2 Kings 9:20

King James Version (KJV)

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.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

He driveth furiously - Jehu was a bold, daring, prompt, and precipitate general. In his various military operations he had established his character; and now it was almost proverbial.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

The driving … furiously - The word translated “driving” means “leading” or “conducting” a band. The watchman observed that the “company” (or, multitude) was led forward madly, and associated this strange procedure with the known character of Jehu. It is curious that some versions, as well as Josephus, give an opposite sense: “he driveth quietly.”

Jehu was properly “the grandson” of Nimshi, who was probably a more famous person than Jehoshaphat 2 Kings 9:2.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

Jehu was a man of eager spirit. The wisdom of God is seen in the choice of those employed in his work. But it is not for any man's reputation to be known by his fury. He that has rule over his own spirit, is better than the mighty. Joram met Jehu in the portion of Naboth. The circumstances of events are sometimes ordered by Divine Providence to make the punishment answer to the sin, as face answers to face in a glass. The way of sin can never be the way of peace, Isa 57:21. What peace can sinners have with God? No peace so long as sin is persisted in; but when it is repented of and forsaken, there is peace. Joram died as a criminal, under the sentence of the law. Ahaziah was joined with the house of Ahab. He was one of them; he had made himself so by sin. It is dangerous to join evil-doers; we shall be entangled in guilt and misery by it.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

20. The watchman told. Whatever may be said of the king, the watchman reacted with energy and promptness. He kept his eyes open for any sign that might give away the intentions of the advancing group. The failure of the second messenger to return was not a portent of good.

The driving of Jehu. Men are known by their actions. The characteristic by which Jehu was recognized, suggests that in general he may have been a man of driving energy, a man who thought and acted fast. What he did he probably did in haste and with dispatch and vigor. When he drove, he drove furiously. As a warrior,he was probably courageous, vigorous, and determined. It may have been this driving impulse of his life that brought him to the command of the armies of Israel. His characteristic furious driving now identified him long before his features could be distinguished.

21. Make ready. Joram was making preparations for his own death. A wiser person might have read more correctly the meaning of the signs that had been so clearly given and made ready the defense of the city, rather than ordering for himself a chariot to go out to meet the approaching enemy. It is evident that Joram was not as ill as his hasty departure seemed to indicate, or he would not have been in a position to go out to meet Jehu. It is also highly probable that he suspected no ill toward himself. He was anxious and concerned, but it may have been only regarding the state of affairs in Gilead.

Went out. Two kings went out to meet anotherâ€”two went to their doom and one to his throne. The two kings went out unsuspecting and unarmed. In the city they would have had matters in their favor. They would have been protected by walls and probably had with them troops sufficient to take care of the crisis. After the long and furious journey from Ramoth-gilead, the horses of Jehu and his company were spent, and would hardly have been a match for the cavalry from Jezreel.

Against Jehu. Rather, “to meet Jehu.” The Hebrew word here translated “against” is from the root “to call,” “to meet,” and should be translated “against” only when the context demands it. The kings were probably unsuspectingly going as friends, expecting to meet a friend.

Naboth the Jezreelite. By this time Jehu had almost arrived at the city and the palace. Joram had time to go out only as far as the field Ahab had taken from Naboth. The title deeds for that field had been signed in blood. First it was the blood of Naboth that signed over that field to the house of Ahab, and now it was the blood of the house of Ahab that was to affix its signature (see on Ex. 20:5). This judgment upon Joram was in accord with the strict demands of justice. What could have been more fitting than that the house of Ahab should pay the price for the death of Naboth in that field of blood?

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Ellen G. White
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 333

I inquired why those who could read their Bibles and see the perils of these last days were so ready to snatch up matters they had best let alone. How can they connect with men who are advancing principles that originated in the councils of demons? Why do they not see that this is no work the Lord has set them to do? The answer came, Because their hearts are lifted up unto vanity. They are beguiled. They do not know how weak they are. There are many who will be deluded, and who, by pen and voice, will cast their whole influence to create an evil condition of things (a condition that will exist just the same whatever they may do); but they should not be bound up with the evil workers. All who are longing for some engagement that will represent Jehu riding furiously will have opportunity enough to distinguish themselves. Their arm will be linked with his who was once an exalted angel, and who has not forgotten his manners in the heavenly courts. These manners he will assume; and in representing persons, he will lure many whose life is not hid with Christ in God. TM 333.1

Because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold. Why should their love wax cold? Because they have not humbled their hearts and fled to their refuge, Jesus Christ. They thought they knew so much that they became fools, and allowed themselves to become depraved. Thus many souls will be lost. Worldly plans and devisings and strange sentiments and principles will be put forth by the prince of the power of the air, which are directly opposed to the law of God. Here we should reserve all our influence to act in upholding the truth. The sentiments brought to the front by politicians will be voiced by some who claim to be Sabbath keepers. What angels attend these in the pulpit as they stand up to give the flock poison instead of pure wheat, thoroughly winnowed? Here is the working of satanic agencies to bring in confusion, to bewitch the minds of old and young. Those who have been walking humbly with God will not be engrossed in advocating either side of this question. They will place themselves under His guardianship, and reveal that they are learning lessons from the Great Teacher, who has said, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” TM 334.1

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Cross References

driving

for he driveth

The Golden Ages of the 9th & 8th centuries BCE

Elijah and Elisha

The Revolt of Jehu

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2 Kings 9:20