2 Kings Chapter 9 · Verse 16
So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Jezreel; for Joram lay there. And Ahaziah king of Judah was come down to see Joram.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּרְכַּ֤ב
rode in a chariot
H7392
וַיִּרְכַּ֤ב
rode in a chariot
Strong's:
H7392
Word #:
1 of 15
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 15
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
יִזְרְעֶ֔אלָה
to Jezreel
H3157
יִזְרְעֶ֔אלָה
to Jezreel
Strong's:
H3157
Word #:
4 of 15
jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שֹׁכֵ֣ב
lay
H7901
שֹׁכֵ֣ב
lay
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
7 of 15
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
שָׁ֑מָּה
H8033
שָׁ֑מָּה
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
8 of 15
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
וַֽאֲחַזְיָה֙
there And Ahaziah
H274
וַֽאֲחַזְיָה֙
there And Ahaziah
Strong's:
H274
Word #:
9 of 15
achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
11 of 15
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
יָרַ֖ד
was come down
H3381
יָרַ֖ד
was come down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
12 of 15
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
לִרְא֥וֹת
to see
H7200
לִרְא֥וֹת
to see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
13 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 9 takes place during Jehu's dynasty and the violent purge of Baal worship, around 841 BCE. The chapter's theme (Jehu's Violent Revolution) reflects the historical reality of violent political revolution motivated by zeal for Yahweh but lacking genuine heart transformation. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 9 regarding divine judgment executed on ahab's house?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Jezreel; for Joram lay there. And Ahaziah king of Judah was come down to see Joram.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 9: Divine judgment executed on Ahab's house. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.