2 Kings 9:23

KJV

And Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, [There is] treachery, O Ahaziah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joram {H3088} turned {H2015} his hands {H3027}, and fled {H5127}, and said {H559} to Ahaziah {H274}, There is treachery {H4820}, O Ahaziah {H274}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yoram wheeled around and fled, shouting, "Treachery, Achazyah!"

Berean Standard Bible

Joram turned around and fled, calling out to Ahaziah, “Treachery, Ahaziah!”

American Standard Version

And Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, There is treachery, O Ahaziah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures the instantaneous and desperate realization of King Joram of Israel that Jehu, rather than approaching in peace, intends hostile action and judgment. Joram's immediate reaction is to turn his chariot and flee, simultaneously issuing a frantic warning to King Ahaziah of Judah, his ally, that Jehu's arrival signifies "treachery." This pivotal moment marks the dramatic shift from a tense encounter to an open declaration of war, initiating the swift and brutal execution of God's long-prophesied judgment against the wicked Omride dynasty.

### 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 Purge"). Jehu, a military commander, has just been secretly anointed king by a prophet sent by Elisha, with a divine mandate to utterly destroy the house of Ahab for their idolatry and bloodshed. Joram, King of Israel, and Ahaziah, King of Judah (Joram's nephew), have ridden out to meet Jehu, who is approaching furiously. Joram's initial, hopeful question in [2 Kings 9:22](/2_kings/9-22 "2 Kings 9:22 - Joram's Question to Jehu"), "Is it peace, Jehu?", is met with Jehu's scathing reply, referencing the widespread "harlotries and witchcraft of Jezebel." This verse, [2 Kings 9:23](/2_kings/9-23 "2 Kings 9:23 - Joram's Realization"), immediately follows Jehu's declaration, signaling Joram's sudden and stark comprehension of Jehu's true, hostile intent. It directly precedes Joram's death in [2 Kings 9:24](/2_kings/9-24 "2 Kings 9:24 - Joram's Death"), marking the beginning of the end for the Omride dynasty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold in the northern kingdom of Israel during a period of intense political instability and spiritual apostasy under the Omride dynasty. King Ahab and Queen Jezebel had introduced widespread Baal worship, persecuted prophets of Yahweh, and committed grave injustices, notably the murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard ([1 Kings 21](/1_kings/21 "1 Kings 21 - Naboth's Vineyard")). This history of wickedness had incurred divine wrath, with prophecies of judgment pronounced against Ahab's house. Chariot warfare was a primary military tactic, and the ability to quickly turn a chariot was crucial in battle or flight. The concept of "peace" (Hebrew: _shalom_) was a common greeting, often implying a state of political accord or absence of conflict. Joram's question was a diplomatic inquiry, expecting either reassurance or a formal declaration of grievance. Jehu's actions, therefore, were perceived by Joram as a betrayal of expected diplomatic protocol, hence the cry of "treachery."
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Prophetic Fulfillment**. Jehu is not acting on his own accord but as an instrument of God's long-delayed, yet certain, judgment against the unrepentant wickedness of the Omride house, fulfilling prophecies found in [1 Kings 21:21-24](/1_kings/21-21 "1 Kings 21:21-24 - Prophecy Against Ahab's House") and [2 Kings 9:7-10](/2_kings/9-7 "2 Kings 9:7-10 - Jehu's Commission"). Secondly, it highlights the **Sudden Revelation of Hostility**. Joram's initial hope for peace is instantly shattered by Jehu's reply, revealing the true, deadly purpose of his arrival. This abrupt shift emphasizes the decisive and inescapable nature of God's judgment. Finally, it touches on the theme of **Loyalty and Shared Fate**, as Joram, even in his moment of desperate flight, attempts to warn Ahaziah, illustrating the temporary alliance between the two kings who ultimately share a similar doom due to their association with the condemned dynasty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hands (Hebrew, _yād_):** The KJV phrase "turned his hands" is an idiom for turning a chariot around. The Hebrew word _yād_ literally means "hand" or "power," but in this context, it refers to the reins or control of the chariot. Joram's immediate action of turning his chariot signifies a desperate and instinctive attempt to flee from the imminent danger posed by Jehu. This physical turning is a direct response to the spiritual and political "turning" that Jehu represents – a turning from the corrupt reign of Ahab's house.
