2 Kings 16 "Misplaced Trust"

So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son; come up and deliver me from the hand of the king of Aram and from the hand of the king of Israel, who are rising up against me.” (v.7)

In our last chapter, two kings ruled Judah in relatively stability for sixty-eight years. Now, with the rise of Ahaz, things take a turn for the worse, and the impending danger for Judah can be seen on the horizon.

Scripture tells us that the kings of Aram and Israel marched against Judah. Aram had already captured the important town of Elath, and now Jerusalem was under siege. What did Ahaz do? Instead of turning to God for help, Ahaz looked to the Assyrian king. Then he emptied the temple’s treasuries in order to secure his “salvation” from “Father” Assyria. The ploy worked (for the moment), but Ahaz’s actions clearly indicated a rejection of the true God who saves.

When the chips are down, in whom will you trust? The sin of Ahaz, and later repeated by his son Hezekiah, was to place his trust in an alliance with an alien power over the living God. 

May our trust always be in the name of the Lord our God.

The Truth

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)

2 Kings 15 "The Downward Spiral of Israel"

Here in chapter 15 we are presented with a succession of five wicked rulers in a short amount of time. These kings in a span of less than thirteen years, all “did evil in the eyes of the LORD” (vv. 9, 13-16, 18, 24, 28). This short span of time became horrific and chaotic for Israel and should have acted as “warning signs” to any paying attention, but none of the leaders seemed to take notice.

However, there were two positive reigns that bookend the chapter; Azariah (also called Uzziah) at the beginning of the chapter (v. 1), then his son Jotham at the end of the chapter (v. 32). Collectively they ruled Juda for sixty-eight years, both of them doing “what was right in the eyes of the LORD “ (vv.3, 34).

The conclusion to draw from here should be clear: sin and disobedience lead to a downward spiral of chaos, but obedience to God’s Word brings stability. Therefore, heed God’s Word and avoid the downward spiral.

The Truth

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)

2 Kings 14 "Pride Brings Down Amaziah"

“Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, “Come, let us face each other.” (V.8)

Amaziah, king of southern Juda, like many kings before him started off well. After gaining control of the kingdom, he eliminated those officials who had assassinated his father, but spared their sons. Why? Because he knew God’s law, which said that children should not be put to death for their fathers’ sins (Deut. 24:16). He knew God’s word and put it into practice. In addition, Amaziah had great success in battle, defeating large armies and securing new cities. 

However, despite that impressive start, Amaziah’s end was not so wonderful. In arrogance, he challenged Israel to battle, lost miserably, and saw the temple depleted of its riches. Eventually he was forced from Jerusalem and killed by conspirators. The king had a godly start that ended in misery and defeat. Clues as to why are given early on: he was no King David, for he allowed the high places to remain (vv. 3-4). Early faithfulness soon turned to incomplete devotion and arrogant action.

The Truth

“Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

2 Kings 13 "Unexpected Grace and Mercy"

"But the LORD was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant.” (v.23)

This chapter recounts the story of two evil kings of Israel, Jehoahaz and Jehoash. Both received the same indictment: “He did evil in the eyes of the LORD,” and both continued Israel’s pervasive idolatry (vv. 2, 11). As a result, the nation of Israel suffered for its disobedience and the Arameans persisted as a thorn in Israel’s side, oppressing them continually.

Yet in the midst of this oft-repeated cycle of sin and idolatry, surprising moments appear when the kings softened and God’s grace and mercy showed through. Jehoahaz, we are told, unexpectedly “sought the LORD’s favor” (v. 4). The response? Seeing their great suffering, “The LORD listened to him” and sent a deliverer (this could also be translated as “savior”) to rescue them (vv. 4-5). Then there was Jehoash, the second wicked king. Hearing of Elisha’s impending death, the king went to him in tears over the coming loss of God’s prophet in Israel. The response? Through Elisha, God demonstrated the hope of salvation and life (vv.17-21)

The great message here is, God is always ready to listen and forgive those who turn from evil and seek Him, no matter what they have done. Therefore, call on Him today, seek His forgivness and find unexpected grace and mercy.

The Truth: 
“And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’ (Acts 2:21)

2 Kings 12 "Seek The LORD"

“Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him.” (v.2)

Jehoash was anointed king (by Jehoiada) when he was only seven years old. Jehoiada helped preserve Jehoash's life when he was a baby and he continued to have a Godly influence on him while he (Jehoiada) lived.

However, without his mentor, Jehoash changed drasticly. It seems he relied too heavily on Jehoiada and never had a faith of his own. Scripture tells us, “he became influenced by the leaders of Juda after Jehoiada died” and “left the house of the LORD God and served wooden images and idols” (2 Chronicles 24:17-18).

This story reminds us that we cannot rely on others for our spirituality. We must have our own relationship with God and be wise enough to call on Him for wisdom and guidance. It also shows the dangers of listening to ungodly advice. For like other kings before him, Jehoash started well but finished his reign poorly.

The Truth

"Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the Lord understand all." (Proverbs 28:5)