Read 2
Kings 12-14 & John
5:25-47
To discover:
As you read consider how we see
God’s patience expressed.
To ponder:
Joash of Judah “did right,” except
in keeping the high places. Yet we read this was just for “all the years
Jehoida the priest instructed him.” It is faithful teaching that will keep us
faithful disciples.
The
repairing of the temple was needed because it was now over a century old and
may have been damaged by others (2 Chr 24v6). Joash tasked the priests to oversee
this and use the money brought to them at the temple (12v5, 8). But they failed
to complete the work, using the money for themselves (12v7). Joash therefore
ordered them to give the money (except for that accompanying guilt and sin
offerings), and required the job be done by others. Security for the money was ensured,
and with commendation of the supervisors’ honesty (12v9-16). New utensils were
not however made, so the funds could be focused on the repairs. We therefore
see the priesthood largely corrupt, the king taking charge of their affairs,
and the kingdom inferior to that of Solomon’s day, when his vast wealth was
available to construct the temple. There is encouragement here, to give generously
to the building of the church, rather than hoarding for ourselves.
With
another attack from Hazael, God’s agent of judgement throughout these chapters
(see 8v12), Joash even lost what was valuable in the temple, using it to pay
him off. This further impoverished the nation. And with Joash’s reign ending in
assassination, we see the weakness of the kingdom even when reigned by a king
with such a good start. Something more than instruction from childhood is
therefore necessary in any king who will fulfil God’s covenants with Abraham,
Israel and David. Nothing
less than perfect righteousness and a perfected people seems required.
Jehoahaz
of Israel “did evil” and so was also oppressed by Hazael because of God’s
“anger.” But the nation are reminded there is always hope, as God “raised up” an
unnamed “deliver” when Jehoahaz sought his favour. In some senses, this was all
the two kingdoms needed to do. However, Israel
still continued in the alternative worship and idolatry of Jeroboam, and in
worshipping Asherah (13v6, 1 Kgs 12v26-33). And with it we read the northern
kingdom has been brought to a desperately vulnerable state (13v7). With such
ingratitude and fickleness, only the people could be blamed for their
struggles.
Jehoash,
who succeeded Jehoahaz, did the same evil, but still respected Elisha, visiting
him when dying. The king’s declaration about the “chariots and horseman of Israel”
shows he may have heard what Elisha witnessed at Elijah’s death (2v12). Without
his own chariots and horsemen (13v7), it was a cry of concern that after Elisha
Israel might
lack the protection of this heavenly army. Elisha’s response with the bow and
arrows is to promise victory over Aram,
but not total victory, because Jehoash displayed a lack of faith or desire in
striking the ground only three times. Although Elisha’s death is ordinary, the
raising of the dead man thrown into his tomb affirmed his uniqueness. And so,
after his death, his word is fulfilled. Although, God graciously kept Hazael (Aram’s
king) from destroying Israel
under Jehoahaz, Jehoash is able to defeat his son “three times” (the times he
struck the ground). It is however stressed that Israel’s
continued existence was because of God’s compassion and covenant with the
patriarchs, not because of anything in them.
Amaziah was the
next king of Judah,
doing “right” but only as far as his father Joash did. This is seen by
following the law in dealing with Joash’s murderers (14v5-6). He also defeated
the Edomites, reminding us of the full deliverance God promised through a special
king (Num 24v17-19). After arrogantly challenging Israel
however, Israel
not only captured Amaziah but broke down part of Jerusalem’s
wall, plundered the temple and took hostages. This is the lowest point for Judah,
and at the hands of her sister nation. Amaziah was later assassinated.
Jeroboam of Israel
did evil, but restored Israel’s
boundaries as the prophet Jonah had predicted. This too was only because God
had compassion on Israel’s
helpless suffering (see Ex 2v23-25), and hadn’t said he would “blot them out.” Throughout
then we see God is reluctant in punishing his people, patiently keeping them
from the destruction they deserve.
Praying it home:
Praise God that he is patient with
humanity, giving people time to turn to him. Pray that your non-Christian
friends would not show contempt for his patience, but take the opportunity and
turn to him whilst they can.
Thinking further:
None today.
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