2 Kings 13 Commentary
Jehu, Jehoahaz, Jehoash, and Jeroboam the second; that is the order of their reigns from father to son. This period is marked by increased difficulties for God’s people. According to the scriptures, Israel’s idolatry, particularly the sin of Jeroboam, is the reason Israel finds herself in this position. It has been expected.
The reformations of King Jehu, albeit external, did temporarily stay the execution order. Under Jehoahaz, the LORD let go, and Aram so oppressed Israel that the LORD looked back with pity.
With just about every bad king, which goes for every king in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the name of Jeroboam, son of Nebat, features quite prominently. What is it that Jeroboam did that makes his sin the point of reference for everyone else?
After the division of the United Kingdom of Israel, there was simply no way worshippers from the northern kingdom would still go to the rival kingdom of Judah, albeit a sister kingdom. So, as we read, after consultations, Jeroboam made two golden calves as Israel’s new gods. This was in direct violation of the first and most important commandment.
Lawlessness never grows old! It won’t change into righteousness with age! No expiry date! It always remains lawlessness!
Therefore, Jeroboam’s sin, the sin that every other king in Israel promoted, was the sin of breaking the first commandment. The Bible had laid down consequences for abandoning the LORD in this way. What Israel experienced was sad, but it was expected. What is unexpected, however, is the compassion shown to the errant nation in this chapter. The LORD comes to Israel’s rescue at the point when nothing but punishment is deserved. It is this nature of the LORD that is fully expanded by Calvary.
Elisha should be a very old man by this time. His presence in Israel is like the presence of the LORD. In the absence of the priesthood in the northern kingdom, the LORD spoke through the institution of the prophets. Elisha was at the head. Even this dry connection with the God of Jacob was good enough to bring King Jehoash some relief from Aram’s oppression.
Similarly, the dead man rises back to life upon touching the bones of the dead Elisha. This is an acted parable. The nation of Israel would still find life if it went back to the God that Elisha represented. Elisha’s physical journey had ended, but he still lived on through his prophetic message to the nation.
Hazael, king of Aram, also dies. He had been a real terror to Israel. But in truth, Israel had manufactured her own problems by breaking Commandment One.
But who understands simple things anymore? Countless world conferences, countless smart brains, countless documents, and countless debates, all aimed at resolving the world’s problems, ranging from human rights, through to freedoms, and basic human needs. But who wants to get back to look at the consequences of breaking commandment number one?
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