2 Kings 9:22

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when Joram {H3088} saw {H7200} Jehu {H3058}, that he said {H559}, Is it peace {H7965}, Jehu {H3058}? And he answered {H559}, What peace {H7965}, so long as {H5704} the whoredoms {H2183} of thy mother {H517} Jezebel {H348} and her witchcrafts {H3785} are so many {H7227}?

Complete Jewish Bible

When Yoram saw Yehu he said, "Are you coming in peace, Yehu?" He answered, "Peace? With your mother Izevel continuing all her cult prostitution and witchcraft? What a question!"

Berean Standard Bible

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?”

American Standard Version

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The dramatic encounter in 2 Kings 9:22 captures the precise moment of confrontation between King Joram of Israel and Jehu, the newly anointed instrument of divine judgment. Joram's conventional greeting, "Is it peace, Jehu?", is met with a scathing and uncompromising retort that exposes the profound spiritual and moral decay of the kingdom, directly attributing it to the pervasive idolatry and occult practices instigated by his mother, Jezebel. This exchange immediately sets the stage for the violent eradication of the Omride dynasty, underscoring the biblical truth that genuine peace cannot coexist with unrepentant wickedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a rapidly unfolding narrative in [2 Kings 9](/2_kings/9 "2 Kings 9 - Jehu's Anointing and Coup"). Jehu has just been secretly anointed king by a prophet sent by Elisha, with the explicit divine mandate to "strike down the house of Ahab" (2 Kings 9:7). The anointing takes place in Ramoth-gilead, where Joram, the reigning king, is recuperating from battle wounds sustained against the Arameans. Jehu's men immediately proclaim him king, and he swiftly sets off for Jezreel, where Joram and King Ahaziah of Judah are located. The watchman's report of Jehu's furious driving precedes his arrival, building tension. Joram and Ahaziah ride out to meet him, unaware of the divine judgment about to be executed. This verse marks the point of no return, where Jehu's mission transitions from secret anointing to open, violent confrontation, fulfilling the prophecies against Ahab's house found in [1 Kings 21:21-24](/1_kings/21-21-24 "1 Kings 21:21-24 - Prophecy Against Ahab's House").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Israel during the Omride dynasty (circa 9th century BCE), a period marked by profound spiritual decline. Ahab, Joram's father, had introduced Baal worship on a grand scale through his marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess. This syncretism and outright idolatry directly violated the covenant with Yahweh, leading to a spiritual crisis documented extensively by prophets like Elijah and Elisha. Jezebel was particularly notorious for her persecution of Yahweh's prophets and her zealous promotion of Baal and Asherah worship (e.g., [1 Kings 18:19](/1_kings/18-19 "1 Kings 18:19 - Jezebel's Prophets of Baal")). Joram, though perhaps not as fervent an idolater as his parents, maintained the idolatrous infrastructure and thus perpetuated the spiritual corruption. The concept of "peace" (Hebrew: _shalom_) in this era was often a political greeting, inquiring about well-being, health, or the absence of conflict. Joram's question likely sought reassurance of Jehu's loyalty or the state of affairs, completely missing the deeper, spiritual meaning Jehu would immediately invoke.
* **Key Themes:** The exchange in [2 Kings 9:22](/2_kings/9-22 "2 Kings 9:22 - Jehu's Confrontation with Joram") powerfully encapsulates several core themes. Firstly, **Divine Judgment** is paramount; Jehu is God's chosen instrument to execute long-prophesied judgment against the unrepentant Omride dynasty and its pervasive idolatry. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Nature of True Peace**. Joram's superficial understanding of peace as merely the absence of conflict is starkly contrasted with Jehu's declaration that genuine _shalom_ (wholeness, well-being, harmony) is impossible where deep spiritual corruption and rebellion against God persist. This underscores that peace is fundamentally tied to righteousness, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 48:22](/isaiah/48-22 "Isaiah 48:22 - No Peace for the Wicked")). Thirdly, the passage emphasizes the **Consequences of Persistent Idolatry and Sin**. Jezebel's "whoredoms" (spiritual unfaithfulness) and "witchcrafts" (occult practices) are identified as the root cause of the nation's instability and the reason for God's impending wrath, demonstrating that sin has profound societal and spiritual repercussions. Finally, Jehu's **Zeal for the Lord** is evident in his uncompromising stance, reflecting a divine impatience with unaddressed evil.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** More than just the absence of war or conflict, _shâlôwm_ is a rich Hebrew concept encompassing completeness, wholeness, well-being, prosperity, health, and harmony in all aspects of life—physical, spiritual, and relational. When Joram asks, "Is it peace, Jehu?", he is using a conventional greeting, likely hoping for assurance of political stability or Jehu's loyalty. Jehu's response fundamentally redefines this "peace," asserting that true _shâlôwm_ is utterly unattainable when the spiritual and moral fabric of the kingdom is utterly corrupted by idolatry and wickedness.
