2 Kings

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“Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, that he tore his clothes” (2 Kings 22:11 NKJV)

July 3, 2015

King Josiah was crowned at age eight after his father, Amon, was murdered by conspirators. Both his father and his grandfather, Manasseh, were evil kings who had led the people into idolatry. Apparently, during the 55-year reign of Manasseh, the Book of the Law had been lost. How this came to be is not explained, but it was found in the Temple by the high priest when Josiah commissioned him to collect money for Temple repairs. When the Book was brought before Josiah and read to him, he tore his clothes in repentance. After inquiring of the Lord concerning His Word, Josiah cleaned house and publicly made a covenant with the Lord to keep His commands. According to 2 Kings 23:25 “before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him.”
If only our government would rediscover the law of God…

“Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah—all his might, and how he made a pool and a tunnel and brought water into the city—are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?” (2 Kings 20:20 NKJV)

July 2, 2015

King Hezekiah was one of the greatest kings in Judah. In 2 Kings 18:5, he was described as one who “trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor who were before him.” The only foolish event attributed to his reign happened near its end, as he invited emissaries from Babylon to see all of the wealth within Jerusalem, thus foreshadowing Babylon’s future overthrow of the city. Yet, despite this prideful lapse in judgment, Hezekiah remains one of the greatest kings to sit on David’s throne. Evidence of his reign still remains today, as the water still flows through Hezekiah’s tunnel into Jerusalem. My wife, Robin and I have waded through this manmade tunnel which attests to ancient man’s genius and to the credibility of the Bible which describes its existence.

“For I will defend this city, to save it for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake” (2 Kings 19:34 NKJV)

July 1, 2015

After the Assyrians had overthrown the Northern Kingdom of Israel, they set their sights on the Southern Kingdom of Judah. But as their armies gathered outside the city of Jerusalem, they overplayed their hand by belittling the name of God in their threats. So, God heard the prayer of King Hezekiah of Judah and delivered Jerusalem untouched from Assyrian hands. God did this for the sake of His own Name and for the sake of the remnant within Jerusalem who still honored Him.
Is there a remnant who still honor God’s Name in your city today?

“After Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it, he went up to the Lord’s Temple and spread it out before the Lord” (2 Kings 19:14 NLT)

July 1, 2014

When King Hezekiah of Judah received a letter from the king of Assyria threatening to overthrow Jerusalem and mocking his dependence on the Lord, the king carried the letter into the Temple. He fell on his face in prayer and spread the letter out on the floor for the Lord’s consideration. The Lord heard Hezekiah’s prayer and defended Jerusalem, so that the Assyrian army retreated without firing a shot. What threatens you today? Have you “spread” it out before the Lord in prayer?

But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’” (2 Kings 5:13 NLT)

June 23, 2014

Simple instructions… The Uganda mission team is home again. Yet, I can still hear Blake teaching the “simple instructions” of salvation through the lesson of Naaman. Children and adults alike in Uganda freely responded. What a great surprise to return to the world of reliable internet and see this OYB reading today. Naaman had to surrender his pride and “go and wash” in the Jordan to be healed of leprosy. Jesus gave us simple instructions too in order to be saved. “Believe on the One whom God has sent” (John 6:29).

“After Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it, he went up to the Lord’s Temple and spread it out before the Lord” (2 Kings 19:14)

July 1, 2012

Have you ever received a threatening letter or bill? King Hezekiah did. He took it to the Lord and showed it to Him. Is anyone or anything threatening your faith or stealing your joy? Take it to God. Spread it out before Him. Ask the Lord to respond. Put your hope and trust in God.

“Uzziah son of Amaziah began to rule over Judah… He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years” (2 Kings 15:1-2)

June 29, 2012

Among the seemingly endless lists of kings in Israel and Judah is the mention of this king who reigned 52 years and mostly pleased the Lord. But even he didn’t finish well. It’s a disturbing litany of failed politicians. It causes one to long for a good king, one that would reign with righteousness and mercy. One that would please God fully.

“But Elisha repeated, ‘Give it to the people so they can eat, for this is what the Lord says: Everyone will eat, and there will even be some left over!'” (2 Kings 4:43)

June 23, 2012

In today’s OYB reading Elisha (“El” – God; “sha” – saves/salvation) raised a child from the dead, multiplied a meal with leftovers, healed a leper, and was disappointed by a greedy disciple. Who else in the Bible does this sound like? Elisha is a clear foreshadowing of Christ. God was preparing His people for Jesus (“Je” – Jehovah; “sus” – saves/salvation).

“And Elisha replied, ‘Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor'” (2 Kings 2:9)

June 21, 2012

Elisha requested this of his spiritual father, Elijah. God granted his request. Elijah (“The LORD is God”) foreshadows John the Baptist. Elisha (“God’s salvation”) prefigures Christ (Jesus – “The LORD’s salvation”). I wonder if God still answers prayers like Elisha’s? I hope so. I’m asking.

“He went up to the temple and spread it out before the LORD” (2 Kings 19:14)

July 1, 2011

King Hezekiah took the threatening letter from Sennacherib and turned it over to the Lord. Is there a threat against you? Will you defend yourself? Or will you be like godly Hezekiah and give it to the Lord?