Keraia
2 Kings 9

2 Kings 9:15

Jehu Kills Joram and Ahaziah · 2 Kings 9:14–29
Read 2 Kings 9

Translations

Modern
…but King Joram had returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds he had suffered at the hands of the Arameans in the battle against Hazael their king.) So Jehu said, “If you commanders wish to make me king, then do not let anyone escape from the city to go and tell it in Jezreel.”
Traditional
But king Joram was returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) And Jehu said, If it be your minds, then let none go forth nor escape out of the city to go to tell it in Jezreel.
Literal
And king Jehoram had returned to recover in Jezreel from the wounds that the Aramaeans had inflicted on him when he fought with Hazael king of Aram.) And Jehu said, “If it is your mind, do not let a fugitive go out from the city to go and tell it in Jezreel.”
Latin
…et reversus fuerat ut curaretur in Jezrahel propter vulnera, quia percusserant eum Syri præliantem contra Hazaël regem Syriæ. Dixitque Jehu: Si placet vobis, nemo egrediatur profugus de civitate, ne vadat, et nuntiet in Jezrahel.

Original

Hebrew
English
…but King Joram had returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds he had suffered at the hands of the Arameans in the battle against Hazael their king.) So Jehu said, “If you commanders wish to make me king, then do not let anyone escape from the city to go and tell it in Jezreel.”

Notes

2 Kings 9:14–15

conspired: Jezreel, where Joram was healing from his injuries, was about forty-five miles away. Jehu needed to act quickly and secretly for his coup.

2 Kings 9:1–37

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

Jezebel

Events

Parallels

2 Chronicles 22:8–9

People

Hazael: King of Aram (Syria), anointed by Elijah Jehu: Son of Jehoshaphat, king of Israel, destroyed Ahab's dynasty Joram: King of N. Israel, son of Ahab

Places

Jezreel: A city in Issachar, associated with Ahab and Jezebel Syria: Ancient region north of Israel, often in conflict

Glossary

Ahaziah Black Obelisk Elisha Jehoram Jehu Jezebel Kings, Books of First and Second Nimshi

Topics

Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Withdraws Support and Anoints a Successor Conspiracy of Jehu Decision: Jehu Jehu: Son of Nimshi, King of Israel: Religious Zeal of, in Killing Idolaters Jezreel: A City of the Tribe of Issachar: Jehu Kills King Ahab, his Wife, and Friends At Joram: Also Called Jehoram: Killed by Jehu Ramoth-Gilead: Recovered by Joram; Joram Wounded There Syria: Joram King of Israel in Seeking to Recover Ramothgilead From, Usurpation of Political Functions by Jehu