He might have died in battle, honorably and gloriously, fighting against his country’s enemy. But he died from the arrow of one who had been his trusted officer and friend. Years before, Elijah had spoken: “It shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay” (1 Kings 19:17). No man for whom divine judgment has been decreed can hope to escape the sword of justice (see Deut. 32:43; Rom. 12:19). The wicked did not in ancient times, and the world does not now, believe that the Lord means what He says, but as long as justice demands that iniquity meet its just deserts, so long will the Lord’s decrees against evildoers be carried out (see on v. 8).

That is, between his shoulders. Joram was fleeing and had his back to Jehu. He was struck in the back with such force that the arrow went through his body, coming out at the heart.

Jehu was a trained soldier and thus had often used the bow in personal combat. This was one arrow he intended should not miss its mark or fail to accomplish its purpose.