Friday, December 20, 2024

Reading for December 27th

 Read 2 Kings 9.14-37. In verses 21. 25-26: Either The story of Jehu's revolt has been tailored as a fulfillment of Elijah's oracles in 1 Kings 21 in punishment for the murder of Naboth, or the verses reflect the original setting of the oracle against Ahab and Jezebel, which has been changed in order to attribute it to Elijah in 1 Kings 21. In verse 22: Whoredoms probably refers to  the worship of other gods, as is frequently the case in the Bile (compare the book of Hosea). Sorceries may also refer to other practices (divination and the like) associated with the worship of other gods. In verse 30: It is not clear why Jezebel dresses up. It may be that she is described this way in order to fit the image of a prostitute. In verse 31: Jezebel calls Jehu Zimri because Zimri lead a revolt and was murderer of (his) master. Zimri's subsequent reign lasted only seven days, so that Jezebel is also implying that Jehu's kingship will be unsuccessful (1 Kings 16.9-20). In verses 32-33: Eunuchs were used to guard the harem. Jezebel was thrown from the second story of the building. In verses 34-37: Jezebel's death is described as the fulfillment, though elaborated, of Elijah's prophecy in 1 Kings 21.23. Her gruesome end fulfills the threat of non-burial in 1 Kings 21.24 (compare 2 Kings 9.10). Comments or Questions..

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