King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:3 Mean?

“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.”

Context

And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead :

And when thou comest thither, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brethren, and carry him to an inner chamber; inner: Heb. chamber in a chamber

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.

So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramothgilead .

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 all us? And he said, To thee, O captain.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Then.**—*And* (both times). **Thus saith the Lord . . . over Israel.**—Only the chief part of the message to Jehu is here given, to avoid publicity. (See *infra,* 2Kings 9:6-9.) **Over Israel.**—Literally, *unto Israel*, both here and in 2Kings 9:12. But a great number of MSS., and all the versions in both places, read *over Israel*. **Tarry not.**—So as to avoid all questioning, and to give greater force to the act.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 9:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.