2 Kings 9 20

2 Kings 9:20 kjv

And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously.

2 Kings 9:20 nkjv

So the watchman reported, saying, "He went up to them and is not coming back; and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously!"

2 Kings 9:20 niv

The lookout reported, "He has reached them, but he isn't coming back either. The driving is like that of Jehu son of Nimshi?he drives like a maniac."

2 Kings 9:20 esv

Again the watchman reported, "He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously."

2 Kings 9:20 nlt

The watchman exclaimed, "The messenger has met them, but he isn't returning either! It must be Jehu son of Nimshi, for he's driving like a madman."

2 Kings 9 verses

2 Kings 9 20 Meaning

The verse describes the distinctive and immediate observation by a watchman on a tower near Jezreel. He notes that the approaching chariot driver, recognized as Jehu, moves with extreme speed and intensity, almost like a frenzied person. This frantic, passionate, or even "mad" driving style uniquely identifies Jehu to those observing. The report emphasizes his unwavering progression and fierce determination as he nears his destination.

2 Kings 9 20 Context

The setting of 2 Kings 9:20 is immediately after Jehu has been secretly anointed king over Israel by a prophet from Elisha's company. This anointing is a divine commission to overthrow the wicked house of Ahab and fulfill God's judgment upon Joram, Jezebel, and their idolatrous lineage for their grievous sins, particularly the shedding of innocent blood (like Naboth's). Jehu swiftly departs Ramoth-gilead for Jezreel, where King Joram of Israel (Ahab's son) and King Ahaziah of Judah (Joram's nephew) are recovering from battle wounds. The watchman, from his vantage point, sees Jehu's distinctive approach, confirming the unique and aggressive manner of his arrival, which immediately causes concern and attempts to ascertain his identity and intentions. This verse is pivotal as it builds the suspense leading to the direct confrontation and the beginning of Jehu's bloody purge.

2 Kings 9 20 Word analysis

• The watchman (הַצּוֹפֶה - haṣṣōpheh): This individual is positioned on a high tower, tasked with observing and reporting significant movements. His role is critical in this narrative, serving as the "eyes" for the kings inside the city, bringing prophetic and immediate news. This figure is reminiscent of prophetic watchmen in Isa 21:6, Jer 6:17, Ezek 3:17, appointed by God to warn His people.
• reported again (וַיַּגֵּד שֵׁנִית - vayaggēḏ šēnîth): "Reported" signifies a formal, observed communication. "Again" (שֵׁנִית - šēnîth, second time) highlights the increasing urgency and precision of his observations. He is not merely guessing but confirming details with successive reports, building dramatic tension.
• saying, ‘He came even to them, but he is not returning. (לֵאמֹר, עַד־אֲלֵיהֶם הִגִּיעַ וְלֹא־שָׁב.) - The first part "he came even to them" refers to the initial messengers sent to meet him. "but he is not returning" is the crucial detail. It indicates Jehu's resolute advance. Messengers were dispatched to inquire, but neither they nor Jehu halted his forward progress. This signifies his unwavering determination and purpose, reflecting his divinely mandated mission to confront Joram without diversion or delay. This lack of turning back is an omen of relentless, uncompromising action.
• And the driving (וְהַמִּנְהָג - vəhamminhâg): Refers specifically to the manner or style of chariot-driving. It's not just motion, but a distinctive "handling" or "conduct" of the vehicle.
• is like the driving (כְּמִנְהַג - kəmimhág) - Emphasizes a distinct, recognizable pattern. The similarity implies that Jehu's driving was uniquely famous or infamous, and consistent with his character.
• of Jehu the son of Nimshi, (יֵהוּא בֶן־נִמְשִׁי - Yêhû’ ben-Nimshî): Jehu's full identification, "son of Nimshi," serves to solidify his identity beyond any doubt. "Son of Nimshi" isn't strictly necessary as his own name "Jehu" is given, but it adds ancestral recognition, though his direct father was actually Jehoshaphat, as per 2 Kgs 9:2. "Son of Nimshi" could be his grandfather, indicating his prominent lineage within a respected Israelite family. Or it could be an ironic reference, as he was famous enough that mentioning a more distant but prominent ancestor made his identity even clearer and highlighted his well-known persona.
• for he drives furiously.’ (כִּי בְשִׁגָּעוֹן יִנְהָג - kî v'shiggâ‘ôn yinhâg):
  • furiously (בְשִׁגָּעוֹן - b'shiggâ‘ôn): This is a critical Hebrew term. It means "in madness," "like a madman," "with frenzy," "intensely," "with wild zeal." It doesn't necessarily mean actual mental instability but rather an extreme, uncontrollable, passionate intensity. It conveys his overwhelming urgency and determination, unhesitating and seemingly reckless. This "madness" is born out of his divine commission; his zeal for executing God's judgment is so overwhelming it appears like a frenzy to an observer.
  • he drives (יִנְהָג - yinhâg): Imperfect verb, indicating continuous or habitual action. He drives continually in this furious manner, which is why it is his recognizable trademark.
• words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "He came even to them, but he is not returning": This phrase highlights Jehu's single-mindedness. The typical protocol of messengers being sent out and then returning with information is broken. Jehu does not halt his approach or send the messengers back; instead, he subsumes them into his relentless advance. This conveys an immediate sense of alarm and unyielding purpose.
  • "And the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously.": This identifies the distinctiveness and character of Jehu's advance. His charioteering style is so singular and well-known that it's a direct identifier. The descriptor "furiously" (or "with madness/zeal") marks this not as normal military movement but as a wild, unrestrained, and deeply passionate surge forward, indicative of someone operating under extreme conviction, which for Jehu, was divine command.

2 Kings 9 20 Bonus section

The term shiggâ‘ôn (furiously/madness) used here to describe Jehu's driving is often associated with prophetic ecstasy or extreme devotion (e.g., used for Saul's frenzied state when prophesying in 1 Sam 18:10). This connection reinforces that Jehu's driving style, though appearing "mad" to observers, was indicative of a zeal, likely understood by his peers as the manifestation of divine impulsion, making him a truly formidable and terrifying force for those whom he pursued. This verse paints Jehu not merely as a military commander, but as a whirlwind of God's righteous indignation.

2 Kings 9 20 Commentary

This verse serves as a dramatic climax in the lead-up to Jehu's confrontation with the Omride dynasty. The watchman's observations convey Jehu's utterly relentless and zealous approach. The "non-returning" of the messengers, combined with the recognition of Jehu's distinctive "furious" driving, sends an immediate signal of grave intent and divine judgment in motion. Jehu’s driving, described as "mad" or "furious" (b'shiggâ‘ôn), indicates not literal insanity, but a powerful, unhesitating zeal that defied ordinary conventions and precautions. This fervor stems directly from his prophetic anointing and the divine mandate to execute God's judgment against the idolatrous and wicked house of Ahab, marking him as God's instrument of swift, decisive destruction. It's a driving intensity born of unwavering purpose, setting the stage for the dramatic and bloody events that follow.