* **treachery (Hebrew, מִרְמָה, _mirmah_):** This word signifies deceit, fraud, betrayal, or perfidy. From Joram's perspective, Jehu's actions constituted treachery because he had approached under the guise of an official meeting, only to reveal a hostile, murderous intent. Joram perceived Jehu as having acted deceptively, not as a messenger of peace but as an executioner. However, from a divine perspective, Jehu was not treacherous but an instrument of God's righteous judgment, bringing deserved retribution upon a dynasty that had itself practiced spiritual and moral treachery against the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joram turned his hands, and fled":** This clause describes Joram's immediate, instinctive, and desperate physical reaction to Jehu's hostile declaration. Recognizing the deadly intent behind Jehu's words, Joram wastes no time in attempting to escape. The idiom "turned his hands" vividly portrays the rapid maneuver of turning a chariot, emphasizing the suddenness and urgency of his flight. This action underscores the profound shock and terror that seized Joram upon realizing his imminent doom.
* **"and said to Ahaziah":** Even in his moment of extreme peril and flight, Joram's concern extends to his ally, King Ahaziah of Judah. This brief interjection highlights the bond between the two kings, who were related by marriage (Ahaziah was Joram's nephew through Athaliah, Ahab's daughter). It also serves to broaden the scope of the immediate threat, indicating that Ahaziah, by association, is also in danger.
* **"[There is] treachery, O Ahaziah":** This is Joram's desperate cry, a concise summary of his interpretation of the situation. He perceives Jehu's actions as a deceitful ambush rather than a legitimate act of war or divine judgment. This declaration serves as a dire warning to Ahaziah, urging him to recognize the danger and flee as well. It encapsulates Joram's shock and profound sense of betrayal, unaware or unwilling to acknowledge the divine mandate behind Jehu's seemingly "treacherous" actions.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is prominent, as the reader is privy to Jehu's divine commission and purpose, while Joram, until this moment, is not. Joram's cry of "treachery" is ironic because, from God's perspective, it is the Omride dynasty that has been treacherous to Him, and Jehu is merely an instrument of righteous judgment. The suddenness of Joram's turn and flight, coupled with his desperate warning, creates intense **Suspense** and accelerates the narrative's pace, leading directly to the dramatic climax of Joram's death. The phrase "turned his hands" is an **Idiom**, a common expression whose meaning is not directly derivable from the individual words, vividly conveying the action of turning a chariot.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This dramatic encounter underscores the biblical principle that persistent wickedness and defiance against God's commands inevitably lead to judgment. Joram's sudden realization of "treachery" is, in a broader theological sense, the abrupt manifestation of divine justice against a dynasty that had long practiced spiritual and moral treachery against the Lord. God, in His sovereignty, uses various instruments—even seemingly brutal ones like Jehu—to accomplish His purposes and fulfill His prophetic word. The swiftness of this judgment serves as a stark reminder that while God is patient, His justice is certain and will ultimately prevail against all forms of rebellion and unrighteousness.

* [Proverbs 11:3](/proverbs/11-3 "Proverbs 11:3 - Integrity Guides"): "The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them."
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine"): "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"): "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The sudden, inescapable clarity that dawns on Joram in this verse offers profound lessons for our own spiritual lives. Often, we may live in a state of spiritual complacency or even delusion, failing to recognize the true nature of our circumstances or the consequences of our choices. Just as Joram's question about "peace" was met with a declaration of war, we too may find that our expectations are shattered when God's truth or judgment suddenly confronts us. This moment prompts us to consider: Are we truly seeking peace with God, or are we living in a state of spiritual "treachery" against His commands? The swiftness of Joram's flight and warning reminds us that when truth is revealed, especially concerning our spiritual state, a decisive and immediate response is often required. We are called to discern the times, to align our lives with God's will, and to avoid the spiritual blindness that can lead to sudden and dire consequences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be living under a false sense of "peace," when in reality, my actions or attitudes are in opposition to God's will?**
* **How do I typically react when confronted with uncomfortable truths or unexpected challenges that expose my spiritual vulnerabilities?**
* **What "treachery" (deceit, unfaithfulness) against God might I need to confess and turn from today, before a moment of crisis forces such clarity?**
* **How does Joram's desperate warning to Ahaziah encourage me to warn others about spiritual dangers, even when I am facing my own challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joram call Jehu's actions "treachery"?**

