2nd Kings 1 It is possible for a nation of people to go downhill so far and so fast, that God lets the inevitable conclusion happen. Inward corruption morally follows spiritual corruption and compromise. Soon idolatry takes the place of the worship and fear of God. Religious practices continue but they follow the teaching and form that most appeals to the population rather than the standards of a righteous, holy and unchangeable God. That has happened in this country so that now tolerance of sin, pleasure, materialism and self-fulfillment are the idols that most people worship.
However, going against the stream of man's opinion, success and pleasure, there are those who are still going upstream to the higher ground of fellowship with God. They have new life - divine life imparted by the Spirit of God, so they have the strength and fortitude to go against the forces of the downward flowing river of the world. They stand out when they are seen by others, and the down-sliding majority seeks to catch them and take them along with them.
The book of 2nd Kings is a continuation of 1st Kings in which the historical drift gains momentum and ends with the once favored nation taken captive. The dispersion of the Jewish people among the nations of the world took place, and even yet, though there is a recent secular nation of Israel, the chosen earthly people of God remain scattered throughout the world. There they will remain until our Lord Jesus Christ comes in glory and takes the throne of David from which He will rule for 1000 years over the nations of earth.
2nd Kings gives the account of the twelve failing and evil rulers of the northern tribes, Israel, and the succession of the kings of the southern tribes, Judah. There were two good kings in Judah and so it continued as a national identity 130 years longer than Israel.
It was during the years of failure and departure that God sent many prophets to call the people to repentance and to testify to the people the fact that God was still on His throne and was willing to receive them back to Himself if they would repent. Prophets from Elijah to Hosea warned and taught the people of Israel. From Micah to Obadiah, faithful prophets gave the message of God to Judah. There were brief moments of consideration given to the prophets but for the most part they were scorned, rejected and persecuted.
The challenge of dark days is to remain faithful and courageous in our lives for God in spite of that which pleases the majority of people. Testimony of the practices and service of such people is contained in the minor prophets. There were godly prophets and priests who lived among the people and did not compromise themselves, their message or their responsibility. God is still at work in situations and nations that are in terrible moral and spiritual conditions.
Ahijah the prophet, spoke for God in Israel during the reign of Jeroboam. When Ahab became king, he tolerated and promoted evil that brought famine as a punishment from God, and into that situation came Elijah, the prophet. After Ahab was killed at Ramoth-Gilead when Israel and Judah under Jehoshaphat attacked the Arameans, Ahaziah, Ahab's son became king. He had proposed a trade agreement with Judah at the beginning of his reign. They were intending to go into a shipping venture, but God stopped that unequal yoke.
Ahaziah was only king for two years and was known for his wickedness. It was then he fell through the railing of the upper floor and was seriously injured. Instead of turning to the Lord in repentance, he wanted to consult with a false god who was thought to be able to see into the future. Even though wicked men rule a nation, God is merciful when repentance is genuine. In this particular situation the Lord sent an angel to Elijah with a message rather than speaking to him personally. Ahaziah sent his messengers to consult the false god, but of greater authority, God sent His messenger. The answer to Ahaziah's request was clear and plain. "You will surely die!"
Elijah was certainly different in his dress so there was no way he would be confused with people of the worldly system. Ahaziah likely thought he could get Elijah to heal him because God had done miracles before through his prophet. But we cannot strike bargains with God so He will submit to our requests. One hundred men died before they realized the power and authority of the Lord. The third captain came in humility with his request and it was granted. Far too often we act on our own without acknowledgement of our Lord's will and have to suffer consequences before we learn.
When God in sovereignty acts, there is no other recourse. "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Wickedness brings serious consequences. A right attitude before the Lord will bring respect, humility and a call for mercy from the heart. This happened to the captain of fifty. It did not happen with Ahaziah who died as God had said. A prophet is a reliable witness when his prophecies happen as he said. False prophets make declarations, and perhaps some take place. A true prophet speaks for God and what he prophesies happens exactly as he said every time.
The Spirit of God used "holy men of old" to record certain events in the historical books of the Bible to instruct us. In this way we are able to see human and national events from God's perspective. These are for our "learning and admonition." Ahaziah had only two years as king and he was removed. Joram, his brother, became king and though he did evil, he wasn't as blatantly open as those before him.
2Kings 1:2. “And Azariah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, go inquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease.”
THOSE ARE FALSE GODS. Strangely people seem to think They need the latest or they’ll sink Into deep despair because they don’t fit The expectation of others who already have it – So, gadgets and games they set out to buy, Created by men – the newest technology – It’s supposed to satisfy – but it went up in smoke – And your fun is gone, plus you now are broke.
The advertising says this unit is the latest – You will get rich quick because this is the greatest Way to gain material success – So, get it now, pay later and you’ll be like the rest Who are up with the times and admired by all men. If you get it now, prepare for your great gain. After all, don’t you want everyone to look up to you? Add now to your possessions before opportunity is through.
You didn’t get your way? Then go out and fight! Those who don’t agree with you have no real right To expect you to live in peace with them unless they are like you – So, get your guns and armaments – tell them you’re coming through To change them so to you they will be conformed To what you think is right for them – more like the norm That is accepted by those who live by us and are here – And if they don’t accept your demands, they will live in fear.
False gods that seem to attract so many, never bring content. They lure you into sinful ways that Satan himself has sent To make people think the newest inventions will bring peace of mind – Or if you get more things around you, contentment you will find. If you don’t get your own way, then go and start a war – But stop for a moment and consider what you want these for: God has a purpose and pattern to follow that can give you peace – His way brings grace and forgiveness – false gods can’t give you these.
“Almighty God, there is no other God but Thee. These false guides and leaders that deceive seem to have taken over much of this nation. The people are discontented, in debt and despairing of any hope in the future. Please move by Thy Spirit and power to turn us all back to Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”