The invasion of Jerusalem is recorded again in 2 Kings 24. Babylon causes Judah and King Jehoiakim difficulties along with Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders. Jehoiachin replaces his father as King and he only lasts three months. Mattaniah or Zedekiah, his uncle takes over as a puppet king and only the poor are left. After eleven years he rebels against Babylon.
In 2 Kings 25 Babylonia destroys Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar spent two years fighting them before they fell. The Israeli army fled in the night with the King and he was taken captive. Zedekiah will be the last monarch until Jesus returns as a earthly Lord of the New Jerusalem. Once again, the influential and wealthy were taken away. The Babylonians left Gedaliah as the ruler in what is left of Judah. He is murdered by some of his own people. We read the last about Jehoiachin before we start the reading about the Babylonian exile. One last prophet wrote during this period. We look at Joel, before moving to the post Kingdom history.
2 Chronicles 36 tells about the succession of Jehoahaz after Josiah. Jehoiakim, replaces him when the Pharaoh deposes him. Jehoiakim is taken from the throne to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. Next is eighteen-year-old Jehoiachin who also is taken to Babylon. Zedekiah is the last King of Judah and Cyrus of Persia is mentioned as rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem.
Eight-year-old Josiah becomes King when Amon, his father, dies in 2 Kings 22. Josiah follows David’s example and follows Jehovah. A renovation of the temple is attempted. Funds have been collected and the work is done. During the work they discover the Book of the Law in the Temple. The King recognizes that the Israelites have failed to follow these laws. Amon’s actions will not prevent the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah. He will be allowed to pass before this happens.
As in second Chronicles, King Josiah has the Law read to everyone at Jerusalem in 2 Kings 23. The Covenant with Jehovah is renewed, and the Temple is cleansed of the desecration that had been brought in. Even male prostitutes were living in the sacred building. Altars and worship sites all over Judah are destroyed. We are reminded of the proclamation of the Man of God from earlier in the scripture. Once again, Yahweh’s messenger has been proven accurate.
The Passover celebration we read of previously is again explained. The death of Josiah at the hands of Pharaoh Necho is confirmed. Jehoahaz follows as King of Judah but does not last and is replaced by his uncle Eliakim. Pharaoh changes his name to Jehoiakim as the next monarch. Neither of Josiah’s successors followed him as a good King.
In Josiah’s sixteenth year 2 Chronicles 34 tells us he began to follow Yahweh. As a twenty-year old Josiah of Judah purges Judah of the worship places for idols. In his twenty-six year he rebuilds the Temple and the law is recovered. As we read in 2 Kings 22 they go to a prophetess of the Lord and ask what Yahweh’s will is. She is the one that tells Josiah that he will not live to see the punishment of Judah. Here we are told that the King has the Law read to the people. The covenant is renewed and all promise to follow God’s word. For the rest of Josiah’s life, the Israelites obeyed the King and the Lord.
We continue with Josiah in 2 Chronicles 35. The Ark of the Covenant is returned to the Temple and the Passover is celebrated. The Passover feast is described as like what was done at the time of Samuel. None of the kings had celebrated like this. We are told here of Josiah disobeying Jehovah and fighting King Necho of Egypt. He is killed in the battle. It is the punishment that Necho predicted.
We read yesterday in Isaiah that the Prophet told the King to prepare for his end. 2 Kings 20 tells us about Hezekiah’s illness and this same incident. The shadow on the sun dial is the indicator of Jehovah’s fulfillment of this promise of healing. If Hezekiah had allowed himself to die, would the conquest of Jerusalem by Babylon have been delayed or possibly never happened? While the King revealed too much to the future enemy, it likely did not alter history in a significant manner.
Twelve-year-old Manasseh becomes King in 2 Kings chapter 21. Manasseh is one of the evil kings of Judah unlike his father Hezekiah. Baal, Asherah, the stars, and other idols were worshiped by him. He even sacrificed his own son in fire. He desecrated Yahweh’s Temple. His sins are the reason that Jerusalem and Judah will be defeated and carried away.
