2 Kings 9:5
New International Version
When he arrived, he found the army officers sitting together. “I have a message for you, commander,” he said. “For which of us?” asked Jehu. “For you, commander,” he replied.

New Living Translation
When he arrived there, he found Jehu sitting around with the other army officers. “I have a message for you, Commander,” he said. “For which one of us?” Jehu asked. “For you, Commander,” he replied.

English Standard Version
And when he came, behold, the commanders of the army were in council. And he said, “I have a word for you, O commander.” And Jehu said, “To which of us all?” And he said, “To you, O commander.”

Berean Standard Bible
and when he arrived, the army commanders were sitting there. “I have a message for you, commander,” he said. “For which of us?” asked Jehu. “For you, commander,” he replied.

Berean Literal Bible
And he arrived, and behold, the captains of the army were sitting, and he said, “A word from me is to you, commander.” And Jehu said, “For that of all of us?” And he said, “To you, commander.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.”

New American Standard Bible
When he arrived, behold, the commanders of the army were sitting, and he said, “I have a word for you, commander.” And Jehu said, “For which one of us?” And he said, “For you, commander.”

NASB 1995
When he came, behold, the captains of the army were sitting, and he said, “I have a word for you, O captain.” And Jehu said, “For which one of us?” And he said, “For you, O captain.”

NASB 1977
When he came, behold, the captains of the army were sitting, and he said, “I have a word for you, O captain.” And Jehu said, “For which one of us?” And he said, “For you, O captain.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then he came, and behold, the commanders of the military were sitting, and he said, “I have a word for you, O commander.” And Jehu said, “For which one of us?” And he said, “For you, O commander.”

Amplified Bible
When he arrived, the captains of the army were sitting [outside]; and he said, “I have a message for you, O captain.” Jehu said, “To which one of us?” And he said, “For you, O captain.”

Berean Annotated Bible
and when he arrived, the army commanders were sitting there. “I have a message for you, commander, he said. “For which of us? asked Jehu (YHWH is He). “For you, commander, he replied.

Christian Standard Bible
When he arrived, the army commanders were sitting there, so he said, “I have a message for you, commander.” Jehu asked, “For which one of us? ” He answered, “For you, commander.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When he arrived, the army commanders were sitting there, so he said, “I have a message for you, commander.” Jehu asked, “For which one of us?” He answered, “For you, commander.”

American Standard Version
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 us all? And he said, To thee, O captain.

Contemporary English Version
When he arrived, the army officers were meeting together. "Sir, I have a message for you," he said. "For which one of us?" Jehu asked. "You, sir," the prophet answered.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When he arrived there, the army's generals were sitting together. He said, "I have something to tell you, General." Jehu asked, "Which one of us?" He answered, "You, General!"

Good News Translation
where he found the army officers in a conference. He said, "Sir, I have a message for you." Jehu asked, "Which one of us are you speaking to?" "To you, sir," he replied.

International Standard Version
When he arrived, the army commanders were seated, so he said, "I have a message for you, captain!" Jehu asked, "For which one of us?" "For you, captain!" he answered.

NET Bible
When he arrived, the officers of the army were sitting there. So he said, "I have a message for you, O officer." Jehu asked, "For which one of us?" He replied, "For you, O officer."

New Heart English Bible
When he came, look, the captains of the army were sitting. Then he said, "I have a message for you, captain." Jehu said, "To which of us all?" He said, "To you, O captain."

Webster's Bible Translation
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, To which of us all? And he said, To thee, O captain.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
and when he arrived, the army commanders were sitting there. “I have a message for you, commander,” he said. “For which of us?” asked Jehu. “For you, commander,” he replied.

World English Bible
When he came, behold, the captains of the army were sitting. Then he said, “I have a message for you, captain.” Jehu said, “To which one of us?” He said, “To you, O captain.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and comes in, and behold, chiefs of the force are sitting, and he says, “I have a word for you, O chief!” And Jehu says, “To which of all of us?” And he says, “To you, O chief.”

Berean Literal Bible
And he arrived, and behold, the captains of the army were sitting, and he said, “A word from me is to you, commander.” And Jehu said, “For that of all of us?” And he said, “To you, commander.”

