2 Kings 15
-Several kings of the northern kingdom and of Judah are
quickly depicted in this chapter. In Judah, Azariah (Uzziah) son of Amaziah
becomes king at the age of 16 and reigns 52 years in Jerusalem doing right in
the sight of the LORD for the most part other than continuing to allow the
false worship on the high places as his father had done. Azariah (Uzziah) was
struck with leprosy during his reign, which forced him to live in a separate
house and allowed his son Jotham to be over the household even while he was
still alive. When he passed, Jotham took full control of the kingdom at the age
of 25and reigned over the land of Judah for 16 years. He did as his father in
the eyes of the LORD as a partially good king, but the high places were still
not taken away. In his days, the LORD began to send Rezin, king of Aram, and
Pekah, king of Israel, against Judah (2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38).
-In Israel there was more intrigue and conspiracy as the
fourth generation of Jehu came to pass as the prophets had spoken with an
overthrow of power. Zechariah son of Jeroboam lasted only six months before he
was attacked and killed by Shallum the son of Jabesh who was also assassinated
after only reigning for a month. Shallum was killed by Menahem son of Gadi from
Tirzah (directly east of Samaria and north of Shechem near Mt. Ebal where
Baasha was buried and Zimri and Omri reigned over Israel, http://www.bible-history.com/geography/ancient-israel/ot/tirzah.html,
1 Kings 16:6, 15, 23). Menahem ruthlessly attacked Tiphsah, near Tirzah, and it
borders near Tirzah because they were not open to him as king. He slaughtered
many in the town and ripped up all its pregnant women. He reigned for 10 years
in Samaria doing evil in the sight of the LORD, just as the sons of Jehu had
done to make Israel sin. During his reign, Pul, the king of Assyria, came
against the land. Menahem was forced into an expedient political move to exact
money from his people to appease the king of Assyria for peace. After the death
of Menahem, his son Pekahiah became king and reigned a short two years in
Samaria. He also did evil in the sight of the LORD as his father had done. His
officer, Pekah son of Remaliah conspired against him and struck him in the
castle of the king’s house in Samaria. Pekah was aided by 50 men of the
Gileadites and became ruler of the land. During his rule, the Assyrians came
and captured significant territory in Israel and carried away many captives. As
this was occurring, Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah and
assassinated him to become king in his place (2 Kings 15:8-31).
-*Application* The unsettled rule of Israel was a direct
result of not following the LORD and doing evil in His sight. As Solomon said, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a
disgrace to any people (Proverbs 14:34).” This is a reminder
for us in our day and age to lift up and pray for our leadership in our respective
nations (1 Timothy 2:1-5). This will allow for longevity and peace for the gospel
to be propagated more effectively. Pray for good and Godly authority!
Verses to Memorize: 2
Kings 15:3-4
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