2 Kings 14:1-29
Q.1. What made King Amaziah successful in his early reign? How did his reign end? What is the lesson for us? – (2 Kgs.14:1-14, 17-20)
Amaziah’s rule started well. He – did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and tried to follow the teaching of the Scriptures (2 Kgs.14:3 & 6). Sadly, he failed to destroy the high places where the people worshiped other gods (2 Kgs.14:4). Because his success in battle caused him to be proud, he would not listen to reason. Consequently, Judah was defeated. The treasuries of the house of the Lord, and those of the king’s house, were taken (2 Kgs.14:7-14). The demise of King Amaziah teaches us to not get carried away by success. He was assassinated, just as he had done to his opponents (2 Kgs.14:19-20 c.f. 2 Kgs.14:5-6).
Q.2. How did Jehoash, king of Israel, try to avoid war with Judah? What was the outcome of his reign? – (2 Kgs.14:8-16)
Jehoash was older. He wanted to avoid a clash with Judah. He sent Amaziah a parable – … saying, “The thorn bush which was in Lebanon sent to the cedar in Lebanon, saying, `Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ But there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon and trampled the thorn bush (2 Kgs.14:9). He warned – You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Enjoy your glory and stay at home; for why should you provoke trouble so that you, even you, would fall, and Judah with you? (2 Kgs.14:10). However, Amaziah would not listen. This cost him and his nation dearly. King Jehoash of Israel continued on with the sins of Jeroboam. He even named his son after this wicked king who had caused Israel to sin (2 Kgs.14:15-16).
Q.3. Why did God give success to King Jeroboam of Israel, even though he turned the people away from Him? – (2 Kgs.14:23-28)
It is written of Jeroboam, son of Joash – He did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel sin (2 Kgs.14:24). However, he was able to reclaim much of Israel’s territories, just as God had promised through the prophet Jonah (2 Kgs.14:25 c.f. Jonah1:1). God kept His promises. There was also another reason for the undeserved success of Jeroboam – 26 For the Lord saw the affliction of Israel, which was very bitter; for there was neither bond nor free, nor was there any helper for Israel. 27 The Lord did not say that He would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, but He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash (2 Kgs.14:26-27). Though God would not ignore the sins of Israel, His care for His people revealed a God Who would rather bless, than have to discipline (2 Kgs.14:27).