Young's Literal Translation
and cometh in, and lo, chiefs of the force are sitting, and he saith, 'I have a word unto thee, O chief!' and Jehu saith, 'Unto which of all of us?' and he saith, 'Unto thee, O chief.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will go in, and behold, the captains of the army sitting; and he will say, A word to me for thee the chief. And Jehu will say, To which of all of us? And he will say, To thee the chief.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And went in thither: and behold the captains of the army were sitting: and he said: I have a word to thee, O prince. And Jehu said: Unto whom of us all? And he said: To thee, O prince.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he entered that place, and behold, the leaders of the army were sitting there, and he said, “I have a word for you, O prince.” And Jehu said, “For which one among us all?” And he said, “For you, O prince.”

New American Bible
When he arrived, the commanders of the army were in session. He said, “I have a message for you, commander.” Jehu asked, “For which one of us?” “For you, commander,” he answered.

New Revised Standard Version
He arrived while the commanders of the army were in council, and he announced, “I have a message for you, commander.” “For which one of us?” asked Jehu. “For you, commander.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when he came in, behold, the commanders of the army were sitting; and he said, I have an errand to you, O commander. And Jehu said, To which of us? And he said to him, To you, O commander.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he came in and he saw the Generals of the army as they sat, and he said: “I have a message to relate to you, General.” And Yahu said to him: “To which of us all?” And he said to him: “To you, General.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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 us all?' And he said: 'To thee, O captain.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he went in, and, behold, the captains of the host were sitting; and he said, I have a message to thee, O captain. And Ju said, To which of all us? And he said, To thee, O captain.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jehu Anointed King of Israel
4So the young prophet went to Ramoth-gilead, 5and when he arrived, the army commanders were sitting there. “I have a message for you, commander,” he said. “For which of us?” asked Jehu. “For you, commander,” he replied. 6So Jehu got up and went into the house, where the young prophet poured the oil on his head and declared, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over the LORD’s people Israel.…

Cross References
and when he arrived,

1 Samuel 16:4
So Samuel did what the LORD had said and went to Bethlehem. When the elders of the town met him, they trembled and asked, “Do you come in peace?”

2 Kings 5:9
So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house.

2 Samuel 12:1
Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor.
the army commanders were sitting there.

2 Kings 6:32
Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, “Do you see how this murderer has sent someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door to keep him out. Is not the sound of his master’s footsteps behind him?”

2 Kings 4:38
When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting at his feet, he said to his attendant, “Put on the large pot and boil some stew for the sons of the prophets.”

1 Kings 22:10
Dressed in royal attire, the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah were sitting on their thrones at the threshing floor by the entrance of the gate of Samaria, with all the prophets prophesying before them.
“I have a message for you, commander,” he said.

1 Kings 19:16
You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet.

1 Samuel 15:1
Then Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over His people Israel. Now therefore, listen to the words of the LORD.

1 Samuel 16:1
Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”
“For which of us?” asked Jehu.

Numbers 17:5
The staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout, and I will rid Myself of the constant grumbling of the Israelites against you.”

1 Samuel 10:20-24
Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected. / Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him. / So again they inquired of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?” And the LORD replied, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.” …

1 Samuel 16:11-12
And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” / So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.”
“For you, commander,” he replied.

1 Samuel 9:17
When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke; he shall rule over My people.”

1 Samuel 10:1
Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?

2 Samuel 5:2
Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”
1 Kings 16:1-3
Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu son of Hanani against Baasha, saying: / “Even though I lifted you out of the dust and made you ruler over My people Israel, you have walked in the way of Jeroboam and have caused My people Israel to sin and to provoke Me to anger by their sins. / So now I will consume Baasha and his house, and I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat:


Treasury of Scripture

And when he came, behold, the captains of the host were sitting; and he said, I have an errand to you, O captain. And Jehu said, To which of all us? And he said, To you, O captain.

I have an errand

Judges 3:19
But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.

