A Walk with the Kings of Israel Wednesday

Jeroboam II
After Jehoash’s death his son Jeroboam reigned on the throne. You would think that after all the sin that Jeroboam the first caused Israel to commit that Jehoash would not use the same name but unfortunately he did. In these days names meant a lot. I am guessing that this name held honor with it in Jehoash’s eyes. Why else would he name his son this? Especially since most of these kings have not walked away from the sins that Jeroboam I caused them to commit.

Jeroboam the second’s reign lasted 41 years. He also did evil in God’s eyes. We see that he had established a strong political kingdom because he took back some land for Israel. We are first introduced to the prophet Jonah here. He was the prophet who delivered this restoring word to Jeroboam.

Read 2 Kings 14:26
The LORD had seen how bitterly everyone in Israel, whether slave or free, was suffering; there was no one to help them. And since the LORD had not said he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam son of Jehoash.

Isn’t it interesting that God’s character is still merciful toward His children even in seasons of sin. God is faithful to those who He calls His own. God chose to use a great sinner, Jeroboam II, to save Israel. God is so patient and merciful.

Zechariah
After Jeroboam II’s death his son took the throne after him. His name was Zechariah and he ruled for the short period of six months. He also continued in doing evil in the eyes of the Lord as those before him.

Zechariah’s reign was cut short because he was assassinated by a man named Shallum. This took place in front of the people. When I think of this horrific act that was carried out in public, it reminds me of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. How does someone even do that? It was a time that lacked morals.

Read 2 Kings 15:12
So the word of the LORD spoken to Jehu was fulfilled: "Your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.”

Interestingly enough, just as the prophecy was spoken, Jehu’s family only reigned for 4 generations. Zechariah was the last. God’s word always stands true.

1-What do you think about the character of God with Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:26)? Do we have to be sinless for God to use us? Can you think of a time when God used you when you were at your worst?

2-Have you noticed that history tends to repeat itself. Explain your thoughts on this.

3-God’s word is always true. You never need to doubt it. Can you think of any words of prophecy in the Bible that you are especially fond of?

We are almost finished! Great job in your diligence of the study of God’s word. There are four more kings listed until the captivity of Israel. We will look at them next week.

Copyright 2008-Refresh My Soul Ministries-Angela Parsley