Divine Judgment and the Anointing of Jehu: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on 2 Kings 9

✨ Executive Summary ✨

2 Kings 9, a pivotal chapter in the narrative of Israel’s apostasy, unveils the fiery judgment of God upon the house of Ahab and the inauguration of Jehu as king. This chapter, which focuses on divine justice, prophesy fulfilled, and moral application, is more than just a story of bloody vengeance; it is a stark warning against idolatry and a testament to God’s unwavering commitment to His covenant. From the swift execution of Joram to the grisly demise of Jezebel, every event in 2 Kings 9 underscores the consequences of rejecting God’s commands. It is a call to introspection, urging us to examine our own hearts and ensure we are not following the path of compromise and spiritual corruption. This chapter reminds us that repentance is always an option. We will dissect each verse, drawing on Patristic wisdom and relevant cultural context. It illustrates the importance of unwavering faithfulness and righteousness in the eyes of God.

In this chapter, God demonstrates Divine Judgment, the unwavering hand that ensures justice prevails. We see how Jehu, chosen by God, enacted this judgment upon the wicked Joram and the infamous Jezebel, ending their reign of idolatry and corruption. This commentary will explore not only the historical events of 2 Kings 9 but also the profound spiritual lessons it offers for us today.

📜 Commentary Sections 📜

2 Kings 9:1-3

Original Hebrew: וְאֱלִישָׁע הַנָּבִיא קָרָא לְאַחַד מִבְּנֵי הַנְּבִיאִים וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו חֲגֹר מָתְנֶיךָ וְקַח פַּךְ הַשֶּׁמֶן הַזֶּה בְּיָדֶךָ וְלֵךְ גִּלְעָדָה׃ וּבָאתָ שָׁמָּה וּרְאֵה שָׁם אֶת־יֵהוּא בֶּן־יְהוֹשָׁפָט בֶּן־נִמְשִׁי וּבָאתָ וַהֲקֵמֹתָהוּ מִתּוֹךְ אֶחָיו וְהֵבֵאתָ אֹתוֹ חֶדֶר׃ וְלָקַחְתָּ פַךְ הַשֶּׁמֶן וְיָצַקְתָּ עַל־רֹאשׁוֹ וְאָמַרְתָּ כֹּה־אָמַר יְהוָה מְשַׁחְתִּיךָ לְמֶלֶךְ אֶל־יִשְׂרָאֵל וּפָתַחְתָּ הַדֶּלֶת וְנַסְתָּ וְלֹא תְחַכֶּה׃

KJV: And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead: And when thou comest thither, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brethren, and carry him to an inner chamber; Then take the box of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus saith the Lord, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not.

NKJV: And Elisha the prophet called one of the sons of the prophets, and said to him, “Gird yourself, take this flask of oil in your hand, and go to Ramoth Gilead. Now when you arrive, look there for Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, and go in and make him rise up from among his associates, and take him to an inner room. Then take the flask of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord: “I have anointed you king over Israel.”’ Then open the door and flee, and do not delay.”

Elisha, the successor to Elijah and a powerful prophet in his own right, is instructed to anoint Jehu as king. The detail is crucial: “gird up thy loins” speaks of the urgency and readiness required to carry out God’s will. This act mirrors the anointing of Saul and David, signifying divine selection and empowerment. The “flask of oil” symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s endowment. The inner chamber represents a place of privacy and consecration, a space where God’s will is revealed and received. The speed instructed, ‘flee and tarry not,’ highlights the dangerous nature of this mission and the urgency of God’s command.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria writes, “τὸ χρίσμα τὸ πνευματικόν, ζωοποιοῦν τὴν ψυχὴν καὶ τὸ σῶμα” (Commentary on Isaiah). Translated: “The spiritual anointing, gives life to the soul and body.” This connection shows how the Holy Spirit enables Jehu and us, transforming us to follow God’s will.

