2 Chronicles 22
-The Kingdom of Judah experiences its most difficult time of
intrigue and corruption now as the inhabitants make Ahaziah (also known as
Jehoahaz, 2 Chronicles 21:17) the new king as the only remaining son from the line
of Jehoram due to the fact that bands of men who came with the Arabs had slain
all the older sons (2 Chronicles 22:1). Ahaziah became king at the young and
inexperienced age of 22 and walked in the counsel of his wicked mother,
Athaliah, who was the daughter of Jezebel and granddaughter of Omri of the
Northern Kingdom. Thus, Ahaziah walked foolishly in the ways of the house of
Ahab doing evil in the sight of the LORD (2 Chronicles 22:2-4). This led to an
alliance with Jehoram, son of Ahab and king of Israel, as they once again
wagged war against the king of Aram. The Arameans wounded Jehoram (or Joram) at
Ramoth-gilead, east of the Jordan River. The king of Israel was taken back to
Jezereel wounded and then becoming sick. At this time Ahaziah came to visit him
as a friend and supporter (2 Chronicles 22:5-6).
-At this time God’s destruction came upon both kings through
the instrument of Jehu, the son of Nimshi, “whom the LORD had anointed to cut
off the house of Ahab (2 Chronicles 22:7).” A great slaying took place, and
Ahaziah was eventually caught in Samaria and killed, dying at Megiddo (2
Chronicles 22:8-9, 2 Kings 9:27). With Ahaziah’s death, the wicked Athaliah
rose to power for a time in Judah. She destroyed all the royal offspring of the
house of Judah and the kingdom would have been totally lost if not for the
heroic act of Jehoshabeath, King Jehoram’s daughter, sister of Ahaziah, and
wife of Jehoiada the priest. She took Joash, who was the son of Ahaziah and hid
him and his nurse in the bedroom and then in the house of God for six years
while Athaliah reigned over the land (2 Chronicles 22:10-12). God was keeping
Kingdom covenant through extreme circumstances and situations in these perilous
days.
-*Application* The providence of God can always be counted
on even during human mistakes and satanic diversions in the economy of the
world. No matter how ridiculously evil times get, remember that God is still in
control, and it is He who sits on the ultimate Throne in Heaven. He will work
all things for His glory in every circumstance, so don’t lose hope or cave in
to any evil counsel. The lesson for us today is to remain yielded to Him when
things are chaotic and confusing. Ahaziah leaned on the wrong understanding in
his young age. What about us? Will we listen to wicked counsel, or will we glean
from the ageless wisdom of God and fear Him? Walk in His ways today in the midst
of this wicked and perverse generation. You will shine forth as lights and your
righteousness will glow like the noon day (Psalm 37:6, Daniel 12:3, Matthew 13:43,
Philippians 2:15). Be like Jehoshabeath!
Verse to Memorize: 2
Chronicles 22:7
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