2 Kings 8:16-29 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is 2 Kings 8:16-29. Let’s go!
2 Kings 8:16-18 (NIV)
16 In the fifth year of Joram son of Ahab king of Israel, when Jehoshaphat was king of Judah, Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat began his reign as king of Judah.
17 He was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years.
18 He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for he married a daughter of Ahab. He did evil in the eyes of the LORD.
On verses 16-18: Jehoram succeeds his father Jehoshaphat as the king of Judah. But instead of being a humble, wise, God-fearing king like his father Jehoshaphat was, Jehoram is said to have “walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done” (v18). In other words, like Ahab, Jehoram worshiped other gods. Why is it that despite being raised by a God-loving father, Jehoram still ended up walking in ways that were not pleasing to God? The only reason the author of 2 Kings gives is that “he married a daughter of Ahab” (v18). What can we learn from this? If you marry someone who does not love the Lord but who worships idols, prepare to be affected greatly by their idolatry. Christian, don’t settle for partnering with someone who does not love the Lord. Find someone who sincerely loves God and puts God first. For if that person really does love God and puts God first, that person will love you better than any idol worshiper you can find, for the best lovers of God are also the best lovers of people too.
2 Kings 8:19 (NIV)
19 Nevertheless, for the sake of his servant David, the LORD was not willing to destroy Judah. He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever.
On verses 19-23: Despite their king Jehoram not walking in ways that were pleasing to God, despite being troubled by a rebellion by the nation of Edom, Judah’s lamp is not extinguished. And why is that? The reason the author of 2 Kings gives is that “for the sake of his servant David, the LORD was not willing to destroy Judah. He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever.” (v19) Praise God that even in those times when we are at our worst, God remains at His best, faithful to His promises, hanging on to us even when we feel like there’s nothing left to hang on to. So if you’re not at your best today, you can pray: “God, please hang on to me today.” And He will. Thank You Lord for Your faithfulness.
2 Kings 8:27 (NIV)
27 He walked in the ways of the house of Ahab and did evil in the eyes of the LORD, as the house of Ahab had done, for he was related by marriage to Ahab’s family.
On verses 25-29: Ahaziah replaces his father Jehoram as king of Judah. Like his father, Ahaziah did evil in God’s eyes, walking in the ways of Ahab king of Israel and worshiping idols. Once again, the reason the author of 2 Kings gives is that “he was related by marriage to Ahab’s family.” (v27) It might sound like a broken record when you hear it repeated so often in 1 Kings and 2 Kings, but the lesson once again is: it matters who you marry. I’m not the one making this up. Over and over and over the Bible warns against it. Yoke yourself to a non-believer and chances are good that you’ll become one yourself. Yoke yourself to an idol worshipper and chances are good you’ll become one yourself. Yoke yourself to a Christian who authentically loves God and loves people and chances are you’ll become one too.
Heavenly Father, Your Word gives us so many cautionary tales about relationships that we are really without excuse when we choose partners foolishly. Thank You that nonetheless You remain wise and faithful, even when we are foolish and faithless. Thank You for always being at Your best, even when we’re at our worst. You alone are worthy of worship. Hang onto me today. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