Spiritual Application: Just as the prophet acted with urgency, we too should respond promptly to God’s calling in our lives. Are we ready to “gird up our loins” and embrace the tasks He sets before us? Do we seek that inner chamber, a space of focused prayer and communion with God where we can discern His will?

2 Kings 9:4-10

Original Hebrew: וַיֵּלֶךְ הַנַּעַר הַנַּעַר שָׁלִיחַ אֶל־רָמֹת גִּלְעָדָה׃ וַיָּבֹא וְהִנֵּה שָׂרֵי הַחַיִל יֹשְׁבִים וַיֹּאמֶר לִי דָבָר אֵלֶיךָ שָּׂר וַיֹּאמֶר יֵהוּא אֶל־מִי מִכֻּלָּנוּ וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלֶיךָ שָּׂר׃ וַיָּקָם וַיָּבֹא הַבַּיְתָה וַיִּצֹק הַשֶּׁמֶן עַל־רֹאשׁוֹ וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו כֹּה־אָמַר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל מְשַׁחְתִּיךָ לְמֶלֶךְ אֶל־עַם יְהוָה אֶל־יִשְׂרָאֵל׃ וְהִכִּיתָ אֶת־בֵּית אַחְאָב אֲדֹנֶיךָ וְנִקַּמְתִּי דְּמֵי עֲבָדַי הַנְּבִיאִים וּדְמֵי כָּל־עַבְדֵי יְהוָה מִיַּד אִיזָבֶל׃ וְאָבַד כָּל־בֵּית אַחְאָב וְהִכְרַתִּי לְאַחְאָב מַשְׁתִּין בְּקִיר וְעָצוּר וְעָזוּב בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל׃ וְנָתַתִּי אֶת־בֵּית אַחְאָב כְּבֵית יָרָבְעָם בֶּן־נְבָט וּכְבֵית בַּעְשָׁא בֶּן־אֲחִיָּה׃ וְאֶת־אִיזֶבֶל יֹאכְלוּ הַכְּלָבִים בְּחֵלֶק יִזְרְעֶאל וְאֵין קֹבֵר׃ וַיִּפְתַּח הַדֶּלֶת וַיָּנֻס׃

KJV: So the young man, even the prophet, went to Ramothgilead. And when he came, behold, the captains of the host were sitting; and he said, I have an errand to thee, O captain. And Jehu said, Unto which of all us? And he said, To thee, O captain. And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the Lord, even over Israel. And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the Lord, at the hand of Jezebel. For all the house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel: And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah: And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her. And he opened the door, and fled.

NKJV: Then the young man, the servant of the prophet, went to Ramoth Gilead. And when he arrived, there were the captains of the army sitting; and he said, “I have a message for you, Commander.” Jehu said, “For which one of us?” And he said, “For you, Commander.” So he arose and went into the house. Then he poured the oil on his head, and said to him, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘I have anointed you king over the people of the Lord, over Israel. You shall strike down the house of Ahab your master, that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the Lord, at the hand of Jezebel. For all the house of Ahab shall perish; and I will cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, both bond and free. I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah. The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel, and there shall be no one to bury her.’” And he opened the door and fled.

The young prophet arrives at Ramoth Gilead, a strategically important military outpost. The question, “Unto which of all us?” reveals Jehu’s position of authority among the captains. The message delivered is a direct commission from God to avenge the blood of His prophets shed by Jezebel, setting the stage for the purge to come. The prophecy of Jezebel’s gruesome end underscores the severity of God’s judgment. The comparison to the houses of Jeroboam and Baasha signals complete and utter destruction.

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom writes, “ἡ γὰρ τιμωρία παράδειγμα τοῖς ἄλλοις γίνεται” (Homilies on the Statues). Translated: “For punishment becomes an example to others.” Meaning divine judgment serves as a reminder of the importance of following God’s commands and avoiding sin.

Spiritual Application: This passage highlights God’s justice and His commitment to avenging the innocent. It prompts us to consider how we stand against injustice in our own spheres of influence. Are we willing to be instruments of God’s justice, speaking out against wrongdoing and defending the vulnerable?