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Army Arrived Captain Captains Chief Chiefs Commander Commanders Council Errand Force Found Host Jehu Message Officers Seated Sitting Something Together Word
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Army Arrived Captain Captains Chief Chiefs Commander Commanders Council Errand Force Found Host Jehu Message Officers Seated Sitting Something Together Word
2 Kings 9
1. Elisha sends a young prophet with instructions to anoint Jehu at Ramoth Gilead
4. The prophet having done his message, flees
11. Jehu, being made king by the soldiers, kills Joram in the field of Naboth
27. Ahaziah is slain at Gur, and buried at Jerusalem
30. Proud Jezebel is thrown down out of a window, and eaten by dogs.












and when he arrived
This phrase refers to the arrival of the young prophet sent by Elisha to anoint Jehu as king over Israel. The context is a time of political upheaval and divine judgment against the house of Ahab. The arrival signifies the beginning of a divinely orchestrated change in leadership.

the army commanders were sitting there
The army commanders were likely gathered in a strategic meeting, possibly discussing military campaigns against Aram. This setting underscores the military context of Jehu's anointing, highlighting his role as a military leader. The presence of multiple commanders indicates the importance of the message and the need for discretion.

“I have a message for you, commander,” he said
The young prophet's message is direct and urgent, reflecting the divine authority behind it. The term "commander" acknowledges Jehu's military rank and foreshadows his impending rise to kingship. This approach is consistent with prophetic traditions where messages from God are delivered with authority and purpose.

“For which of us?” asked Jehu
Jehu's question suggests a level of humility or perhaps caution, as he does not immediately assume the message is for him. It also indicates the presence of other commanders, emphasizing the need for clarity in the delivery of divine messages. This moment of inquiry sets the stage for the revelation of Jehu's divine appointment.

“For you, commander,” he replied
The prophet's response confirms Jehu as the recipient of God's message, marking him as the chosen instrument for executing divine judgment. This affirmation is pivotal, as it transitions Jehu from a military leader to a divinely appointed king. The repetition of "commander" reinforces Jehu's authority and the seriousness of his new mission.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehu
A commander in the army of Israel, Jehu is the central figure in this passage. He is about to be anointed as king over Israel, fulfilling God's judgment against the house of Ahab.

2. The Officers of the Army
These are the military leaders who are with Jehu. Their presence signifies the importance of the message and the authority Jehu holds.

3. The Messenger
A prophet sent by Elisha to deliver God's message to Jehu. His role is crucial as he brings divine instruction and anointing.

4. Ramoth-gilead
The location where the officers and Jehu are gathered. It is a strategic military site and a place of significant events in Israel's history.

5. Elisha
Though not directly mentioned in this verse, Elisha is the prophet who sends the messenger. His influence and obedience to God's command are pivotal in the unfolding events.
Teaching Points
Divine Appointment and Obedience
Jehu's anointing as king was a divine appointment. Believers should seek to understand and obey God's calling in their lives, trusting His timing and purpose.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The passage illustrates God's sovereignty in executing judgment. Christians are reminded of God's justice and the importance of aligning with His will.

The Role of Prophets and Messengers
The messenger's role emphasizes the importance of delivering God's word faithfully. Believers are called to be messengers of truth in their own contexts.

Leadership and Responsibility
Jehu's response to the message highlights the responsibility that comes with leadership. Christian leaders are encouraged to lead with integrity and accountability.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 9:5?

2. How does 2 Kings 9:5 demonstrate God's sovereignty in appointing leaders?

3. What role does obedience play in fulfilling God's commands in 2 Kings 9:5?

4. How does Jehu's anointing connect to God's promises in 1 Kings 19:16?

5. How can we discern God's calling in our lives, like Jehu in 2 Kings 9:5?

6. What lessons on leadership can we learn from Jehu's anointing in 2 Kings 9:5?

7. Why did the prophet choose Jehu in 2 Kings 9:5?

8. How does 2 Kings 9:5 reflect God's sovereignty in leadership?

9. What historical evidence supports the events in 2 Kings 9:5?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 9?

11. 2 Kings 20:7: Why was a simple poultice of figs sufficient to cure a fatal illness if it was truly life-threatening?

12. Did the voice immediately specify Paul's duties? Yes (Acts 26:16-18) or No, he was told to go to Damascus for instructions (Acts 9:7; 22:10)?

13. Malachi 3:1 - How does the promised messenger align with or differ from other Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah?

