2 Kings 9:22
2 Kings 9:22 in Multiple Translations
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?”
And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?
And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?
Now when Joram saw Jehu he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he said in answer, What peace is possible while all the land is full of the disgusting sins of your mother Jezebel, and her secret arts?
When Joram saw Jehu, he asked him, “Do you come in peace, Jehu?” “What peace can there be with so much prostitution and witchcraft caused by your mother Jezebel?” Jehu replied.
And when Iehoram sawe Iehu, he sayde, Is it peace, Iehu? And he answered, What peace? whiles the whoredomes of thy mother Iezebel, and her witchcraftes are yet in great nomber?
And it cometh to pass, at Jehoram's seeing Jehu, that he saith, 'Is there peace, Jehu?' and he saith, 'What [is] the peace, while the whoredoms of Jezebel thy mother, and her witchcrafts, are many?'
When Joram saw Jehu, he said, “Is it peace, Jehu?” He answered, “What peace, so long as the prostitution of your mother Jezebel and her witchcraft abound?”
And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the lewd acts of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?
And when Joram saw Jehu, he said: Is there peace, Jehu? And he answered: What peace? so long as the fornications of Jezabel thy mother, and her many sorceries are in their vigour.
When Joram met Jehu, he said to him, “Are you coming on a peaceful visit?” Jehu replied, “◄How can there be peace while you and your people are prostrating themselves to worship idols and practicing very much <witchcraft/sorcery> like your mother Jezebel did?/There certainly cannot be peace while you and your people are prostrating themselves to worship idols and practicing <witchcraft/sorcery> like your mother Jezebel has been doing!►” [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 9:22
BAB
Word Study
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2 Kings 9:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֗י
כִּ/רְא֤וֹת
יְהוֹרָם֙
אֶת
יֵה֔וּא
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
הֲ/שָׁל֣וֹם
יֵה֑וּא
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
מָ֣ה
הַ/שָּׁל֔וֹם
עַד
זְנוּנֵ֞י
אִיזֶ֧בֶל
אִמְּ/ךָ֛
וּ/כְשָׁפֶ֖י/הָ
הָ/רַבִּֽים
וַ/יְהִ֗י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כִּ/רְא֤וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
יְהוֹרָם֙
Yᵉhôwrâm
H3088
Joram
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יֵה֔וּא
Yêhûwʼ
H3058
Jehu
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הֲ/שָׁל֣וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
Part | N-ms
יֵה֑וּא
Yêhûwʼ
H3058
Jehu
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
הַ/שָּׁל֔וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
Art | N-ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
זְנוּנֵ֞י
zânûwn
H2183
fornication
N-mp
אִיזֶ֧בֶל
ʼÎyzebel
H348
Jezebel
N-proper
אִמְּ/ךָ֛
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs | Suff
וּ/כְשָׁפֶ֖י/הָ
kesheph
H3785
sorcery
Conj | N-mp | Suff
הָ/רַבִּֽים
rab
H7227
many
Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 9:22
וַ/יְהִ֗י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כִּ/רְא֤וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
יְהוֹרָם֙
Yᵉhôwrâm
H3088
"Joram"
N-proper
Jehoram was a king of Israel, and his story is told in 2 Kings 1:17. He was the son of Ahab and Jezebel, and his name means 'Jehovah is exalted'. Jehoram was also known as Joram, and he had several brothers and sisters, including Joash and Athaliah.
