2 Kings 9:31

And as Jehu entered the gate, she asked, "Have you come in peace, O Zimri, murderer of your master?"

Study Bible

And as Jehu entered the gate
Jehu's entrance into the city gate signifies a pivotal moment in Israel's history. Gates were often the center of city life, serving as places for legal matters and public announcements. Jehu, anointed by a prophet to be king (2 Kings 9:1-13), enters with authority to fulfill God's judgment against the house of Ahab. This moment echoes the fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy (1 Kings 21:21-24) concerning the downfall of Ahab's lineage.

she asked, “Have you come in peace,
Jezebel's question to Jehu is loaded with irony and defiance. The concept of "peace" in Hebrew (shalom) encompasses not just the absence of conflict but also completeness and harmony. Jezebel, known for her idolatry and persecution of prophets (1 Kings 18:4), challenges Jehu's intentions, perhaps aware of the divine judgment he represents. Her question reflects a deeper spiritual conflict between the worship of Yahweh and Baal.

O Zimri,
Jezebel's reference to Zimri is a historical allusion to the king of Israel who reigned for only seven days after assassinating King Elah (1 Kings 16:9-20). By calling Jehu "Zimri," Jezebel implies that Jehu's rebellion will be short-lived and ultimately unsuccessful. This comparison underscores the theme of divine justice, as Zimri's actions led to his own demise, just as Jezebel's idolatry and wickedness are about to lead to hers.

murderer of your master?”
Jezebel accuses Jehu of treachery, highlighting the tension between divine mandate and human action. Jehu's killing of Joram, the son of Ahab, was an act of obedience to God's command (2 Kings 9:24-26), yet Jezebel frames it as murder. This accusation reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty in using human agents to accomplish His purposes, even when their actions appear morally complex. The term "master" also emphasizes the broken covenantal relationship between Israel's kings and God, as Jehu's actions are part of restoring true worship in Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehu
Anointed by God to be king over Israel, Jehu is tasked with eradicating the house of Ahab and executing divine judgment.

2. Jezebel
The queen mother, known for her idolatry and persecution of the prophets of Yahweh. She is the one speaking in this verse.

3. Zimri
A former king of Israel who reigned for only seven days after assassinating King Elah. Jezebel uses his name to taunt Jehu, implying that his reign will be short-lived.

4. The Gate
The entrance to the city, often a place of judgment and public discourse in ancient times.

5. Murder of Your Master
Refers to Jehu's killing of King Joram, the son of Ahab, as part of his divine mission.

Teaching Points

Divine Judgment and Justice
God's justice may seem delayed, but it is certain. Jehu's mission is a reminder that God will ultimately judge sin and idolatry.

The Power of Words
Jezebel's taunt is an example of how words can be used to intimidate and manipulate. Believers should be mindful of the power of their words and resist the temptation to use them harmfully.

Courage in Obedience
Jehu's response to Jezebel's taunt demonstrates the courage required to follow God's commands, even in the face of opposition and ridicule.

Historical Lessons
The reference to Zimri serves as a historical lesson on the consequences of rebellion and the fleeting nature of power gained through violence.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jehu's mission reflect God's justice, and what does this teach us about God's character?

2. In what ways can we see the power of words in our own lives, and how can we use our speech to build up rather than tear down?

3. How does Jezebel's reference to Zimri serve as a warning against pride and self-reliance?

4. What can we learn from Jehu's courage in fulfilling God's command, and how can we apply this to our own lives when facing challenges?

5. How does the account of Jezebel and Jehu connect to the warnings against false teachings in the New Testament, and what steps can we take to guard against such influences today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 16:9-20
Provides the background on Zimri, whose brief reign ended in suicide after being besieged. Jezebel's reference to Zimri is meant to undermine Jehu's confidence.

2 Kings 9:6-10
Details the anointing of Jehu by a prophet, emphasizing his divine commission to destroy the house of Ahab.

Revelation 2:20
Mentions Jezebel as a symbol of false teaching and immorality, drawing a parallel to her historical role in leading Israel into idolatry.