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October 25 / II Kings 17

II Kings 17

Dear RTB’ers,

Samaria is mentioned nine times in today’s one chapter (II Kings 17:1,5,6,24,26,27,28,29 — twice in verse 24). It is both a city (see especially vv. 1,5,6) and a global word for all of the Northern Kingdom (see the rest of the verses noted above, especially v. 24 and 26, “the towns of Samaria”). We have to go back to I Kings to see its beginning – to I Kings 13.32 for the first mention of Samaria and to I Kings 16:24 where the city is actually built and named. There are then many more verses in I and II Kings where Samaria is mentioned.

Today we also see the origin of the term “Samaritans”: The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Kuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns. (v. 24) They not only lived there, but they also brought their own gods with them: …each national group made its own gods in the several towns where they settled, and set them up in the shrines the people of Samaria had made at the high places. The people from Babylon made Sukkoth Benoth, those from Kuthah made Nergal, and those from Hamath made Ashima, the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire as sacrifices to Adrammelek and Anammelek, the gods of Sepharvaim. (vv. 29-31) This intermixing of foreigners and their gods into the Israelite culture is what brought the people of Judah to “condemn” Samaritans and to not even walk through Samaria on their way between Jerusalem and Galilee and other locations. Two gospel items are of particular interest here – the parable of “The Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37) and Jesus’ visit with the woman from Samaria (John 4).

Finally, we see “the fall of Samaria” and the deportation of these Israelite people to other locations: In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria. He settled them in Halah, in Gozan on the Habor River and in the towns of the Medes. (v. 6) This occurred in 722 BC. And lest we see the Southern Kingdom (Judah) as so much more righteous, before we finish this book we will see their own deportation to Babylon. All this is Jesus’ history – His origins – and our own history as well.

Blessings!

October 24 / II Kings 15-16

II Kings 15-16

Dear RTB’ers,

Today we read the beginning of the fall of the Northern Kingdom: In the time of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came and … and deported the people to Assyria. (v. 15:29) This first deportation occurred in 732 BC; we will see the end of the Northern Kingdom in the next two days.

How many times before today have we read these words (mostly verbatim), referencing various kings of Israel: He did evil in the eyes of the LORD. He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit. And in today’s first chapter we see these statements four more times! (II Kings 15:9, 18, 23, 28) In addition, how many times before today have we seen the following words (mostly verbatim), referencing various realms of the kings of Judah:The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there. (II Kings 15:4, 35) Again, as I mentioned two days ago, these sacrifices were probably to God, not Baal, but there is still the possibility for wrong worship. Finally, today, if we are tired of the same old line, king after king, we get a new take on Ahaz, king of Judah: Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD his God. He followed the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree. (vv. 16:2b-4) Oops! Let’s go back to those previous kings – less detestable!!

II Kings 16 goes into detail on the activities of Ahaz in establishing wrong worship. As you read of his activities, think back to the establishment of the tabernacle and worship when the Israelites were in the wilderness under Moses and the building of the Temple under Solomon and the various utensils and procedures associated with proper worship. Consider Ahaz’s activities in building an alternative altar and worship space and supplanting the proper role of the high priest in offering sacrifices as ordained by the Lord. I daresay, Ahaz represents the low point of the kings of Judah.

Blessings!

October 23 / II Kings 13-14

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!

October 22 / II Kings 11-12

II Kings 11-12

Dear RTB’ers,

Today we return to the Southern Kingdom, Judah, and we meet Amaziah’s mother, Athaliah, who makes herself queen. Amaziah was the young king of Judah who was killed by Jehu when he had visited Jehoram, the king of Israel. His mother, Athaliah then “succeeded” him. She quickly eliminated any others who might claim the throne (except for one, Joash, see below), and continued the worship of Baal that she and her husband, Jehoram had initiated. (II Kings 8:17-18) She had Baalism in her blood – she was, after all, Ahab’s daughter!

As for this Joash (aka Jehoash), the heir to the throne… He was saved from Athaliah’s purge and was raised by the wife and husband team, Jehosheba and Jehoiada. He was, by most accounts, a good king: And Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all his days, because Jehoiada the priest instructed him. (v. 12:2) Jehoiada had destroyed the Baal worship that Jehoram and Athaliah had initiated (II Kings 11:18), but the high places were not taken away; the people continued to sacrifice and make offerings on the high places. (v. 12:3) Presumably these sacrifices were to God, not Baal, but there is still the possibility for wrong worship when people go to these high places instead of to the temple.