Definition: A king of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.1.17; son of: Ahab (H0256) and Jezebel (H0348); brother of: Joash (H3101H), Ahaziah (H0274) and Athaliah (H6271); also called Jehoram at 2Ki.1.17a; 3.1,6; 1x,6,7; Another spelling of yo.ram (יוֹרָם "Joram" H3141H) § Jehoram or Joram = "Jehovah is exalted" 1) son of king Jehoshaphat of Judah and himself king of Judah for 8 years; his wife was the wicked Athaliah who was probably the instigator for his returning the nation of Judah to the worship of Baal 2) son of king Ahab of the northern kingdom of Israel and king of Israel himself for 12 years; he was murdered by Jehu on the plot of land for which his father had murdered Naboth thus fulfilling the prophecy of Elijah to the very letter 3) a priest in the reign of Jehoshaphat
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Jehoram, Joram. Compare H3141 (יוֹרָם). See also: 1 Kings 22:51; 2 Kings 12:19; 2 Chronicles 22:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יֵה֔וּא
Yêhûwʼ
H3058
"Jehu"
N-proper
Jehu was the name of several Israelites, including a king who overthrew the dynasty of Omri and a prophet who lived during the time of Baasha and Jehoshaphat. His name means Jehovah is He.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.12.3 § Jehu = "Jehovah is He" 1) the king of the northern kingdom Israel who overthrew the dynasty of Omri 2) son of Hanani and an Israelite prophet in the time of Baasha and Jehoshaphat 3) the Antothite, a Benjamite, one of David's mighty warriors 4) a descendant of Judah of the house of Hezron 5) son of Josibiah and a chief of the tribe of Simeon
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Jehu. See also: 1 Kings 16:1; 2 Kings 10:19; Hosea 1:4.
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הֲ/שָׁל֣וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
Part | N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
יֵה֑וּא
Yêhûwʼ
H3058
"Jehu"
N-proper
Jehu was the name of several Israelites, including a king who overthrew the dynasty of Omri and a prophet who lived during the time of Baasha and Jehoshaphat. His name means Jehovah is He.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.12.3 § Jehu = "Jehovah is He" 1) the king of the northern kingdom Israel who overthrew the dynasty of Omri 2) son of Hanani and an Israelite prophet in the time of Baasha and Jehoshaphat 3) the Antothite, a Benjamite, one of David's mighty warriors 4) a descendant of Judah of the house of Hezron 5) son of Josibiah and a chief of the tribe of Simeon
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Jehu. See also: 1 Kings 16:1; 2 Kings 10:19; Hosea 1:4.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
הַ/שָּׁל֔וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
זְנוּנֵ֞י
zânûwn
H2183
"fornication"
N-mp
Fornication refers to adultery or prostitution, and is often used figuratively to describe idolatry in the Bible. It involves being unfaithful or engaging in immoral sexual behavior.
Definition: adultery, fornication, prostitution
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: whoredom. See also: Genesis 38:24; Hosea 2:4; Nahum 3:4.
אִיזֶ֧בֶל
ʼÎyzebel
H348
"Jezebel"
N-proper
Jezebel was the wife of King Ahab, a queen of Israel, known for her evil deeds. She appears in 1 Kings 16:31, influencing Ahab to worship Baal and oppose God's prophets, like Elijah. Her story serves as a warning against idolatry and disobedience.
Definition: A queen of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.16.31; daughter of: Ethbaal (H0856); married to Ahab (H0256); mother of: Ahaziah (H0274) and Joram (H3141H) Also named: Iezabēl (Ἰεζαβήλ "Jezebel" G2403) § Jezebel = "Baal exalts" or "Baal is husband to" or "unchaste" queen of Israel, wife of Ahab, daughter of Ethbaal
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Jezebel. See also: 1 Kings 16:31; 1 Kings 21:14; 2 Kings 9:37.
אִמְּ/ךָ֛
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
וּ/כְשָׁפֶ֖י/הָ
kesheph
H3785
"sorcery"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
Sorcery refers to the practice of magic or witchcraft, often using spells or incantations. The Bible warns against this in books like Leviticus and Acts.
Definition: sorcery, witchcraft
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: sorcery, witchcraft. See also: 2 Kings 9:22; Isaiah 47:12; Isaiah 47:9.
הָ/רַבִּֽים
rab
H7227
"many"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 9:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 9:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 9:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 9:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:22
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:22
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 9:22
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 9:22
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:22
- Sermons on 2 Kings 9:22
Context — Jehu Kills Joram and Ahaziah
20Again the watchman reported, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the charioteer is driving like Jehu son of Nimshi —he is driving like a madman!”
21“Harness!” Joram shouted, and they harnessed his chariot. Then Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah set out, each in his own chariot, and met Jehu on the property of Naboth the Jezreelite.
22When 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?”
