This passage records the reigns of five kings of Israel and one king of Judah (in addition to the reign of Azariah of Judah in the first seven verses of the chapter). It is mostly a story of conspiracies and short reigns.

Amaziah gave to the Lord a mixed level of devotion. In turn, he received a mixed level of blessing. God wants our whole heart. He is not willing to share the throne with other gods.

A Heart of Flesh is a tender thing; every small prick will make it bleed: so every sin, may, the smallest sin will offend, and make a tenderhearted Christian cry out, much more a great sin.

Despite the mercies of the Lord, Israel continues its march toward destruction. The death of Elisha, who must have been over eighty at this time, marks the end of an era as well. For decades, Elijah and Elisha had been a voice for God in the northern kingdom of Israel. Now that they are silenced, there are few to proclaim the word of the Lord.

Joash (Jehoash) became king at the age of seven and reigned for forty years. He did well most of his reign until Jehoiada the priest died. At this time, he followed the princes of Judah to his destruction. Joash is one of many kings in the history of Judah who began well but turned from the Lord late in his reign. He even went to the point of murdering the son of the one who had saved his life and put him on the throne. We must all strive to continue faithful to the Lord to the end of our days.

This chapter describes a satanic attempt to destroy the Messianic line of David. If it were not for one baby (Joash) hidden in the temple, it might have succeeded. But God always has a way of foiling the designs of the devil when it comes to keeping His promises. What an exciting story!

In 2 Kings 9, Jehu killed Jehoram king of Israel, Ahaziah king of Judah, and Jezebel. But he is not through. In this chapter we see the destruction of the children of Ahab, the brethren of Ahaziah, and the worshippers of Baal. In the end, Jehu is not a godly king. However, he portrays one aspect of the divine character – that of complete and total justice in the end. As Jehu brought all those guilty to justice, so will God do in the end. This story stands as a solemn warning to those who take the judgment of God lightly.

This chapter records the vengeance of the Lord against the house of Ahab. Ahab has already died according to the word of the Lord, but God has business to finish with the house of Ahab and with Jezebel. All His prophecies are carried out to the letter. This lesson reminds us that vengeance belongs to the Lord and that He will fulfill His part (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19; see also Ecclesiastes 8:11).

We enter into a time of confusion in the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Because of their sins, God had judged them with defeat at the hand of the Syrians and famine in the land. Yet, they did not return to the Lord. However, in the restoration of land to the woman whose son was restored to life, we see that God continues to watch over those who are faithful to Him. May the Lord help us to be found faithful in these last days.

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