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Today's Little Lift

    by Jim Bullington

Is it Peace, Jehu? (2 Kings 9.22)
Date Posted: August 30, 2020

Not everyone can be a headliner. Joram and Jehu, the primary players in today’s message, are certainly among the lesser known characters in the Old Testament. However, the lessons which we can learn from them are eternal lessons; we will visit one of these lessons today.

The nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms following the death of Solomon. For that reason, it is common to refer to these two nations as Northern Israel and Southern Israel. Though coming from common ancestors, these two nations were constantly bickering and fighting among themselves. In today’s story, we encounter Joram, king of Northern Israel, Ahaziah, king of Southern Israel, and Jehu, Some background is in order so that the events which we are about to explore make some sense. Joram was the offspring of arguably one of the most wicked couples ever to wield power as heads of state, Ahab and Jezebel. Joram assumed the kingship of Northern Israel after the premature death of his brother. Ahaziah was, on the other hand, the King of Judah (Southern Israel). The two kings, Joram and Ahaziah, had met and Jehu was intent on seeing them. His purpose was to begin to execute judgment on the house of Jezebel.

“Now it happened, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, ‘Is it peace, Jehu?’ So he [Jehu] answered, ‘What peace, as long as the harlotries of your mother Jezebel and her witchcraft are so many?’ Then Joram turned around and fled, and said to Ahaziah, ‘Treachery, Ahaziah!’ Now Jehu drew his bow with full strength and shot Jehoram [an alternate form of Joram] between his arms; and the arrow came out at his heart, and he sank down in his chariot.” (2 Kings 9.22-24).

With this mighty blow, Jehu struck down the king of Northern Israel and opened the door to his own political future. One might wish that it could be said that Jehu’s actions were rooted in righteous intentions, but such would hardly fit a political opportunist such as Jehu! The point of interest that I want us to consider is the greeting that Jehu received from Joram, his avowed enemy. It is also noteworthy that two times prior to this, the same greeting had been sent from Joram to Jehu (see 2 Kings 9.18-19). “Is it peace, Jehu?”

A casual reading of today’s text and its surrounding context will reveal that Joram already knew that Jehu was not coming in peace. His anger was aimed at the spiritual harlotry into which Jezebel, Joram’s mother, had plunged Northern Israel. False gods were everywhere and they were endorsed by the state! Although Israel had turned her back on Jehovah from time to time, never had the state formally played such favorites with pagan gods until the time of Ahab and Jezebel! Now, the “chickens are coming home to roost” and Jehu was proud to the instrument of wrath that would execute judgment on the house of Ahab!

Here is the lesson: Not everyone who speaks of peace expects or works to obtain peace! The divisions that had split the tiny nation of Israel were spiritual innovations popularized by Joram’s predecessors and perpetuated by none other than Joram! To ask, “Is it peace,” was the same as asking, “Is everything alright?” Joram knew the answer to that question! Everything was not alright, and no, it was not peace!

Another of the “J” characters of the Old Testament (Jeremiah) had something relevant to say on this issue; He wrote about those who were saying, “‘Peace, peace!’ When there is no peace.” (Jeremiah 6.14). Lasting peace is achieved by compliance with God’s word; not through innovations of man!

Questions:

1. Who was the wicked Queen-mother who had given birth to Joram (hint – another “J” word)?

2. What innovations had this Queen-mother popularized and what position had Joram taken regarding these innovations?

3. Should Joram have known whether or not “It was peace?” If yes, how could he have known?

4. Is lasting peace possible? If yes, how?

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

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Biography Information:
Jim Bullington - A Christian writer whose insight into the scriptures is reflected in practical application lessons in every article. The reader will find that the Bible speaks directly to him/her through these articles. God is always exalted and His word is treated with the utmost respect in this column.
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