Crowning the King: A Call to Recognize Divine Appointments
"Then they hasted, and took every man his garment, and put it under him on the top of the stairs, and blew with trumpets, saying, Jehu is king." - 2 Kings 9:13

The moment captured in 2 Kings 9:13, "Then they hasted, and took every man his garment, and put it under him on the top of the stairs, and blew with trumpets, saying, Jehu is king," is not merely a historical account but a profound moment of spiritual significance, calling us to reflect on the recognition of God's anointed and the celebrations that accompany divine appointments.
### The Context of Jehu's Anointing
To truly appreciate this verse, we must first understand what led to this jubilant proclamation. Jehu’s ascension to kingship marked a decisive moment in Israel's tumultuous history. He was chosen by God to purge the nation of the idolatrous influence of Jezebel and to eradicate the house of Ahab. In this context, it’s essential to acknowledge that God often uses unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes. This underscores an important lesson for believers—that God’s plans transcend human understanding and societal expectations.
### The Act of Hastening
The phrase "they hasted" conveys urgency and excitement. The followers of Jehu did not linger in indecision; they swiftly took action to honor their newly appointed king. How often do we hesitate in recognizing God's movements in our lives? When we clearly discern His hand, we should act with the same haste to acknowledge His authority. In our daily lives, this may look like proclaiming His sovereignty in our conversations or living out our faith with fortitude in the places where we are called to serve.
### Garments of Honor
The act of placing their garments under Jehu reflects a rich tradition of recognition and respect. In biblical times, laying down garments was a sign of submission and honor, a way of showing that someone of high status was in their presence. This gesture suggests that they understood not only Jehu’s position as king but also acknowledged God’s sovereign choice. As we read this, we are asked to examine our lives: Are we laying down our own desires, ambitions, and even our pride at the feet of the King of Kings—Jesus Christ?
His kingship is not unlike Jehu’s in that it requires our full submission to His lordship in our lives. We are called to recognize that Christ is sovereign over every aspect of our existence, and this recognition should lead us to respond with reverence and honor.
### Blowing the Trumpets
The trumpet serves as a biblical symbol for announcement and celebration. The blowing of trumpets in this verse signifies not just a solitary proclamation but a collective acknowledgment of a new beginning. It resounds with joy and the hope of change—a sound that calls people together to witness a turning point in history.
In our own lives, what trumpets are we sounding to declare the reign of Christ over our hearts and communities? Are we heralding the Good News of Jesus Christ with the same enthusiasm that Jehu's followers expressed? The call to evangelism and the way we share our faith should be as jubilant and compelling as the declaration made on the stairs that day.
### Living as Citizens of His Kingdom
As we meditate on this verse, let us remember that we, too, are part of a grand coronation. Christ is King over all creation, and His kingdom is breaking into our world. Our response to His reign should be to gather our ‘garments’—our talents, treasures, and time—and lay them down in service to Him and His kingdom purposes. We are not mere spectators in God’s plan; we are invited participants, given the incredible privilege and responsibility to proclaim His kingdom and His righteousness.
### Conclusion
As we reflect on 2 Kings 9:13, let’s embrace the urgency of recognizing and celebrating Jesus as our King. May we hasten in our devotion, laying down our garments as a sign of surrender, and may we sound our trumpets loudly, declaring His lordship to all the earth. May our lives demonstrate that we belong to Him, and may our actions invite others to join in this royal procession of faith, basking in and sharing the joy of His eternal reign.
Want to reflect more on 2 Kings 9:13?
Continue your spiritual journey with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, discover connections, and deepen your understanding.
Get Our Apps
2 Kings 9:13 Artwork
2 Kings 9:13 - "Then they hasted, and took every man his garment, and put it under him on the top of the stairs, and blew with trumpets, saying, Jehu is king."
"Then they hasted, and took every man his garment, and put it under him on the top of the stairs, and blew with trumpets, saying, Jehu is king." - 2 Kings 9:13
2 Kings 13:9 - "And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 13:13 - "And Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat upon his throne: and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel."
2 kings 9:34-36
1 Kings 9:13 - "And he said, What cities are these which thou hast given me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabul unto this day."
"And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead." - 2 Kings 13:9
2 Kings 13:22 - "¶ But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz."
2 Kings 13:8 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Chronicles 9:22 - "And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom."
2 Kings 19:13 - "Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?"
2 Kings 9:9 - "And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah:"
2 Kings 2:13 - "He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;"
2 Kings 13:12 - "And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might wherewith he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
1 Kings 13:9 - "For so was it charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest."
2 Kings 13:20 - "¶ And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year."
"And Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat upon his throne: and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel." - 2 Kings 13:13
2 Kings 13:24 - "So Hazael king of Syria died; and Ben-hadad his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 9:4 - "¶ So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramoth-gilead."
2 Kings 9:23 - "And Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, There is treachery, O Ahaziah."
2 Kings 9:29 - "And in the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab began Ahaziah to reign over Judah."
2 Kings 11:13 - "¶ And when Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she came to the people into the temple of the LORD."
2 Kings 5:9 - "So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha."
1 Kings 9:2 - "That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon."
2 Kings 13:2 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom."
2 Kings 9:31 - "And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?"
2 Kings 9:35 - "And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands."
2 Kings 24:9 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father had done."
2 Kings 13:15 - "And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows."
2 Kings 13:4 - "And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them."