I am impressed by that wife and husband team, Jehosheba and Jehoiada — the courage and foresight exhibited by Jehosheba in saving Joash and the strength and faithfulness exhibited by Jehoiada in raising and guiding Joash in faithful practices. We’ll learn later in II Chronicles 24 that Joash turned aside from following the Lord after Jehoiada died, reminding us of how important it is for us to have Godly leadership, to not take lightly those who have gone before us.

Blessings!

October 21 / II Kings 10

II Kings 10

Dear RTB’ers,

Jehu. Wow! Yes, Jehu was chosen by the Lord to cleanse Israel of its paganism. (See I Kings 19:15-16.) But he went over and above that charge. We read of his anointing yesterday: Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, I anoint you king over the people of the LORD, over Israel. And you shall strike down the house of Ahab your master, so that I may avenge on Jezebel the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD. For the whole house of Ahab shall perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel. (II Kings 9:6b-8) He killed Ahab and Jezebel yesterday, and also Amaziah, the king of Judah. Today, he finishes the charge, eliminating all of Ahab’s male descendants. But in his zeal, he also kills 42 of Ahaziah’s relatives (recall that Ahaziah’s mother was Ahab’s daughter), then he goes on to a further purge of Baalism.

Although I have read these words many times before, I was “taken in” by Jehu’s statement, Ahab served Baal a little, but Jehu will serve him much. (v. 18b) However, we learn that Jehu is only deceiving the people of Samaria when his real intent is the destruction of Baal’s temple and priests and worshipers. But then, sadly, in consecutive sentences, we see the good and the bad of Jehu: Thus Jehu wiped out Baal from Israel. But Jehu did not turn aside from … the golden calves that were in Bethel and in Dan. (vv. 28-29) Having served as an instrument of the Lord, he now abandons that service and serves false gods. My guess is that Jehu’s heart never really was with the Lord, but rather with his own power, his kingship over Israel.

So now I’m wondering if Jehu’s story is also my story? I’m reflecting back to times when I’ve seen the Lord’s work in my life, when I’ve seen miracles or prayers answered, but then moved on to do my own thing. I’ll be pondering that for a while. And you…??

Blessings!

October 20 / II Kings 8-9

II Kings 8-9

Dear RTB’ers,

A long reading today, but mostly just narrative if you can keep the kings and their reigns straight – a particular problem when kings in both the Northern and Southern Kingdom have the same name, Joram/Jehoram. Our STS note helps clarify that. Elisha serves only as a messenger today — to the Shunamite woman; to Aram’s King Ben-hadad (by way of Gehazi); in predicting Hazael’s kingship; and in sending one of the sons of the prophets to anoint Jehu as king of Israel. We won’t see Elisha again until his death in II Kings 18.

One particularly sad item today — And he [Jehoram, king of Judah] walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife. And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. (v. 8:18) The king of Judah following in the ways of Ahab, king of Israel… Sad. But he was married to Ahab’s daughter, so it’s not surprising.

Ahaziah, king of Judah went to war along with Joram, king of Israel. Sound familiar? A few chapters back we had Jehoshaphat, king of Judah going to battle along with Ahab, king of Israel (I Kings 22), and with a similar outcome — the death of the king of Israel. This time, though, we also see the death of the king of Judah, both slain by Jehu, who also sees to Jezebel’s death. Although his is a bloody legacy, he is simply carrying out God’s will, as prophesied by Elijah. We’ll see more of Jehu tomorrow.

Blessings!

October 19 / II Kings 6:8-7:20

II Kings 6:8-7:20

Dear RTB’ers,

Two items of interest to me today… First, Elisha prayed that his servant could see the heavenly army that had surrounded the city and it was done. (II Kings 6:17). Then he prayed for blindness for the enemy’s eyes and that also happened. (II Kings 6:18) Consecutive verses – vision to see a heavenly army and blindness against an earthly army. Intriguing.

Second, “Why sit we here?” That’s how I always recall the second incident in today’s reading, especially II Kings 7:3b, They said to each other, “Why stay here until we die?” That verse is then overstated in the next verse. I’ve referred to this verse many times in the past when Carol and I (or me with another group) were trying to decide on a course of action. Just sitting and discussing wasn’t getting us anywhere, so let’s do something! Why sit we here?? Maybe that’s a word from the Lord to some of you who may be delaying a decision or action, if you are uncertain of the ideal plan. Just maybe…?

Blessings!

October 18 / II Kings 5:1-6:7

II Kings 5:1-6:7

Dear RTB’ers,

So, Naaman… What a story! Many of you know that I often like to “put myself into the story”. So readers, who would you be? The Israeli servant girl? Naaman (or his wife)? Elisha? Gehazi? I’m sure that none of us chose Gehazi; mostly, I think we like to set aside any greedy impulses that we have buried, unfortunately, not too deeply in our hearts! And I’m sure very few of us would presume to be Elisha – too high a calling for most of us. And the servant girl… Yes, we would like to be able to proclaim our God whenever the occasions arise; she sets a good example. Taking on Naaman (or his wife)… No one wants to be a leper (or have to live with one!). Maybe I’ll just be a bystander…?

But I’ve left out one other character who intrigues me – the Aramean king. In his reign and his region he is all-powerful and he presumes that other kings in other regions are similar. So if a servant girl says that there is “magical” power in another land, then send enough gold and silver to buy the healing for his trusted army leader. Done. Off you go! Then Naaman returns – cleansed! Exactly what the king expected – or at least, what he paid for! But then he hears Naaman’s story of how he was healed. Now what? Naaman tells us in II Kings 5:18 that the king regularly goes to the temple to bow down to his god, Rimmon. Does the king sense that Naaman is hesitant to bow down to Rimmon, as he has in the past? I would hope that this all-powerful Aramean king would seriously consider this new god, the God of Israel, that Naaman’s story of this God’s healing power would affect him – as I hope it would affect the rest of us as we ponder it today.

Blessings!

October 17 / II Kings 4:8-44

II Kings 4:8-44

Today’s reading presents a few miracles at the hands of Elisha. Together with II Kings 4:1-7 and subsequent chapters, these stories all serve to establish Elisha as a man of God (II Kings 4:9,16,21,22,25,27,40,42), a genuine prophet of the LORD. So it behooves us to pay attention to what Elisha says and does and how the LORD works through him. We can also learn from those with whom he interacts. Today we have an unnamed woman living in (or near) the town of Shunem.

This Shunammite woman recognizes Elisha as a man of God and regularly cares for his needs when he is in the neighborhood. (II Kings 4:8-10) In response to all her kindness Elisha seeks to bless her. Although she dares not hope for children, Elisha prophesies the birth of a son in a fashion reminiscent of the LORD’s promise to Sarah and Abraham. (II Kings 4:11-17; Genesis 18:9-15) But after some years the boy dies. (II Kings 4:18-20) And how does the woman respond?

She said, “All is well.”
II Kings 4:23b

Run at once to meet her and say to her, ‘Is all well with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with the child?’” And she answered, “All is well.”
II Kings 4:26

Although her son lies dead, the Shunammite woman twice says, “All is well.” That is a tremendous statement of faith! We should note that she is not in any way in denial of the reality of her son’s death, nor is she immune from grief and questioning. Her actions make that clear, as she promptly goes to find Elisha, traveling with all haste. (II Kings 4:22-25) And when Elisha meets her, it is clear to him that she is in bitter distress. (II Kings 4:27) So I do not think that her saying, “All is well” should be taken as any kind of firm expectation that her son would come back to life. That is just not an expected outcome, even with a man of God like Elisha at hand. (Just last week we saw Mary and Martha, well acquainted with Jesus Himself, not at all expecting Lazarus to rise again right then!) Instead, “All is well” displays a confidence in the goodness of God, regardless of the circumstances of the moment. With the death of her boy, rather than turning away from God in anger, disappointment, and bitterness, the Shunammite woman runs (quite literally) toward God and clings to Him in the person of Elisha. (II Kings 4:30)

May we likewise trust in the overwhelming love and goodness and faithfulness of God.

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing;
God only is changeless.
Patience gains all things.
Whoever has God lacks nothing.
God alone suffices.

Saint Teresa of Ávila

All is well.

October 16 / II Kings 3:1-4:7

II Kings 3:1-4:7

Dear RTB’ers,

The author of II Kings does not have much good to say about the kings in the Northern Kingdom, but today we read a couple of positives. First, [Jehoram] … did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, though not like his father and mother, for he put away the pillar of Baal that his father had made. (v. 2:3) So Jehoram did not follow Ahab and Jezebel in this one action – not putting away the pillar of Baal – but for the author, that’s a positive! Second, the author seems to have no difficulty with Jehoshaphat aligning with Jehoram in battle against Moab and marching Israel’s army through Judah. [Clarification: Moab was located directly east of the Dead Sea, south of the Transjordan tribes. Rather than confronting Moab on its northern front, the area (probably) most heavily fortified, Jehoram and Jehoshaphat decided to go south through Judah and south of the Dead Sea and attack Moab at its less heavily defended southern border.] So, today’s reading is one set of positives for the kings of the Northern Kingdom.

We saw yesterday the beginning of the Lord working through Elisha. That continues today, with water flowing into the desert from an unexpected source and oil flowing into and filling many bowls, all filled from one small container. We will continue to see the Lord working through Elisha in the next few chapters.

Blessings.