2 Kings 9:25 - Exposition

Then said Jehu to Bidkar his captain ; literally, his thirdsman ; Keil renders "his aide-de-camp," probably one of those who was in his chariot with him— Take up, and cast him in the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite. "Take up the body," i.e. "and cast it into the plot of ground which once belonged to Naboth the Jezreelite, and was forfeited to the crown at his death ( 1 Kings 21:15 ), and taken possession of by Ahab" ( 1 Kings 21:16 ). The reason for the order follows. For remember how that, when I and thou rode together after Ahab his father, the Lord laid this burden upon him. The LXX . have μνημονεύω , "I remember;" but the Hebrew text is זכר , not אזכר "Remember" (imperative mood) is the correct translation. Jehu recalls his captain's recollection to an occurrence which was deeply impressed upon his own. "When thou and I rode together after Ahab" probably means "when we two stood behind Ahab in his chariot." The Assyrian sculptures usually represent the monarch as attended by two body-guards, who ride in the same chariot with him, standing up behind him, and often interposing their shields to protect his person. In this near proximity Jehu and Bidkar would hear any speech which was addressed to Ahab. By a "burden" is meant a sentence of punishment (comp. Isaiah 13:1 ; Isaiah 15:1 ; Isaiah 17:1 ; etc.; Nahum 1:1 , etc.).