Bible Studies
God Is Extraordinarily Gracious! (2 Kings 13:1-6)
Series: Studies in Second KingsIntroduction:
1. This period of the kings almost gets lost in oblivion for me.a. My attention is riveted in the early stages of the kings with David’s coronation and the magnificent promises made of an eternal kingdom.
b. I am intrigued as the kingdom divides and idolatry is introduced in the north and then Baal worship proliferates under the influence of Jezebel and moves into the southern kingdom with Athalia.
c. I am hopeful when Jehoash, the only descendent of David is persevered to sit on David’s throne. He destroys Baal and repairs the temple, but then our hopes are dashed when he abandons the house of the Lord and serves the Asherim and the idols.
2. In some ways the period described in 2 Kings 13 and 14 is unremarkable.a. Chapter 13 describes what happened in Israel; chapter 14 what happened in Judah.
b. The kings in Israel, “did evil in the sight of the Lord, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel sin; he did not turn from them” (13:2, 11; 14:24). Thus it is said of Jehoahaz, Joash (Jehoash), and Jeroboam II.
c. The kings in Judah continued their status quo. They are described as “doing right in the sight of the Lord, yet not like David in that they maintained the worship on the high places” (14:3-4; 15:3-4). Thus it is said of both Amaziah and Azariah (Uzziah).
3. But upon further review there are some really significant elements of the unfolding plan of God that are described during this period. But we must be attentive or we will miss them.Discussion:
I. God is extraordinarily gracious.A. To the kings of Israel.
1. They continue to worship the idols of Dan and Bethel.
2. This continues to kindle the anger of God against them (13:3).
3. God uses Hazael and Benhadad of Aram as instruments to call them to repentance.
4. Jehoahaz entreated the favor of the Lord and the Lord sent them a deliverer. We are reminded of the cycle of behavior that characterized Israel during the Judges. During the Judges Israel would repent and follow the Lord for a generation after their deliverance.
5. But here in this instance after they were delivered they continued in their sin. Jehoahaz’s son, Joash (Jehoash) continued the same practices as did Jereboam II after him.
6. A powerful statement is made in 13:22-23 about God’s graciousness to them.
a. While God used Hazael to call Israel to repentance He did not destroy Israel.
b. “Because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, so, He did not destroy them or cast them away from His presence.”
c. Instead “He turned to them.” He continually offered forgiveness. He invited their repentance. He sought them.
7. The episodes described in 13:14-21, 24-25 promise God’s deliverance and life. When Jeroboam became king they continued on their same course (14:24), but God spoke to them through Jonah inviting repentance and saved them by the hand of Jeroboam (14:25-27). God “is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9).
B. To the kings of Judah.
1. Although king Amaziah is described as doing right in the sight of the Lord, he did not do right like David had done. The people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. These were probably places where worship had been conducted by the Canaanites. Perhaps they were worshiping God here, but they were supposed to be worshiping in Jerusalem. 2 Chron. 25:2 says, “He did right in the sight of the Lord, yet not with a whole heart. Cf. James 4:5.
2. Amaziah was victorious in battle against the forces of Edom. He became proud in this (14:10; 2 Chron. 25:) and attacked Israel.
3. But when he came from slaughtering the Edomites he brought their gods with him and set them up and bowed down to them and burned incense to them (2 Chron. 25:14ff).
4. God sent him a prophet, but Amaziah shut him up threatening his life (2 Chron. 25:14ff).
5. God then used Israel to defeat him (2 Chron. 25:20-24). Amaziah fled to Lachish, but was killed there because he had turned away from the Lord.
C. Observe the extraordinary graciousness of God.
1. When they are rebellious He turns His heart toward them.
2. He sends them prophets.
3. He raises up enemies against them and sends deliverers.
4. They continued headlong in their sin despite God’s graciousness.
II. The whole theme of Scripture is “God is extraordinarily gracious!”A. How long will we continue to reject Him?
B. Will we practice the idolatry of Israel? Will we “do what is right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a whole heart?”
C. The Lord has turned His heart toward you. Will you stop the voice of the prophets? Will you say, “Who appointed you a royal counselor?”
D. The apostle Peter said, “Remember . . . remember the words spoken by the prophets that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.’ For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. “But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:1ff).
Conclusion:
1. Ladies and gentlemen, the day is coming when the patience of the Lord will be exhausted. 2. His extraordinary graciousness will give way to His justice. 3. Therefore what sort of people ought we to be in all holy conduct and godliness? 4. Let us be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, taking full advantage of His extraordinary graciousness (See 2 Pet. 3:10ff). 5. If there are changes that you need to make in your relationship to God make them today while His extraordinary graciousness is being extended.
