2 Kings
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Introduction
Introduction
If ever human nature pushed sin to its heights and if ever humankind fell into its deepest depths, it is in the book of 2 Kings. Yet, there is much we can learn from this book, and we would be much amiss not to read and study its pages. “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come” (). The world today finds itself wrapped in storm clouds of darkness not unlike those tempests that darkened the sky during the time of the Kings.
Historians have come to recognize that the dynasties described here provide essential histor- ical data found nowhere else. Archaeologists have unearthed more evidence to demonstrate the veracity of the book 2 Kings than any other book. Might it also be the case that as average Christians, you and I might discover truths for living in this book? As we study 2 Kings may it be- come a light to our paths in a world that grows darker with each new generation. The Psalmist declared, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (). In this study, we will note how crucial was the Word of God to light the paths of Kings and God’s people in history. May God’s truth also brighten the way before us as we study the examples who have walked before us. In this book, we will consider two great themes: (1) Your Way: Two Paths Be- fore You; (2) His Word: The Light That Guides You.
Your Way: Two Paths Before You
Your Way: Two Paths Before You
In 1 Kings, we saw the division of the kingdom of the Jews. In 2 Kings, we are given opportunity to follow the two paths chosen by the two kingdoms. The direction chosen and the consequenc- es realized by each path can be significant and instructive for our lives. Note in general:
The Northern Kingdom (called Israel, with Samaria as its capital) consisted of 10 tribes and had 19 rulers (none of them followed God), beginning in 931 BC with Jeroboam and ending in 721 BC. This kingdom lasted 210 years until it was brought into captivity through the Assyrians. It never returned from its dispersion.
The Southern Kingdom (called Judah, with Jerusalem as its capital) consisted of two tribes (Ju- dah and Benjamin) and had 20 rulers (eight of them followed God), beginning in 931 BC with Re- hoboam and ending in 606 BC. This kingdom lasted 325 years until it was brought into captivity by the Babylonians. A remnant would later return to Jerusalem to rebuild the ruins.
📷The tragic truth about the Northern Kingdom is that the 10 tribes would be dispersed, never to be reunited until the coming of our Lord Jesus for His Second Advent. The happy truth about the Southern Kingdom is that a remnant was allowed to resettle in the land of Judah. The line of David would be preserved so that the promise of the Messiah might be complete when Jesus came to redeem his people during His First Advent. It was only by the sovereign, protective hand of God, that the lineage of Jesus would be preserved, and that His lineage could be traced legitimately all the way back to David 8).
Why such calamity for the peoples of the North? It is recorded of each of their kings that they “did evil,” (; ; , ; ; , ,, ; ) except for Shallum, whose
... choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are liv- ing. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
... choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are liv- ing. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
reign was hardly long enough to record…only one month. Why God’s mercy for the peoples of the South? It was recorded of eight of their kings that they “did right” in the eyes of the Lord: Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham, Hezekiah, and Josiah (; ; ; ; , ; ; ). Let us move the spotlight of our study upon the lives of two of the best kings of Judah, and we will see that they found the way of blessing because they found the Word of God.
His Word: The Light That Guides You
His Word: The Light That Guides You
Of the 20 kings who reigned in Jerusalem, eight kings were righteous. We will focus on the two who served God most boldly and faithfully, Hezekiah and Josiah. It was stated about Hezekiah that “Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow him; he kept the commands the LORD had given Moses” (). We note the distinguishing fact surrounded this great statesman’s life was his love for God’s Word.
The Biblical authors show Hezekiah’s record to be equaled or surpassed by only one other gen- tleman, Josiah. About this great reformer and king, we read, “Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses” (). The Bib- lical writers seem at odds to know which king deserves more praise and honor. Yet for both, the reason for their success is perfectly clear: they loved the Law of the Lord.
The story of great King Hezekiah can be found in (and ). This king repaired and restored God’s house, reactivated the priesthood, reinstated the Passover, destroyed the idols of the pagan deities, and pushed back the enemies. Under Hezekiah, the people of Judah experienced a revival that brought back reminiscences of the sweet blessings once experienced under David and Solomon.
Every Christian should read carefully and prayerfully the account of Hezekiah’s life and reign. We will not recount here the great events of Hezekiah’s life. Rather, let us note a contribution made by Hezekiah that is largely overlooked by modern readers. This king so loved God’s Word that he became a major influence in the assemblage and transmission of the Old Testament. Note the inscription at the front of to see evidence that Hezekiah had a hand in assembling the book of Proverbs. This great king had his own guild of men who guided literary works (). Hezekiah drew from the well of writings of men as rich and deep as Isaiah, the most prolific and skilled writer of all the prophets ().
It is curious to scholars of the ancient biblical Hebrew texts that attached to the end of many books were the three letters, “HZK,” which are the first three letters of “Hezekiah” in Hebrew. Could it be that this king had a hand in assembling and approving with his stamp much of the Old Testament that we enjoy today? Of one thing we can be sure. Hezekiah loved God’s Word.
