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.
So a horseman rode out to meet him and said, 'The king asks: Do you come in peace?' But Jehu replied, 'What business is peace to you? Get behind me and follow.' The watchman reported back, saying, 'The messenger reached them, but he's not coming back.'
This verse shows Jehu taking control of King Joram's messenger, forcing him to join his cause rather than return with an answer about his peaceful intentions.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of 2 Kings, Jehu was anointed by a prophet as God's chosen instrument to overthrow the idolatrous house of Ahab and bring judgment on Israel's unfaithfulness. This verse takes place during Jehu's march toward the capital, where King Joram, sensing danger, sends a messenger on horseback to inquire if Jehu's approach is peaceful. The messenger's failure to return underscores the escalating conflict and highlights the futility of seeking peace amid divine retribution.
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