Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Kings 9
Albert Barnes Commentary
2 Kings 9
Albert Barnes Commentary
2 Kings 9
"And Elisha the prophet called one of the sons of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this vial of oil in thy hand, and go to Ramoth-gilead." — 2 Kings 9:1 (ASV)
Box - Rather, “flask,” or “vial” (1 Samuel 10:1). Oil and ointment were commonly kept in open-mouthed jars, vases, or bottles made of glass, alabaster, or earthenware. Many such vessels have been found in both Egypt and Assyria. The “oil” was the holy oil, compounded according to the formula given in Exodus 30:23-25.
"Then take the vial of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus saith Jehovah, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not." — 2 Kings 9:3 (ASV)
Flee, and do not delay - The probable purpose of these directions was both to prevent questioning and to make the event more striking.
"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 us all? And he said, To thee, O captain." — 2 Kings 9:5 (ASV)
The chief officers—the generals—were assembled together in Jehu’s quarters, perhaps holding a council of war. The place of assembly seems to have been the great court. Therefore, Jehu went into the house (2 Kings 9:6); that is, he entered one of the rooms opening into the court.
"Then Jehu came forth to the servants of his lord: and one said unto him, Is all well? wherefore came this mad fellow to thee? And he said unto them, Ye know the man and what his talk was." — 2 Kings 9:11 (ASV)
This mad fellow—The captains, seeing his excited look, his strange action, and his extreme haste, call him (as soldiers would) “this wild fellow.”
"Then they hasted, and took every man his garment, and put it under him on the top of the stairs, and blew the trumpet, saying, Jehu is king." — 2 Kings 9:13 (ASV)
Took every man his garment, and put it under him - The outer cloak of the Jews was a type of large shawl or blanket, which could serve as a carpet of state. Such a carpet is commonly depicted on the seat of an Assyrian throne in the Nineveh sculptures.
The stairs rose against the wall of the house from the pavement of the court to the level of the upper story or the roof. At the top of the stairs would be a flat platform, which would serve as a throne where the new king could present himself to his subjects.
Blew with trumpets - This was a recognized part of the coronation ceremony (see 2 Kings 11:14; 2 Samuel 15:10; 1 Kings 1:39).
Jump to: