Read 2
Chronicles 23-25 & John
16:16-33
To discover:
As you read note the reasons these
kings fell.
To ponder:
Here we see the focus of Chronicles:
God’s promise to David will only be fulfilled in a king who remains righteous and
retains a concern to build the temple and so promote true worship (1 Chro
17v11-14). The problem in Judah
is that whenever kings start to show promise, they fall.
After
Ahaziah’s death his mother destroyed the whole royal family so she could reign
(22v10-12). However, David’s line continued because Joash was hidden for six
years by his aunt, the wife of Jehoida the priest. In the seventh year, he then
covenanted with some commanders to gather the Levites and family heads in order
to crown Joash. The whole group then covenanted with Joash, no doubt setting
out the terms of his rule and their service. On the basis of God’s promise to
David and under tight security, Jehoida crowned and anointed Joash, gave him a
copy of the agreement, and had Athaliah killed (see notes on 2 Kgs 11). Jehoida
also made a covenant that he, the king and people would be the LORD’s. The
people then destroyed the items of idolatry, Jehoida restored true worship in
the temple and enthroned the king. The note that this was with singing and
rejoicing is now familiar. Joy and praise accompany godly rule and will
supremely in Christ’s kingdom.
Initially
Joash did “right” as king and used the people’s taxes to have the temple
repaired (see notes on 2 Kgs 12v1-16). This completed the work of restoring
worship in Israel,
and so we read “as long as Jehoiada lived, burnt offerings were presented
continually.” But Judah
needed a faithful king not just a faithful priest. And after Jehoida died at an
age that affirmed his righteousness (24v15), Joash listened to Judah’s
officials, and “abandoned the temple,” turning again to idolatry. In mercy God
sent prophets like Jehoida’s son Zechariah, who warned them that if they
“forsake” God he would “forsake” them. But they didn’t listen, and under
Joash’s instruction actually stoned Jehoida’s son, who called on God for
justice as he died. So God had Aram
invade. Noteworthy is the fact that numbering just a few they defeated the far
greater Judean force just as a few in Judah
had previously defeated many when God was with them. So Aram
killed Judah’s
leaders and wounded Joash, who was then assassinated by his officials for
killing Jehoida’s son Zechariah. This is ironic. The very people who led Joash
astray ended up murdering him. Putting our lot in with the wicked never pays.
Not only does it bring down God’s judgement, but often ends in disloyalty and
betrayal.
Like
Joash, his son Amaziah started well, being said to have done “right” - although
“not wholeheartedly.” He punished his father’s murderers whilst followed the
law (25v4), and listened to the prophet who rebuked him for hiring Israelite
mercenaries. Key here is the prophet’s reasoning that “the LORD is not with Israel”
– affirming his purposes are to be fulfilled through the southern kingdom. He
also responds to Amaziah’s concern at the financial loss of letting the men go
by stressing the LORD could give much more. We are to do right whatever the consequences,
financial or not, and trust God if this brings difficulty.
After
such obedience, Amaziah was victorious. However, the dismissed and therefore
disgruntled mercenaries raided Judah
– a consequence of Amaziah’s foolish decision to employ them in the first
place. Moreover, after God’s help, astonishingly Amaziah brought back Seir’s
gods and worshipped them – provoking God’s anger. God’s prophet highlighted the
stupidity of this. He was consulting the gods who had already been shown
impotent in not saving Seir. It is equally nonsensical to turn from the one who
has demonstrated his power over death and turn to gods, whether religious or
not, who are demonstrably impotent in the face of it.
Ahaziah
threatened the prophet, listened instead to his advisers, challenged the king
of Israel,
ignored his warning to back down, and so, as judgement from God for his
idolatry, was defeated. Moreover, Israel
then broke down Jerusalem’s walls
and plundered the temple and palace – undoing part of the work Jehoida had so
faithfully done. Once more we see that only a faithful king will establish an
enduring kingdom.
Praying it home:
Praise God that he is sufficient
for whatever difficulty obedience to him might bring. Pray that you would have
the faith to do what is right whatever the consequences.
Thinking further:
None today.
If you receive this post by
email, visit bible2014.blogspot.co.uk
and make a comment.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment