Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Kings 9:18. It's a really dramatic and unsettling scene in the Book of Judges, and it speaks to a pivotal moment of betrayal and impending doom. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Jehu is Facing a Threat: The verse begins with Jehu, the king of Israel, facing a dangerous situation. He's receiving a messenger who delivers a message of warning. The Messenger’s Message: The messenger arrives and says, “Thus saith the king, Peace?” This is a crucial point – the king isn’t offering peace; he’s demanding it. Jehu’s Response - "What hast thou to do with peace?" Jehu immediately responds, “What hast thou to do with peace?” This is a direct challenge and a clear rejection of the messenger's request. He’s asserting that peace isn’t his concern. The Significance – It’s About Betrayal: “And Jehu said, ‘What hast thou to do with peace?’ turn thee behind me.” This is where the real gravity of the situation comes in. Jehu is essentially telling the messenger to immediately and completely turn around and leave. He’s warning him about a serious consequence. “And the watchman told, saying, The messenger came to them, but he cometh not again.” This adds another layer of meaning. The “watchman” is likely someone who was watching Jehu and his court. The messenger has come before, but hasn’t returned. It suggests that this betrayal isn't just a simple disagreement; it's something significant that will continue to haunt the king. Overall Interpretation – A Warning about Consequences This verse is a warning from God about the potential dangers of betrayal and disobedience. It speaks to: Divine Justice: The message implies that Jehu’s actions are being punished by God for his choices. The Importance of Obedience: It highlights the importance of obeying God's commands and resisting temptation. Unforeseen Consequences: The messenger’s failure to return suggests a lack of accountability and potential for further trouble. Think of it like this: It’s a sign that Jehu is walking a dangerous path, and his actions have repercussions. He needs to understand the gravity of what he's doing before it leads to significant problems. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of Judges? Talk about the potential meaning of "the watchman"?