מלכים ב, פרק ט׳, פסוק י״ג

The sudden coronation of Jehu unfolds with remarkable speed and the complete agreement of the army commanders, occurring the moment the prophet departs. There is a sharp and immediate shift in the commanders' behavior. Only moments prior, they had dismissed the prophet as a madman, yet they now rush to declare Jehu as their king. This rapid change of heart is not a natural occurrence but a direct result of God's providence, as He awakens their hearts to accept the new reality [מלבי״ם].

In a spontaneous display of royal honor, the commanders remove their outer official garments to create an improvised seat for their new leader. The primary approach among commentators is that by using the materials immediately available to them, the commanders intend to fashion a respectful and elevated place for Jehu. This ensures he sits high above the rest of the men, reflecting the customary posture of a king.

The precise location of this makeshift coronation on the stairs offers a few distinct interpretations. One perspective suggests that the garments are placed directly upon the stairs themselves [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. Another viewpoint identifies the location as the single highest and largest step within the structure, a specific spot originally constructed for kings to sit upon [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. Conversely, a different approach views these stairs as a functional sundial. In this interpretation, the structure features a specific raised marker, and the steps are designed so that the descending shadow indicates the time of day [רש״י, רד״ק].