Original Word: מִנְהָג
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: minhag
Pronunciation: min-HAHG
Phonetic Spelling: (min-hawg')
KJV: driving
NASB: driving
Word Origin: [from H5090 (נָהַג - To drive)]

1. the driving (of a chariot)

driving

From nahag; the driving (of a chariot) -- driving.

see HEBREW nahag

Word Origin
from nahag
Definition
driving (a chariot)
NASB Translation
driving (2).

מִנְהָג noun masculine driving, charioteering; — absolute ׳מ 2 Kings 9:20; construct מִנְהַג 2 Kings 9:20.

Biblical setting

The word מִנְהָג appears twice in 2 Kings 9:20, both times describing “the driving” of Jehu as his chariot approaches Jezreel. The watchman exclaims, “The driving is like that of Jehu son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously” (2 Kings 9:20). The term identifies a distinctive style of movement—impetuous, relentless, unmistakable.

Historical background

Jehu’s rapid advance follows his divinely sanctioned anointing to purge the house of Ahab and eradicate Baal worship (2 Kings 9–10). His urgent propulsion toward Jezreel mirrors the urgency of his mission. In a culture where a leader’s approach could signal intent long before words were spoken, Jehu’s manner of driving functioned as a public declaration of zeal for Yahweh’s judgment against apostasy.

Symbolic significance

1. Zeal and urgency: מִנְהָג embodies the forward thrust of covenant fidelity. Jehu’s pace illustrates how decisive obedience refuses delay when God’s honor is at stake.
2. Recognizable testimony: The watchman can identify Jehu by “the driving” alone. A believer’s conduct should be equally recognizable, reflecting a distinctive biblical character (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:15).
3. Instrument of judgment: Jehu’s chariot becomes a vehicle of divine retribution. Scripture often portrays swift movement as a metaphor for God’s sure justice (Isaiah 5:26–29; Habakkuk 1:8).

Theological reflections

• Covenant enforcement: Jehu’s furious driving precedes the downfall of Jezebel, the demise of Ahab’s dynasty, and the obliteration of Baal worshipers. מִנְהָג thus stands at the crossroads of divine mercy toward Israel’s future and wrath upon unrepentant idolatry.
• Human agency under sovereign command: Although Jehu acts with personal vigor, his mission originates from prophetic commission (2 Kings 9:1–3). The episode underscores the harmony between God’s sovereignty and responsible human action, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (Acts 13:36; Ephesians 2:10).
• Foreshadowing messianic judgment: Jehu’s swift chariot anticipates a greater Judge who will come “quickly” (Revelation 22:12). The imagery cautions against complacency and calls for readiness.

Practical application for ministry

1. Prompt obedience: Ministry that hesitates can forfeit opportunity; decisive action, when guided by God’s word, advances His purposes.
2. Visible testimony: Just as the watchman recognized Jehu’s driving, communities should discern a believer’s life pattern—integrity, compassion, holy urgency.
3. Balanced zeal: Jehu’s later lapses (2 Kings 10:31) warn that initial fervor must mature into sustained faithfulness. Leaders must guard against zeal that outruns humility or doctrinal grounding.

Related themes

• Spiritual warfare: Jehu’s advance parallels the believer’s charge to “run with endurance the race set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).
• Prophetic fulfillment: Elijah’s earlier prophecy (1 Kings 19:16–17) reaches fulfillment through Jehu’s determined advance, demonstrating Scripture’s internal coherence.
• Custom versus calling: Later Hebrew usage of minhag stresses tradition, but Scripture here highlights vocation. Customs serve God’s call, not vice versa (Mark 7:8).

Summary

מִנְהָג, though occurring only within one verse, vividly portrays the character of divinely directed zeal. Jehu’s distinctive driving signals an unwavering commitment to execute God’s judgment and restore covenant purity. For the church today, the term invites reflection on our own “manner of advance”—whether our lives move with recognizable, God-honoring urgency toward the fulfillment of Christ’s commission.

וְהַמִּנְהָ֗ג והמנהג כְּמִנְהַג֙ כמנהג kə·min·haḡ keminHag kəminhaḡ vehamminHag wə·ham·min·hāḡ wəhamminhāḡInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts