2 Kings 9:1

“And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, etc.] Who the Jews generally say f108 was Jonah the son of Amittai: and said, gird up thy loins; his loose and long garments about his loins, for quicker dispatch in travelling: and take this box of oil in thine hand; for an use after directed to: and go to Ramothgilead; where Joram had left his army with his captains, to keep the city from the Syrians.”

“JEHU IS ANOINTED. (2Ki. 9:1-23) Ramoth-gilead--a city of great importance to the Hebrew people, east of Jordan, as a fortress of defense against the Syrians. Jehoram had regained it (Kg2 8:29). But the Israelitish army was still encamped there, under the command of Jehu. Elisha . . . called one of the children of the prophets--This errand referred to the last commission given to Elijah in Horeb (Kg1 19:16). box of oil--(See Sa1 10:1).”

“Box - Rather, “flask,” or “vial” 1 Samuel 10:1. Oil and ointment were commonly kept in open-mouthed jars, vases, or bottles made of glass, alabaster, or earthen-ware. Many such vessels have been found both in Egypt and Assyria. The “oil” was the holy oil, compounded after the receipt given in Exodus Exodus 30:23-25. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Ramoth - The kings of Israel and Judah were both absent, and Jehu, as it seems, was left in chief command. 4 Kings (2 Kings) 9:7”

“9:1-37 The writer recaps Jehu’s coup that instituted the fourth dynasty in Israel in four phases: (1) Elisha sent a member of the prophetic band to the army camp at Ramoth-gilead to anoint Jehu as the next king of Israel (9:1-10); (2) Jehu’s men learned of the prophet’s visit to their commander and proclaimed Jehu as king (9:11-15); (3) Both Joram and King Ahaziah of Judah were killed (9:16-29); and (4) Jezebel was killed (9:30-37). 9:1-3 Although Jehu received prophetic endorsement of his kingship, his anointing did not signify approval of all his subsequent actions. It did, however, carry a divine charge to execute the house of Ahab as punishment for his wickedness and idolatry (9:8-10).”

“Kg1 20:35 one: The Jews say that this was Jonah, the prophet, the son of Amittai. the children: Kg2 4:1, Kg2 6:1-3 Gird up thy loins: As the upper garments of the Orientals were long and flowing, it was indispensably necessary to tuck up the skirts with a girdle about their loins, in order to use any expedition in their work or on a journey. Kg2 4:29; Kg1 18:46; Jer 1:17; Luk 12:35-37; Pe1 1:13 box of oil: Sa1 10:1, Sa1 16:1; Kg1 1:39 Ramothgilead: Kg2 8:28, Kg2 8:29; Deu 4:1, Deu 4:3; Kg1 22:4, Kg1 22:20 4 Kings (2 Kings) 9:2”

“Anointing of Jehu by Command of Elisha. - While the Israelitish army was at Ramoth, Elisha executed the last of the commissions which Elijah had received at Horeb ( Kg1 19:16), by sending a pupil of the prophets into the camp to anoint Jehu the commander-in-chief of the army as king, and to announce to him, in the name of Jehovah, that he would be king over Israel; and to charge him to exterminate the house of Ahab. Kg2 9:1-3 Kg2 9:1-3 contain the instructions which Elisha gave to the pupil of the prophets. השׁמן פּך as in Sa1 10:1. יהוּא שׁם ראה, look round there for Jehu. וגו הקמתו, let him (bid him) rise up from the midst of his brethren, i.e., of his comrades in arms. בּחדר חדר: the true…”