Day 68 Reading Schedule: 2 Kings 13-17

2 Kings 13: The Reigns of Jehoahaz and Joash

[Summary]

This chapter records the reigns of Jehoahaz and Joash, the later kings of the royal house of Jehu in northern Israel, as well as the last prophecy of the great prophet Elisha and his death. Its contents include the acts of Jehoahaz (verses 1-9), the acts of Joash (verses 10-13), Elisha and Joash (verses 14-19), the death and miracles of Elisha (verses 20-21), and the fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy (verses 22-25). This chapter records Jehoahaz's prayer, and as can be seen from the meaning of his name, which means 'God has upheld,' it shows that Jehovah heard his prayer and showed favor to Israel based on the wicked words of the patriarchs up to that point, and did not wish to destroy them but sent Elisha. [Explanation]

The background of the text changes from Judah to Israel, recording the reigns of Jehoahaz, Jehu's son, and his grandson, Joash. It also mentions Elisha's last prophecy and his death. Since Jeroboam, the northern kingdom of Israel had been devoted to idolatry, and God's discipline continued. God used Hazael, the king of Aram, as an instrument of judgment, but when Jehoahaz asked for God's help, He changed His mind and saved Israel from Aram.

2 Kings 14: The Reigns of Amaziah and Jeroboam II

[Summary]

The first half of this chapter introduces Amaziah, the king of Judah. ​​Although he acted honestly, he was defeated by Joash in a war with northern Israel and met an unfortunate end, being killed by his own subjects. Jeroboam II, the king of northern Israel, who is introduced in the second half, is described from a relatively lenient perspective as a person who possessed a very strong national power and greatly expanded his territory. The content records the early history of Amaziah (verses 1-7), Amaziah’s defeat by Joash (verses 8-14), Joash’s death (verses 15-16), Amaziah’s end (verses 17-22), and Jeroboam’s history (verses 23-29). Through this chapter, it is revealed once again that the rise and fall of a nation is solely due to the providence of the Lord, and that God governs not only Israel but also the changes of surrounding nations. 

[Explanation] 

Now, the history of Judah is being recorded again. Just as there was King Joash in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, there was also King Joash in the Southern Kingdom of Judah, and this king’s son was Amaziah. Amaziah ruled the nation according to God’s justice and laws. Thus, he somewhat restored the national power that had declined since the reign of Athaliah. However, he also suffered great damage due to the war with the Northern Kingdom of Israel. 

2 Kings 15: The Fall of Israel

[Summary]

This chapter records the turbulent history of Israel during the 52-year reign of King Uzziah (Azariah) of Judah, during which five kings were replaced due to internal turmoil. The acts of Azariah (verses 1-7), Zechariah (verses 8-12), and Shallum (verses 13-16) are recorded. Then, the acts of Menahem (verses 17-22), Pekahiah (verses 23-26), Pekah (verses 27-31), and Jotham (verses 32-38) are recorded. In this way, this chapter shows a great contrast between the reigns of the kings of Judah and Israel. Through this, we must realize that without faith in Jehovah, any wealth and power will ultimately only lead to tragedy, and that the righteous hand of God’s judgment on sin will be harshly meted out. [Kang Hae]

After the death of Jeroboam II, Israel fell into a rapid decline. The lack of leadership by the rulers after Jeroboam II caused great chaos in the country. In addition, the continuous revolutions shook the foundations of the Israeli monarchy. In the end, the shadow of destruction gradually approached Israel as time passed. On the other hand, the situation of Judah, which succeeded the Davidic dynasty, improved compared to Israel. 

2 Kings 16: Ahaz's Reign in Judah

[Summary]

This chapter evaluates the reign of Ahaz, the king of Judah, the political situation during his reign, and mentions his death, indicating the end of the wicked king, while also providing the political background for the fall of the Northern Kingdom, or Northern Israel. The content includes Ahaz's idolatrous acts (verses 1-4), the invasion of the allied forces of Aram and Israel (verses 5-6), Ahaz's request for help from Assyria (verses 7-9), the introduction of the idolatrous altar in Damascus (verses 10-16), and the remaining acts of Ahaz (verses 17-20). Those who turn away from serving God will fall into a more humble position. Ahaz, who turned away from God, had to bow his head before a mute idol. Furthermore, he became a servant of the king of Assyria and remodeled the temple of God so as not to offend him. This was truly a sin no different from idolatry. 

[Explanation] 

The kings of Judah who succeeded the Davidic dynasty were relatively good kings. However, as is the case with exceptions, Ahaz is included here. He relied more on Assyria than on God in the face of threats from Israel and Aram. As a result, all of Judah had to bear the yoke imposed by Assyria. He was also the main culprit in spreading foreign idols and sacrificial rites throughout Judah, and he also committed the sin of changing the temple equipment and structures. 

2 Kings 17: The Fall of Israel 

[Summary] 

This chapter records the fall of Northern Israel. Northern Israel, which had been heading down the path of destruction since Jeroboam, who had stained Israel with sin, finally fell to Assyria with King Hosea as the last king. First, it records Hosea's wickedness (verses 1-2) and the fall of Israel (verses 3-6), and explains the cause of the fall (verses 7-18). Next, it reveals the results of Jeroboam's crime (verses 19-23), mentions Assyria's immigration policy (verses 24-26), and the coexistence of Jehovah's faith and paganism (verses 27-33), and records Israel's apostasy (verses 34-41). As can be seen from the text, the ultimate cause of the destruction of Northern Israel was primarily idolatry. And it was because they abandoned the firm covenant with God. Ultimately, these things brought about moral decline, and God's people became corrupted by accepting foreign religions. 

[Explanation] 

After Solomon, the Davidic dynasty was divided into Judah and Israel by Rehoboam and Jeroboam. The text describes the history of Israel, founded by Jeroboam, falling after about 210 years. The king who played the main role in the destruction was Hosea, and the instrument that judged Israel was Assyria. In particular, the text deals with the cause of Israel's destruction, the tragedy that occurred in the Samaria region, and the sin of idolatry there.