2 Kings 9:11-13

Original Hebrew: וְיֵהוּא יָצָא אֶל־עַבְדֵי אֲדֹנָיו וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ הֲשָׁלוֹם מַדּוּעַ בָּא אֵלֶיךָ הַמְשֻׁגָּע הַזֶּה וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵיהֶם אַתֶּם יְדַעְתֶּם אֶת־הָאִישׁ וְאֶת־שִׂיחוֹ׃ וַיֹּאמְרוּ שֶׁקֶר הַגִּידָה נָּא לָנוּ וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵיהֶם כָּזֹה וְכָזֹה דִּבֶּר אֵלַי לֵאמֹר כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה מְשַׁחְתִּיךָ לְמֶלֶךְ אֶל־יִשְׂרָאֵל׃ וַיְמַהֲרוּ וַיִּקְחוּ אִישׁ בִּגְדוֹ וַיָּשִׂימוּ תַּחְתָּיו אֶל־גֶּרֶם הַמַּעֲלוֹת וַיִּתְקְעוּ בַּשּׁוֹפָר וַיֹּאמְרוּ מָלַךְ יֵהוּא׃

KJV: Then Jehu came forth to the servants of his lord: and one said unto him, Is all well? wherefore came this mad fellow to thee? And he said unto them, Ye know the man, and his communication. And they said, It is false; tell us now. And he said, Thus and thus spake he to me, saying, Thus saith the Lord, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then they hasted, and took every man his garment, and put it under him on the top of the stairs, and blew with trumpets, saying, Jehu is king.

NKJV: Then Jehu came out to the servants of his master, and one said to him, “Is all well? Why did this madman come to you?” And he said to them, “You know the man and his babbling.” And they said, “A lie! Tell us now.” So he said, “Thus and thus he spoke to me, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord: “I have anointed you king over Israel.”’” Then each man hastened to take his garment and put it under him on the top of the steps; and they blew trumpets, saying, “Jehu is king.”

Jehu’s comrades question him about the prophet’s visit, calling him a “mad fellow.” This reveals their skepticism and lack of spiritual discernment. Jehu, however, skillfully deflects their initial inquiries. When pressed, he reveals the truth, leading to a spontaneous proclamation of his kingship. Spreading their garments on the steps was an ancient symbol of allegiance and submission, similar to what was done for Jesus upon his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The blowing of trumpets signifies the public announcement of a new ruler.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius writes, “ὅταν ὁ θεὸς κρίνει, οὐδεὶς ἀνθίσταται” (Against the Heathen). Translated: “When God judges, no one can resist.” This underlines the irresistible nature of God’s judgment and Jehu’s swift ascension, which was of God.

Spiritual Application: Do we recognize God’s messengers, even when they appear unconventional or “mad” to the world? Are we ready to embrace God’s calling, even when it requires a radical shift in our lives? How can we demonstrate our allegiance to Christ, the true King, in our daily actions?

