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March 10: 2 Kings 13-14
Click here to read today's passage
As the story of the successive kings in both Israel and Judah continues, we find that the north once again plunged itself into gross pagan idolatry, and all that comes with it. Though Jehu had wiped out Baal worship, his successor let the people back into the immoral practices first brought in by Jeroboam, the first king of the north.
The story here depicts events that happened in the middle of Joash’s reign in the south, and describes the way God began to use Syria under Hazael as his rod of judgment on his idolatrous people.
Yet, in the wake of God’s judgment, Jehoahaz sought the favor of the Lord, and the Lord responded favorable to him. Vs. 5 reminds us that salvation is of the Lord, and that often, God’s deliverance comes as he raises up a savior. We are not told the particulars, but the outcome was that Israel was not completely destroyed.
The most important event in this chapter is the description of the death of Elisha. Again, the timeline is not chronological here. This event takes place during the reign of Joash, whose death is narrated in the preceding verses. Even as he was dying, Elisha represents the power of God. His prophecy concerning Joash and Syria is fulfilled (vs. 25) and his connection with the proclamation of God’s salvation is demonstrated in the miraculous resurrection of the dead man accidently thrown into his grave.
Chapter 14 turns the scene to the southern kingdom once again. Like his father Joash, Amaziah did well in most things, but refused to rid the land of the “high places.” These were pagan altars located in the villages and countryside of Judah that afforded the people the opportunity to offer sacrifices to pagan deities even as they attended to the Temple in Jerusalem from time to time. This was syncretism at the highest level, as the people of God were determined to use whatever means available to leverage their gods to bestow blessing and grant protection. But, Almighty God will have no rivals!
Amaziah became exceedingly proud and foolishly challenged his much more powerful countryman, Jehoahaz, king of Israel. The result was a resounding defeat, and the eventual downfall of his hold on the throne.
The chapter ends with both kingdoms under new leadership. In the north a second Jeroboam ascends to the throne, with predictable results. Though he was mighty in battle with the help of the Lord, nevertheless he continued to promote counterfeit worship in Samaria.
Prayer: Father, the passing mention that you listened to the prayer of the king and raised up a Savior joyfully reminds me that you have done just that for me! When I cried out to you, from my sinfulness and shame, you raised Jesus to my sight, and beckoned me come to him, without merit, and filled with my own sin. And you saved me and adopted me into your family! Lord, what joy! What security! And what a privilege to belong to you, my Savior and my God! Amen
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