So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram.(Now Joram had kept Ramothgilead, he and all Israel, because of Hazael king of Syria.

2 KINGS 9:14KJV
Know the Bible

2 Kings 9:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 9:14 mean?

2 Kings 9:14 describes how Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi, secretly plotted against King Joram. At this time, Joram and the army of Israel were stationed at Ramoth-gilead, holding the city because of the threat from Hazael, the king of Syria.

This verse sets the stage for a dramatic political shift in Israel. Jehu is introduced as a key figure who will challenge the current king, Joram. The verse also explains the military context: Joram and his forces are defending Ramoth-gilead, a strategic city, due to ongoing conflict with Syria under King Hazael.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 9:14

  • "Conspired" (קָשַׁר, qāshar): This word means to form a secret plan or alliance, often with the intent to overthrow someone in power. Here, it highlights that Jehu’s actions against Joram were deliberate and covert.
  • "Kept" (שָׁמַר, shāmar): This word means to guard or watch over. The verse uses it to show that Joram and Israel were actively holding and protecting Ramoth-gilead, not just occupying it passively.
  • "Ramothgilead" (רָמֹת גִּלְעָד, Ramoth-gil‘ad): The name refers to a fortified city east of the Jordan River. Its mention underscores the strategic importance of the location in the ongoing conflict with Syria.

Why 2 Kings 9:14 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Jehu’s rebellion was not a spontaneous act but a calculated conspiracy, which sets up the dramatic events that follow in the chapter.
  • By mentioning Ramoth-gilead and the threat from Hazael, the verse grounds the story in real political and military tensions, showing why the army and the king were gathered there.
  • This verse connects Jehu’s actions to broader themes of leadership change and divine judgment that run through the books of Kings, helping readers understand the significance of what is about to unfold.

Where else these words appear

“Nimshi” Hebrew H5250 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Kings 19:16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.
  • 2 Kings 9:2 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;
  • 2 Kings 9:20 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.

“JoramNow” Hebrew H3141 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:10 Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass:
  • 2 Kings 8:25 In the twelfth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel did Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah begin to reign.
  • 2 Kings 11:2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.

“Hazael” Hebrew H2371 · used in 21 verses

  • 1 Kings 19:15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:
  • 2 Kings 8:15 And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 13:3 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all their days.

“Ramothgilead” Hebrew H7433 · used in 22 verses

  • Joshua 21:38 And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs,
  • 1 Kings 22:20 And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:5 Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king's hand.