2 Kings 9:3
Then take the box of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not.
Original Language Analysis
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֤
Then take
H3947
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֤
Then take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 19
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
הַשֶּׁ֙מֶן֙
of oil
H8081
הַשֶּׁ֙מֶן֙
of oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
3 of 19
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
וְיָֽצַקְתָּ֣
and pour
H3332
וְיָֽצַקְתָּ֣
and pour
Strong's:
H3332
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹאשׁ֔וֹ
it on his head
H7218
רֹאשׁ֔וֹ
it on his head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
6 of 19
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מְשַׁחְתִּ֥יךָ
I have anointed
H4886
מְשַׁחְתִּ֥יךָ
I have anointed
Strong's:
H4886
Word #:
11 of 19
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
over Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
over Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
14 of 19
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וּפָֽתַחְתָּ֥
Then open
H6605
וּפָֽתַחְתָּ֥
Then open
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
15 of 19
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
וְנַ֖סְתָּה
and flee
H5127
וְנַ֖סְתָּה
and flee
Strong's:
H5127
Word #:
17 of 19
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
Cross References
1 Kings 19:16And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.Exodus 29:7Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him.Matthew 2:13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.Leviticus 8:12And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.2 Kings 8:13And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou shalt be king over Syria.2 Chronicles 22:7And the destruction of Ahaziah was of God by coming to Joram: for when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab.1 Samuel 15:1Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.1 Samuel 16:2And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD.1 Samuel 9:16To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.1 Samuel 15:17And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then take the box of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 9: Divine judgment executed on Ahab's house. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.