Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Kings 9:21
And Joram said, Make ready. And his chariot was made ready. And Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they went out against Jehu, and met him in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite.
21. Make ready ] Literally as in margin of R.V. ‘yoke’. The mention of Jehu has shewn Joram that the reason must be a weighty one which brings the commander of the army from Ramoth at full speed. So he goes to meet him that he may know what has happened. Apparently he set forth without any body guard, and thus is easily put to flight when Jehu attacks him. The two kings went forth in somewhat of a state array. Both had been in the defence of Ramoth-gilead and so were both interested in what they expected would be news from the army.
went out against Jehu ] R.V. to meet Jehu. There is not necessarily an adverse sense in the word, and the kings had no suspicion of what Jehu’s real errand was. It might be disaster in the army, but rebellion was out of their thoughts.
in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite ] This was ‘hard by the palace’ (1Ki 21:1) so that the royal chariots had not gone far before they came upon Jehu. The spot was no longer ‘a vineyard’ as when it belonged to Naboth, but had been converted by Ahab and Jezebel to some other purpose.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Make ready – literally, (as in margin) Blind, i. e., Harness the horses to the chariot. The king had no suspicion of Jehus treason. Probably he imagined that he was bringing him important news from the seat of war. Ahaziahs accompanying him is significant of the close friendship which united the uncle and the nephew. They went out not against Jehu, but rather to meet him.
In the portion of Naboth – This is no longer called a vineyard 1 Kings 21:1-18; probably because it had been thrown into the palace garden, and applied to the purpose for which Ahab originally wanted it. The approach to the city on this side must have lain either through it, or close by it.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 21. Joram – and Ahaziah – went out] They had no suspicion of what was done at Ramoth-gilead; else they would not have ventured their persons as they now did.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Against Jehu, or, to meet Jehu, to know his intentions, and by his presence to repress any seditious inclinations which might be in Jehu or his followers.
In the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite; in that field which formerly belonged to Naboth, part whereof was enclosed by Ahab, and made a garden.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
And Joram said, make ready,…. The chariot, put to the horses; bind them, as the word signifies, to the chariot:
and his chariot was made ready; by his servants immediately:
and Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot; not both in the same chariot, but each in his own, for the sake of greater magnificence:
and they went out against Jehu; not in an hostile manner, for they had no notion of him as an enemy; though it is much they had no suspicion of him by his detaining the messengers; but Joram perhaps thought he was desirous of delivering his message himself; and in honour to him, and also being eager to know what it was, went out to meet him:
and met him in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite; which had been his, and where, or near it, he was stoned, and his blood shed; a very inauspicious place to meet him in.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Two Kings Slain, Commentary on 2Ki 9:21-29 AND 2Ch 22:7-9
Joram and Ahaziah had their separate chariots prepared to ride forth to meet Jehu and his company. Joram intended to challenge Jehu’s coming himself, but seems to have felt little alarm, since he did not, evidently, carry a guard with him. He accosted Jehu with the same question he had sent by his rider s, “Have you come in peace?” To which Jehu replied, “What peace is there, so long as your wicked mother Jezebel continues her witchcraft and harlot religion?” This approach to his task was doubtless inspired by the words of the prophet who anointed him. But Jehu was likely expressing also a popular reaction to the foreign worship, brought from Phoenicia by Jezebel. That he was actually jealous for the Lord is untrue.
Immediately Joram realized he was in mortal danger and turned his chariot to flee, exclaiming to his accompanying nephew, “It is treachery, O Ahaziah!” Jehu put an arrow to his bow and pulled the string to full force, letting it fly at the fleeing king. So powerful was the shot and so accurate the aim that it struck Joram between his shoulders, passed through his heart, and out through his chest. The king slumped into his chariot, dying. Jehu commanded Bidkar, who must have succeeded to the position formerly held by Jehu, to take the body of Joram and throw it to the dogs in the field of Naboth, where those scavenging canines had devoured the flesh of the good man and his sons. He recalled the words they had heard Elijah express to Old Ahab years before, “Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, and I will requite thee in this plat.” The wheels of judgment may grind slowly, but nevertheless they grind (Isa 3:15).
There is difficulty in harmonizing the Kings and Chronicles accounts of Ahaziah’s death. The Chronicles account states that his death was permitted by the Lord, by his coming to visit Joram at the time of Jehu’s rebellion.
The Kings account states that Ahaziah seeing the death of Joram fled by the garden house, and that Jehu pursued and slew him in the ascent of Gur, leading to Ibleam, south of Jezreel, across the valley. Then he turned to escape down the valley to Megiddo, wounded, and there died. His servants carried his body to Jerusalem and buried it in the sepulchre of the kings. Note that the words, “And they did so,” in verse 27, are italicized and were added by the translators.
