(4) Even the young man the prophet.--Rather, the young man of the prophet--i.e., Elisha's minister. The construction, however, is unusual, and some MSS., the LXX. and the Syriac, omit the young man in the second place. This gives the suitable reading: "So the young man, the prophet, went," &c.

Verse 4. - So the young man, even the young man the prophet - the repetition of han-na'ar is doubtful, since it is not found either in the Syriac or in the Septuagint - went to Ramoth-Gilead.

9:1-10 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.So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramothgilead. It is repeated, that it might be observed that it was a young man that went, who was more fit for this service than Elisha, partly because of his age, and partly because he would be less known; as also his age is remarked, this being a bold and daring action in a young man to anoint a new king, as well as it was honourable; and moreover, he was not only one of the sons of the prophets, but was a prophet himself, though young, and still a more fit person for such a service; though the Targum is, a young man, a disciple of the prophets.