Answer: Joram perceived Jehu's actions as "treachery" because Jehu had approached under the guise of an official meeting or a commander's report, and Joram's initial question was a diplomatic inquiry about "peace." Jehu's response, however, immediately revealed a hostile and murderous intent, shattering Joram's expectations of a peaceful encounter. From Joram's human perspective, this sudden shift from apparent normalcy to deadly aggression felt like a betrayal or a deceptive ambush. He was likely unaware of Jehu's divine commission to execute judgment on the house of Ahab, viewing it solely as a political coup or a personal act of perfidy.

**What was the significance of Joram warning Ahaziah?**

Answer: Joram's warning to Ahaziah, "There is treachery, O Ahaziah," highlights the immediate and shared danger facing both kings. Ahaziah was Joram's nephew and ally, and his presence alongside Joram meant he was also implicated in the judgment against the Omride dynasty. This brief moment of warning demonstrates a fleeting loyalty or concern for his kinsman, even in Joram's own desperate flight. It also serves a literary purpose, extending the scope of Jehu's purge to include the king of Judah, foreshadowing Ahaziah's own fate later in [2 Kings 9:27](/2_kings/9-27 "2 Kings 9:27 - Ahaziah's Death").

**How does this event relate to earlier prophecies against the house of Ahab?**

Answer: This event is a direct and dramatic fulfillment of long-standing prophecies against the wicked house of Ahab, particularly those pronounced by Elijah. In [1 Kings 21:21-24](/1_kings/21-21 "1 Kings 21:21-24 - Prophecy Against Ahab's House"), Elijah prophesied that God would bring disaster upon Ahab's house, cutting off every male and making his house like that of Jeroboam and Baasha, because of their idolatry and the shedding of innocent blood, specifically Naboth's. Jehu's anointing in [2 Kings 9:7-10](/2_kings/9-7 "2 Kings 9:7-10 - Jehu's Commission") explicitly states his divine mandate to "strike down the house of Ahab your master, that I may avenge on Jezebel the blood of my servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the Lord." Joram's death, immediately following this verse, is the first major step in Jehu's brutal purge, directly fulfilling these divine judgments.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jehu served as an earthly, imperfect instrument of God's judgment, his actions in [2 Kings 9:23](/2_kings/9-23 "2 Kings 9:23 - Joram's Realization") foreshadow the ultimate, perfect judgment executed by Christ. Joram's cry of "treachery" reflects humanity's often-misguided perception of divine intervention. When Christ first came, He came not as a political revolutionary or an immediate judge, but as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering peace and salvation to those who believe ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent Not His Son to Condemn")). However, His second coming will be vastly different. He will return as the righteous King and Judge, whose eyes are like a flame of fire and on whose robe is written, [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ the Rider on the White Horse"). For those who have rejected His saving grace, His return will be a sudden, inescapable revelation of judgment, much like Joram's realization of Jehu's hostile intent. While He initially declared, "[I did not come to bring peace, but a sword](/matthew/10-34 "Matthew 10:34 - Not Peace, But a Sword")" in the sense of dividing families over allegiance to Him, His ultimate coming will bring a definitive end to all spiritual "treachery" and establish His eternal reign of perfect justice and peace for His redeemed.

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 Kings 11:14

And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the manner [was], and the princes and the trumpeters by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets: and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried, Treason, Treason.

2 Chronicles 23:13

And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason.