II Kings 13-14
Dear RTB’ers,
Joash, Jehoahaz, Jeroboam, Jehoash, Joahaz… How to keep these kings and their names straight, especially when a king with the same name (Joash / Jehoash) rules in each kingdom at the same time! (See II Kings 13:10, 14:1.)
We had not heard of Elisha for some time. My Study Bible indicated that there was a 43-year absence between his last mention in chapter 9 and today’s account. His death is not nearly so dramatic as Elijah’s departure, but it is striking nonetheless to see a dead man revived when his body was thrown onto Elisha’s bones!
My Study Bible also noted that victories by Joash, king of Israel had come in part due to the Assyrians attacking Aram (Syria) from the north and weakening them. And while we might thank the Assyrians for their help, as we read further we will find that the Assyrians will continue south until they have conquered Israel as well. God’s patience with Israel and its unfaithfulness will run out.
Blessings!
Sigh.
At our October RTB meeting, we all agreed that reading the Gospel of John was a “breath of fresh air” after the back-and-forth litany of the faithfulness–and lack thereof–of Israel and Judah in I Kings. The early chapters of II Kings continued to be that breath as we read about Elisha, his faithfulness and his miracles. Wow. (I often wonder why we don’t hear about Elisha very often — perhaps we should all share the story that stands out for us at our November RTB meeting.)
Sadly, we are now slogging through another litany of on again, off again to the God of Israel and Judah. This time, however, I am having trouble keeping them straight because they keep naming their sons after each other! Before I kept them somewhat straight by remembering “Judah, good; Israel, bad” (oversimplification, yes). But more often now they are both unfaithful. And God still preserves the people for the sake of his promise to David.
When I get discouraged by these chapters, I remind myself of the ways I rebel repeatedly. Are my “high places” taken down? It makes for a sobering morning…
Looking forward to hearing what others have seen in these readings on November second.