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 […]
Read More The Kings II 13 – Elisha’s End and God’s Enduring LoveThey 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 […]
Read More The Kings II 12 – Fix ItJehoiada 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 […]
Read More The Kings II 11 – Judah Returns to GodKnow, 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 […]
Read More The Kings II 10 – Zeal of JehuWhen 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. […]
Read More The Kings II 09 – Justice for JezebelHazael 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 […]
Read More The Kings II 08 – The Rise of HazaelThe officer had said to the man of God, “Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?” The man of God had replied, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!” And that is exactly what happened to him, for […]
Read More The Kings II 07 – Under Siege Part 2: Remarkable Turnaround“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16 NIV) Conflict is an integral theme in the record of the Kings. The kings of Israel are in conflict against the men of God. The people of Israel are in conflict against neighbouring […]
Read More The Kings II 06 – Under Siege Part 1: You’re SurroundedBut when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel.” (2 Kings 5:8 ESV) Two men and leprosy give […]
Read More The Kings II 05 – Cure and CurseBut 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 […]
Read More The Kings II 04 – The Real King, The Prophet and Provision
Life With CD 