2 Kings 9:16

Authorized King James Version

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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
יֵהוּא֙ So Jehu H3058
יֵהוּא֙ So Jehu
Strong's: H3058
Word #: 2 of 15
jehu, the name of five israelites
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
יוֹרָֽם׃ Joram H3141
יוֹרָֽם׃ Joram
Strong's: H3141
Word #: 6 of 15
joram, the name of three israelites and one syrian
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
מֶ֣לֶךְ king H4428
מֶ֣לֶךְ king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 10 of 15
a 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)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 14 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יוֹרָֽם׃ Joram H3141
יוֹרָֽם׃ Joram
Strong's: H3141
Word #: 15 of 15
joram, the name of three israelites and one syrian

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.

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

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