The Chronicles account has it that Ahaziah was slain, along with other princes of Judah, when he found them (cf. 2Ki 10:12-14). This would indicate Ahaziah’s execution several days later. The statement that he was hid in Samaria also indicates a different time and place from that of Kings. This account states that his body was brought to Jehu, who out of respect for Jehoshaphat, Ahaziah’s grandfather, had it sent back to Jerusalem for burial.
The following seems to be a plausible correlation of the two accounts. Ibleam was south of Jezreel, making it appear that Ahaziah hoped to escape either to Samaria or back to Jerusalem. Leaving out the italicized words it could be rendered that he had reached this point when Jehu issued his orders to slay him. Accordingly he turned back northwestward, up the Kishon valley to seek refuge in the fortress of Megiddo. The reference to Samaha, however, is most difficult to reconcile. His sojourn there in hiding must then have intervened between Ibleam and Megiddo. It is found that the elders of Samaria executed Ibleam and Megiddo. It is found that the elders of Samaria executed the princes at Samaria by order of Jehu (2Ki 10:1-11), so that Ahaziah’s continuance there would have become untenable. Perhaps it was then he was discovered, but somehow escaped to Megiddo wounded and dying. And from there his body was brought to Jehu, and then conveyed to Jerusalem.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(21) Make ready.Literally, bindi.e., the horses to the chariot.
And his chariot was made ready.Literally, And one bound his chariot.
Against Jehu.Rather, to meet Jehu. Joram was curious to know why his messengers had not returned, as well as why the commander-in-chief had left the seat of war. Had he suspected treachery, he would hardly have left the shelter of the walls of Jezreel, and ventured forth without a guard.
In the portion of Naboth.Naboths vineyard, which now formed part of the pleasure-grounds of the palace. (See 1Ki. 21:16.)
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
21. Met him in the portion of Naboth Fatal spot for the son of Ahab, for long before there had gone forth the oracle, that in that spot the dogs should lick his blood. 1Ki 21:19; 1Ki 21:29.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
The Death Of Jehoram At The Hands Of Jehu In Accordance With YHWH’s Pronounced Judgment On The House Of Ahab Because Of The Murder Of Naboth The Jezreelite ( 2Ki 9:21-26 ).
Now confident at least of their security the two kings themselves set out in their chariots to meet Jehu, and they found him in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite. This might well have been deliberate on Jehu’s part. He would want Israel to recognise that what he was doing was carrying out YHWH’s vengeance. To the kings it would not initially be seen as significant.
On approaching Jehu, his chariot commander Jehoram asked whether he had come bringing news of peace with Aram, and was immediately made aware that all was not well. For Jehu, instead of signifying his obeisance, roundly asked him how there could be peace while Jezebel was still dishonouring the kingdom and seeking to bewitch it. It was a clear indication of hostile intent. It also brought out what lay at the heart of the rebellion, the foreign and unacceptable influence of Jezebel on Israel.
Turning his chariot Jehoram sought to flee crying out to Ahaziah that treachery was afoot, but as he fled Jehu drew his bow, and with a well aimed arrow, struck him between the arms so that he sank down in his chariot. Then Jehu commanded that his body be taken and cast onto the plot of land stolen from Naboth by Ahab and Jezebel as a kind of atonement for the land, and punishment from YHWH. All Israel would recognise from this that Jehu was simply doing YHWH’s will, while Jehu gained the satisfaction of knowing that he had been YHWH’s chosen instrument.
Analysis.
a
b And it came about, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, “Is it peace, Jehu?” And he answered, “What peace, so long as the whoredoms of your mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?” (2Ki 9:22).
c And Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, “There is treachery, O Ahaziah” (2Ki 9:23).
b And Jehu drew his bow with his full strength, and smote Joram between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot (2Ki 9:24).
a Then Jehu said to Bidkar his captain, “Take up, and cast him in the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite, for remember how, when I and you rode together after Ahab his father, YHWH laid this burden on him. Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, says YHWH, and I will requite you in this plot, says YHWH. Now therefore take and cast him into the plot of land, according to the word of YHWH” (2Ki 9:25-26).
Note that in ‘a’ the meeting took place in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite, and in the parallel Jehoram’s body was to be cast in the portion. In ‘b the question was whether it was peace, and the king received a declaration of judgment, and in the parallel that peace was disrupted and the judgment carried out. Centrally in ‘c’ the message was one of ‘Treachery’.
2Ki 9:21
‘And Joram said, “Make ready.” And they made ready his chariot. And Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they went out to meet Jehu, and found him in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite.’
Not suspecting any problems Jehoram of Israel then determined to go himself in order to obtain the news that Jehu clearly wanted to convey himself. This would have been seen as a good sign by the king. Bad news was brought by nondescript messengers. To wish to deliver the message himself suggested that Jehu saw it as good news.
