2 Kings 9:13

Quickly, each man took his garment and put it under Jehu on the bare steps. Then they blew the ram's horn and proclaimed, "Jehu is king!"

Study Bible

Quickly, each man took his garment
In ancient Israel, garments were often used as symbols of respect and submission. The act of quickly removing their garments indicates the urgency and willingness of the people to show allegiance to Jehu. This reflects a cultural practice where clothing was used to express honor or to signify a change in status, as seen in other biblical instances like the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:7-8).

and put it under Jehu on the bare steps.
Placing garments under Jehu on the steps signifies a gesture of enthronement and recognition of his authority. The "bare steps" could indicate a public place, possibly the steps of a building or a platform, emphasizing the public acknowledgment of Jehu's new role. This act parallels the spreading of cloaks for Jesus, symbolizing the recognition of a kingly figure (2 Kings 11:12-14).

Then they blew the ram’s horn
The blowing of the ram's horn, or shofar, was a traditional practice in Israel used to announce significant events, such as the coronation of a king or a call to battle (Joshua 6:4-5). It served as a public declaration and a call to attention, signifying the divine approval and the commencement of Jehu's reign.

and proclaimed, “Jehu is king!”
The proclamation of Jehu as king fulfills the prophecy given by the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 9:6-10). This declaration marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as Jehu's reign would lead to the eradication of the house of Ahab and the worship of Baal. The public acclamation underscores the communal acceptance and divine sanction of Jehu's kingship, aligning with the biblical theme of God's sovereignty in appointing leaders (1 Samuel 16:1-13).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehu
A commander in the army of Israel, anointed by a prophet to become king and tasked with eradicating the house of Ahab.

2. The Men (Jehu's Companions)
Fellow officers or soldiers who were present with Jehu and participated in the act of proclaiming him king.

3. The Ram’s Horn (Shofar)
A traditional instrument used in Israel for signaling important events, such as the coronation of a king.

4. The Bare Steps
Likely a reference to a place of elevation or prominence where Jehu was symbolically lifted up as king.

5. Proclamation of Kingship
The act of declaring Jehu as king, signifying a divinely ordained change in leadership.

Teaching Points

Divine Appointment
Jehu's anointing and proclamation as king remind us that God appoints leaders according to His purposes. We should seek to understand and align with God's will in leadership roles.

Symbolism of the Garment
The act of laying garments under Jehu signifies submission and honor. In our lives, we should consider how we show respect and support for those God places in authority.

The Power of Proclamation
The blowing of the ram’s horn and the public declaration of Jehu as king emphasize the importance of proclaiming truth and God's plans boldly in our communities.

Obedience to God's Word
The swift action of Jehu's companions reflects immediate obedience to God's directive. We are called to respond promptly and faithfully to God's instructions in our lives.

Transition and Change
The shift in leadership from Ahab's house to Jehu illustrates God's control over transitions. We can trust God during times of change, knowing He orchestrates events for His glory.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the anointing and proclamation of Jehu as king demonstrate God's sovereignty in leadership transitions?

2. In what ways can we show respect and support for those in authority, as Jehu's companions did with their garments?

3. What are some modern equivalents to the "ram’s horn" that we can use to proclaim God's truth in our communities?

4. How can we cultivate a heart of immediate obedience to God's word, as seen in the actions of Jehu's companions?

5. Reflect on a time of transition in your life. How did you see God's hand at work, and how can this passage encourage you in future changes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 19:16
This passage foretells the anointing of Jehu as king over Israel, connecting the prophetic word to its fulfillment in 2 Kings 9:13.

2 Samuel 15:10
Similar use of the ram’s horn to announce Absalom as king, illustrating the cultural practice of using the shofar in royal proclamations.

Zechariah 9:9
The proclamation of a king, which foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, highlighting the theme of divine appointment and kingship.