1 Elisha the prophet called one of the sons of the prophets, and said to him, "Put your belt on your waist, take this vial of oil in your hand, and go to Ramoth Gilead.
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
Box - Rather, "flask," or "vial" 1-Samuel 10:1. Oil and ointment were commonly kept in open-mouthed jars, vases, or bottles made of glass, alabaster, or earthen-ware. Many such vessels have been found both in Egypt and Assyria. The "oil" was the holy oil, compounded after the receipt given in Exodus Exodus 30:23-25.
One of the children of the prophets - The Jews say that this was Jonah the prophet, the son of Amittai.
Gird up thy loins - What thou hast to do requires the utmost despatch.
And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, (a) Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead:
(a) Prepare yourself to go diligently about your business for in those countries they used long garments which they tucked up when they went about earnest business.
And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets,.... Who the Jews generally say (k) was Jonah the son of Amittai:
and said, gird up thy loins; his loose and long garments about his loins, for quicker dispatch in travelling:
and take this box of oil in thine hand; for an use after directed to:
and go to Ramothgilead; where Joram had left his army with his captains, to keep the city from the Syrians.
(k) Seder Olam Rabba, c. 18. p. 47.
In these and the like events, we must acknowledge the secret working of God, disposing men to fulfil his purposes respecting them. Jehu was anointed king over Israel, by the Lord's special choice. The Lord still had a remnant of his people, and would yet preserve his worship among them. Of this Jehu was reminded. He was commanded to destroy the house of Ahab, and, as far as he acted in obedience to God, and upon right principles, he needed not to regard reproach or opposition. The murder of God's prophets is strongly noticed. Jezebel persisted in idolatry and enmity to Jehovah and his servants, and her iniquity was now full.
JEHU IS ANOINTED. (2Ki. 9:1-23)
Ramoth-gilead--a city of great importance to the Hebrew people, east of Jordan, as a fortress of defense against the Syrians. Jehoram had regained it (2-Kings 8:29). But the Israelitish army was still encamped there, under the command of Jehu.
Elisha . . . called one of the children of the prophets--This errand referred to the last commission given to Elijah in Horeb (1-Kings 19:16).
box of oil--(See 1-Samuel 10:1).
Anointing of Jehu by Command of Elisha. - While the Israelitish army was at Ramoth, Elisha executed the last of the commissions which Elijah had received at Horeb (1-Kings 19:16), by sending a pupil of the prophets into the camp to anoint Jehu the commander-in-chief of the army as king, and to announce to him, in the name of Jehovah, that he would be king over Israel; and to charge him to exterminate the house of Ahab.
Ramoth - The kings of Israel and Judah were both absent, and Jehu, as it seems, was left in chief command.
*More commentary available at chapter level.