14. What is soul winning and how is it done?
What Does 2 Kings 9:5 Mean
And when he arrived

The young prophet sent by Elisha comes to Ramoth-gilead and reaches the military quarters. The narrative stresses real time and place, grounding the account in history (2 Kings 9:1-4). Similar moments of divine appointment appear in Genesis 24:15 and Acts 10:17-20, where God’s timing arranges precise encounters. The literal accuracy of the text reminds us that God orchestrates events to fulfill His word (Isaiah 46:9-10).


the army commanders were sitting there

Jehu and his fellow officers are off duty, likely discussing the ongoing war with Aram (2 Kings 8:28-29). The scene shows:

• Military leadership relaxed but readily available for action.

• An atmosphere where a sudden prophetic word can break in (cf. 1 Samuel 16:11-13 when David is called in from the fields).

By noting the commanders “sitting,” Scripture underscores how God’s call interrupts ordinary moments.


“I have a message for you, commander,” he said

The prophet speaks with urgency yet respect, using the standard military title. Throughout Scripture a “message” from God demands attention (Jeremiah 1:4; Revelation 2:1). Here, it signals:

• Divine initiation—God reaches into national affairs.

• A personal summons—Jehu is being singled out, echoing Elijah’s earlier mandate in 1 Kings 19:16.


“For which of us?” asked Jehu

Jehu’s question shows humility and order in a chain-of-command environment. He does not assume primacy among peers, paralleling Gideon’s cautious response in Judges 6:15. His inquiry highlights:

• Respect for fellow officers.

• A readiness to listen if God’s word is indeed for him (Proverbs 15:33).


“For you, commander,” he replied

The prophet’s clarification isolates Jehu, confirming the specific call. Soon after, he will anoint Jehu king (2 Kings 9:6-7), fulfilling God’s previous promise. Cross references include:

1 Samuel 9:17—Samuel singles out Saul.

1 Kings 1:32-34—Nathan and Zadok designate Solomon.

The repetition of “commander” underscores Jehu’s current role while hinting at the greater authority about to be bestowed. God’s word moves an officer to a throne, illustrating Proverbs 21:1: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD.”


summary

2 Kings 9:5 records a precise moment when God’s prophetic word interrupts a military meeting to select Jehu for kingship. Each phrase highlights divine sovereignty working through ordinary settings, respectful dialogue, and clear personal calling. The verse teaches that God literally fulfills His promises, appoints leaders in His timing, and can transform everyday circumstances into turning points for His redemptive plan.

(5) And when he came, behold.--Rather, And he went in, and behold. He went into Jehu's headquarters.

The captains of the host were sitting.--In council with Jehu.

Verse 5. - And when he came, behold, the captains of the host were sitting - either "sitting in council," or, at any rate, collected together in one place, not engaged in any active work, but seated - and he said, I have an errand - literally, a word - to thee, O captain. Probably he knew Jehu by sight, and looked at him as he spoke; but, as he addressed no one by name, there might be a doubt who was intended. Jehu, therefore, causes the doubt to be resolved by his question. And Jehu said, Unto which of all us? And he said - i.e., the young man the prophet answered - To thee, O captain. Jehu was thus singled out as the object of the message - the person to whom alone it was addressed, and whose special attention was, consequently, required to it.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and when he arrived,
וַיָּבֹ֗א (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

the army
הַחַ֙יִל֙ (ha·ḥa·yil)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

commanders
שָׂרֵ֤י (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

were sitting
יֹֽשְׁבִ֔ים (yō·šə·ḇîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

there.
וְהִנֵּ֨ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

“I have a message
דָּבָ֥ר (dā·ḇār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

for you,
אֵלֶ֖יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

commander,”
הַשָּׂ֑ר (haś·śār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

he said.
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“For
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

which
מִ֣י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

of us?”
מִכֻּלָּ֔נוּ (mik·kul·lā·nū)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

asked
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

Jehu.
יֵהוּא֙ (yê·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3058: Jehu -- 'the LORD is He', the name of several Israelites

“For you,
אֵלֶ֥יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

commander,”
הַשָּֽׂר׃ (haś·śār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

he replied.
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say


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OT History: 2 Kings 9:5 When he came behold the captains (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 9:4
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