Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 9
Elisha lived for more than 40 years after this event. However, this is the last incident that we will read about his special work for God, until just before his death (see 2 Kings 13:14-21). It may be that God changed the character of Elisha’s work for God at this time. Perhaps, as for Samuel in 1 Samuel 12:23, his work became less public, and concentrated even more on prayer.
However, before that could happen, Elisha had to carry out the last of God’s three instructions to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:15-16. Elisha had to appoint Jehu to become king of northern and central Israel. Jehu’s own special task for God was to carry out God’s judgment against the wicked family of Ahab (1 Kings 21:21-24).
Elisha first chose a young man who would carry out the sacred ceremony, called the anointing, to appoint the new king. He was from one of the groups of people, called ‘the sons of the prophets’, who studied the messages of the prophets (Israel’s holy men). Now, this young man would become a prophet too.
Elisha gave him careful instructions. The young man must arrange his clothes so that he could run quickly. The matter was urgent and he must not delay. He must go at once to Ramoth-Gilead, about 30 miles (50 kilometres) east of the river Jordan. Jehu was there; he was the commander of Israel’s army, which had recently taken Ramoth-Gilead in battle. The young man must also take oil with him; in the ceremony, he must pour this on Jehu’s head. That oil was a sign of the power of God’s Holy Spirit, which would also come upon Jehu at that time. Then Jehu would be able to begin his work for God as Israel’s king.
Next part: Jehu receives an unusual message (2 Kings 9:4-5)
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© 2025, Keith Simons.