Thrones, Treachery & Triumph: God’s Justice and Mercy in the Midst of Kings

Welcome to Day 97 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are continuing the book of 2 Kings. In 2 Kings 10-13, these chapters highlight the turbulent transitions of power, judgment upon wicked rulers, and God's faithfulness despite Israel’s rebellion. Jehu carries out a brutal purge to fulfill God's judgment on Ahab’s family and Baal worshippers, yet fails to fully walk in obedience. Athaliah usurps the throne of Judah, but God preserves David’s lineage through Joash, who brings reform under priestly guidance. Later, Joash’s own failure and assassination reflect Judah’s spiritual decline. In Israel, Jehoahaz and Jehoash continue the cycle of partial repentance and disobedience, but God shows compassion in times of oppression. Elisha’s final prophetic acts, even in death, emphasize God's enduring power and promises.

2 Kings 10: Jehu takes drastic action to eradicate Ahab’s dynasty and Baal worship in Israel. After securing the throne, he orders the execution of Ahab’s seventy sons, influential supporters, and relatives. He uses a cunning plan to assemble and slaughter all Baal worshippers, demolishing the temple of Baal. While Jehu fulfills God's judgment, he continues to follow the sins of Jeroboam by maintaining the golden calf worship in Israel. As a result, God limits Jehu’s reign to four generations and begins to reduce Israel’s territory through foreign oppression. Jehu's reign, though zealous in judgment, falls short of full devotion to the Lord.

2 Kings 11: Athaliah, mother of Ahaziah, seizes the throne of Judah after her son’s death by killing off the royal family. However, Jehosheba, Ahaziah’s sister, secretly saves Joash, an infant heir to David’s throne. Hidden in the temple for six years, Joash is finally revealed by the priest Jehoiada, who orchestrates a bold plan to crown him king. Athaliah is executed, and the covenant between God, the king, and the people is renewed. The temple of Baal is destroyed, and Joash begins his reign, guided by Jehoiada’s godly influence.

2 Kings 12: King Joash, under the mentorship of Jehoiada the priest, initiates temple repairs and restores worship in Judah. He commands that offerings be used for temple renovations, but progress is slow due to corruption. A new system of accountability is established, and the repairs resume faithfully. Later, when Jerusalem is threatened by Hazael of Syria, Joash uses temple treasures as a bribe instead of seeking God's help. Eventually, his departure from godly counsel leads to his assassination by his own servants. His early promise fades as he drifts from God’s path.

2 Kings 13: Jehoahaz, Jehu’s son, rules Israel but continues in Jeroboam’s sinful ways. Israel suffers under Aramean oppression until Jehoahaz cries out to God. The Lord sends deliverance, but Israel still does not turn from idolatry. His son Jehoash (Joash) continues in his father’s ways, yet shows some reverence toward the prophet Elisha. Elisha’s final prophecy to Joash foretells partial victory over Aram. Even in death, Elisha’s bones perform a miracle, showing God’s lingering power. Though Israel remains spiritually compromised, God still offers mercy and deliverance.

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The name 2 Kings continues from 1 Kings, as both books were originally one single work in the Hebrew Bible. The title "Kings" comes from the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) translation of the Hebrew word Melekhim, meaning “Kings.” It records the reigns of various monarchs in Israel and Judah, detailing their faithfulness or rebellion against God.

Purpose of the Book:

The purpose of 2 Kings is to document the spiritual and political decline of Israel and Judah, ultimately leading to their exiles. It highlights the consequences of disobedience to God’s covenant, contrasting faithful and unfaithful kings. The book serves as a historical and theological lesson that obedience to God brings blessings, while disobedience leads to judgment.

Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:

The authorship of 2 Kings is traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, though this is not explicitly stated in the text. Several pieces of evidence support this claim:

Internal Biblical Evidence:
- 2 Kings 24–25 closely parallels Jeremiah 39 and 52, describing the fall of Jerusalem.
- Jeremiah was a prophet during the final days of Judah and personally witnessed the Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 1:1-3).
External References & Historical Sources:
- The Talmud (Baba Bathra 15a) credits Jeremiah as the author of 1 & 2 Kings.
- 2 Kings frequently refers to historical records such as:
  - The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah (2 Kings 8:23, 12:19, etc.)
  - The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel (2 Kings 1:18, 10:34, etc.)

While some scholars suggest a later anonymous compiler from the exilic period, the traditional view holds that Jeremiah, or a disciple influenced by him, compiled the book using these historical records under divine inspiration.

Key People:

Elijah – A prophet of God who ascends to heaven without dying (2 Kings 2).
Elisha – Successor of Elijah, performing many miracles (2 Kings 2-13).
Jehu – A king of Israel who eradicates Ahab’s family and Baal worship (2 Kings 9-10).
Hezekiah – A righteous king of Judah known for his reforms and miraculous healing (2 Kings 18-20).
Manasseh – A wicked king of Judah who later repents (2 Kings 21).
Josiah – A godly king who restores worship and finds the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22-23).
Nebuchadnezzar – King of Babylon who conquers Judah and exiles its people (2 Kings 24-25).
Zedekiah – The last king of Judah before the Babylonian captivity (2 Kings 24-25).

