2 Kings 8
-This chapter gives some intriguing history into the both
the northern kingdom of Israel and Judah in the southern kingdom. It begins
with an interesting side note of personal concern from the prophet Elisha
towards the Shunammite woman whose son he had raised from the dead. Because of
a seven year famine, Elisha sent this beloved family to sojourn and live among
the Philistines for their preservation and well-being. Upon their return after
the seven year period her land and house was returned to her through a providential
meeting with Gehazi, Elisha’s servant and the king of Israel (2 Kings 8:1-6).
*Application* Again we see the evidence of the LORD taking good care of His
people who have blessed the people of God in difficult circumstances. It must
have been hard to leave behind land and houses to go to a foreign place for
seven full years. But, this was how God kept them during the famine, and He
made sure they were able to return and be restored of all their fortune in the
end. God is good to those who are good to His saints. Blessings will return.
-Now Elisha finds himself in Damascus speaking with Hazael
who was sent from Ben-hadad, king of Aram. Elisha’s reputation as “the man of
God,” which had preceded him, was known and he was sought out for a word
concerning the king’s sickness and possible recovery. The prophet’s word and
gaze were filled with the knowledge of the Most High as he related what would
occur to the usurper, Hazael, who quickly assassinated the king who would have
otherwise recovered. Hazael became king who would fulfill the wrath of God upon
an unregenerate Israel (2 Kings 10:32-33) at the word of the LORD (2 Kings
8:7-15).
-The story of the succession of kings in Judah is briefly
described (2 Kings 8:16-29). These two kings, Jehoram (also known as Joram) and
Ahaziah, were connected with family ties to the northern kingdom and walked
contrary to the ways of David and the LORD. Nevertheless, “the LORD was not
willing to destroy Judah, for the sake of David His servant, since He had
promised him to give a lamp to him through his sons always (2 Kings 8:19).”
Revolts in Edom caused some conflicts as they named a king over them and Libnah
also revolted from under the sovereignty of Judah, which went back to the time
of David. There was an alliance by Judah with the northern kingdom in fighting
with the Arameans again under Hazael, and King Joram of Israel was wounded in
this conflict. *Application* The persistent attacks of the enemy correlated to
the downward spiritual trend in the divided kingdom of Israel. When we are not
fully and wholly committed and surrendered to God, we will also face the
constant attack and temptation of the spiritual enemy in our lives. Stay close to
God and He will make even your enemies be at peace with you (Proverbs 16:7).
Verse to Memorize: 2
Kings 8:19
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