2 Kings 9:17

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Kings 9:16-29

From Ramoth-Gilead to Jezreel was more than one day's march; about the mid-way between them the river Jordan must be crossed. We may suppose Jehu to have marched with all possible expedition, and to have taken the utmost precaution to prevent the tidings from getting to Jezreel before him; and, at length, we have him within sight first, and then within reach, of the devoted king. I. Joram's watchman discovers him first at a distance, him and his retinue, and gives notice to the king of the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Kings 9:17

And there stood a watchman on the tower of Jezreel ,.... Who could see afar off when an enemy was coming, and his business was to give notice of it; and especially he was now on his watch tower, because the king was there, and this was necessary for his safety: and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company ; a troop of soldiers, though he did not know who they were, and to whom they belonged, whether they were Syrians or Israelites; which was reported to the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Kings 9:17

A watchman on the tower - These watchmen, fixed on elevated places and generally within hearing of each other, served as a kind of telegraphs, to communicate intelligence through the whole country. But, in some cases, it appears that the intelligence was conveyed by a horseman to the next stage, as in the case before us. At this time, when the armies were at Ramoth-gilead, they were, no doubt, doubly watchful to observe the state of the country, and to notice every movement. See on ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 9:1-37

THE ANOINTING OF JEHU . His MURDER OF JEHORAM AND AHAZIAH . THE DEATH OF JEZEBEL . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 9:11-22

Conspiracy of Jehu against Jehoram. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 9:11-24

Political revolutions justifiable under certain circumstances. In a general way, revolution, resistance to constituted authority, rebellions, risings against the civil power, seem to be condemned, or at any rate discountenanced, by the teaching of Scripture, whether in the Old Testament or the New. They arise, for the most part, from human ambitions, from lust of power, from greed, from unrestrained passions, from selfishness; they involve in their course untold sufferings to large numbers;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 9:14-37

Jehu as avenger. No sooner is Jehu proclaimed king than, with characteristic decision, he gives orders that no one be permitted to leave the city to carry news to Jehoram; then, mounting his chariot, he drives off furiously to Jezreel. Whatever Jehu did, he did "with all his might" ( Ecclesiastes 9:10 ). It is this vigorous decision of character which made him so suitable an instrument in executing God's vengeance on the house of Ahab, I. JEHU 'S APPROACH TO JEZREEL . 1. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 9:17

And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel ; literally, and the watchman stood on the tower in Jezreel . The watchtower on the southeast, towards Ramoth-Gilead, is intended. There were probably others in other directions; but the writer is not concerned with them. Each watchtower had its one watchman, who gave warning if anything unusual caught his attention. And he spied the company of Jehu as he came. Shiph'ah is generally "abundance," "multitude" ( Deuteronomy 33:19 ; ... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Kings 9:17-18

2 Kings 9:17-18. There stood a watchmen on the tower For watchmen were set on high places in time of peace as well as war wherever the king was, that he might not be surprised. Let him say, Is it peace? Inquire who it is that comes, and if he comes on peaceable terms. For he feared lest either the Syrians had prevailed at Ramoth-gilead, or some sedition or rebellion was raised against him, which the example of Libnah, and his own guilty conscience, made him fear. Jehu said, What hast... read more

Group of Brands