2 Kings 9:21-26 – Peace cannot be found in the path of evil

The two messengers, whom Joram sent to ascertain the reason for the advancement of Jehu’s approaching force, did not return to report. Instead, they were both recruited to join in Jehu’s revolt. When it was told to Joram that Jehu was furiously riding on a chariot toward Jezreel, he called for a chariot and together with Ahaziah rode out to meet him. It was at the infamous vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that they met.  

It was undeniable that God had set everything for this moment. The punishment for what Ahab and Jezebel had done to Naboth was about to take place. Wanting to know Jehu’s intention, Joram asked if Jehu came in peace in 2 Kings 9:22. Instead of a direct answer, Jehu announced the crime which Jezebel had done. Without hesitation, he retorted asking, “What peace, so long as the harlotries of your mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?” The two terms “harlotries and witchcraft” had so aptly described what Jezebel did in enticing Israel into being unfaithful to the Lord. Adultery and harlotries had frequently been used in the Scriptures to refer to Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. Witchcraft points to them pivoting to Baal and what was involved in worshipping it. 

Immediately, Joram knew that Jehu had rebelled. Turing his chariot around to flee, he said to Ahaziah, “There is treachery, O Ahaziah!” Without wasting much time, Jehu took out an arrow, and with full force shot him between his arms. The arrow ripped through his heart and he sank into his chariot. Jehu recalled Elijah’s prediction made years earlier when he and Bidkar were serving Ahab. He remembered what Elijah said about the Lord avenging Naboth's family's innocent blood. He recalled that it would be repaid on the victim’s property. So Jehu commanded Bidkar to cast Joram’s body into the field of Naboth just as it was prophesied.   

J0ram was looking for peace. But how could peace be attained through the path of evil? The path of evil will never lead anyone to peace, pure and simple. This is one lesson in life we need to learn. The real path to peace is the grace of God. If not for the grace of God, our Lord Jesus would not have come. Without Jesus, there can be no peace. A life of peace can only be found in a life with Jesus. If we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, peace will follow us. Jesus is our surest path to peace. Are we pursuing Him?