This verse from 2 Kings 9:11 is a pivotal moment, setting the stage for Jehu's coup against King Jehoram. Let's break it down:
"When Jehu came out to the servants of his lord..." Jehu had just met privately with a young prophet sent by Elisha. This prophet had anointed Jehu as the new king of Israel, a direct challenge to the current king, Jehoram. Jehu is now returning to the group of army officers he was with.
"...and one said to him, 'Is all well? Why did this mad fellow come to you?'" One of the officers is questioning Jehu about the prophet's visit. The officer refers to the prophet as a "mad fellow," indicating that he sees the prophet as eccentric, possibly unhinged, and therefore, his words shouldn't be taken seriously. The officer is also expressing curiosity and perhaps a hint of suspicion about the meeting. The question "Is all well?" could be genuine concern, but also a veiled inquiry about whether something disruptive or threatening occurred.
"He said to them, 'You know the man and how he talks.'" Jehu's response is deliberately vague and evasive. He deflects the question by saying they all know the type of person the prophet is – suggesting he's just a rambling, unpredictable individual whose words shouldn't be taken seriously. This is a masterful understatement and a deliberate attempt to downplay the significance of the encounter. Jehu wants to gauge the loyalty of his fellow officers before revealing his true intentions.
In essence, the verse highlights:
Jehu's Ambition: The verse follows his anointing, and it displays his shrewdness in keeping his intentions concealed.
The Prophet's Role: The verse portrays the prophet as an outsider, whose message might be perceived as radical or even mad.
The Uncertainty of the Times: It suggests the political climate was volatile. People were skeptical of sudden pronouncements from prophets.
Jehu's Cunning: He uses his knowledge of the prophet's reputation to deflect suspicion. He's buying time to assess the situation and plan his next move.
This short exchange is filled with tension and foreshadows the coming revolt. Jehu's ability to navigate this potentially dangerous moment demonstrates his political acumen and sets the stage for his violent seizure of the throne.
This verse from 2 Kings 9:11 is a pivotal moment, setting the stage for Jehu's coup against King Jehoram. Let's break it down:
"When Jehu came out to the servants of his lord..." Jehu had just met privately with a young prophet sent by Elisha. This prophet had anointed Jehu as the new king of Israel, a direct challenge to the current king, Jehoram. Jehu is now returning to the group of army officers he was with.
"...and one said to him, 'Is all well? Why did this mad fellow come to you?'" One of the officers is questioning Jehu about the prophet's visit. The officer refers to the prophet as a "mad fellow," indicating that he sees the prophet as eccentric, possibly unhinged, and therefore, his words shouldn't be taken seriously. The officer is also expressing curiosity and perhaps a hint of suspicion about the meeting. The question "Is all well?" could be genuine concern, but also a veiled inquiry about whether something disruptive or threatening occurred.
"He said to them, 'You know the man and how he talks.'" Jehu's response is deliberately vague and evasive. He deflects the question by saying they all know the type of person the prophet is – suggesting he's just a rambling, unpredictable individual whose words shouldn't be taken seriously. This is a masterful understatement and a deliberate attempt to downplay the significance of the encounter. Jehu wants to gauge the loyalty of his fellow officers before revealing his true intentions.
In essence, the verse highlights:
Jehu's Ambition: The verse follows his anointing, and it displays his shrewdness in keeping his intentions concealed.
The Prophet's Role: The verse portrays the prophet as an outsider, whose message might be perceived as radical or even mad.
The Uncertainty of the Times: It suggests the political climate was volatile. People were skeptical of sudden pronouncements from prophets.
Jehu's Cunning: He uses his knowledge of the prophet's reputation to deflect suspicion. He's buying time to assess the situation and plan his next move.
This short exchange is filled with tension and foreshadows the coming revolt. Jehu's ability to navigate this potentially dangerous moment demonstrates his political acumen and sets the stage for his violent seizure of the throne.