2 Kings 9:14-29

Original Hebrew: וַיִּקְשֹׁר יֵהוּא אֶת־קֶשֶׁר עַל־יוֹרָם וְיוֹרָם שֹׁמֵר בְּרָמֹת גִּלְעָד הוּא וְכָל־יִשְׂרָאֵל מִפְּנֵי חֲזָאֵל מֶלֶךְ אֲרָם׃ וַיָּשָׁב יוֹרָם הַמֶּלֶךְ לְהִתְרַפֵּא בְיִזְרְעֶאל מִן־הַמַּכִּים אֲשֶׁר יַכֻּהוּ אֲרָם בְּרָמָה בְּהִלָּחֲמוֹ אֶת־חֲזָאֵל מֶלֶךְ אֲרָם וַיֹּאמֶר יֵהוּא אִם־יֵשׁ נַפְשְׁכֶם אַל־יֵצֵא פָלִיט מִן־הָעִיר לָלֶכֶת לְהַגִּיד בְּיִזְרְעֶאל׃ וַיִּרְכַּב יֵהוּא וַיֵּלֶךְ יִזְרְעֶאלָה כִּי־שָׁם יוֹרָם שֹׁכֵב וַאֲחַזְיָהוּ מֶלֶךְ יְהוּדָה יָרַד לִרְאוֹת אֶת־יוֹרָם׃ וְהַצֹּפֶה עֹמֵד עַל־הַמִּגְדָּל בְּיִזְרְעֶאל וַיַּרְא אֶת־שִׁפְעַת יֵהוּא בְּבֹאוֹ וַיֹּאמֶר רָאִיתִי שִׁפְעָה וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוֹרָם קַח רֹכֵב וְשְׁלַח לִקְרָאתָם וְיֹאמַר הֲשָׁלוֹם׃ וַיֵּלֶךְ רֹכֵב הַסּוּס לִקְרָאתוֹ וַיֹּאמֶר הֲשָׁלוֹם וַיֹּאמֶר יֵהוּא מַה־לְּךָ וּלְשָׁלוֹם סֹב אֶל־אַחֲרָי וַיַּגֵּד הַצֹּפֶה לֵאמֹר בָּא הַשָּׁלִיחַ אֲלֵיהֶם וְלֹא־שָׁב׃ וַיִּשְׁלַח רֹכֵב סוּס שֵׁנִי וַיָּבֹא אֲלֵיהֶם וַיֹּאמֶר הֲשָׁלוֹם וַיֹּאמֶר יֵהוּא מַה־לְּךָ וּלְשָׁלוֹם סֹב אֶל־אַחֲרָי וַיַּגֵּד הַצֹּפֶה לֵאמֹר בָּא שָׁלִיחַ וְלֹא־שָׁב וְהַנְּהִיגָה נְהִיגַת יֵהוּא בֶּן־נִמְשִׁי כִּי בְשִׁגָּעוֹן יִנְהָג׃ וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוֹרָם אֱסֹר וַיֶּאְסֹר מִרְכַּבְתּוֹ וַיֵּצֵא יְהוֹרָם מֶלֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵל וַאֲחַזְיָהוּ מֶלֶךְ יְהוּדָה בְּמִרְכַּבְתּוֹ לִקְרַאת יֵהוּא וַיִּמְצְאוּהוּ בְּחֶלְקַת נָבוֹת הַיִּזְרְעֵאלִי׃ וַיְהִי כִּרְאוֹת יְהוֹרָם אֶת־יֵהוּא וַיֹּאמֶר הֲשָׁלוֹם יֵהוּא וַיֹּאמֶר יֵהוּא מָה־שָׁלוֹם עַד־זְנוּנֵי אִיזֶבֶל אִמְּךָ וְכְשָׁפֶיהָ הָרַבִּים׃ וַיַּהֲפֹךְ יְהוֹרָם אֶת־יָדָיו וַיָּנָס וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל־אֲחַזְיָהוּ מִרְמָה אֲחַזְיָהוּ׃ וַיִּמְלֹא יֵהוּא יָדוֹ בַּקֶּשֶׁת וַיַּךְ אֶת־יְהוֹרָם בֵּין זְרֹעָיו וַיֵּצֵא הַחֵץ מִלִּבּוֹ וַיִּכְרַע בְּרִכְבּוֹ׃ וַיֹּאמֶר יֵהוּא אֶל־בִּדְקָר שָׂלִשׁוֹ שָׂא הַשְׁלִכֵהוּ בְּחֶלְקַת שְׂדֵה נָבוֹת הַיִּזְרְעֵאלִי כִּי־זְכֹר אֲנִי אֲנִי וָאַתָּה רֹכְבִים צְמָדִים אַחֲרֵי אַחְאָב אָבִיו וַיהוָה נָשָׂא עָלָיו אֶת־הַמַּשָּׂא הַזֶּה׃ אִם־לֹא אֶת־דְּמֵי נָבוֹת וְאֶת־דְּמֵי בָנָיו רָאִיתִי אֶמֶשׁ נְאֻם־יְהוָה וְשִׁלַּמְתִּי לְךָ בַּחֶלְקָה הַזֹּאת נְאֻם־יְהוָה וְעַתָּה שָׂא הַשְׁלִכֵהוּ בַּחֶלְקָה כִּדְבַר יְהוָה׃ וַיַּרְא אֲחַזְיָהוּ מֶלֶךְ יְהוּדָה וַיָּנָס דֶּרֶךְ בֵּית־הַגָּן וַיִּרְדֹּף אַחֲרָיו יֵהוּא וַיֹּאמֶר גַּם־אֹתוֹ הַכּוּהוּ אֶל־הַמֶּרְכָּבָה בְּמַעֲלֵה־גוּר אֲשֶׁר אֶת־יִבְלְעָם וַיִּנָּס מְגִדּוֹ וַיָּמָת שָׁם׃ וַיַּרְכִּבֻהוּ עֲבָדָיו יְרוּשָׁלִָם וַיִּקְבְּרוּ אֹתוֹ בִּקְבֻרָתוֹ עִם־אֲבֹתָיו בְּעִיר דָּוִד׃ וּבִשְׁנַת אַחַת עֶשְׂרֵה שָׁנָה לְיוֹרָם בֶּן־אַחְאָב מָלַךְ אֲחַזְיָהוּ עַל־יְהוּדָה׃