His son Amon succeeds him and is not any better than dear old Dad. He was assassinated by his own officials. The people executed his murderers and place his son Josiah on the throne.
We return to the story as it was told in 2 Kings 19. Jerusalem is delivered from Assyria after Hezekiah humbles himself before the Lord. Isaiah is a direct participant in this, and we will read his words the next two days. Despite attacks by Cush, he continues to try to antagonize Judah. They rely on Jehovah and do not accept the threats as truth. Can we learn from them to ignore the threats of Satan and believe God will protect us? Here we once again read Isaiah’s prophecy against Assyria. We are told how these predictions come true.
A recurrent theme is used in Psalms 46. Yahweh as our strength, refuge, and help is presented again. Fear is displaced by our faith in our Lord. He is not only a being that rules the Universe, but He is a friend as close as a human brother. Stillness and peace are ours when we recognize Him as our fortress.
We have another tune in Psalms 80 that is not known. Jehovah is called the Shepherd of Israel and it is a four runner of Jesus referring to his people as sheep without a shepherd. God is praised for bringing them out of Egypt. The reference is to a vine planted in Israel. Jesus also spoke of vines and branches. Many of the things he said are drawn from the scriptures known in His day. Verse seventeen also could be viewed as Messianic due to the reference to the son of man.
Serving the Lord includes praising the Lord in Psalms 135. Yahweh is greater than all other gods. He is responsible for everything that happens, not just on our world. But throughout the universe. Miracles and daily events are due to His mercy. What is the name of our God? I am. He always was, is and always will be. Other gods are manmade. He made man.
An old joke that young ministers used to tell among themselves is about asking a congregation if they have recently read the book of Hezekiah. We are reading about this King of Judah. His story is in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. There is no book of Hezekiah in our Bible.
Hezekiah was the King of Judah for six years when Israel fell to the Assyrians according to 2 Kings 18. The reason for the discipline from Jehovah is because the Covenant had been broken. Eight years later Assyria attacked Judah. Hezekiah pays the King, but it does not last. Sennacherib threatens Hezekiah and challenges his loyalty to his God. As with most non-believers, the King of Assyria does not understand the difference between Yahweh and idols. The commander of His forces voices ominous promises to the people of Jerusalem and challenges their King. The Judean officials tear their clothes in mourning before they go to their boss.
In 2 Chronicles 29, Hezekiah, King of Judah is referred to as “doing what is right in the sight of the Lord.” He repaired the Temple and established renewed worship of Jehovah there. His opinion is that the failure to worship has brought the Lord’s displeasure. Purification took sixteen days following Yahweh’s word on how to do it. Tomorrow we continue with more of Hezekiah’s reign.
After the dispersion of the northern kingdom Hezekiah celebrates the Passover in 2 Chronicles 30. They invited all of Israel and scheduled the Holy Day in the second month, not the first as was ordered by Mosaic Law. Some did not make the trip, but many did respond. King Hezekiah prayed for those who had not taken the trouble to become ceremonially clean before sharing in the feast. This type of event had not happened since the time of King David.
The excitement of the worship of Jehovah during the Passover brought destruction of some of the idols that are spoken of in 2 Chronicles 31. Hezekiah the King of Judah assigned the priests and Levites to the worship in the Temple as David had before him. He also ordered the giving of offerings and tithes to support those whose job it was to lead worship. Do you contribute to your local Church for this same purpose?
Jerusalem is on the holy mountain in Psalms 48. Mount Zion is another name for it. The security of this natural fortress intimidates enemies. If it were not for the disobedience of the Israelites and their Kings, the country would not have been defeated. The righteousness of our God is ours for claiming through His Son Jesus. Love is endless because our Father is eternal.
Due to the disobedience of Ahaz of Judah in 2 Chronicles 28 many of the Judeans are taken prisoner to Damascus and Pekah of Israel also defeated them. Obed, a prophet, announced punishment for Israel if they took slaves from Judah. Israel returned all of them to their land.
As we read yesterday, Ahaz joined with Assyria to fight against his enemies. Before his death, he continued to reject the Lord.