We may see it as probable that the meeting place was not a total coincidence. Jehu had probably deliberately decided on it taking place in the portion of Naboth. It was a reminder to him of what his mission was, to act on YHWH’s behalf as His avenger. It was that that lay at the heart of the rebellion.
2Ki 9:22
‘And it came about, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, “Is it peace, Jehu?” And he answered, “What peace, so long as the whoredoms of your mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?” ’
So when Jehoram asked whether Jehu brought a message of peace he was probably anticipating good news concerning the defeat of the Aramaeans. We can therefore imagine his feelings, when instead of saluting him and acknowledging his royal authority, Jehu replied harshly and asked him how there could be peace in Israel as long as Jezebel’s idolatry (the whoredom of worshipping Baal and engaging in obscene sexual rituals) and occultism (the use of magic and divination) prevailed and abounded in Israel.
2Ki 9:23
‘And Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, “There is treachery, O Ahaziah.” ’
At the words of Jehu Jehoram instantly recognised rebellion, and with his hand he turned his chariot and fled, crying out to Ahaziah that treachery was in the air. It is clear that he had been so unsuspecting of treachery that he was driving his own chariot.
2Ki 9:24
‘And Jehu drew his bow with his full strength, and smote Joram between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sank down in his chariot.’
But he was not to escape YHWH’s vengeance, for Jehu drew his bow to its greatest extent and smote him with an arrow between the arms so that he sank down into his chariot, which then presumably came to a halt.
2Ki 9:25
‘Then Jehu said to Bidkar his captain, “Take up, and cast him in the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite, for remember how, when I and you rode together after Ahab his father, YHWH laid this burden on him.” ’
Then Jehu turned to his captain, Bidkar, and told him to take Jehoram’s body and cast it into the field of Naboth the Jezreelite from whom Jezebel and Ahab had stolen a vineyard, having arranged for his murder. He reminded Bidkar how when they had both ridden together in Ahab’s service, (Jehoram’s father), it had been well known that YHWH had determined this punishment for the house of Ahab (laid this burden on him), something only delayed because of Ahab’s subsequent repentance (1Ki 21:29).
For the name Bidkar, probably a shortened form of Ben-dekar, compare 1Ki 4:9.
2Ki 9:26
“Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, says YHWH, and I will requite you in this plot, says YHWH. Now therefore take and cast him into the plot of land, according to the word of YHWH.”
Jehu reminded Bidkar that YHWH had declared that He had seen the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons who had apparently perished with him (compare how He had heard Abel’s blood crying from the ground – Gen 4:10), and had sworn that he would pay Ahab back for the murders in that very plot of land, something, however, deferred to his son’s day in 1Ki 21:29 because of Ahab’s repentance. (If we think this harsh we should recognise that the implication of the verse is that had Jehoram also repented he also would have avoided the consequences. God’s judgment never comes on those who have truly repented). Thus Jehu was offering the body of Jehoram as requital for the sin of Ahab, in accordance with YHWH’s word. We may see as background to the idea the thoughts in Deuteronomy 21, although in this case the murderer was known. Jehoram’s death had become a kind of atonement offering for the unrequited sin which had stained Israel.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
What a remarkable coincidence of circumstances must it have been to have brought those persons to the very spot of Naboth’s vineyard! as if to remind Joram of the cause of his death, and his merited judgment. Reader! what greater testimony can a man require that the Lord’s hand is in that visitation, when the punishment ariseth out of the very crime itself, in the consequences which follow.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
2Ki 9:21 And Joram said, Make ready. And his chariot was made ready. And Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they went out against Jehu, and met him in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite.
Ver. 21. And Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah. ] These never dreamed of an enemy, though the messengers were detained, but thought, likely, that Jehu came with good news from the army, whereof himself would be the first messenger. Sic Deus quem destruit dementat, God infatuateth those whom he meaneth to destroy.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Make ready: Heb. bind, 1Ki 20:14, *marg. Mic 1:13
Joram: 2Ch 22:7
met: Heb. found, Num 20:14, *marg.
the portion of Naboth: 2Ki 9:25, 1Ki 21:1-7, 1Ki 21:15, 1Ki 21:18, 1Ki 21:19
Reciprocal: 2Ki 8:26 – one year 2Ki 10:13 – the brethren 2Ki 10:15 – lighted on
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Ki 9:21. They went out against him Or rather, to meet him, that they might know his intention, and, by their presence, repress any seditious inclinations which might be in Jehu or his followers. And met him in the portion of Naboth The very sight of that ground was enough to make Jehu triumph, and Joram tremble. The circumstances of events are sometimes so ordered by Divine Providence as to make the punishment answer the sin, as face answers face in a glass.