23Joram turned around and fled, calling out to Ahaziah, “Treachery, Ahaziah!” 24Then Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders. The arrow pierced his heart, and he slumped down in his chariot.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 21:13 | but you have walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and have caused Judah and the people of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves, just as the house of Ahab prostituted itself. You have also killed your brothers, your father’s family, who were better than you. |
| 2 | Nahum 3:4 | because of the many harlotries of the harlot, the seductive mistress of sorcery, who betrays nations by her prostitution and clans by her witchcraft. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 16:30–33 | However, Ahab son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him. And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal. First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. Then he set up an Asherah pole. Thus Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel before him. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 21:8–10 | Then Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city. In the letters she wrote: “Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people. But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 57:19–21 | bringing praise to their lips. Peace, peace to those far and near,” says the LORD, “and I will heal them.” But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waves churn up mire and muck. “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” |
| 6 | Revelation 2:20–23 | But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads My servants to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols. Even though I have given her time to repent of her immorality, she is unwilling. Behold, I will cast her onto a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer great tribulation unless they repent of her deeds. Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 18:4 | for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.) |
| 8 | 1 Kings 21:25 | (Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 19:1–2 | Now Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like the lives of those you killed!” |
| 10 | Revelation 18:23 | The light of a lamp will never shine in you again, and the voices of a bride and bridegroom will never call out in you again. For your merchants were the great ones of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your sorcery.” |
2 Kings 9:22 Summary
This verse shows that Jehu knows there can't be real peace in Israel as long as the sinful practices started by Joram's mother, Jezebel, continue. Jehu is saying that true peace comes from following God, not from pretending everything is okay when it's not, as seen in Isaiah 48:22. Just like in 2 Chronicles 7:14, God wants His people to turn away from sin and follow Him, so He can bring peace and restoration. By standing against evil and choosing to follow God, we can experience true peace, just like Jehu is calling for in this verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jehu's response to Joram's question about coming in peace?
Jehu's response highlights the deep-seated problem of idolatry and witchcraft in Israel, which is a result of Jezebel's influence, as seen in 1 Kings 21:25-26, and emphasizes that true peace can only come when these evils are eradicated, as promised in Psalms 119:165.
Who is Jezebel and why is she mentioned in this verse?
Jezebel is the mother of Joram and the wife of King Ahab, known for her wickedness and promotion of idolatry in Israel, as described in 1 Kings 16:31 and 1 Kings 18:4, and her legacy continues to impact the nation even after her death.
Is Jehu's statement a condemnation of Joram or a call to repentance?
While Jehu's words are certainly a condemnation of the current state of Israel, they also imply that a change is needed, and Joram's response will determine the course of his future, similar to the call to repentance seen in Jeremiah 18:11.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's judgment in the Bible?
This verse is part of a larger narrative of God's judgment on Israel for their disobedience and idolatry, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15-68, and serves as a reminder that God will not tolerate evil indefinitely, as stated in Psalm 37:10-11.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'idolatries' and 'witchcrafts' in my own life that hinder true peace with God?
- How can I, like Jehu, stand against the influences that lead people away from God, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18?
- What does it mean for me to 'abound' in the things of God, and how can I prioritize those things in my life, as encouraged in Colossians 1:10?
- In what ways can I be a voice for truth and righteousness in my own sphere of influence, as Jehu is in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 9:22
And it came to pass, when Joram saw, Jehu, that he said, is it peace, Jehu?.... Have things gone well at Ramothgilead? art thou come in triumph from thence? or obliged to fly from the Syrians?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 9:22
And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:22
