The Kings II 14 – The Cost of Arrogance

You have indeed defeated Edom and now you are arrogant. Glory in your victory, but stay at home! Why ask for trouble and cause your own downfall and that of Judah also? (2 Kings 14:10 NIV) Unlike their Northern brothers, Judah did not completely reject Yahweh. Indeed on occasion Judah would be lead back to […]

The Kings II 13 – Elisha’s End and God’s Enduring Love

But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. To this day he has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from his presence. (2 Kings 13:23 NIV) Covenant love is not easy. This is seen painfully in God’s […]

The Kings II 12 – Fix It

They did not require an accounting from those to whom they gave the money to pay the workers, because they acted with complete honesty. (2 Kings 12:15 NIV) The account of the reign of King Joash over the southern kingdom of Judah is dominated by the repair of the temple. The significance of this is […]

The Kings II 11 – Judah Returns to God

Jehoiada then made a covenant between the Lord and the king and people that they would be the Lord ’s people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people. (2 Kings 11:17 NIV) Jehu’s actions in killing the kings of Israel and Judah led to significant change in both countries. Where he […]

The Kings II 10 – Zeal of Jehu

Know, then, that not a word the Lord has spoken against the house of Ahab will fail. The Lord has done what he announced through his servant Elijah. (2 Kings 10:10 NIV) The house of Ahab had cultivated the worship of Baal. This idolatry had corrupted the nation of Israel more than any of Ahab’s […]

The Kings II 09 – Justice for Jezebel

When Joram saw Jehu he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?” “How can there be peace,” Jehu replied, “as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?” (2 Kings 9:22 NIV) Her influence had determined the religious outlook of the northern kingdom of Israel over the reigns of three kings. […]

The Kings II 08 – The Rise of Hazael

Hazael said, “How could your servant, a mere dog, accomplish such a feat?” “The Lord has shown me that you will become king of Aram,” answered Elisha. (2 Kings 8:13 NIV) Years before, God had instructed Elijah to put people in place who would carry out the necessary judgment on the wickedness of Israel. The […]

The Kings II 04 – The Real King, The Prophet and Provision

But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her. (2 Kings 4:17 NIV) The fourth chapter of 2 Kings does not mention anything about Kings. It does remind us however what it is to live in the sovereign rule […]

The Kings II 03 – There IS Something in the Water

For this is what the Lord says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink. This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord ; he will also deliver Moab into your hands. (2 Kings 3:17‭-‬18 […]

The Kings II 01 – Sick to Death of Idolatry

He told the king, “This is what the Lord says: Is it because there is no God in Israel for you to consult that you have sent messengers to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron? Because you have done this, you will never leave the bed you are lying on. You will certainly die!” (2 […]