2 Kings 9:2 - Exposition

And when thou comest thither, look out Share Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi. Jehu had been in a high position under Ahab ( 2 Kings 9:25 ), and had been pointed out to Elijah, by Divine revelation, as the future King of Israel ( 1 Kings 19:16 ). Elijah had been bidden to anoint him king, but apparently had neglected to do so, or rather had devolved the task upon his successor. Meantime Jehu served as a soldier under Ahaziah and Jehoram, Ahab's sons, and attained such distinction that he became one of the captains of the host ( infra , 2 Kings 9:5 ), according to Josephus ( l.s.c .) the chief captain. Jehu was commonly known as "the son of Nimshi" ( 1 Kings 19:16 ; 2 Kings 9:20 ), either because, his father having died young, he was brought up by his grandfather, or perhaps simply "because Nimshi was a person of more importance than Jehoshaphat." And go in — i.e; seek his presence, go into his quarters, wherever they may be, have direct speech with him— and make him arise up from among his brethren . Jehu's "brethren" are his brother-officers , among whom Elisha knows that he will be found sitting. And carry him to an inner chamber. Persuade him, i.e; to quit the place where thou wilt find him sitting with the other generals, and to go with thee into a private apartment for secret conference. Secrecy was of extreme importance, lest Joram should get knowledge of what was happening, and prepare himself for resistance. Had he not been taken by surprise, the result might have been a long and bloody civil war.