Box - Rather, “flask,” or “vial” 1 Samuel 10:1. Oil and ointment were commonly kept in open-mouthed jars, vases, or bottles made of glass, alabaster, or earthen-ware. Many such vessels have been found both in Egypt and Assyria. The “oil” was the holy oil, compounded after the receipt given in Exodus Exodus 30:23-25. read more
2 Kings 9:1. And Elisha the prophet called, &c. The Prophet Elijah was commanded to anoint Jehu about twelve years before this time; but, because of Ahab’s humiliation, the execution of the judgment pronounced upon him and his family was deferred. The office of anointing Jehu therefore, it seems, was left to be performed by Elisha; who did not go himself, either because he was grown old and unfit for such a journey, or because he was a person too well known to be employed in an affair... read more
8:16-12:21 REMOVAL OF JEZEBEL’S BAALISMJezebel’s Baalism spreads to Judah (8:16-9:10)The writer now returns to his historical account of the kings of Judah and Israel. Jehoshaphat’s son Jehoram, who was married to Athaliah the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, became king of Judah after his father’s death. Through Athaliah, Jezebel’s Baalism spread to Judah. Jehoram made sure that no one challenged his right to do as he pleased by killing all likely rivals. Because of this and his support for... read more
children = sons. box of oil = oil flask. oil. For its use in consecration see 1 Samuel 10:1 ; 1 Samuel 16:13 . Ramoth-gilead. Israelite army on guard here. Compare 2 Kings 9:14 . read more
THE BLOODY END OF OMRI'S DYNASTY"This narrative comes from the school of the prophets; and it is an objective and highly dramatic political history, with which criticism can find little fault."[1] This is in line with what this writer believes to be true regarding the entire group of historical books. No "Deuteronomist" had anything to do with any of them. As Josephus declared, "Only the prophets have written the original and earliest accounts."[2]The bloody violence of this chapter, in the... read more
2 Kings 9:1. Elisha—called one of the children of the prophets— Some of the Jewish doctors have been of opinion, that this messenger was the prophet Jonah, who, upon this supposition, must have been a very young man, because Jeroboam the second, in whose reign Jonah prophesied, did not ascend the throne till about fifty years after this appointment of Jehu to the kingdom of Israel. However this be, it is reasonable to think that Elisha did not go himself to perform this office, either because... read more
1. Ramoth-gilead—a city of great importance to the Hebrew people, east of Jordan, as a fortress of defense against the Syrians. Jehoram had regained it ( :-). But the Israelitish army was still encamped there, under the command of Jehu. Elisha . . . called one of the children of the prophets—This errand referred to the last commission given to Elijah in Horeb ( :-). box of oil—(See :-). read more
God’s preparation of Jehu 9:1-13God had told Elijah that he would anoint Jehu (1 Kings 19:16). [Note: For more information on anointing with oil (2 Kings 9:3; 2 Kings 9:6), see my note on 1 Samuel 16:13.] He did this through his successor Elisha who accomplished it by using one of his protégés (2 Kings 9:1). Jehu would wipe out Omri’s dynasty in Israel (2 Kings 9:7-10). Jehu’s father was a different Jehoshaphat from Judah’s king of the same name (2 Kings 9:2). Elijah had prophesied the end of... read more
B. THE PERIOD OF ALLIANCE 1 Kings 16:29-2 Kings 9:29 [CONT. FROM 1 KGS.] ) read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 9:1-37
The deaths of Jehoram and Jezebel; or, the Divine law of retribution. King Jehoram was lying sick at Jezreel of the wounds he had received in battle from the Syrians. Ahaziah King of Judah had come down to visit him, and, as they conversed together, the watchman upon the city wall brought tidings of an armed company approaching. Jehu, at the head of them, was by-and-by recognized by his furious driving. He had already been proclaimed king in Ramoth-Gilead, but Jehoram knew nothing of this.... read more