2 Kings 9:11 - Meaning and Application

Jehu, after a short pause, went back to his place at the table and acted as if nothing had happened. At first he seems to have planned to keep the matter to himself, unless the captains pressed him to speak. So let us see what passed between him and them.

The captains showed great contempt for the young prophet (2 Kings 9:11). They asked, “Why did this mad fellow come to you? What business did he have with you? Why did you even go off to talk with him?” They called him mad because he was one of those who would not join the excesses of sinful living (1 Peter 4:4). Instead, he lived a life of self-denial, discipline, and disregard for the world, and spent his time in devotion. For that reason, the prophets were often treated as fools, and spiritual people as crazy (Hosea 9:7).

This is still common. People who have no religion often speak with scorn about those who do and think they are mad. They said the same of our Lord, that he was out of his mind. They said of John the Baptist that he had a demon, meaning they thought him a sad or disturbed man. They said of Paul, “Much learning has made you mad.” The highest wisdom is often called foolishness, and those who know themselves best are treated as if they were beside themselves.

Perhaps Jehu meant to rebuke his friends when he said, in effect, “You know this man is a prophet, so why do you call him a mad fellow? You know his message is not from madness, but from God.” Or he may have meant, “Since he is a prophet, you can guess why he came, to tell me my faults and teach me my duty. I do not need to explain it to you.” That was how he tried to put them off, but they pressed him to tell more. They answered, in effect, “That is not enough. We cannot guess what he came for, so tell us plainly.”

When they pressed him, he told them that the prophet had anointed him king, and he likely showed them the oil on his head (2 Kings 9:12). He did not know whether some of them might oppose him out of loyalty to Joram or envy of him, and try to crush his cause at the start. Still, he trusted God’s appointment and was not afraid to admit it. He knew whom he had trusted, and the one who raised him up would support him.

The captains then showed respect to the new king as soon as they heard of his promotion (2 Kings 9:13). Even though they thought little of the prophet who anointed him, and little of his office, they showed deep honor to the royal dignity of the one anointed. They quickly proclaimed him and blew the trumpet. To show their loyalty and allegiance, their affection for his person and rule, and their wish that he might be secure in his new position, they spread their garments under him. This let him stand or sit on them at the top of the stairs, in full view of the soldiers, who came together at once to honor the moment.

God put it into their hearts to own Jehu so quickly, for he turns people’s hearts, as well as kings’ hearts, like streams of water, wherever he wills. Perhaps they were dissatisfied with Joram’s rule, or perhaps they had a special liking for Jehu. In any case, it seems the time was right for a change, and they all sided with Jehu and plotted against Joram (2 Kings 9:14).

Jehu also acted with caution. He had the advantage over Joram, and he knew how to use it. He had the army on his side, while Joram had left it and gone home badly wounded. Jehu showed good judgment in two ways. First, he honored the captains and would do nothing without their agreement. He said, in effect, “If this is what you want, we will do it; if not, we will not.” By this he showed respect for their judgment and confidence in their loyalty, and both helped win and hold them. It is wise for those who want to rise quickly and remain steady to bring their friends with them.

Second, he planned to catch Joram by surprise. To do that, he moved quickly and made sure Joram heard nothing of it beforehand. No one was to leave for Jezreel to report what had happened, so that ruin might come on him and his house like a trap. A sudden attack can sometimes work as well as a strong one.