Is it peace? dost thou come to me with a peaceable mind, or in a way of hostility? For now, when it was too late, he began to suspect some treachery; which God hid from him before, to prepare him for destruction. What peace? what cause hast thou to expect peace, when thou hast so long abetted, and dost still abet, and allow thy mother in her abominable practices? The whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel, and her witchcrafts; which are to be understood, either, literally; spiritual whoredom, which is idolatry, being oft punished with corporal; see ; and witchcraft there was oft practised by idolaters. Or rather, mystically and spiritually of her idolatry, which is oft called whoredom, because it is a departing from God to whom we are all tied by many obligations; and witchcraft, either because it doth so powerfully bewitch and deceive men’ s minds, or because it is a manifest entering into covenant with the devil. For idolatry being her chief sin, and the cause of all the rest, it seems improbable that Jehu would omit that in the indictment which he drew against her. He mentions not Joram’ s, but his mother’ s sins; partly, because they were more notorious and infamous; partly, because they were the principal cause why God inflicted, and he was come to execute, these judgments; partly, because by his connivance he had made them his own; and partly, because he could find no gross and odious matter wherewith to charge him, except about the worship of the calves; which he forbore to mention, both lest it should lose his interest amongst his officers and soldiers, who were devoted to that worship; and because he himself intended to keep it up.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:22
2 Kings 9:22 And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, [Is it] peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts [are so] many?Ver. 22. So long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel.] That notorious idolatress and adulteress, who might truly say with that notable strumpet, Quartilla in Petronius, Iunonem meam iratam habeam, si unquam me meminerim virginem fuisse.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:22
(22) Is it peace, Jehu?—Joram meant, “Is all well at the seat of war?” Jehu’s reply left no doubt of his intentions. He assumes the part of champion of the legitimate worship against Jezebel and her foreign innovations, and the lawless tyrannies by which she sought to enforce them. (Comp. 2 Kings 9:25-26.) What peace . . . are so many?—Rather, What is the peace during the whoredoms of thy mother, and her many witchcrafts—i.e., so long as they continue?Whoredoms.—In the spiritual sense, i.e., idolatries. (See Note on 1 Chronicles 5:25.) Witchcrafts.—Sorceries; the use of spells and charms, common among Semitic idolaters. (Comp. the prohibitions in the Law (Exodus 22:18; Deuteronomy 18:10-11.) A great number of the Assyrian tablets contain magical formulas, incantations, and exorcisms. Babylonia was the home of the pseudo-science of magic; and the oldest collection of such formulas is that of Sargina king of Agadê (Accad), compiled in seventy tablets, about 2200 B.C.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:22
Verse 22. What peace, so long as the whoredoms] Though the words whoredom, adultery, and fornication, are frequently used to express idolatry, and false religion, in general; yet here they may be safely taken in their common and most obvious sense, as there is much reason to believe that Jezebel was the patroness and supporter of a very impure system of religion; and to this Jehu might refer, rather than to the calf-worship, to which himself was most favourably disposed.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 9:22
22. What peace] i.e. How can there be any peace, while the evil doings of Jezebel continue as great as before. By ‘whoredoms’ the Scripture writers continually signify ‘the practice of idolatry’ and that is probably the sense here. Cf. Exodus 34:15-16; Deuteronomy 31:6 : Judges 8:27; Jeremiah 3:6 &c. ‘The witchcrafts’ probably allude to the incantations and charms employed to obtain responses from the heathen gods. In Isaiah 47:9; Isaiah 47:12, where the word is rendered ‘sorceries’, this is clearly the sense, and cf. also Micah 5:12 ‘I will cut off witchcraft’, and in Nahum 3:4 Nineveh is called ‘the mistress of witchcrafts … that selleth families through her witchcrafts’.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 9:22
Joram had asked the usual question, “Is it peace?” - meaning simply, “Is all well?” In Jehu’s reply, by “whoredoms” we are probably to understand “idolatries,” acts of spiritual unfaithfulness; by
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:22
22. The whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel — Her idolatry, both spiritual and carnal. She was in fact the impersonation of many forms of wickedness.
Sermons on 2 Kings 9:22
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Is It Peace, Jehu? and He Answered, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the concept of true peace, emphasizing that it cannot exist alongside the distractions and sins represented by Jezebel in our lives. He warns against the superf |
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No Man Is Greater Than His Prayer Life - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of Elijah, a man who is considered one of the greatest in history. Despite his many accomplishments, the speaker emphasizes that the |
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Elijah - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon discusses the contrast between the impact of 120 men filled with the Holy Spirit in the early church and the lack of noticeable impact from a gathering of 4,000 preache |
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Elijah’s Dramatic Appearance by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink discusses the dramatic appearance of Elijah during a dark period in Israel's history, marked by rampant idolatry and wicked kings. He highlights the spiritual decline ini |
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America's Last Call (Part 6 of 6) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing their devotion to Jesus and thanking Him for His faithfulness and love. They then discuss the arrogance, greed, and covetousness t |
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The Five Point Relationship of the Child of God by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of true love and turning people to righteousness. He encourages the congregation to have a passion for the souls of others an |
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Perfect Peace by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that in times of panic and chaos, God's faithful people will experience perfect peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding. He references Isaiah 57: |