Highlights:
Compare the kings of Israel and Judah. Some of the kings of Judah did . . . that which was right in the sight of the Lord (II Kin. 14:3), but none of the kings of Israel did. Some not only disobeyed the Word of God, but promoted idol worship.
King Jeroboam II (son of Jehoash) was very successful in all his battles and brought material prosperity to the nation. He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the Word of the Lord God of Israel, which He spake by the hand of His servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet. . . . For the Lord saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter. . . . And the Lord . . . saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash (II Kin. 14:25-27).
But this recognition did not lead Jeroboam to worship God. Instead, he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord: he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin (14:24). Immorality and idolatry flourished during the reign of Jeroboam II.
Amos, Hosea, Joel, and Jonah all prophesied during his reign. However, none were successful in turning him toward God. Finally, God commanded Amos to go to Bethel and prophesy the destruction of the kingdom (Amos 7:9).
The Israelites seemed to believe that because they prospered materially, God approved of their idol worship. More and more, they placed their confidence in Baal rather than the One True God.
Often, the Christian's greatest tests of loyalty and humility before God come during times of material blessing. While we are enjoying prosperity, we are often less concerned about prayerfully seeking the Lord's guidance and will for our lives.
After Jeroboam's death, anarchy prevailed and Israel rapidly degenerated. Jeroboam was succeeded by his son Zachariah (II Kin. 14:29) who reigned only six months (15:8).This was the fourth and last generation of the house of Jehu (15:12).
About 30 years after Jeroboam's death, the words of the prophets were fulfilled. The Northern Kingdom was destroyed and its people taken captive by the Assyrians (17:1-18).
Surely the goodness of God should lead us, in gratitude, to do the will of Jesus Christ our Lord. He (the Father) hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son (Col. 1:13).
Thought for Today:
The Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them (Ps. 34:7).
Christ Revealed:
When the Lord struck King Azariah with leprosy and thrust him out from being king (II Kin. 15:5-7). This foreshadows the time when Christ shall reign upon the earth and all who ignore or refuse His merciful gift of salvation shall be cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15).
Word Studies:
14:10 lifted thee up =b> made you proud; 14:12 put to the worse =b> defeated; 14:25 sea of the plain =b> the Dead Sea; 15:5 a several house =b> a separated house; 15:20 exacted =b> assessed, taxed; 15:25 in his room =b> in his stead, place.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by A Family That Loves Jesus • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Government Official: Sen. Richard Shelby (AL) • Country: Iceland (272,000) at the northern end of the Atlantic • Major language: Icelandic • Religious freedom • 94% Protestant; 6% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for those who forsake or disappoint you (II Tim. 4:16).
Optional Reading: Romans 9
Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:3