Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 9

Jehu goes quickly to Jezreel

2 Kings 9:14-16

Jehu became king at Ramoth-Gilead, a city on land that Israel controlled on the east side of the Jordan river. Israel’s army had recently fought a battle for that city against the army of Aram. For that reason, Israel’s main army commanders were all in Ramoth-Gilead with Jehu. They all chose to support him and to make a public declaration that he was king.

Jehu now had to deal with Joram, the present king, whose rule he intended to end. Joram had suffered injuries in the battle at Ramoth-Gilead; so he was now resting at his palace in Jezreel. Jezreel was 45 miles (70 kilometres) west of Ramoth-Gilead.

Of course, Joram had guards who were loyal to him. If he had the time, he could organise an army to fight against Jehu. If that happened, there would be a bitter war in Israel between Jehu’s army and Joram’s army. To prevent that, Jehu saw that he must act quickly. Jehu must reach Jezreel before the news did.

Jehu ordered his men to guard Ramoth-Gilead carefully. They could not allow anyone to leave, because that person might be able to send a message to Joram. Everyone in Ramoth-Gilead knew that Jehu was king. Nobody in Israel’s other towns and cities knew it yet.

Then Jehu left with a group of soldiers whom he trusted, to go to Jezreel. Jehu went in a chariot – a fast soldiers’ vehicle that two horses pulled. He himself drove it. He had many years of experience (9:25) and he rode fast (9:20). He took with him his bow and arrows – and he was ready to shoot (9:24).

Next part: Jehu approaches Joram's palace (2 Kings 9:17-19)

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