9:3 Elijah had prophesied that many people would be killed when Jehu became king (1 Kings 19:16, 17). Thus Elisha advised the young prophet to get out of the area as soon as he delivered his message, before the slaughter began. Jehu’s actions seem harsh, as he hunted down relatives and friends of Ahab (2 Chronicles 22:8, 9), but unchecked Baal worship was destroying the nation. If Israel was to survive, the followers of Baal had to be eliminated. Jehu fulfilled the need of the hour—justice.
9:7 Elisha’s statement fulfilled Elijah’s prophecy made 20 years earlier that all of Ahab’s family would be killed (1 Kings 21:17-24). Jezebel’s death, predicted by Elijah, is described in 9:30-37.
9:9 Ahab’s dynasty would end as had those of Jeroboam and Baasha. Ahijah had prophesied the end of Jeroboam’s dynasty (1 Kings 14:1-11), and this was fulfilled by Baasha (1 Kings 15:29). The prophet Jehu—not King Jehu—then foretold the end of Baasha’s family (1 Kings 16:1-7), and this, too, was fulfilled (1 Kings 16:11, 12). The end of Ahab’s family, therefore, was certain—Elijah had predicted it (1 Kings 21:17-24), and God brought it to pass.
9:18, 19 The riders met Jehu and asked if he came in peace. But Jehu responded, “What hast thou to do with peace?” Peace, properly understood, comes from God. It is not genuine except when rooted in belief in God and love for him. Jehu knew the men represented a disobedient, wicked king. Don’t seek peace and friendship with those who are enemies of the good and the true. Lasting peace can come only from knowing God who gives it to us.
9:19 Jehu told the messengers to get behind him so that they could not return to the city and warn the king that his life was in danger. He may also have wanted a clear path when he shot the king.
9:26 Joram of Israel was wicked like his father and mother, Ahab and Jezebel; therefore, his body was thrown into the field that his parents had unlawfully taken. Jezebel had arranged the murder of Naboth, the previous owner, because he would not sell his vineyard—which Ahab wanted for a garden (1 Kings 21:1-24). Little did Ahab know that it would become a burial plot for his evil son.
9:31 Why did Jezebel refer to Zimri? Zimri was an army commander who, some 40 years earlier, had killed Elah and then had declared himself king of Israel (1 Kings 16:8-10). Jezebel was accusing Jehu of trying the same treachery.
9:35 Jezebel’s skull, feet, and hands were all that remained of her evil life—no power, no money, no prestige, no royal finery, no family, no spiritual heritage. In the end, her life of luxury and treachery amounted to nothing. Power, health, and wealth may make you feel as if you can live forever. But death strips everyone of all external security. The time to set your life’s course is now, while you still have time and before your heart becomes hardened. The end will come soon enough.