CHAPTER NINETEEN THE REVOLUTION OF 841 B.C. 2 Kings 9:1 to 2 Kings 10:27 The revolution of 841 B.C. may well be the most important political development in the history of the Hebrew monarchy since the schism of 931 B.C. Both kingdoms were affected immediately by what transpired. Besides the obviou... [ Continue Reading ]
I. THE ANOINTING OF JEHU 9:1-13 Jehu, the commander of the garrison at Ramoth-gilead, was selected by God to execute the divine wrath against the Omri dynasty. Quite unexpectedly, Jehu was thrust into a position to challenge the reigning monarch by (1) the anointing by a prophet (2 Kings 9:1-10); a... [ Continue Reading ]
B. THE ACCLAMATION OF HIS FELLOW OFFICERS 9:11-13 TRANSLATION (11) And Jehu went out unto the servants of his master and one said unto him, Is all well? Why did this madman come unto you? And he said unto them, You know the man and his message. (12) And they said, Not so. Tell it, we pray you, to... [ Continue Reading ]
II. CONFRONTATION AT JEZREEL 9:14-37 The historian takes pains to paint the backdrop for the _coup d-'etat_ in 2 Kings 9:14-16. Then, in a matter-of-fact way, he narrates the bloody deaths of Jehoram of Israel (2 Kings 9:17-26), Ahaziah of Judah (2 Kings 9:27-29), and Jezebel (2 Kings 9:30-37). A.... [ Continue Reading ]
B. THE DEATH OF JEHORAM OF ISRAEL 9:17-26 TRANSLATION (17) Now the watchman was standing upon the tower in Jezreel, and he saw the company of Jehu as he came, and he said, A company I see! And Joram said, Take a horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is all well? (18) So a horseman went... [ Continue Reading ]
C. THE DEATH OF AHAZIAH OF JUDAH 9:27-29 TRANSLATION (27) When Ahaziah king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of Beth-Gan. But Jehu pursued after him, and said, Also smite him in the chariot. And they did so at the ascent of Gur which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo, and died there. (28)... [ Continue Reading ]
D. THE DEATH OF JEZEBEL 9:30-37 TRANSLATION (30) Now when Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she put on eye make-up, and adorned her head, and looked out the window. (31) When Jehu came in the gate, she said, Is all well, O Zimri, who slays his master? (32) And he lifted up his face unt... [ Continue Reading ]