King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:18 Mean?

2 Kings 9:18 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 9:18 · King James Version


Context

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.

20

And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously. driving: or, marching furiously: Heb. in madness


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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.

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וַיֵּלֶךְ֩1 of 26
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

רֹכֵ֨ב2 of 26

one on horseback

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

הַסּ֜וּס3 of 26
H5483

a horse (as leaping)

לִקְרָאת֗וֹ4 of 26

to meet

H7125

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

לֵאמֹ֔ר5 of 26

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּֽה6 of 26
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

לֵאמֹ֔ר7 of 26

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙8 of 26

the king

H4428

a king

וּלְשָׁל֖וֹם9 of 26

Is it peace

H7965

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

לֵאמֹ֔ר10 of 26

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יֵה֛וּא11 of 26

And Jehu

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

מַה12 of 26
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לְּךָ֥13 of 26
H0
וּלְשָׁל֖וֹם14 of 26

Is it peace

H7965

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

סֹ֣ב15 of 26

turn

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֶֽל16 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַחֲרָ֑י17 of 26

thee behind

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וַיַּגֵּ֤ד18 of 26

told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

הַצֹּפֶה֙19 of 26

me And the watchman

H6822

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

לֵאמֹ֔ר20 of 26

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בָּֽא21 of 26

came

H935

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

הַמַּלְאָ֥ךְ22 of 26

The messenger

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

עַד23 of 26
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הֵ֖ם24 of 26
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְלֹא25 of 26
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָֽׁב׃26 of 26

to them but he cometh not again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);


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 9:18 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 9:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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