Jehu's Wild Ride

The chariot of judgment that came driving like a madman

Jezreel · c. 841 BC · 2 Kgs 9:1–37

Story

Elisha called one of the disciples of the prophets and said, “Take this flask of oil and go to Ramoth-gilead. Take Jehu, the grandson of Nimshi, into an inner room, pour oil on his head, then open the door and run.” The young prophet called Jehu out from among the commanders, went into the house, poured the oil on his head and said, “This is what the Lord says: You are to strike down the house of Ahab.” Then the young prophet opened the door and ran.

The commanders blew the trumpet and shouted, “Jehu is king!” Jehu drove his chariot hard toward Jezreel. The watchman on the tower called out, “The driving is like the driving of Jehu; he drives like a madman.” Joram the king, Ahab's son, came out and asked, “Is it peace, Jehu?” Jehu answered, “How can there be peace, while the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel are so many?” Jehu's arrow pierced Joram through.

Ahab's wife Jezebel painted her eyes, arranged her hair and stood at the window. Jezebel said to Jehu as he came in through the gate, “Is it peace, you Zimri, murderer of your master?” Jehu looked up at the window and shouted, “Who is on my side?” At Jehu's command, the officials threw Jezebel out of the window. Elijah's word that dogs would devour Jezebel in the land of Jezreel later came true exactly.

Words of God and the Prophets

I anoint you king over my people Israel. You are to strike down the house of your master Ahab.

Pour the oil on his head, then open the door and run. Do not wait.

How can there be any peace, while the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel are so many?

This is the word the Lord spoke through Elijah: In the land of Jezreel dogs will eat the flesh of Jezebel.

The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: 2 Kgs 9:1–37

Background

Pause and Reflect