* **Whoredoms (Hebrew, _zânûwn'_):** While literally referring to sexual immorality, in a prophetic and theological context, _zânûwn_ is frequently used metaphorically to describe spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, and rebellion against God. Jezebel's "whoredoms" primarily refer to her zealous promotion of Baal worship and other pagan cults in Israel, which constituted a profound act of spiritual adultery against the covenant God of Israel. This term powerfully conveys the depth of her betrayal and the nation's spiritual prostitution.
* **Witchcrafts (Hebrew, _kesheph'_):** This term refers to sorcery, magic, and occult practices, which were strictly forbidden in Israel under the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Warnings Against Occult Practices")). Jezebel's influence extended to these dark arts, which were often intertwined with pagan worship and used to manipulate, control, and solidify power. Their presence signifies a complete rejection of Yahweh's authority and a deep dive into demonic influence, further justifying the severity of the impending divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, [Is it] peace, Jehu?":** This opening clause sets the scene for the dramatic confrontation. Joram, likely still recovering from his wounds and perhaps anxious about Jehu's sudden, furious approach, offers a conventional greeting. His question about "peace" is likely a hopeful inquiry about Jehu's intentions—is he coming as a loyal commander, or is this a hostile act? It reveals Joram's profound unawareness of the divine judgment about to be unleashed upon him and his house, highlighting his spiritual blindness to the true state of his kingdom.
* **"And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts [are so] many?":** Jehu's response is blunt, uncompromising, and divinely charged. He dismisses any notion of superficial "peace," immediately cutting to the core of the kingdom's spiritual sickness. By explicitly naming "thy mother Jezebel," Jehu directly links the current king to the source of the profound corruption that has permeated Israel. The "whoredoms" (spiritual idolatry) and "witchcrafts" (occult practices) are presented as the fundamental obstacles to any true _shâlôwm_. This reply is not merely a statement of fact but a prophetic declaration of the impossibility of peace in the presence of such pervasive, unrepentant wickedness, signaling the imminent and violent execution of God's judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **literary devices** to heighten its dramatic impact and theological significance. **Dramatic Irony** is central, as Joram's innocent inquiry about "peace" stands in stark contrast to Jehu's true, divinely ordained mission of violent judgment, of which Joram is completely unaware. This creates tension and highlights Joram's spiritual blindness. **Foreshadowing** is also evident; Jehu's words are not just an accusation but a direct premonition of the bloody purge to come, signaling that the time for superficial pleasantries is over and a period of severe accountability has arrived. The terms "whoredoms" and "witchcrafts" serve as powerful **symbols** of the deep spiritual apostasy and moral corruption that have infected the Omride dynasty and the nation. Finally, the **Juxtaposition** of Joram's conventional, hopeful greeting with Jehu's harsh, reality-shattering retort underscores the chasm between human perception and divine truth, emphasizing that God's justice will not be deterred by polite formalities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The uncompromising exchange in 2 Kings 9:22 serves as a stark reminder that true peace, whether personal, communal, or national, is inextricably linked to righteousness and faithfulness to God. It shatters the illusion that outward tranquility can exist while deep-seated spiritual corruption and rebellion against divine truth persist. Jehu's response underscores the biblical principle that unrepentant sin, particularly idolatry and occult practices, inevitably leads to divine judgment and societal instability. God's patience has limits, and a time of reckoning will come when His justice demands a cleansing. This passage highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His righteous indignation against those who lead His people astray into spiritual adultery and darkness, demonstrating that He will ultimately intervene to uphold His holiness and restore His truth.

