2 kings 9:13 - Then they hurried, and each man took his cloak, and put it under him on the top of the stairs, and blew the trumpet, saying, “Jehu is king.”

Generated Verse: 2 kings 9:13

What does "2 kings 9:13" mean?


This verse, 2 Kings 9:13, describes a pivotal moment in the ascension of Jehu to the throne of Israel. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"Then they hurried...": The soldiers and officers were quick to act. They were eager to support Jehu and overthrow the existing king, Joram. This haste implies a sense of urgency and perhaps a pre-existing dissatisfaction with Joram's rule.

"...and each man took his cloak, and put it under him on the top of the stairs...": This is a symbolic act of hastily creating a makeshift throne or platform for Jehu. The spreading of cloaks (or robes) was a traditional gesture of honoring and acknowledging royalty. By placing their cloaks beneath Jehu, they were acknowledging him as their new king and giving him a temporary elevated platform. The "top of the stairs" likely refers to a prominent public location where the announcement would be visible and audible to the people.

"...and blew the trumpet, saying, “Jehu is king.”": The trumpet blast served as a signal and a formal proclamation. Trumpets were commonly used to announce important events, especially the ascension of a new ruler. By declaring "Jehu is king," they were publicly announcing their allegiance to him and formally declaring his reign.

In essence, the verse depicts a spontaneous and enthusiastic coronation of Jehu. The soldiers, acting quickly and decisively, declared him king in a public and symbolic manner. This signaled a rebellion against King Joram and set the stage for Jehu's subsequent actions to seize the throne.

Possible Interpretations and Context:

Lack of Formal Ceremony: The makeshift nature of the coronation suggests that this wasn't a pre-planned or authorized event. It underscores the element of rebellion and the soldiers' initiative in taking matters into their own hands.
Popular Support: The willingness of the soldiers to offer their cloaks suggests they believed Jehu had at least some degree of popular support or that they were confident in his ability to gain it.
Divine Mandate: In the broader context of the narrative, Jehu's anointing as king was orchestrated by the prophet Elisha, acting on God's command. The soldiers may have been aware of this divine appointment, further motivating their actions.
Symbol of Submission: By placing their garments beneath Jehu, they were also symbolically submitting themselves to his authority and pledging their loyalty.

In summary, 2 Kings 9:13 is a vivid depiction of a sudden coup, highlighting the speed, enthusiasm, and symbolic actions that accompanied Jehu's rise to power. It also underscores the religious and political context of the events.

What categories does "2 kings 9:13" have?