2 Kings 9:18
“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.”
Context:This verse is part of the account of the anointing of Jehu as king of Israel. Jehu had been anointed by a prophet as the new king, and he was on a mission to execute God’s judgment on the house of Ahab and Jezebel. In this particular verse, a messenger was sent to Jehu to inquire about his intentions and whether there was peace.
Themes and lessons from 2 Kings 9:18:
The Authority of God’s Anointing:Jehu’s anointing as king was a divine appointment. God had chosen him to carry out His judgment on the wicked rulers of Israel. The messenger who approached Jehu represented the reigning king, asking if there was peace. Jehu’s response, “What hast thou to do with peace?” demonstrated his recognition of God’s anointing and his commitment to fulfill his appointed task. It serves as a reminder that when God calls and anoints us for a specific purpose, we should wholeheartedly embrace it and remain faithful to His plans.
The Rejection of Compromise:Jehu’s curt response to the messenger, “turn thee behind me,” indicated that he had no intention of engaging in idle talk or negotiation. He was focused on fulfilling God’s command and had no time for distractions or compromises. As followers of God, we should also be cautious about allowing distractions or compromising our convictions and commitments. We must remain steadfast in pursuing God’s purposes, even when faced with opposition or attempts to divert us from His path.
Faithfulness and Obedience:Jehu’s immediate obedience to the call of God demonstrated his faithfulness. He had received the anointing and the command to execute God’s judgment, and he wasted no time in carrying out his mission. Similarly, we are called to be faithful and obedient to God’s commands. When He reveals His will to us, it is important to respond promptly and wholeheartedly, trusting that He will guide and equip us for the tasks He sets before us.
The Certainty of God’s Word:The watchman’s report that the messenger had not returned implied that Jehu’s words had come to pass. The messenger who had sought peace did not return because Jehu’s intentions were not for peace but for executing God’s judgment. This serves as a reminder that God’s word is sure and will always be fulfilled. It also highlights the consequences of disregarding or underestimating the messages that God communicates to us through His prophets or messengers.
Overall, this verse emphasises the importance of recognising and embracing God’s call on our lives, remaining faithful and obedient to His commands, and trusting in the certainty of His word. It reminds us to prioritise God’s purposes over worldly distractions and to trust in His guidance and provision as we fulfil the tasks He assigns to us.