Following Hezekiah’s death, his son, Manasseh, earned the reputation of becoming the most wicked of Judah’s kings. How shocking that one of the best kings would have one of the worst sons. How sad that this worst of kings would reign longer than any other—55 years. The land
Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the LORD and did not stop following Him; he kept the commands the LORD had given Moses.
Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the LORD and did not stop following Him; he kept the commands the LORD had given Moses.
And the LORD was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook.
became truly dark during the reign of Manasseh. The only good thing we can say about this abominable man is that he repented before he died (). God’s mercy often shines brightest through the darkest of lives. And God’s Word shines brightly in the darkest of times.
This truth became evident once again when, after king Amon’s short two year reign, young king Josiah was placed on the throne. Under Josiah, the Southern Kingdom of Judah would find one last revival during its final century and before its dispersion. Never has an account of the power of God’s been made so clear and striking. The book of the law had been lost, or perhaps hid- den for safe-keeping, during the bitter reign of Manasseh. By the goodness and grace of God, it would be relocated by Hilkiah the priest under the reign of Josiah. When the king heard God’s word, he tore his clothes as a sign of repentance for he recognized the commands and guide- lines of God had long been neglected (). Thus began a great re-turning to God that would continue among the people of Judah during the reign of Josiah.
Final Thought
Final Thought
During the four centuries that Kings reigned in God’s land of promise, their success or failure depended on how faithfully they followed the Word of God. The Divided Kingdom formed two lines of kings who followed two distinct paths—one into the wilderness of dispersion, and one toward the promised Messiah, the son of David. May God help us to chose the way of David, who said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” ().
Spending Time With God
Spending Time With God
This lesson, from the series “Reigning Heroes,” is designed to supplement your personal and small group Bible study. The devotion questions are written for your personal study. The dis- cussion questions are especially for small groups. Members who answer the questions ahead of time can bring more insight into their small group meeting. The digging deeper questions are for those who wish for more personal or small group study. As you spend time with God, may His Word enrich your life and enhance your daily walk with Him. BEFORE YOU BEGIN, PRAY.
Devotion (Personal Study)
Devotion (Personal Study)
1. Read .
a. What happened to King Ahaziah?
b.From whom did he initially seek for help?
c. How did Elijah respond?
d. What does this story tell you about the importance of seek- ing God’s wisdom before seeking the wisdom of the world?
e. In what ways can we seek God’s wisdom for our decisions and challenges today?
2. Read .
a. How did Elijah ascend to heaven?
b. Why did the servants search for Elijah after he was gone?
c. From what you know about Elijah, how would you character- ize the man and/or his ministry?
d. Is there a need for such a man today? See and .
e. In what ways has God encouraged believers to continue to long for the spirit and power of Elijah to be manifest on earth? Pray to the Lord about the needs of Church and society today, asking for a ministry like Elijah’s to arise, to prepare the way for the Lord’s Second Coming?
Discussion (Small Group Study)
Discussion (Small Group Study)
3. Read . Here Elisha’s ministry is confirmed among his followers and his enemies. Now skim chapters 3 and 4, noting the other miracles God worked through Elisha. If God were to raise up a prophet like Elisha in our day, how do you think the average church would receive him?
How about our nation’s political leaders?
4. Read . What lessons did Naaman learn in this story?
What lesson did Gehazi learn? Discuss how each lesson can and should be applied to your lives.
5. Read .
a. Retell this story in your own words.
b. How did the band of Syrian raiders come to stop their at- tacks on Israel?
c. How does this Old Testament story illustrate New Testament truths? See .
d. Do you believe that angels protect us from danger (See also and ). Why do you think there is so much emphasis on angels in today’s society?
e. How can such an emphasis be healthy?
How can too much emphasis on angels be damaging for our spiritual lives.
6. See for the last account regarding Elijah.
a. How was Elisha’s prophecy to Joash (Jehoash NIV) fulfilled ()? Using the account of arrows pounded on the ground () as an analogy for prayer, discuss the importance of praying boldly and persistently about God’s will until it is accomplished in our lives.
b. Give examples of answers to prayer in your life to encourage each other to pray faithfully and without giving up.
c. List and pray together as a group for specific needs and con- cerns of which you are aware.
Digging Deeper (Further Study)
Digging Deeper (Further Study)
7. 📷What insights or questions from the book of 2 Kings would
you like to pursue further in discussion or study?
8.Read .
a. How is Josiah an exemplary king?
b. What crucial find made the difference in this man’s life?
c. In what ways do we need to make such a find again in our day
9. Read . Consider all that Josiah did in his day to restore righteousness and truth. If Christians were to individ- ually take a stand like Josiah’s and collectively fight for what is right, how might society and our country be effected? Make a list of things you can do to restore righteousness. Pray for these very things to happen in our day.