Hezekiah had represented a great height of integrity and devotion to God from the throne in the southern kingdom of Judah. It is strange, then, that his son who succeeded him, would be such a complete contrast. The twenty-first chapter of 2 Kings, however, depicts Manasseh, a king so wicked that he had no issue […]
Read More The Kings II 21 – Judgment of JudahJudah never had a king like Hezekiah. His reign represented a high point in the age of the monarchy in the southern kingdom. They had not had it so good before and they would not have it that good again. When he was struck ill with a sickness that should have lead to his death, […]
Read More The Kings II 20 – Hezekiah: Healed and OverexposedThe Assyrian challenge had a troubling effect on the people of Judah. Their threats were backed up by a record of their victories that could not be denied. They came with their words set to mock Yahweh and intimidate and humiliate the people. Hezekiah’s initial response was to get the voice of the Lord on […]
Read More The Kings II 19 – Assyria vs Judah Part 2: The TriumphAssyria were on a roll. Their successes had seen them defeat a string of nations including the northern kingdom of Israel. Meanwhile Judah had a new king. The previous king Ahaz had been a wicked king disobeying God and worshipping foreign gods even sacrificing one of his sons. His successor, Hezekiah was a complete contrast. […]
Read More The Kings II 18 – Assyria vs Judah Part 1: The ChallengeIt is very difficult reading the 17th chapter of 2 Kings without filling up with tears of sorrow at the tragedy of the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel. It’s not as though God hadn’t warned them. He had done so on numerous occasions through various prophets. Yet their persistence in rejecting God lead […]
Read More The Kings II 17 – The Fall of IsraelKing Ahaz was undoubtedly one of the worst rulers of the southern kingdom of Judah. His blatant idol worship was bad enough, but to ho as far as to sacrifice his first born son as part of his idolatry showed just how far he moved away from Yahweh. The sixteenth chapter of 2 Kings, focuses […]
Read More The Kings II 16 – Ahaz and the Assyrian AllianceIn the time of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel Beth Maakah, Janoah, Kedesh and Hazor. He took Gilead and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and deported the people to Assyria. (2 Kings 15:29 NIV) The writer of the account in Kings rattles through a number […]
Read More The Kings II 15 – Unrest and Upheaval in IsraelI came across this and it really struck home, especially in the light of some good advice I got from my wife today. Having endured certain issues in our lives, she informed me that although my heart is big, it is in need of protection. That is a true word and this video aptly centres […]
Read More Why Is It so Important to Guard Your Heart?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 […]
Read More The Kings II 14 – The Cost of ArroganceBut 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 […]
Read More The Kings II 13 – Elisha’s End and God’s Enduring Love
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