2 Kings Chapter 9 · Verse 19
Then he sent out a second on horseback, which came to them, and said, Thus saith the king, Is it peace? And Jehu answered, What hast thou to do with peace? turn thee behind me.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח
Then he sent out
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח
Then he sent out
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 19
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
רֹכֵ֣ב
on horseback
H7392
רֹכֵ֣ב
on horseback
Strong's:
H7392
Word #:
2 of 19
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
שֵׁנִי֒
a second
H8145
שֵׁנִי֒
a second
Strong's:
H8145
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
וַיָּבֹ֣א
which came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֣א
which came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
5 of 19
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
וּלְשָׁל֖וֹם
Is it peace
H7965
וּלְשָׁל֖וֹם
Is it peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
11 of 19
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
וּלְשָׁל֖וֹם
Is it peace
H7965
וּלְשָׁל֖וֹם
Is it peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
16 of 19
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 9 takes place during Jehu's dynasty and the violent purge of Baal worship, around 841 BCE. The chapter's theme (Jehu's Violent Revolution) reflects the historical reality of violent political revolution motivated by zeal for Yahweh but lacking genuine heart transformation. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 9 regarding divine judgment executed on ahab's house?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
Then he sent out a second on horseback, which came to them, and said, Thus saith the king, Is it peace? And Jehu answered, What hast thou to do with peace? turn thee behind me.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 9: Divine judgment executed on Ahab's house. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.