Ahaz King of Judah did not follow David’s example and follow Jehovah in 2 Kings 16. He made an agreement with the Assyrian King for protection. He sacrificed to other gods and even removed items from the Temple for this worship. Hezekiah was his son and became King on his death.
Hoshea becomes King of Israel in 2 Kings 17. Assyria conquers them. Samaria falls. The siege took three years. The Israelites were moved to the towns of the Medes in Assyria. Judah was not taken at this time. People from five other nations were resettled in the land of Israel. These new residents do not know Yahweh and what He requires. Lions kill many of them before a priest is brought to instruct them. They were no better or worse than the previous occupants. Tomorrow we look at the period leading to Judah’s destruction.
2 Kings 15 tells the story of several Israelite kings, beginning with Jeroboam and when Azariah becomes the King of Judah. Zechariah succeeds Jeroboam in Samaria. Shallum murders him and becomes the monarch for one month until he is executed by Menahem during the reign of Azariah in Judah. Assyria invades the northern kingdom but are paid off with money from the people. This appeases them and when Menahem dies, his son Pekahiah rules in Israel. Pekah mounts a coup and grabs the power of the King of Israel. During his reign Assyria returns and conquers some of the cities. Currently, Hoshea defeated Pekah while Jotham was monarch in Judea. Ahaz, the son of Jotham becomes the Judean king when his father dies.
Uzziah is made King of Judah in 2 Chronicles 26 at the age of sixteen. He succeeds his father Amaziah. He followed Jehovah if the prophet Zechariah was alive. He was successful during that time. They were victorious against the Philistines, Arabs, Meunites, and Ammonites. He was responsible for many improvements in and around Jerusalem. The army grew strong during his reign.
When Uzziah became powerful, he also grew arrogant. He attempted to sacrifice to Yahweh and was stopped by the priests. While in the Temple, he became leprous and died with the leprosy. Jotham, his son officiated after he contracted the disease and became King at his death. We will begin reading from Isaiah starting tomorrow.
Another Godly King takes the throne in 2 Kings 14. Amaziah becomes King of Judah after Joash dies. As with others, the people continue to worship at the high places. He followed the scriptures in his revenge against those who killed his Father. He defeated Edom in battle and then was defeated by Israel when he wanted to conquer them. The King of Judah is chased to Lachish where he is assassinated.
Later Jehoash dies, and Jeroboam II becomes King of Israel. He is used by Jehovah to preserve Samaria and Israel. This was despite his failure to worship the Lord exclusively. His patience for all of us is shown again and again. When Jeroboam died, his son Zechariah became the King of Israel.
Amaziah, the King of Judah has a plan to conquer the land of Seir in 2 Chronicles 25. A man of God overrides his plan to use mercenaries from Israel and while they conquer their enemy, they have thousands killed in raids by the Israelites. He even decides to worship the idols he took from Seir. Condemnation of this action from Jehovah comes and a war against Samaria is planned.
Jehoash of Israel defeats Amaziah of Judah and attacks Jerusalem and confiscates items from the Temple. Amaziah is left alive and he outlives Jehoash. He is eventually chased from Jerusalem and murdered.
Jehu is King of Israel when Joash becomes King of Judah in 2 Kings 12. Joash followed the Lord but did not remove the high places and the people continued to worship idols. They accepted money for repairs of the Temple.
As happened many times before, the King of Judah, Joash, does not ask Jehovah to protect the country. The Arameans capture Gath and turn to Jerusalem. Instead of trusting the Lord to protect them, he buys off the enemy. He was assassinated by Jozabad and Jehozabad, two of his officials. his son, Amaziah succeeded him.
Samaria is still the capital of the northern kingdom in 2 Kings 13. Jehoahaz becomes King of Israel and continues like his predecessors. The Arameans are still ruling the Israelites. The King of Israel asks for Jehovah’s help and it is granted, but nothing changes in their worship. When he dies, his son, Jehoash becomes King of Israel.