KJV: So Jehu conspired against Joram. (Now Joram kept Ramothgilead, he and all Israel, because of Hazael king of Syria. But king Joram was returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) And Jehu said, If it be your minds, then let none go forth nor escape out of the city to go to tell it in Jezreel. So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Jezreel; for Joram lay there. And Ahaziah king of Judah was come down to see Joram. And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace? So there went one on horseback to meet him, and said, Thus saith the king, Is it peace? And Jehu said, What hast thou to do with peace? turn thee behind me. And the watchman told, saying, The messenger came to them, but he cometh not again. Then he sent out a second horseman, which came to them, and said, Thus saith the king, Is it peace? And Jehu answered, What hast thou to do with peace? turn thee behind me. And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously. And Joram said, Make ready. And his chariot was made ready. And Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they went out against Jehu, and met him in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite. And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many? And Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, There is treachery, O Ahaziah. And Jehu drew a bow with his full strength, and smote Jehoram between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot. Then said Jehu to Bidkar his captain, Take up, and cast him in the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite: for remember how that, when I and thou rode together after Ahab his father, the Lord laid this burden upon him; Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith the Lord; and I will requite thee in this plat, saith the Lord. Now therefore take and cast him into the plat of ground, according to the word of the Lord. But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him, and said, Smite him also in the chariot. And they did so at the going up to Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo, and died there. And his servants carried him in a chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his sepulchre with his fathers in the city of David. And in the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab began Ahaziah to reign over Judah.

