2 Kings 9:20
And the watchman tolde, saying, He came euen vnto them, and commeth not againe: and the driuing is like the driuing of Iehu the sonne of Nimshi; for he driueth furiously. 2 Kings 9:20 (KJV)
The verse records a watchman’s observation of Jehu’s arrival, noting that he “came even unto them, and cometh not again” and that his driving was “furiously” like that of Jehu son of Nimshi. To grasp its significance we must recall the broader context of 2 Kings 9. The prophet Elisha had sent a young prophet to anoint Jehu as king of Israel, commissioning him to bring divine judgment upon the house of Ahab. Jehu, then a commander in Israel’s army, was already noted for his zeal and fierceness.
The description of “driving furiously” is symbolic. The watchman’s report highlights Jehu’s intense, hurried, and determined approach as he rode to fulfill the judgment promised against Ahab’s lineage. This fervent driving reflects the urgency with which Jehu pursued God’s purpose, echoing the prophetic expectations set by Elijah.
Jehu’s commission was a divine appointment to eradicate the idolatry and wickedness propagated by Ahab and Jezebel. The rapid, forceful manner of his arrival underscores his commitment to execute this mission without delay. The verse therefore illustrates both the character of the appointed instrument and the seriousness of the judgment to be carried out.
From this passage believers can draw lessons on zeal. Jehu’s determination to obey God’s command encourages Christians to pursue righteousness, share the Gospel, and resist evil with wholehearted commitment. However, the study also warns against unchecked extremism. While Jehu’s zeal was instrumental in fulfilling God’s judgment, his later actions reveal a propensity for excessive violence and self‑interest. This serves as a reminder that zeal must be balanced with the character of Christ—love, grace, mercy, and justice.
Application for today: As followers of Christ we are called to be zealous for the Lord (Romans 12:11), not out of reckless anger but through steadfast devotion to God’s purposes. Our enthusiasm should be directed toward sharing the Good News, serving others, and living lives that honor God, always tempered by Christ‑like compassion.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 9:20 portrays Jehu’s fervent drive as a visual metaphor for divine judgment executed with urgency. It challenges believers to emulate sincere, passionate devotion to God while maintaining a balanced, Christ‑centered approach that avoids the pitfalls of extremism.
