King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:7 Mean?

“And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.”

Context

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.

And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel.

And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.

For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel:

And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah:

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **The house of Ahab thy master.**—*Not* Ahab thy master, *but* the house of Ahab thy lords. The LXX. adds, *from before me*. **The blood of my servants the prophets.**—See 1Kings 18:4; 1Kings 18:13. **The blood of all the servants of the Lord.**—We are not told elsewhere, but the thing is in itself probable, that Jezebel persecuted to the death those who clung to the *exclusive* worship of Jehovah. **At the hand of Jezebel.**—Comp. Genesis 9:5. Jezebel (Heb., *’Izèbel*) means *immaculata*—i.e., *virgo*. Is it the original of Isabel, Isabella, Isbel?

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 9:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.