Topical Encyclopedia
Nimshi is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the narratives concerning the kings of Israel. He is identified as the grandfather of Jehu, who became the king of Israel after a divinely sanctioned coup against the house of Ahab. The name "Nimshi" itself is of uncertain meaning, but it is significant in the biblical narrative due to his association with Jehu, a key figure in the history of Israel.
Biblical References:1.
2 Kings 9:2 · "When you arrive there, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go in, get him away from his companions, and take him into an inner room."
2.
2 Kings 9:14 · "So Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, conspired against Joram. (Now Joram and all Israel had been defending Ramoth-gilead against Hazael king of Aram,"
3.
2 Kings 9:20 · "The lookout reported, 'He has reached them, but he is not coming back. And the driving is like that of Jehu son of Nimshi—he drives like a madman.'"
4.
1 Kings 19:16 · "You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah as prophet in your place."
Historical and Theological Context:Nimshi's mention in the Bible is primarily genealogical, serving to establish the lineage of Jehu, who plays a pivotal role in the fulfillment of God's judgment against the house of Ahab. The anointing of Jehu as king was a direct command from God, delivered through the prophet Elijah and later executed by Elisha. This act was part of a divine plan to eradicate the idolatry and corruption that had permeated Israel under Ahab and Jezebel's rule.
Jehu's association with Nimshi is repeatedly emphasized in the biblical text, underscoring the importance of familial lineage and divine selection in the narrative. The repeated reference to Jehu as "the son of Nimshi" serves to highlight the legitimacy and divine approval of Jehu's kingship, as well as to distinguish him from other potential claimants to the throne.
Significance in Biblical Narrative:Nimshi's significance is largely derived from his connection to Jehu, who is a central figure in the biblical account of Israel's monarchy. Jehu's reign marked a significant turning point in the history of Israel, characterized by a zealous purge of Baal worship and the execution of Ahab's descendants, fulfilling the prophetic word spoken by Elijah. The narrative of Jehu's rise to power and his subsequent actions are seen as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and justice.
While Nimshi himself does not play an active role in the biblical events, his mention serves to anchor Jehu within a specific familial and historical context, reinforcing the themes of divine election and judgment that are prevalent throughout the books of Kings.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Nimshirescued from danger
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Nimshi(rescued), the grandfather of Jehu, who is generally called "the son of Nimshi." (1 Kings 19:16;2 Kings 9:2;14,20;2 Chronicles 22:7)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Saved. Jehu was "the son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi" (
2 Kings 9:2; Comp.
1 Kings 19:16).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
NIMSHInim'-shi (nimshi): The grandfather of Jehu (2 Kings 9:2, 14). Jehu's usual designation is "son of Nimshi" (1 Kings 19:16).
Strong's Hebrew
5250.Nimshi -- grandfather of Jehu... 5249, 5250.
Nimshi. 5251 . grandfather of Jehu. Transliteration:
Nimshi Phonetic Spelling: (nim-shee') Short Definition:
Nimshi.
...Library
Ahaziah
... "And the destruction of Ahaziah was of God, by coming to Joram; for, when he was
come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son ofNimshi, whom the Lord...
Elijah's Weakness, and Its Cube
... And Jehu the son ofNimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha
the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room...
God's Low Whisper
... said to him, "On your way back go to the wilderness of Damascus, and when you arrive
there, anoint Hazael to rule over Aram, Jehu, the son ofNimshi, to rule...
How Jehu was Anointed King, and Slew Both Joram and Ahaziah; as...
... So he returned to have his wound healed in Jezreel, but left his whole army in Ramorb,
and Jehu, the son ofNimshi, for their general; for he had already taken...
"What Doest Thou Here?"
... Elijah, "return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest,
anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: and Jehu the son ofNimshi shalt thou...
Book 9 Footnotes
... [16] Our copies say that this "driving of the chariots was like the driving of Jehu
the son ofNimshi; for he driveth furiously," 2 Kings 9:20; whereas...
A Revival Sermon
... She shall no longer drive heavily with her wheels torn away, but as the chariot
of Jehu, the son ofNimshi, she shall devour the distance in her haste....
How Ahab when He had Taken Jezebel to Wife Became More Wicked than...
... The voice also commanded him to return home, and to ordain Jehu, the son ofNimshi,
to be king over their own multitude; and Hazael, of Damascus, to be over...
The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. <....
The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <....
Thesaurus
Nimshi (5 Occurrences)... Saved. Jehu was "the son of Jehoshaphat, the son of
Nimshi" (2 Kings 9:2; Comp.
...NIMSHI.
nim'-shi (
nimshi): The grandfather of Jehu (2 Kings 9:2, 14).
...Jehosh'aphat (75 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 9:2 And when thou comest thither, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat
the son ofNimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brethren...
Jehoshaphat (79 Occurrences)
... (6.) The son ofNimshi, and father of Jehu, king of Israel (2 Kings 9:2, 14).... (4)
Son ofNimshi, and father of Jehu, king of Northern Israel (2 Kings 9:2, 14)....
Jehu (63 Occurrences)
... (4.) King of Israel, the son of Jehoshaphat (2 Kings 9:2), and grandson ofNimshi.
The story of his exaltation to the throne is deeply interesting....
Nimrod (4 Occurrences)
Joram (26 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 2 Kings 9:14 So Jehu the son
of Jehoshaphat the son ofNimshi conspired against Joram....
Guarding (16 Occurrences)
... of the Age. (WEY). 2 Kings 9:14 So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son
ofNimshi conspired against Joram. ( Now Joram was keeping...
Watchman (19 Occurrences)
... back. The driving is like the driving of Jehu the son ofNimshi; for he drives
furiously." (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)....
Inner-chamber (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 9:2 and thou hast gone in there, and see thou there Jehu son of Jehoshaphat,
son ofNimshi, and thou hast gone in, and caused him to rise out of the...
Nine (55 Occurrences)
Resources
Who was King Jehu in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
