2 Kings 9:22

When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, "Have you come in peace, Jehu?" "How can there be peace," he replied, "as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?"

Study Bible

When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?”
Joram, also known as Jehoram, was the king of Israel and the son of Ahab and Jezebel. His inquiry about peace reflects the political instability and tension of the time. Jehu, a commander in the army, had been anointed by a prophet to become king and to execute judgment on the house of Ahab. The question of peace is ironic, as Joram is unaware of Jehu's divine mission to overthrow him. This moment is a turning point in Israel's history, as it marks the beginning of the end for the dynasty of Ahab, fulfilling the prophecy given to Elijah (1 Kings 21:21-24).

“How can there be peace,” he replied,
Jehu's response highlights the impossibility of peace under the current spiritual and moral conditions in Israel. The rhetorical question underscores the divine mandate Jehu carries to cleanse Israel from the sins introduced by Ahab and Jezebel. This reflects the biblical principle that true peace cannot exist where there is persistent sin and rebellion against God. Jehu's mission is not just political but also spiritual, as he is tasked with eradicating the idolatry that has plagued the nation.

“as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?”
Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, was notorious for promoting Baal worship and persecuting the prophets of Yahweh. Her influence led Israel into deep idolatry and witchcraft, practices that were abominations to God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). The mention of Jezebel's idolatry and witchcraft serves as an indictment of the spiritual corruption she introduced. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative where leaders' sins have national consequences. Jehu's mission to eliminate Jezebel and her influence is a fulfillment of God's judgment pronounced by Elijah (1 Kings 21:23). This act of judgment is a type of Christ's ultimate victory over sin and evil, as Jehu's cleansing of Israel prefigures the final eradication of sin at Christ's return.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joram (Jehoram)
The king of Israel, son of Ahab and Jezebel, known for continuing the idolatrous practices of his parents.

2. Jehu
Anointed by God through the prophet Elisha to be king over Israel and tasked with eradicating the house of Ahab and the worship of Baal.

3. Jezebel
The mother of Joram, infamous for promoting Baal worship and witchcraft in Israel.

4. Israel
The northern kingdom, often led astray by its kings into idolatry and away from the worship of Yahweh.

5. Idolatry and Witchcraft
Practices condemned by God, prevalent in Israel due to Jezebel's influence, representing spiritual adultery and rebellion against God.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to spiritual decay and separation from God. Just as Israel suffered under Jezebel's influence, we must guard against modern forms of idolatry in our lives.

The Role of Godly Leadership
Jehu's mission underscores the importance of leaders who uphold God's standards. We should pray for and support leaders who seek to honor God in their decisions.

The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
Jehu's recognition of the root cause of Israel's unrest—idolatry and witchcraft—teaches us to discern the spiritual issues underlying societal problems.

The Call to Righteous Action
Jehu's decisive action against the house of Ahab challenges us to take bold steps in addressing sin and promoting righteousness in our communities.

The Danger of Compromise
Joram's failure to break away from his mother's practices serves as a warning against compromising our faith for cultural or familial acceptance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the idolatry and witchcraft in Joram's time compare to the spiritual challenges we face today?

2. In what ways can we identify and remove "idols" in our own lives that hinder our relationship with God?

3. How can we support and encourage godly leadership in our churches and communities?

4. What steps can we take to ensure we are spiritually discerning in recognizing the root causes of issues we face?

5. How can the account of Jehu inspire us to take action against sin and promote righteousness in our own spheres of influence?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 16:31-33
Provides background on Jezebel's introduction of Baal worship into Israel, setting the stage for the events in 2 Kings 9.

Exodus 20:3-5
The Ten Commandments, which explicitly forbid idolatry, highlighting the gravity of Israel's sin under Ahab and Jezebel.

Galatians 5:19-21
Lists the acts of the flesh, including idolatry and witchcraft, showing their continued relevance as sins in the New Testament.

Revelation 2:20
References Jezebel as a symbol of false teaching and immorality, drawing a parallel to her historical influence in Israel.