Chapters 11 through 15 of 2 Kings in the King James Bible continue the narrative of Israel and Judah’s turbulent history. These chapters highlight the fragile political landscape, the rise and fall of various kings, and the ongoing struggle between faithfulness to God and the corruption of idolatry. Despite the chaos, God’s covenant with David is preserved through the survival of key figures and the actions of His faithful prophets.
2 Kings 11: The Preservation of Joash and the Overthrow of Athaliah
Chapter 11 begins with the dramatic and dangerous events surrounding the preservation of the Davidic line:
- Athaliah’s Seizure of Power: After the death of her son, King Ahaziah, Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, takes the throne of Judah by force. To solidify her position, she orders the massacre of all royal heirs. However, one child, Joash, is hidden away and preserved by his aunt Jehosheba, the wife of the priest Jehoiada. Joash is kept safe in the house of the Lord for six years while Athaliah reigns as queen.
- The Crowning of Joash: In the seventh year, Jehoiada the priest organizes a coup to overthrow Athaliah. He gathers the commanders, Levites, and the people of Judah, and they crown the young Joash king in the temple. Athaliah hears the noise of celebration, rushes to the temple, and upon seeing Joash crowned, cries out “Treason!” She is captured and executed, marking the end of her tyrannical reign.
- The Reformation of Judah: After Joash is crowned, the people make a covenant with God, reaffirming their loyalty to Him. They destroy the temple of Baal and kill its priest, bringing an end to Baal worship in Judah, at least for a time. This chapter showcases the divine protection of the Davidic line, ensuring the fulfillment of God’s promise to David that his descendants would continue to rule.
2 Kings 12: The Reign of Joash and the Restoration of the Temple
Chapter 12 focuses on Joash’s reign and his efforts to restore proper worship in Judah:
- Joash’s Early Faithfulness: Under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, Joash reigns righteously for much of his early life. He prioritizes the repair of the temple, which had fallen into disrepair during Athaliah’s reign. Joash commands that offerings and donations be used specifically for the temple’s restoration.
- The Temple Repairs: After some delay, the work on the temple begins in earnest. A chest is set up in the temple for the people’s offerings, and the funds are used to hire skilled workers to restore the house of the Lord. The narrative emphasizes the importance of maintaining God’s house and the proper worship of Him.
- Joash’s Decline: Later in Joash’s reign, after the death of Jehoiada, he begins to turn away from the Lord. Hazael, the king of Syria, threatens Jerusalem, and Joash bribes him with treasures from the temple to avoid conflict. Ultimately, Joash is assassinated by his own servants, marking the end of a reign that began with promise but ended in disobedience.
2 Kings 13: The Reign of Jehoahaz and Jehoash in Israel
Chapter 13 shifts focus back to the northern kingdom of Israel and the reigns of Jehoahaz and Jehoash:
- Jehoahaz’s Reign: Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, becomes king of Israel and follows in the sinful ways of his ancestors, continuing the worship of the golden calves. As a result, God allows Hazael of Syria to oppress Israel. However, when Jehoahaz seeks the Lord’s favor, God sends a deliverer to provide temporary relief from Syrian oppression.
- Jehoash’s Reign: After Jehoahaz’s death, his son Jehoash (also called Joash) becomes king of Israel. He, too, continues in the sins of Jeroboam, but his reign is marked by a significant interaction with the prophet Elisha.
- Elisha’s Final Prophecy: As Elisha lies on his deathbed, Jehoash visits him. Elisha instructs Jehoash to strike the ground with arrows, symbolizing Israel’s victories over Syria. Jehoash strikes the ground three times, and Elisha is angered, saying that had he struck more, Israel would have had complete victory over Syria. Elisha’s prophecy is fulfilled when Jehoash defeats Syria three times but fails to completely subdue them.
2 Kings 14: The Reigns of Amaziah and Jeroboam II
Chapter 14 covers the reigns of Amaziah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam II, king of Israel:
- Amaziah’s Reign in Judah: Amaziah, son of Joash, begins his reign by following the Lord’s commandments, though not with a fully devoted heart. He avenges his father’s murder but refrains from killing the children of the murderers, following the law of Moses. Amaziah achieves military success against the Edomites, but his pride leads to a foolish war against Israel.
- Amaziah’s Defeat by Israel: After his victory over Edom, Amaziah challenges Jehoash, king of Israel, to battle. Jehoash warns Amaziah against arrogance, but Amaziah persists. The armies of Israel defeat Judah, and Jehoash captures Amaziah, breaks down part of Jerusalem’s wall, and loots the temple.
- Jeroboam II’s Reign in Israel: After the death of Jehoash, his son Jeroboam II ascends to the throne of Israel. He continues in the sins of his father and restores Israel’s borders to their former extent, fulfilling a prophecy given by Jonah. Despite his military success, Jeroboam’s reign is marked by spiritual decline.
2 Kings 15: The Reigns of Azariah, Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, and Pekah
Chapter 15 details a rapid succession of kings in both Judah and Israel, reflecting a time of instability and violence:
- Azariah (Uzziah) in Judah: Azariah, also called Uzziah, becomes king of Judah and reigns for 52 years. His reign is characterized by prosperity and military success, but he suffers from leprosy after disobeying the Lord by offering incense in the temple, a duty reserved for priests. Despite this, Uzziah is remembered as a mostly righteous king.
- Zechariah in Israel: After Jeroboam II’s death, his son Zechariah reigns for only six months before being assassinated by Shallum, ending the dynasty of Jehu, as prophesied by God. This marks the beginning of a period of instability in Israel.
- Shallum and Menahem: Shallum reigns for only one month before he is overthrown by Menahem, a brutal leader who secures his reign by paying tribute to the king of Assyria. Menahem’s oppressive rule further weakens Israel.
- Pekahiah and Pekah: Menahem’s son, Pekahiah, rules for two years before he is assassinated by his own officer, Pekah, who takes the throne. During Pekah’s reign, Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria, invades Israel and captures much of its territory, signaling the beginning of Israel’s decline.
Conclusion: Kings and Prophets in a Time of Turmoil
In 2 Kings 11–15, we see a period of political upheaval, assassination, and shifting allegiances, particularly in the northern kingdom of Israel. Despite the chaos, God continues to intervene through His prophets and faithful servants, ensuring that His covenant with David remains intact. The southern kingdom of Judah experiences moments of reform, as with Joash and Uzziah, but spiritual decline is always lurking when the people turn away from God’s commandments.
The contrast between temporary military success and spiritual failure serves as a reminder that true strength comes from obedience to God, and that even in times of national instability, God’s promises endure.