2 Kings 9:20
2 Kings 9:20 in Multiple Translations
Again the watchman reported, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the charioteer is driving like Jehu son of Nimshi —he is driving like a madman!”
And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously.
And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not back: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously.
And the watchman gave them word, saying, He went up to them and has not come back again; and the driving is like the driving of Jehu, son of Nimshi, for he is driving violently.
The watchman reported, “The messenger has reached them, but he's not returning. The driving looks like the driving of Jehu, son of Nimshi—he's a crazy driver!”
And the watchman tolde, saying, He came to them also, but commeth not againe, and the marching is like the marching of Iehu the sonne of Nimshi: for he marcheth furiously.
And the watchman declareth, saying, 'He came unto them, and he hath not returned, and the driving [is] like the driving of Jehu son of Nimshi, for with madness he driveth.'
The watchman said, “He came to them, and isn’t coming back. The driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously.”
And the watchman told, saying, He came even to them, and doth not return? and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously.
And the watchman told, saying: He came even to them, but returneth not: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Namsi, for he drives furiously.
Then the watchman reported again, “That messenger also reached them, but he is not coming back alone. And the leader of the group must be Jehu, the son of Nimshi, because he is driving his chariot furiously, like Jehu does!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 9:20
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2 Kings 9:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 9:20
Study Notes — 2 Kings 9:20
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 9:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 9:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 9:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:20
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:20
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 9:20
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 9:20
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:20
- Sermons on 2 Kings 9:20
Context — Jehu Kills Joram and Ahaziah
20Again the watchman reported, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the charioteer is driving like Jehu son of Nimshi —he is driving like a madman!”
21“Harness!” Joram shouted, and they harnessed his chariot. Then Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah set out, each in his own chariot, and met Jehu on the property of Naboth the Jezreelite. 22When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?” “How can there be peace,” he replied, “as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 18:27 | The watchman said, “The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “This is a good man,” said the king. “He comes with good news.” |
| 2 | 1 Kings 19:17 | Then Jehu will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Jehu. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 9:10 | Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. |
| 4 | Daniel 11:44 | But news from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will go out with great fury to destroy many and devote them to destruction. |
| 5 | Habakkuk 1:6 | For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans — that ruthless and impetuous nation which marches through the breadth of the earth to seize dwellings not their own. |
| 6 | Habakkuk 3:12 | You marched across the earth with fury; You threshed the nations in wrath. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 10:16 | saying, “Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD!” So he had him ride in his chariot. |
| 8 | Isaiah 54:16 | Behold, I have created the craftsman who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its task; and I have created the destroyer to wreak havoc. |
2 Kings 9:20 Summary
This verse tells us that Jehu is a bold and fearless leader, driving his chariot with urgency and purpose. The watchman's report suggests that Jehu is not afraid to take risks and push forward, even if it means driving like a madman. This reminds us that, as followers of God, we are called to be bold and fearless in our pursuit of His will, just like Jehu (1 Kings 19:16-17). As we read in Proverbs 28:1, 'The righteous are as bold as a lion,' and we can learn from Jehu's example to trust in God's power and provision as we move forward in faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the watchman's report reveal about Jehu's character?
The watchman's report suggests that Jehu is a bold and fearless leader, driving his chariot like a madman, which indicates his confidence and determination, as seen in 2 Kings 9:20. This fearlessness is also reflected in his response to the king's messengers in 2 Kings 9:18-19.
Why does the watchman compare Jehu's driving to that of a madman?
The comparison to a madman emphasizes Jehu's reckless abandon and speed, implying that he is driven by a sense of urgency and purpose, possibly fueled by his mission to fulfill the prophecy of 1 Kings 21:21-24.
What can we learn from the watchman's role in this passage?
The watchman's role highlights the importance of observation and reporting in the kingdom, as seen in 2 Kings 9:17-20, and serves as a reminder that our actions are being watched and reported to God, as stated in Romans 14:12.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of Jehu's anointing as king?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Jehu's anointing, as it sets the stage for his confrontation with King Joram and the fulfillment of the prophecy in 1 Kings 19:16-17, ultimately leading to the downfall of the house of Ahab.
Reflection Questions
- What are the characteristics of a leader who is driven by a sense of purpose and mission, and how can I cultivate those qualities in my own life?
- In what ways can I, like the watchman, be attentive to the movements and actions of those around me, and report them to God in prayer?
- How can I, like Jehu, boldly and fearlessly pursue the will of God, even in the face of opposition or uncertainty?
- What are the consequences of reckless abandon and speed in my own life, and how can I balance boldness with wisdom and discernment?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 9:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 9:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:20
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:20
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:20
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 9:20
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 9:20
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:20
Sermons on 2 Kings 9:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of David and his trusted advisors during a time of conflict with Absalom. Jonathan and Ahimaz risk their lives to gather informati |
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"Go, Return!" by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the grave consequences of sin, illustrating how it can permanently hinder one's usefulness to God through the examples of Moses, Saul, and Elijah. He highligh |
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Self Denial (Reading) by John Wesley | In this video, James Christian introduces the John Wesley Sermon series and encourages listeners to engage with classic Christian texts in audiobook form. He emphasizes the importa |
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The Days of Our Flesh by Steve Hill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not wasting time and being motivated to make a difference in the world. He encourages the audience to seek a pastor who wil |
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(Through the Bible) Ecclesiastes 7-12 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering God in one's youth. He highlights that most conversions to Jesus Christ happen during the teenage years and en |
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One Lion; Two Lions; No Lion at All by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of slothfulness, using the metaphor of lions to illustrate the excuses people make to avoid taking action, particularly in their spiritual lives. |
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Thou Knowest by Bob Jones Sr. | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of completing the task at hand and not leaving it unfinished. He shares personal experiences of staying committed to evangeli |







