BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

In today’s reading, both the northern and southern tribes begin an alarming downward spiral that echoes the book of Judges, back when everyone did what was right in their own eyes (see Judg. 21:25).

Jehoahaz leads the northern Israelites to do evil in Yahweh’s sight, so Yahweh stops protecting them. This allows Aramean forces to oppress them. Jehoahaz turns to Yahweh for help, and Yahweh raises up a rescuing savior who brings victory and temporary peace. Then Jehoahaz and the people quickly return to injustice and idolatry.

The cycle continues, telling us something. Learning to truly trust and follow Yahweh’s instruction with everything you have is no easy task. We’re watching generation after generation advance in certain ways but fail in others.

Back in the book of Judges, Israel’s treatment of women was like a barometer reading for its deteriorating moral condition. In Kings, the treatment of the temple serves as a different barometer reading for the same condition. Warning lights now scream: “Danger! Danger!”

Joash (also called Jehoash) in the south begins well by repairing the temple. But when Hazael, king of Aram, threatens to invade Jerusalem, Joash plunders the temple treasury to buy Hazael off, rather than trusting Yahweh for protection.

Joash’s son, Amaziah, also starts well by following Yahweh’s instruction. However, early military victories puff up Amaziah’s pride. He challenges Israel’s northern kingdom to a bloody showdown. Amaziah’s rash pride comes before a humiliating fall—the temple plundered a second time. Yahweh’s sacred dwelling place is treated like a glorified personal treasure chest!

Still, Yahweh won’t abandon them. He responds to their foolishness and suffering with justice, yes, and also with patient and persistent mercy.

Will God’s kindness lead his people to repentance?

Reflection Questions

• Meditate on 2 Kings 13:23: “But Yahweh was gracious to them and had compassion on them and turned to them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and he was unwilling to eliminate them or cast them away from his presence until now.” What do you think this reference to the patriarchs suggests about God’s faithfulness?
• Compare Joash and Amaziah, the two kings in today’s reading who do what’s right in Yahweh’s eyes, to two other characters in Kings: Asa (1 Kgs. 15:8-22) and Jehoshaphat (1 Kgs. 22). Earlier in Kings, authors give this father-son duo (Asa and Jehoshaphat) a positive evaluation. What similarities and differences between the two pairs do you notice? How does this help you better understand the trajectory Israel’s southern kingdom follows in the book of Kings?