Week 15: 2 Kings 4-1 Chronicles 1

 

Reflection: What makes for a good king? In the books of Kings, we see a recurring contrast: kings who "did what was right in the sight of the LORD" and walked in the ways of David, and those who "did what was evil in the sight of the LORD" and followed the ways of Jeroboam (1 Kings 15:3; 2 Kings 17:21). This contrast not only serves as a theological framework for understanding the kings' reigns, but it also illustrates the deeper biblical themes of covenant faithfulness and rebellion. A good king, according to God’s standard, is one who upholds His covenant, leads the people in righteousness, and fosters worship of the true God. In contrast, a bad king follows the path of idolatry, disobedience, and pride, as seen in the reigns of kings like Jeroboam and Ahab. As you read through the Kings, reflect on the spiritual condition of each ruler, recognizing that the actions and heart of each king point to the greater need for a perfect King, Jesus Christ, who would fulfill the role that no earthly king could. The failure of Israel's kings ultimately points to the necessity of God's ultimate covenant fulfillment through Christ, who is the true and righteous King. In considering these kings, we are also called to examine our own hearts, as their examples invite us to reflect on how we live in relation to God’s covenant and His call to holiness.

2 Kings 4-7: Miracles. From resurrections to healings to floating ax heads, there are no shortage of miracles in this section of reading. It is fitting that Elisha means, "My God saves," a name which captures much of his unique ministry. Not only are miracles highlighted, but God's miraculous method to save is as well. And despite Elisha's servants witnessing so many wonderful things, one of them, Gehazi, is greedy (2 Kings 5:15-27), and another is spiritually blind (6:15-17). This serves as a reminder to us that we are not to rely on our own understanding or desires but must trust in God's sovereign and saving power. These miracles point us to Christ, who is the ultimate Savior, bringing full restoration and salvation. Even as Elisha’s ministry revealed God's mercy and power, we see that only in Christ are we truly saved, and like those around Elisha, we too must guard against the blindness of sin and the temptation to seek personal gain over God's glory.

2 Kings 8-11: Warnings. In 1 Kings 21, Elijah delivers a message from the Lord of judgment to Ahab. In response, Ahab repents and God extends mercy to Ahab. Included in that prophecy of condemnation is a word against Jezebel. In 1 Kings 21:23, we read "the dogs shall eat Jezebel within the walls of Jezreel." This same condemnation is repeated later by Elisha's servant to Jehu yet Jezebel refuses to humble herself or flee the city (2 Kings 8:10). In chapter 9, as Jehu is anointed king and enters the city, Jezebel mocks him, calling him a traitor and holding onto her prideful position as if she were still queen. She even adorns herself, attempting to maintain an image of power. Had she heeded the word of the Lord, repented, and humbled herself, things could have been different, but she chose pride and rebellion instead, and God’s judgment came to pass (9:36). This passage reminds us of the danger of pride and stubborn rebellion against God, and we are called to humble ourselves before the Lord, lest we face the consequences of rejecting His word. Just as Jezebel’s judgment was certain, those who refuse to repent and bow to Christ will face eternal judgment. May we learn to turn to the Savior in humility before it's too late.

2 Kings 12-15: A Covenant Keeping God. God is holy, and His holiness is evident throughout the book of Kings as He judges Israel for their sin. During the reign of Jeroboam II, we read, “he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord... [and] he made Israel to sin” (14:24). Given Jeroboam's actions, it is surprising to find Jonah's prophecy during this time, as he brings a positive word, and Israel's borders are restored. Why would God act this way? The answer is in the very next verse: “For the Lord saw that the affliction of Israel was bitter... and there was none to help Israel. But the Lord had not said that He would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, so He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam” (14:26-27). This moment reveals much about God. He is gracious and merciful, extending kindness even to those who are evil, selfish, and unrestrained. God is both immanent—near to His people to know their affliction—and sovereign, using even a wicked king to fulfill His purposes. Ultimately, we learn that nothing occurs outside the will of God, and His covenant faithfulness endures, even when His people are undeserving. This reminds us of the unmerited grace we have in Christ, who, though we were sinners, accomplishes our salvation through His perfect work.

2 Kings 16-18: Gross Ungodliness Nearby. In Biblical counseling, it is common to hear, "But I never thought it would happen to me." We know, deep down, that left to our own devices, we are capable of gross sin. Yet, our pride deceives us into thinking it will never happen to us. Perhaps at one time, King Ahaz of Judah thought the same. He was a descendant of David, reigning in the southern kingdom, where the Temple of the Lord stood. Yet, we read how "he even burned his son as an offering, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the LORD drove out" (16:3). This was a king of Judah, a member of David's line, living in Jerusalem, where the Temple would have been visible, yet he committed this heinous act. Let us not become proud and think, "I would never do that." Rather, we must humbly pray that the Lord will keep us, guard our hearts, and lead us to walk in obedience to Christ, so that we do not follow the wickedness of those who have gone before us. May we daily rely on God’s grace to protect us from such gross ungodliness.

2 Kings 19-22: Tale of Two Kings. As Hezekiah assumes the throne, he begins well by "doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD" and removing the places of idolatry (2 Kings 18:3-4). His son, Manasseh, though of the same lineage, has a completely opposite heart. He "did what was evil in the sight of the Lord" and did "more evil than the nations had done whom the LORD destroyed before the people of Israel" (21:2, 9). Despite Hezekiah’s faithfulness, his reign ends in pride and a curse (20:12-19). However, though not recorded in Kings, Chronicles tells us that Manasseh repents and "knew that the LORD was God" (2 Chron 33:13). This teaches us that while God preserves His saints for His own glory, we must remain vigilant in our own walks, seeking the Lord in all we do. Just as Hezekiah’s initial faithfulness did not shield him from pride, and Manasseh’s great wickedness did not prevent God from extending mercy, we are reminded of God’s grace and the need for humility and repentance in our lives. May we, like Hezekiah, begin well and, like Manasseh, repent if we falter, always seeking God's guidance and forgiveness.

2 Kings 23-1 Chronicles 1: The End? Kings ends with no king. Both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms have collapsed and the people have either been taken captive or have fled to Egypt. The picture we get is of an empty kingdom ruled by tyrants and wicked, idolatrous nations. It seems like evil has won and good has lost, with no hope in sight. Yet, God is a covenant keeping God and He does not forget His own or His word. Despite the apparent loss, God's promises remain, and He will preserve a remnant and bring about the fulfillment of His plans. This foreshadows the ultimate hope we have in Christ, the true King, who would come to restore and reign eternally. Even when circumstances seem bleak, we are reminded that God's faithfulness endures, and He will bring His people back to Himself.

Family Discussion Questions

•  In what areas of our lives might we be tempted to set up idols or trust in our own strength? How can we guard our hearts against this pride and practice humility, especially in light of the grace God showed to Manasseh after his repentance (2 Chron 33:13)?
• What responsibility do we have as individuals in positions of influence (parents, teachers, friends) to lead others toward holiness? How can we, like Hezekiah, model faithfulness and obedience to God, and how does the example of leaders in Scripture challenge us in our roles today?
• Why do you think God is so patient with His people, even when they continually sin? How does this patience encourage us to persevere in our walk with Him, knowing that He is always ready to forgive and restore those who repent?