2 Kings 9:19

So the king sent out a second horseman, who went to them and said, "This is what the king asks: 'Have you come in peace?'" "What do you know about peace?" Jehu replied. "Fall in behind me."

Study Bible

So the king sent out a second horseman
In the context of 2 Kings 9, King Joram of Israel is concerned about the approach of Jehu, who has been anointed by a prophet to become king and execute judgment on the house of Ahab. The sending of a second horseman indicates the urgency and seriousness of the situation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, messengers on horseback were often used for rapid communication, especially in times of potential conflict. The king's repeated sending of messengers underscores his anxiety and the importance of the message.

who went to them and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’”
The question "Have you come in peace?" reflects the king's concern about Jehu's intentions. Peace, or "shalom" in Hebrew, was a common greeting but also a significant concept in Israelite society, encompassing not just the absence of conflict but also well-being and harmony. The king's inquiry highlights the tension and uncertainty surrounding Jehu's approach. This question is reminiscent of other biblical instances where peace is sought, such as in 1 Samuel 16:4-5 when Samuel visits Bethlehem and the elders ask if he comes in peace.

“What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied.
Jehu's response is confrontational and dismissive, indicating that he has no intention of negotiating or offering peace under the current circumstances. This rhetorical question challenges the messenger's understanding of the situation and foreshadows the impending judgment Jehu is about to execute. Jehu's mission is divinely ordained, as seen earlier in 2 Kings 9:6-10, where he is anointed to destroy the house of Ahab. His response can be seen as a rejection of false peace, similar to the warnings of false prophets in Jeremiah 6:14 who proclaim "Peace, peace" when there is no peace.

“Fall in behind me.”
Jehu's command to the horseman to "fall in behind me" signifies his authority and the inevitability of his mission. It implies that the horseman should join Jehu's cause, recognizing the divine mandate behind his actions. This phrase can be seen as a call to align with God's purposes, reminiscent of Jesus' call to His disciples to follow Him (Matthew 4:19). Jehu's leadership and decisive action are crucial in fulfilling the prophecy against the house of Ahab, demonstrating the theme of divine justice and the fulfillment of God's word.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehu
Anointed by God to be king over Israel, Jehu is a central figure in this passage. He is on a mission to fulfill God's judgment against the house of Ahab.

2. The King of Israel
At this time, Joram (also known as Jehoram) is the king of Israel. He is the son of Ahab and Jezebel, and his reign is marked by idolatry and evil in the sight of the Lord.

3. Horseman
The messengers sent by King Joram to inquire about Jehu's intentions. Their role is to seek peace, but they end up joining Jehu.

4. Jezreel
The location where these events unfold. It is significant as the place where Jehu will confront Joram and fulfill the prophecy against Ahab's house.

5. Prophetic Fulfillment
This event is part of the larger account of God's judgment against the house of Ahab, as prophesied by Elijah.

Teaching Points

Divine Appointment and Obedience
Jehu's actions remind us of the importance of obeying God's call and fulfilling His purposes, even when it involves difficult tasks.

The Cost of Idolatry
The judgment on Ahab's house serves as a warning against idolatry and turning away from God. It highlights the consequences of leading others into sin.

Peace and Truth
The question "Have you come in peace?" and Jehu's response challenge us to consider the true nature of peace. True peace aligns with God's truth and righteousness.

Leadership and Influence
Jehu's ability to command the horsemen to follow him illustrates the power of leadership and influence. As Christians, we are called to lead others towards God's truth.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jehu's response to the horseman reflect his understanding of his mission from God?

2. In what ways does the account of Jehu challenge us to confront sin and idolatry in our own lives?

3. How can we discern when to pursue peace and when to stand firm in truth, as Jehu did?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jehu's leadership style, and how can we apply them in our roles today?

5. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in this passage encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and timing?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 19:16-17
This passage connects to the anointing of Jehu as king over Israel, as instructed by God to Elijah, setting the stage for the events in 2 Kings 9.

2 Kings 9:6-10
Provides the context of Jehu's anointing and the prophecy of judgment against Ahab's house, which Jehu is now executing.

2 Kings 9:22
Further elaborates on Jehu's mission and the confrontation with Joram, emphasizing the theme of divine judgment.