"And Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz. But the LORD was gracious to them, had compassion on them, and regarded them, because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not yet destroy them or cast them from His presence." (vv.22-23)
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)
Israel deserved the discipline we see in our text, yet God refused to forsake them. He gave them many blessings and saved them from many problems and would not yet destroy them or cast them from His presence. Hazael (king of Syria) oppression of Israel was allowed – even planned – by God as a way to discipline this wayward nation. In 2 Kings 8:12, it records Elisha’s prior knowledge of the calamity Hazael would bring upon Israel.
However, 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)
