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.

2 KINGS 9:20KJV
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2 Kings 9:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 9:20 mean?

2 Kings 9:20 describes a watchman reporting that a messenger has reached Jehu and his company but has not returned, and the watchman recognizes Jehu’s driving style as reckless or intense. The verse highlights Jehu’s distinctive, furious way of driving, which sets him apart and signals something unusual is happening.

In this scene, a watchman is stationed on a city wall, observing the approach of Jehu’s group. He reports to the king of Israel that the messenger sent to meet Jehu has not come back, and he identifies Jehu by his wild or aggressive driving. This detail builds suspense and shows that Jehu is acting with urgency and determination, which fits the larger story of his dramatic rise and the coming upheaval in Israel.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 9:20

  • "watchman" (צָפָה, tsafah): This word refers to someone who keeps watch or looks out, usually from a high place. The watchman’s role is crucial for early warning and communication in the story.
  • "driving" (מִנְהָגָה, minhagah): This word is used twice in the verse to describe the act of driving or leading a chariot. The repetition emphasizes how Jehu’s style of driving is noticeable and memorable.
  • "driveth" (נָהַג, nahag): This verb means to drive or lead, often used for chariots or animals. Here, it highlights Jehu’s forceful and recognizable manner.
  • "furiously" (בְּשִׁגָּעוֹן, b’shigga‘on): This word means with madness, wildness, or frenzy. It paints a vivid picture of Jehu’s intense and almost reckless energy as he approaches.

Why 2 Kings 9:20 matters

  • The verse shows that Jehu’s reputation for bold, even reckless action was so well-known that his driving could be recognized from a distance, setting the tone for his dramatic entrance.
  • The watchman’s report builds suspense for the reader, signaling that something significant is about to happen and that Jehu is not coming in peace.
  • By highlighting Jehu’s furious driving, the verse connects to the larger narrative of his zeal and the sweeping changes he is about to bring to Israel’s leadership.

Where else these words appear

“furiously” Hebrew H7697 · used in 3 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:28 The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart:
  • Zechariah 12:4 In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

“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 9:14 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.

“driveth” Hebrew H5090 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 31:18 And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan.
  • 1 Samuel 30:22 Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart.
  • Psalms 80:1 To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.

“watchman” Hebrew H6822 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 31:49 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
  • Job 15:22 He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, and he is waited for of the sword.
  • Jeremiah 6:17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.