2 Kings 9 5

2 Kings 9:5 kjv

And when he came, behold, the captains of the host were sitting; and he said, I have an errand to thee, O captain. And Jehu said, Unto which of all us? And he said, To thee, O captain.

2 Kings 9:5 nkjv

And when he arrived, there were the captains of the army sitting; and he said, "I have a message for you, Commander." Jehu said, "For which one of us?" And he said, "For you, Commander."

2 Kings 9:5 niv

When he arrived, he found the army officers sitting together. "I have a message for you, commander," he said. "For which of us?" asked Jehu. "For you, commander," he replied.

2 Kings 9:5 esv

And when he came, behold, the commanders of the army were in council. And he said, "I have a word for you, O commander." And Jehu said, "To which of us all?" And he said, "To you, O commander."

2 Kings 9:5 nlt

When he arrived there, he found Jehu sitting around with the other army officers. "I have a message for you, Commander," he said. "For which one of us?" Jehu asked. "For you, Commander," he replied.

2 Kings 9 verses

2 Kings 9 5 Meaning

Second Kings 9:5 details the pivotal moment when the young prophetic messenger sent by Elisha enters a military gathering and singles out Jehu, a prominent army commander, stating he has a divine message specifically for him. This exchange immediately creates a dramatic and tense atmosphere, underscoring the targeted nature of God's commission and the initial caution from Jehu before the momentous anointing for kingship and judgment on the house of Ahab.

2 Kings 9 5 Context

Chapter 9 of 2 Kings initiates a pivotal turning point in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Prior to this, Elisha, the prophet, has instructed one of the "sons of the prophets" (a young prophetic student or messenger) to carry out a secret mission: anoint Jehu, one of the leading military commanders of Israel's army stationed at Ramoth-Gilead, as the next king of Israel. This mission is a direct fulfillment of an earlier command given to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:15-16 to anoint Jehu to eradicate the house of Ahab. The immediate historical setting is one of military conflict between Israel (under King Joram, Ahab's son) and Aram (Syria) over Ramoth-Gilead. King Joram himself has been wounded and is recuperating in Jezreel. The captains are likely assembled for military strategy, emphasizing Jehu's significant position and the high stakes of the prophetic encounter. This setting highlights the dramatic shift from human political and military affairs to divine intervention and judgment.

2 Kings 9 5 Word analysis

• And when he came in: This refers to the "young man, the prophet" (נער הנביא, na'ar hanevi) from verse 4, Elisha's messenger. His entry interrupts the normal flow of the military setting. "He came in" (וַיָּבֹא, vayyavo) suggests an assertive, deliberate entry into their presence.
• behold: (הִנֵּה, hinneh). This interjection draws immediate attention to what follows. It signals a noteworthy or surprising observation, emphasizing the scene that unfolds before the messenger's eyes.
• the captains of the army: (שָׂרֵי הַצָּבָא, sarei hatzava). "Captains" (שָׂרִים, sarim) implies leaders, commanders, or officials. These are men of significant military and political authority. "Army" (צָבָא, tzava) signifies a host, implying a formidable force or its leadership. Their presence signifies a place of power and strategic planning.
• were sitting: (יֹשְׁבִים, yoshvim). This describes their posture, suggesting they were engaged in a meeting, deliberation, or at least a relaxed posture, rather than actively fighting. This quiet, strategic environment makes the young prophet's arrival all the more impactful.
• and he said: The messenger speaks directly and with purpose.
• I have a word for you, O commander: This is the heart of the message's delivery.
  • a word: (דָּבָר, davar). This is more than a casual statement. In a prophetic context, davar often refers to a divine oracle, a message directly from God. This immediately elevates the significance of the messenger's presence and speech.
  • for you: Emphatically singular. The divine word is not for the collective "captains" but specifically targets one individual.
  • O commander: (שַׂר, sar). This is a direct address to Jehu using his military title. It confirms the messenger's awareness of Jehu's prominent status.
• And Jehu said: Jehu's immediate response.
• To which of us?: Jehu's question reveals caution and circumspection. In such a high-stakes military and political environment, an unannounced prophetic message, especially a singular one, could signify a divine oracle, judgment, or an anointing. He wants clarity and privacy.
• And he said, 'To you, O commander.: The messenger’s reiteration, even more pointedly than before, confirms without doubt that the divine message is for Jehu, and Jehu alone. This resolute confirmation compels Jehu to receive the message privately, as seen in the subsequent verses.

2 Kings 9 5 Bonus section

• The strategic location of Ramoth-Gilead, a fortress city constantly contested between Israel and Aram, adds to the tension. Jehu's position there underscores his importance in the military hierarchy and makes him an ideal figure for a military coup initiated by divine command.
• The fact that it's a "young man" or "prophet's disciple" (sometimes rendered "young prophet") delivering the message, rather than Elisha himself, could indicate either Elisha's caution regarding the political ramifications or a deliberate test of Jehu's response to an unexpected messenger. It emphasizes the message's divine origin rather than the messenger's personal stature.
• The use of "commander" (שַׂר) both by the prophet and by Jehu himself ("To which of us?") indicates a mutual recognition of military hierarchy and underscores the formal and grave nature of the address.
• This specific act is part of God's greater plan to deal with persistent idolatry and wickedness in Israel, as detailed through Elijah and Elisha's ministries. It's not arbitrary but the unfolding of a long-prophesied judgment against the house of Ahab.

2 Kings 9 5 Commentary

Second Kings 9:5 sets the stage for a dramatic turning point orchestrated by God Himself. The young prophet's direct, even audacious, entry into a military assembly, immediately isolating Jehu with the pronouncement "I have a word for you," highlights divine precision. In a context of political intrigue and military conflict, a "word" (דָּבָר) from a prophet was understood to be an authoritative message from the Lord. Jehu's initial caution ("To which of us?") is natural, reflecting a keen awareness of the power and potential implications of a prophetic utterance. This brief exchange eliminates ambiguity, ensuring the divine anointing and commission that follow are undeniably for Jehu, thus initiating the complete eradication of Ahab's wicked dynasty and the purge of Baal worship from Israel, a fulfillment of earlier divine decrees. The scene vividly portrays God's sovereignty over human affairs, utilizing His prophets to intervene directly in the succession of kings and the execution of His justice.