Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 9
Joram greeted Jehu with the word SHALOM. In the Hebrew language, that word, SHALOM means ‘peace’; it is a usual greeting. As a question, the word can mean, ‘Is there peace?’; or ‘Is all well?’. It is this question that the previous two riders had asked on Joram’s behalf. When Jehu refused to allow the riders to return to Joram with an answer, Joram decided to ask Jehu himself.
The usual reply to that greeting is the same word, SHALOM. As a reply, it means that all is well. In 2 Samuel 18:28, that meant that David’s army had won the war. Between friends, the word is often an expression of hope that the other person will know God’s kindness. So, Joram wanted Jehu to reply SHALOM, peace. Then it would be clear that Jehu still supported Joram’s rule as king of Israel.
However, Jehu’s reply was angry. SHALOM, peace, also means a right relationship with God. The evil acts of Joram’s family had ruined his nation’s relationship with God. Those acts had brought about terrible troubles. So it was impossible to say that all was well in Israel – and Joram was responsible.
Actually, Joram did not serve the false god called Baal, which his parents had introduced to Israel (3:2). He seemed to understand that this religion was wrong and evil. However, he did not use his authority as king to stop it. Rather, he allowed his mother, Jezebel, to become even more powerful. She had encouraged the people to use idols (the images of false gods) and magic. Even King Saul had opposed these wrong practices (1 Samuel 28:3). Joram was permitting the kind of behaviour that the true God hates (Deuteronomy 4:15-26; Deuteronomy 12:1-3; Deuteronomy 18:9-13).
Next part: Jehu kills Joram (2 Kings 9:23-24)
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