* [Jeremiah 3:9](/jeremiah/3-9 "Jeremiah 3:9 - Spiritual Adultery and Idolatry")
* [Proverbs 11:21](/proverbs/11-21 "Proverbs 11:21 - The Wicked Will Not Go Unpunished")
* [Isaiah 57:21](/isaiah/57-21 "Isaiah 57:21 - No Peace for the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The blunt encounter between Joram and Jehu forces us to confront our own understanding of "peace." Do we seek a superficial peace—the absence of overt conflict or discomfort—while tolerating or even participating in spiritual compromises and moral decay? Jehu's retort challenges us to recognize that genuine _shâlôwm_ is a holistic state of well-being rooted in a right relationship with God, free from the "whoredoms" of idolatry and the "witchcrafts" of spiritual manipulation or rebellion. This passage calls us to a radical self-examination: What "Jezebels"—what idols, unholy influences, or hidden sins—are we allowing to corrupt our hearts, homes, or communities, thereby hindering true peace? It reminds us that God is not indifferent to persistent evil, and while His grace abounds, there is a point where His righteous judgment demands a reckoning. Our application lies in cultivating a deep, uncompromising zeal for God's truth, actively confronting sin in our lives, and pursuing a peace that is grounded in holiness and obedience, rather than a fragile tranquility built on compromise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "peace" truly mean in your life, and how does it align with or diverge from the biblical concept of _shâlôwm_?**
* **What "whoredoms" (idolatries, spiritual compromises) or "witchcrafts" (manipulations, controlling behaviors, occult influences) might be hindering true peace in your personal life, family, or community?**
* **How does this passage challenge your perspective on God's justice and His response to persistent sin?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a greater "zeal" for God's righteousness in your own sphere of influence, confronting spiritual decay with truth and love?**

### FAQ
**What exactly were Jezebel's "whoredoms" and "witchcrafts"?**

Answer: Jezebel's "whoredoms" primarily refer to her aggressive promotion of Baal worship and the Asherah cult in Israel, which constituted spiritual adultery against Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. She introduced and enforced pagan religious practices, built temples and altars for false gods, and supported a large retinue of Baal prophets and Asherah prophets. This was a direct violation of the First Commandment and a profound act of unfaithfulness. Her "witchcrafts" refer to sorcery, magic, and other occult practices, which were often intertwined with pagan religions and used to consolidate power and influence. These practices were strictly forbidden by God's law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Warnings Against Occult Practices")) and represented a direct appeal to demonic powers rather than reliance on the one true God. Together, these terms encapsulate the depth of her spiritual rebellion and the pervasive corruption she brought to Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jehu serves as a zealous instrument of God's judgment against the Omride dynasty, his actions, though necessary for their time, ultimately point beyond themselves to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Jehu's refusal to acknowledge peace in the presence of Jezebel's pervasive sin foreshadows Christ's own uncompromising stand against sin and spiritual darkness. Jesus, the true [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prophecy of the Prince of Peace"), does not offer a superficial peace that tolerates wickedness. Instead, He confronts the "whoredoms" (idolatry, spiritual unfaithfulness) and "witchcrafts" (bondage to sin, demonic influence) of humanity head-on. He came not to bring a worldly peace, but a sword of truth that divides light from darkness (e.g., [Matthew 10:34](/matthew/10-34 "Matthew 10:34 - Jesus Brings a Sword")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ provides the only true and lasting peace—reconciliation with God (e.g., [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ")). He breaks the power of sin and darkness, offering spiritual cleansing and transformation that Jehu's violent purge could only temporarily achieve. Ultimately, it is Christ who will usher in an eternal reign of true _shâlôwm_, where all "whoredoms" and "witchcrafts" are utterly vanquished, and peace reigns supreme in a new heavens and new earth (e.g., [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 21:13

But hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring, like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab, and also hast slain thy brethren of thy father's house, [which were] better than thyself:

Nahum 3:4

Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the wellfavoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts.

1 Kings 16:30

And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that [were] before him.

1 Kings 16:33

And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him.

Revelation 18:23

And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

Revelation 2:20

Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

Revelation 2:23

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.