, Chamber, Comest, Companions, Fellows, Hast, Inner, Inner-chamber, Jehoshaphat, Jehosh'aphat, Jehu, Lead, Midst, Nimshi, Rise, Room, Search, Thither
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 9:1-3

     5178   running
     7778   school of prophets

2 Kings 9:1-6

     4488   oil

2 Kings 9:1-11

     5401   madness

2 Kings 9:1-13

     5092   Elijah

Library
Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
2 Kings 9:2 NIV
2 Kings 9:2 NLT
2 Kings 9:2 ESV
2 Kings 9:2 NASB
2 Kings 9:2 KJV

2 Kings 9:2 Commentaries

Bible Hub
2 Kings 9:1
Top of Page
Top of Page