King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:17 Mean?

2 Kings 9:17 in the King James Version says “And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a compa...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace?”

2 Kings 9:17 · KJV

Peace

Context

15

But king Joram was returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) And Jehu said, If it be your minds, then let none go forth nor escape out of the city to go to tell it in Jezreel. Joram: Heb. Jehoram but not in verse sixteen had given: Heb. smote let none: Heb. let no escaper go, etc.

16

So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Jezreel; for Joram lay there. And Ahaziah king of Judah was come down to see Joram.

17

And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace?

18

So there went one on horseback to meet him, and said, Thus saith the king, Is it peace? And Jehu said, What hast thou to do with peace? turn thee behind me. And the watchman told, saying, The messenger came to them, but he cometh not again.

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.

Read 2 Kings 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace?

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 9: Divine judgment executed on Ahab's house. 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 9 regarding divine judgment executed on ahab's house?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְהַצֹּפֶה֩1 of 22

“a watchman”

H6822

properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await

עֹמֵ֨ד2 of 22

“And there stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עַֽל3 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַמִּגְדָּ֜ל4 of 22

“on the tower”

H4026

a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers

בְּיִזְרְעֶ֗אל5 of 22

“in Jezreel”

H3157

jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites

רֹאֶ֑ה6 of 22

“I see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת7 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שִׁפְעַ֖ת8 of 22

“a company”

H8229

copiousness

יֵהוּא֙9 of 22

“of Jehu”

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

בְּבֹא֔וֹ10 of 22

“as he came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וְיֹאמַ֥ר11 of 22

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שִׁפְעַ֖ת12 of 22

“a company”

H8229

copiousness

אֲנִ֣י13 of 22
H589

i

רֹאֶ֑ה14 of 22

“I see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְיֹאמַ֥ר15 of 22

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוֹרָ֗ם16 of 22

“And Joram”

H3088

jehoram, the name of a syrian and of three israelites

קַ֥ח17 of 22

“Take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

רַכָּ֛ב18 of 22

“an horseman”

H7395

a charioteer

וּֽשְׁלַ֥ח19 of 22

“and send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לִקְרָאתָ֖ם20 of 22

“to meet”

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

וְיֹאמַ֥ר21 of 22

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲשָׁלֽוֹם׃22 of 22

“Is it peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 9:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 9:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 16:4Isaiah 21:11-12Isaiah 62:6Ezekiel 33:2-92 Samuel 13:34Isaiah 56:10

Places in This Verse

Jezreel 2Settlement · Modern: Tel Yizre’el · 32.56°N, 35.33°E29 verses across 7 books
View all places in 2 Kings 9 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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