Conclusion

The book of 2 Kings concludes with the tragic fall of both Israel and Judah due to their persistent disobedience to God’s covenant, culminating in the Babylonian exile. Despite the judgment, a glimmer of hope remains as King Jehoiachin of Judah is shown mercy in Babylon (2 Kings 25:27-30), hinting at God’s ongoing plan for restoration. This ending reinforces the book’s central theme: faithfulness to God brings blessings, while rebellion leads to downfall, yet His mercy endures beyond judgment.

What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In 2 Kings 10, God's character is displayed as just, sovereign, and zealous for His holiness. He executes judgment on the house of Ahab through Jehu, fulfilling the prophecy given to Elijah. God does not overlook wickedness, especially when it defiles the nation with idolatry and the shedding of innocent blood. However, even amid judgment, God shows measured mercy by granting Jehu's dynasty four generations due to his partial obedience.

The Hebrew name El Qanna, meaning “Jealous God,” is reflected here, as God fiercely guards His covenant relationship with Israel and will not tolerate worship of Baal or other gods. Another name seen in action is YHWH Tsevaot – “The Lord of Hosts” – who commands judgment through earthly rulers to fulfill divine purposes. The lesson here is that God takes sin seriously, especially spiritual compromise, and while He may use flawed people for His purposes, full obedience is what He desires.

In 2 Kings 11, God’s protective nature and faithfulness to His covenant are evident in 2 Kings 11. While Athaliah seeks to destroy the royal line, God preserves the Davidic lineage through Joash. He uses faithful individuals like Jehosheba and Jehoiada to hide and later restore the rightful heir, reflecting His care and provision even in political chaos. God is revealed as a preserver of promises and a protector of the righteous.

This chapter reflects YHWH Shomer – “The Lord our Protector” – though not a direct biblical name, it expresses God's safeguarding nature. More directly, YHWH Elohe Yisrael, “The Lord God of Israel,” is invoked throughout Kings to affirm God's covenant with Israel. The lesson is that even when evil seems dominant, God is actively working behind the scenes to preserve His plan and fulfill His promises.

In 2 Kings 12, God is seen as a restorer and one who values reverence and obedience. Through King Joash and the priest Jehoiada, temple worship and proper stewardship are reestablished. This shows God's desire for order, holiness, and responsible leadership in His house. However, when Joash later strays and trusts in political alliances rather than God, it reveals that God allows consequences for compromised faith.

The name YHWH Mekaddishkem, “The Lord who sanctifies,” is fitting here, as God works to sanctify the temple and the people through reform. He also shows aspects of El Roi, “The God who sees,” by noticing both the people's faithfulness and corruption. The lesson from this chapter is that God desires not just spiritual restoration but ongoing dependence on Him, not on human strength or resources.

In 2 Kings 13, God’s compassion and patience shine in 2 Kings 13, even amid Israel’s repeated disobedience. Though kings Jehoahaz and Jehoash lead the people in idolatry, God responds to their cries for help and delivers them from oppression. Elisha’s prophetic ministry, including the miracle after his death, shows God’s continued involvement and power among His people, even when they are unfaithful.

The name YHWH Rachum – “The Compassionate Lord” – is echoed here through God’s willingness to rescue Israel despite their rebellion. Also, El Olam, “The Everlasting God,” is reflected in the enduring legacy of His word and power through Elisha, even beyond the prophet's lifetime. The lesson is that God's mercy extends far beyond what we deserve, and His covenant love remains available even when we fail to fully honor Him.

Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

Questions:

Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?

What do these chapters reveal about God's response to sin and idolatry?
How does God demonstrate both justice and mercy throughout the actions of Jehu, Joash, and Elisha?
In what ways does God fulfill His covenant promises even when human leaders fail?
How do we see God's sovereignty at work behind the political and spiritual transitions in Israel and Judah?
What names of God best describe His actions in these chapters, and why?
How does God’s patience with Israel’s repeated disobedience speak to His character?
What does God’s preservation of the Davidic line through Joash reveal about His long-term plans?

Questions About Themes:

How is the theme of divine judgment portrayed in Jehu’s purge of Ahab’s family and Baal worship?
What role does covenant faithfulness play in these chapters, especially through the actions of Jehoiada and Joash?
How do power struggles and political intrigue affect spiritual leadership and obedience in Israel and Judah?
What can we learn from the pattern of partial obedience seen in these kings?
How is God’s prophetic word (especially through Elisha) a consistent theme across these chapters?
What role does idolatry play in Israel’s downfall, and how is this theme repeated?
How does God's use of both good and flawed leaders support the theme of His sovereignty?

Reflective Application Questions:

Are there areas in your life where you are partially obedient to God, like Jehu? What would full obedience look like?
How do you respond when God’s judgment or correction shows up in your life or community?
In times of spiritual or leadership transition, how can you remain anchored in God’s promises like Jehoiada?
Do you turn to God or to human solutions when you're under pressure or facing opposition, like Joash did with Hazael?
How do you recognize and respond to God's mercy even when you're struggling with disobedience?
What spiritual legacy are you leaving for those coming behind you, similar to how Elisha’s influence continued even after death?
How does knowing God's character (as just, merciful, and sovereign) affect your trust in Him during chaotic or confusing times?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans