Articles
Evil Companions of Kings - 2 Chron. 19-23
Evil Companions of Kings - 2 Chron. 19-23
Chronicles constantly reminds us that behind the scenes God is active in the affairs of both Israel and Judah. Their well-being is dependent not upon military power or material wealth, but faithfulness unto God.
Jehoshaphat: in chapter 17, was honored for seeking God and not acting as the kings of Israel. Then in chapter 19 he is reproved for aligning with and helping Ahab. Yet, he is honored for demanding justice / righteousness in judgment by appointed judges.
In chapter 20, Judah faces a huge army of Moab / Ammon / and Edom. Jehoshaphat turns to God for help and God responds by defeating the enemy. Again the lesson is clear for the kings of Judah: “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the Lord your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed” (2 Chronicles 20:20). THEN, he acted wickedly (20:35). How? He made political alliances with Ahaziah, the son of Ahab and Jezebel. God now fights against him and his plans are overthrown by the LORD.
His son, Jehoram, has not learned anything from watching his father, and turns from the LORD and walks in the evil ways of the kings of Israel (21:6). The result was immediate: the countries that he ruled over revolted. Then the Philistines and the Arabs invaded and overran Judah and captured all of his wives and sons. Then, he was stricken with incurable sickness and died a painful death BECAUSE he had forsaken the LORD (21:10).
Not learning this lesson, his son, Ahaziah, was made king, but he walked in the evil ways of the house of Ahab (22:3-4). This is not remarkable considering his mother is Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel!
Evil companions corrupt good morals! Such is true even among kings. God intended for his people to be holy, and that is especially true of their leaders (kings, priests). When Jeroboam introduced idolatry it set the stage for Omri to arrange the marriage of Ahab to the pagan Jezebel. She proved stronger in her zeal for Baal then these kings in their service to the LORD. What makes us think that we are immune to such influences? Why do we think that we can imbibe the thinking of the world and yet be strong in our faith?
"Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity" (Col. 4:5).
Hugh DeLong
