Kings who did evil in God's eyes

II Kings Chapter 15

Uzziah reigned over Judah for fifty-two years. He did what was pleasing in God's eyes, but he did not destroy the pagan shrines. The Lord struck him with leprosy which lasted all his life and he lived in a house by himself. His son Jotham was put in charge of the palace and helped govern the people. When Uzziah died, Jotham became king of Judah.

Zechariah, son of Jeroboam II ruled in Samaria, but only for six months. He did what was evil in God's sight and refused to turn from idolatry. Then Shallum,son of Jabesh, assassinated Zechariah in public and Shallum became king. So the Lord's message to Jehu came true: that his descendants would be kings of Israel down to the fourth generation. Shallum reigned only one month and Menahem assassinated him and Menahem became the next king.

At that time, Menahem destroyed the town of Tappuah and all its citizens and even ripped open the pregnant women. He did what was evil in the Lord's eyes and did not turn from idolatry. Then King Tiglath-pileser of Assyria invaded the land, but Menahem paid him thirty seven tons of silver to keep his grip on he throne. The silver came from the rich of Israel who were forced to pay twenty ounces of silver each in a special tax. When Menahem died, his son Pekahiah became the next king.

Pekahiah reigned in Samaria for two years and did what was evil in the Lord's sight. He refused to turn from idolatry. Then Pekah, commander of his army, conspired against Pekahiah and assassinated the king and Pekah became king. Pekah ruled for twenty years, but did what was evil in God's sight and did not turn from idolatry. Then King Tiglah-pileser of Assyria attacked Israel and captured several towns and took many captives. Hoshea assassinated Pekah and began to rule Israel.

Jotham, son of Uzziah ruled in Judah for sixteen years and he did what pleased the Lord, but he did not destroy the pagan shrines. He rebuilt the upper gate of the Temple of the Lord. When he died, his son Ahaz became king.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: During Uzziah's reign, Israel rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem. His devotion to God helped Judah enjoy peace and prosperity it had not had since the days of Solomon.

For 10 years, Jotham ruled with his father Uzziah (who had leprosy). This was allowed if: 1. the father was very old and needed help 2. the father wanted to train his son to be a leader and 3. the father was sick or exiled.

Zechariah was warned of his impeding death by the prophet Amos.

When Assyria conquered nations, it was by then a world power. It made Israel a vassal state and Menahem was forced to pay tribute to Assyria.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? This chapter is full of kings doing evil and being assassinated and then followed by other kings who do the same. One after another they didn't seem to learn. Jotham did much good but did not destroy the pagan shrines. Are we like Jotham today and live basically good lives, but miss what is most important? A lifetime of doing good is not enough if we miss the importance of following God with all our hearts. Don't miss out on God's love, his power, his protection. He is our rock!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Update on Stella: I’m sorry to report that this tiny baby has finally passed and is in heaven with our Lord. She fought a long fight and endured much in her few months. Pray for her family.
Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues..
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.