2 Kings 9:11

Jehu Anointed King of Israel · 2 Kings 9:1–13
Read 2 Kings 9

Translations

Modern
When Jehu went out to the servants of his master, they asked, “Is everything all right? Why did this madman come to you?” “You know his kind and their babble,” he replied.
Traditional
Then Jehu came forth to the servants of his lord: and one said unto him, Is all well? wherefore came this mad fellow to thee? And he said unto them, Ye know the man, and his communication.
Literal
And Jehu went out to the servants of his master, and one said to him, “Peace? Why did this madman come to you?” And he said to them, “You know the man and his babble.”
Latin
Jehu autem egressus est ad servos domini sui: qui dixerunt ei: Rectene sunt omnia? quid venit insanus iste ad te? Qui ait eis: Nostis hominem, et quid locutus sit.

Original

Hebrew
English
When Jehu went out to the servants of his master, they asked, “Is everything all right? Why did this madman come to you?” “You know his kind and their babble,” he replied.

Notes

madman: God’s faithful servants are sometimes mocked or rejected as insane ("mad") or foolish by others (see Jeremiah 29:26; Hosea 9:7).

The writer summarizes Jehu's takeover, which started Israel's fourth dynasty, in four steps:

  1. Elisha sent a prophet to the army camp at Ramoth-gilead to anoint Jehu as Israel's next king (2 Kings 9:1–10).

  2. Jehu's soldiers learned about the prophet's visit and declared Jehu king (2 Kings 9:11–15).

  3. Both Joram and King Ahaziah of Judah were killed (2 Kings 9:16–29).

  4. Jezebel was killed (2 Kings 9:30–37).

Theme notes and profiles

Elijah Elisha Jezebel

Events

People

Jehu: Son of Jehoshaphat, king of Israel, destroyed Ahab's dynasty

Glossary

Ahaziah Black Obelisk Elisha Jehoshaphat (Person) Jehu Jezebel Kings, Books of First and Second Nimshi Ramoth-Gilead

Topics

Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Withdraws Support and Anoints a Successor Decision: Jehu Enthusiasm: Jehu Jehu: Son of Nimshi, King of Israel Usurpation of Political Functions by Jehu