1 & 2 Kings – Page 8

2 Kings 9:14-29 – Bloody Obedience

quote: there will be no peace in any soul until it is willing to obey the voice of God (by D.L. Moody)

Sometimes it’s hard to read about how God’s plans involve so much bloodshed. It appears Israel’s new king, Jehu, isn’t afraid to take a life or order it be done. It’s as if his obedience to God’s call on his life is the focus, and he will do whatever it takes to help God’s plan be fulfilled.

Sadly, the king of Judah got in the way here as a nearly innocent bystander. Guilty by association I suppose. We have also heard that he was related to Ahab by marriage, so his death makes total sense if Jehu is cleaning house as God had proclaimed.

2 Kings 9:1-13 – Being Used by God

Read 2 Kings 9:1-13

man facing away from camera with right arm extended up in offering with sun rays beaming off of him

Often, prophets deliver unpleasant news. Today, the recruited prophet was going to anoint the next king of Israel and deliver news of prophecy that would soon be fulfilled. All to his own peril! Why else would he be told by Elisha to flee? The new king would not waste any time in implementing the punishment against Ahab’s dynasty.

This unnamed prophet, while bold and brave, was not the only one being used by God. Jehu would become the next king, and he would be God’s instrument to do away with the family of Ahab, just as Elijah had predicted some 20 years earlier. God’s timing had brought everyone to this turning point.

2 Kings 8:16-29 – The Shining Lamp

Read 2 Kings 8:16-29

man sitting in water, reading with the sunset behind him

Sometimes it’s hard to keep it all straight — that is, who is king, how are they related, and what sorts of drama is going on? Today’s reading has Joram and Jehoram, names that are close to being the same, but representing different kingdoms. What I note is that both Israel and Judah are in a pattern of evil, thanks to the influence of and relation to Ahab, the former tyrant king.

In addition to being kindred spirits, we also see Israel and Judah joining forces against Hazael. There’s also the fiasco with the Edomites, descendants of their relative Esau. There is certainly a lot of drama and shifts in alliance in this reading.

2 Kings 8:7-15 – God is in Control

Read 2 Kings 8:7-15

I can’t even imagine the anguish Elisha was feeling as he delivered this message to Hazael. Sometimes the truth is painful. The first part of Elisha’s message gave the sick king hope, however short lived it was! As for Hazael, he didn’t waste much time in putting his succession plan in place, did he?

What struck me was how the king of Aram showed his devotion and reverence for Elisha and the LORD. He had seen the LORD at work on several occasions, and his faithfulness and trust is noteworthy! I wonder what Hazael was thinking as he gathered these lavish gifts to show the king’s appreciation to a foreign prophet?

2 Kings 8:1-6 – Tell Me More!

Read 2 Kings 8:1-6

Dana whispering in David's ear, David has surprised face

What perfect timing! That’s what they say about God’s timing. It’s always perfect. Can you recall a time in your life when something worked out just perfectly at the right moment? Did you give credit to God? I can think of several! Let’s share our stories over in the Facebook group, HERE. Look for the post, “God’s timing is perfect!”

In today’s reading, we see a curious king. He was wanting to learn about the great things Elisha had done. I don’t think it was out of jealousy but of wonder at what this prophet could do. His servant, Gehazi, would have example after example of the mighty things he had seen Elisha do (with God’s help).