Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 9
In order to control Jehu, Jezebel first had to gain his attention. She wanted to upset him, so that he would try to defend himself. In an argument, it is stronger to accuse the other person than to defend your own actions. In his efforts to explain his actions, the person who defends himself wants the other person to approve. That desire is also a weakness that a powerful person like Jezebel can use for her own advantage.
Jezebel chose her position carefully. She was in the women’s section of the palace. People would consider it very wrong if Jehu entered that place. For the same reason Jezebel considered herself safe from Jehu’s soldiers there. The only men who entered that part of the palace had been loyal to Jezebel for their whole lives. Jezebel believed that she had complete control over them.
As soon as Jehu came through the gate, Jezebel shouted at him. Jehu was weak, like Zimri, she claimed. She was referring back to the events in 1 Kings 16:8-20. Zimri, a military commander like Jehu, saw an opportunity to kill King Elah. After he had killed him, Zimri declared himself to be king. Zimri thought that he was strong. However, in fact, he was very weak. His rule only lasted for 7 days, until Omri, the father of Ahab, defeated him. In the end, Zimri killed himself.
Like Zimri, Jehu had killed Joram, Israel’s king. However, in Jezebel’s opinion, he had only carried out a murder; he had not really become powerful. Very soon, Jehu would know how weak he really was, Jezebel promised. He had killed his master – but soon, the whole nation would be against him. With that bold and proud statement, Jezebel insulted Jehu.
Next part: Jezebel's eunuchs throw her down (2 Kings 9:32-33)
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