2 Kings 9:18

So a horseman rode off to meet Jehu 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." And the watchman reported, "The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back."

Study Bible

So a horseman rode off to meet Jehu
In the ancient Near East, horsemen were often used as messengers or scouts due to their speed and mobility. This scene takes place during a time of political upheaval in Israel. Jehu, a commander in the army of Israel, has been anointed by a prophet to become king and to execute judgment on the house of Ahab. The horseman represents the current king's attempt to maintain control and gather intelligence on Jehu's intentions.

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. In the context of ancient Israel, peace (shalom) was not just the absence of conflict but also the presence of justice and right relationships. The king's inquiry indicates a desire to know whether Jehu's approach is hostile or friendly. This question is significant in the biblical narrative, as it often precedes moments of divine intervention or judgment.

“What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied.
Jehu's response is confrontational and dismissive, suggesting that the current regime, represented by the king, lacks true understanding or practice of peace. This can be seen as a critique of the moral and spiritual state of Israel under Ahab's lineage. Jehu's mission, as ordained by God through the prophet Elisha, is to bring judgment and restore righteousness, which he implies the current leadership has failed to uphold.

“Fall in behind me.”
Jehu's command to the horseman to "fall in behind me" signifies a shift in allegiance. It indicates Jehu's authority and the inevitability of his mission. This phrase can be seen as a call to join the new order that Jehu is establishing, one that aligns with God's will. It also foreshadows the broader acceptance and support Jehu will receive as he fulfills his divinely appointed task.

And the watchman reported, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.”
The watchman's report highlights the tension and uncertainty of the situation. The fact that the messenger does not return suggests that Jehu's influence is compelling and that his mission is gaining momentum. This moment underscores the theme of divine providence and the unstoppable nature of God's plans. It also reflects the fear and confusion within the current regime as they witness the unfolding of events beyond their control.

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. Horseman
A messenger sent by King Joram to inquire about Jehu's intentions. His role is to communicate the king's question about peace.

3. King Joram
The reigning king of Israel at the time, who is concerned about Jehu's approach and sends messengers to determine his intentions.

4. Israel
The northern kingdom where these events take place, under the rule of King Joram.

5. Peace Inquiry
The question of peace is significant, as it reflects the political tension and uncertainty of the time.

Teaching Points

Divine Commission and Obedience
Jehu's mission was divinely ordained, reminding us of the importance of obedience to God's calling in our lives.

True Peace vs. False Peace
The inquiry about peace highlights the difference between superficial peace and true peace that aligns with God's will.

Judgment and Justice
Jehu's actions serve as a reminder of God's justice and the eventual judgment against wickedness.

Courage in Leadership
Jehu's boldness in confronting the status quo challenges us to be courageous leaders in our own spheres of influence.

Discernment in Times of Uncertainty
The horseman's question reflects the need for discernment in times of political and spiritual uncertainty.

Bible Study Questions

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

2. In what ways can we discern between true peace and false peace in our own lives, as Jehu did?

3. How does the concept of divine justice in Jehu's account relate to the broader biblical account of God's judgment?

4. What can we learn from Jehu's courage and decisiveness when faced with opposition or uncertainty?

5. How do other biblical figures who were called to fulfill God's judgment (e.g., Moses, Joshua) compare to Jehu, and what lessons can we draw from their accounts?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 19:16-17
This passage connects to the anointing of Jehu as king, as God had instructed Elijah to anoint him, setting the stage for Jehu's mission.

2 Kings 9:6-10
Provides context for Jehu's divine commission to destroy the house of Ahab, which is the backdrop for his response to the horseman.

Isaiah 48:22
Relates to the concept of peace, emphasizing that there is no peace for the wicked, which aligns with Jehu's mission against Ahab's house.