Read: 2
Kings 8:16-9:37
The narrative of 2 Kings now shifts back to the
political situation of the day. Jehoram is anointed king over the Southern
Kingdom. God is faithful. Jehoram is an evil man, married into the evil family
of Ahab. However, God remains true to his promise to David. He will “maintain a
lamp for David and his descendants forever” (v 19). This refers to a descendant
of David sitting on Judah’s throne and, ultimately, the Messiah coming through
David’s line. During Jehoram’s reign,
Judah’s vassal state, Edom, rebels. Next, Ahaziah is crowned king of Judah.
Like his predecessor, Ahaziah is related to Ahab’s family by marriage. He was
also influenced by the great evil of Ahab’s family (v 27). Our relationships
have great potential to lead us toward good or evil. During his reign, Ahaziah
joins forces with Joram of Israel to wage war against Hazael the Aramean (see 2
Kings 8:7-15). Their military campaign ends in disaster (v 29).
While these events are happening in the Southern
Kingdom, God is preparing a new king for the Northern Kingdom. Elisha sends one
of the company of prophets to anoint Jehu for the role. He declared that Jehu
will eliminate the house of Ahab. Jehu’s fellow army officers are clearly
displeased with Joram’s rule as they immediately declare allegiance to Jehu.
The story continues as Jehu fulfills his mandate: he kills Joram, king of
Israel, and Ahaziah, king of Judah. After this, he oversees the death of
Jezebel, Ahab’s widow.
God’s Word will always be completed. Here we
witness the fulfillment of the judgment on Ahab’s house (1 Kings 21:21).
Several years have passed since this declaration of judgment and no repentance
has occurred. Ahab’s line remains wicked. God is just. He will not allow
leaders to remain perpetually in authority if they only use their positions for
evil. In His patience, God has given Ahab’s line many chances to repent and
they have consistently chosen sin. Now they face a fate chosen by their
actions. How God relates to this royal line mirrors how He relates to the
broader nation of Israel. He consistently shows Israel patience, giving them
opportunities to repent and turn to Him. However, Israel’s time under God’s
patience is running short. Without a swift and certain change of course, Israel
too will face judgment.
Prayer and
Journaling
1. Both Jehoram and Ahaziah were related to Ahab by
marriage and were thus influenced by the family’s evil. Reflect on your
relationships (family, friends, coworkers, etc.). Do the people you interact
with influence you for good or evil? Ask God to speak to you regarding this.
2. Spend time in worship today. Reflect on God’s attributes
(ex. His holiness, justice, sovereignty, and patience) and praise Him for
these.
3. Pray for your family to develop a greater love
for God’s Word. Pray that they would hunger to meet with Him through Scripture.
Pray that they would grow in diligent study of His Word and in practical
application of it to their lives. Pray that their hearts would be softened and
matured as they delve into the Bible.