NKJV: So Jehu conspired against Joram. (Now Joram had been defending Ramoth Gilead, he and all Israel, against Hazael king of Syria. But King Joram had returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds which the Syrians had inflicted on him when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) And Jehu said, “If you are so minded, let no one leave or escape from the city to go and tell it in Jezreel.” So Jehu rode in a chariot and went to Jezreel, for Joram was laid up there. And Ahaziah king of Judah had come down to see Joram. Now a watchman stood on the tower in Jezreel, and he saw the company of Jehu as he came, and said, “I see a company of men.” And Joram said, “Get a horseman and send him to meet them, and let him say, ‘Is it peace?’” So the horseman went out to meet him, and said, “Thus says the king: ‘Is it peace?’” And Jehu said, “What do you have to do with peace? Turn around and follow me.” So the watchman reported, saying, “The messenger went to them, but is not coming back.” Then he sent out a second horseman, who came to them, and said, “Thus says the king: ‘Is it peace?’” And Jehu answered, “What do you have to do with peace? Turn around and follow me.” So the watchman reported, saying, “He went to them, but is not coming back; and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously!” Then Joram said, “Make ready.” And his chariot was made ready. Then Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they went out to meet Jehu, and met him at the property of Naboth the Jezreelite. Now it happened, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, “Is it peace, Jehu?” So he answered, “What peace, as long as the harlotries of your mother Jezebel and her witchcraft are so many?” Then Joram turned around and fled, and said to Ahaziah, “Treachery, Ahaziah!” Now Jehu drew his bow with his full strength and shot Joram between his arms; and the arrow went out through his heart, and he sank down in his chariot. Then Jehu said to Bidkar his captain, “Pick him up, and throw him into the plot of ground of Naboth the Jezreelite; for remember, when you and I were riding together behind Ahab his father, that the Lord laid this burden upon him: ‘Surely I saw yesterday the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons,’ says the Lord, ‘and I will repay you in this plot,’ says the Lord. Now therefore, take and throw him on the plot of ground, according to the word of the Lord.” But when Ahaziah king of Judah saw this, he fled by the road to Beth Haggan. So Jehu pursued him, and said, “Shoot him also in the chariot.” And they shot him at the ascent of Gur, which is by Ibleam. Then he fled to Megiddo, and died there. And his servants carried him in the chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his tomb with his fathers in the city of David. In the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab, Ahaziah had become king over Judah.

Jehu moves swiftly towards Jezreel, where Joram is recovering. The watchman’s observation, “He driveth furiously,” foreshadows Jehu’s ruthless efficiency. Joram’s question, “Is it peace, Jehu?” is met with a stinging rebuke regarding Jezebel’s idolatry and witchcraft. The phrase “What peace, as long as the harlotries of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?” is a stark condemnation of their spiritual corruption. Joram’s death on Naboth’s land fulfills Elijah’s prophecy and underscores God’s justice. The reference to the field of Naboth serves as a potent reminder of the consequences of greed and injustice. Ahaziah’s attempt to flee also ends in death, further emphasizing the reach of God’s judgment.

Patristic Insight: St. Augustine writes, “Iustitia Dei non deserit” (City of God). Translated: “The justice of God never fails.” This demonstrates how 2 Kings 9 emphasizes the unwavering nature of God’s justice, ensuring that all actions, whether good or bad, will eventually face their consequences.

Spiritual Application: This passage reminds us that there can be no compromise with sin. We must confront the “harlotries” and “witchcrafts” in our own lives and societies, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular. Are we willing to stand for righteousness, even when it means facing opposition and persecution? How can we ensure that our actions align with God’s will and promote justice and peace?

2 Kings 9:30-37

Original Hebrew: וַיָּבֹא יֵהוּא יִזְרְעֶאלָה וְאִיזֶבֶל שָׁמְעָה וַתָּשֶׂם בַּפּוּךְ עֵינֶיהָ וַתֵּיטֶב אֶת־רֹאשָׁהּ וַתַּשְׁקֵף בְּעַד הַחַלּוֹן׃ וְיֵהוּא בָּא הַשַּׁעְרָה וַתֹּאמֶר הֲשָׁלוֹם זִמְרִי הֹרֵג אֲדֹנָיו׃ וַיִּשָּׂא פָנָיו אֶל־הַחַלּוֹן וַיֹּאמֶר מִי־אִתִּי מִי וַיַּשְׁקִיפוּ אֵלָיו שְׁנַיִם שְׁלֹשָׁה סָרִיסִים׃ וַיֹּאמֶר שִׁמְטוּהָ וַיִּשְׁמְטוּהָ וַיִּז מִדָּמָהּ אֶל־הַקִּיר וְאֶל־הַסּוּסִים וַיִּרְמְסֶהָ׃ וַיָּבֹא וַיֹּאכַל וַיֵּשְׁתְּ וַיֹּאמֶר פִּקְדוּ נָא אֶת־הַאֲרוּרָה הַזֹּאת וְקִבְ