While he is in power Elisha dies and King Jehoash visits before his death. God allows His assistance to the northern kingdom, but only for the time and area that the King has faith for. Another story of the resurrection power of Yahweh through His prophet even after he is dead is told. His sixteen years of rule is nothing to brag about or report here and when he dies, Jeroboam succeeds him to the throne.
After years of neglect, the Lord’s house needed distinct improvements. In 2 Chronicles 24 Joash repairs the Temple. A tax was collected to make these changes. The tax money was distributed directly to the workers.
Often the loss of a mentor or spiritual advisor changes the dynamic of the leader. The priest, Jehoiada, that was instrumental in Joash’s coronation dies. He stops following Jehovah and Judah does the same. The priest’s son, Zechariah, confronts the King and is murdered for his trouble. Yahweh will see that proper punishment is given.
Once again, the Aramean’s attack the southern kingdom. An injured Joash is assassinated in his bed. Amaziah, his son follows him as monarch.
Jehu is King of Israel when Joash becomes King of Judah in 2 Kings 12. Joash followed the Lord but did not remove the high places and the people continued to worship idols. They accepted money for repairs of the Temple.
As happened many times before, the King of Judah, Joash, does not ask Jehovah to protect the country. The Arameans capture Gath and turn to Jerusalem. Instead of trusting the Lord to protect them, he buys off the enemy. He was assassinated by Jozabad and Jehozabad, two of his officials. his son, Amaziah succeeded him.
Samaria is still the capital of the northern kingdom in 2 Kings 13. Jehoahaz becomes King of Israel and continues like his predecessors. The Arameans are still ruling the Israelites. The King of Israel asks for Jehovah’s help and it is granted, but nothing changes in their worship. When he dies, his son, Jehoash becomes King of Israel.
While he is in power Elisha dies and King Jehoash visits before his death. God allows His assistance to the northern kingdom, but only for the time and area that the King has faith for. Another story of the resurrection power of Yahweh through His prophet even after he is dead is told. His sixteen years of rule is nothing to brag about or report here and when he dies, Jeroboam succeeds him to the throne.
After years of neglect, the Lord’s house needed distinct improvements. In 2 Chronicles 24 Joash repairs the Temple. A tax was collected to make these changes. The tax money was distributed directly to the workers.
Often the loss of a mentor or spiritual advisor changes the dynamic of the leader. The priest, Jehoiada, that was instrumental in Joash’s coronation dies. He stops following Jehovah and Judah does the same. The priest’s son, Zechariah, confronts the King and is murdered for his trouble. Yahweh will see that proper punishment is given.
Once again, the Aramean’s attack the southern kingdom. An injured Joash is assassinated in his bed. Amaziah, his son follows him as monarch.
Jehu is anointed the King of Israel in 2 Kings 9 at the instruction of Elisha. He is told to eliminate all of Ahab’s heirs. In doing so he kills not only Joram of Israel but Ahaziah of Judah. All the descendants from Ahab’s line are murdered. Jezebel is also killed by being thrown from a window. She is eaten by dogs as was prophesied by Elijah before he was taken by Jehovah.
More gruesome events are recorded in 2 Kings 10. Jehu sends a message to the leaders of Samaria requesting them to appoint one of Ahab’s family as the new King. They refuse because they are afraid of this murderer. He asks for their loyalty to be shown by killing all seventy of Ahab’s male family members. Then the heads are piled up. The new king continues his slaughter of the families of the two Kings.
Jehu deceives and kills the servants of Baal. He takes care to not execute any of the followers of Yahweh. Jehu is not a follower of the Lord but is guaranteed his family will reign up to four generations. His son Jehoahaz is the second of these monarchs.
Athaliah was Ahaziah’s mother. In 2 Kings 11, after he is killed, she becomes queen of Judah and exterminates the rest of the family. Joash, the former King’s son, is kept safe and becomes king. When he is old enough, they proceed to crown him King and his grandmother runs to the Temple to try to save her own life. She is removed from the Temple and executed.
The idols and altars are destroyed, and the new King makes a covenant with Jehovah. Joash was only seven when he began to reign.
Charles (Chuck) Kensinger 