BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

Yahweh is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, overflowing with loyal love and faithfulness (see Exod. 34:6-7). These characteristics do not suggest indifference toward evil. God’s justice is defined by his love, not weakened by it.

The events in today’s reading illustrate the crucial, interrelated characteristics of Yahweh’s justice and compassion. The Hebrew word for compassion is rakhamim. As you’ll see in the video, it describes an intense emotional state.

In English, “compassion” carries a sense of suffering with another in their pain. When Elisha weeps in front of Hazael, it’s because he knows the pain Hazael will later bring upon Israel. Elisha feels deep compassion for the people of Israel.

As today’s psalm puts it, Yahweh’s compassion for humanity is like the fierce, visceral love parents feel toward their children. This kind of love compels parents to fight any danger when their children’s lives are threatened.

Ahab and Jezebel’s ruinous influence spreads through Israel like cancer. Their children (Joram in the north and Athaliah in the south) multiply idolatry, injustice, and violence until Israel’s suffering causes God to move with compassion. He rescues Israel from Ahab’s malignant line and appoints Jehu to bring severe judgment on Ahab and Jezebel’s family.

It isn’t pretty, but good healing can begin with Ahab and Jezebel’s toxic line cut off and the deadly influence of Ba’al idols smashed. Maybe this fresh start will set the two kingdoms back on track?

Reflection Questions

• Meditate on Deuteronomy 30:2-3, Psalm 116:4-6, and Isaiah 55:7. What kinds of things do you learn from these passages about the nature of Yahweh’s compassion? What other passages or stories in Scripture do these verses remind you of?
• Notice in today’s reading that the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh fall under foreign rule after being defeated. Look back to Numbers 32. Why did these three tribes end up east of the Jordan River, exposing themselves to invading armies? What have you learned about the tribes’ decision to settle in a land they thought was good rather than in the land Yahweh promised to give them?