Definition: And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, [Is it] peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts [are so] many?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really important and somewhat shocking passage from the Book of 2 Kings. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jehu was King: This verse comes after Jehu, a king who had been accused of murdering his brother, Ahab, and marrying a Jezebel (a sorceress). Jehu Sees a Representation of His Own Actions: Joram, the king’s advisor, is shown to Jehu. Joram is looking at Jehu and says, “Is this peace, Jehu? And he answers… What peace, so long as the whoredoms of your mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts [are] many?” Let's unpack it: “Whoredoms” – This is Key: The word "whoredom" in Hebrew means rituals, practices, or cults. It refers to Jezebel’s powerful and disturbing magic. It suggests a system of worship based on deception and potentially dark forces. “Are so many?” – Emphasizing the Problem: The phrase “are so many” is crucial. It’s not just any number of practices; it’s a huge number. It highlights the immense, overwhelming nature of Jezebel's magic and her influence over Jehu. What does this verse mean practically? This verse is a powerful condemnation of Jehu for his actions and his relationship with Jezebel. It suggests: Jehu was blinded by his own power: He prioritized his own desires and the comfort of Jezebel over justice and righteousness. Joram recognized the danger: Joram saw that Jehu’s situation was spiraling out of control due to the pervasive influence of Jezebel's magic. It was a warning: The verse is a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked power, idolatry (worshiping false gods), and the influence of dark forces. It suggests that Jehu’s choices were creating a situation where evil could thrive. In short, it’s a judgment on Jehu's actions – he was using his power to exploit and control others through dark magic. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss the context of the story surrounding this verse? Connect this verse to other biblical stories or themes (e.g., temptation, evil, judgment)?