1. Text summary
2. How is Christ in the text?3. Application
A Series of Kings - 2 Kings 15
1. Text summary
Azariah reigns in Judah for 52 years. He follows God, but doesn't tear down high places to idols. He is a leper, and his son Jotham rules for him. Zechariah reigns in Israel for only 6 months. God had promised Jehu his descendant would have the throne to the 4th generation, and that was it. Short-lived. Shallum kills him and takes the throne. After one month, Menahem assassinates him, and rules for 10 years. He is brutal and doesn't follow God. He has to bribe Assyria 1000 talents of silver (probably billions of dollars, today) to not conquer Israel. Pekahiah his son reigns 2 years after him. His army captain Pekah assassinates him, and reigns 20 years. Assyria conquers much of Israel at this time.
Uzziah's son Jotham reigns 16 years in Judah. Syria and Israel both press Judah militarily at this time. Read Isaiah 6-7, which happens at this time.
2. Jesus
Jesus is an everlasting king, invulnerable to assassination.
Jesus is on the throne (Isaiah 6) regardless what king or ruler passes from the scene.
3. Application
a. Political instability will result from not following God's ways.
Kings Meddling with the Church - 2 Kings 16
1. Text summary
Ahaz reigns 16 years in Judah. He worships idols, even sacrificing his own son to one. Syria and Israel besiege Judah. Ahaz bribes Assyria to attack Syria. Ahaz copies a Syrian altar and replaces the temple bronze altar with it, and messes with other temple furniture. The priest just goes along.
2. Jesus
Jesus modeled faithful worship of God for us, unlike Ahaz.
Jesus did not entrust Himself to earthly rulers or people for His success.
3. Application
a. The church today needs to know when to tell civil rulers they have crossed the line and are interfering with church authority.
Israel's Final Judgment - 2 Kings 17
1. Text summary
Hoshea reigns in Israel 9 years. He pays tribute to Assyria, but sends to Egypt for help, and is found out. Assyria conquers and deports northern Israel. God allowed this, because they had been worshiping other gods secretly for a long time, ignoring God's prophets. Child sacrifice and sorcery were involved in this idolatry.
Assyria moved Babylonians into Israel, but didn't worship God, so He sent lions (Assyria's mascot!) who killed them. Assyria actually sends Israelite priests back to teach them how to worship God! They do, but also keep serving their Babylonian gods, which involve child sacrifice. (These are the Samaritans of the New Testament!)
2. Jesus
Jesus will come and judge the nations for their wickedness, as Assyria did, here. And teach them to worship God rightly.
3. Application
a. God gives us a long leash, a long time to repent and turn back to Him. When He judges, it is more than fair.
b. Don't look to earthly powers to save you, as Hoshea looked to Egypt.
Hezekiah Reforms - 2 Kings 18
1. Text summary
Hezekiah reigns in Judah for 29 years. He is faithful to God, and tears down idols. Assyria conquers Israel, and attacks Judah. Hezekiah buys them off with gold and silver from the temple, but they still besiege Jerusalem. The Assyrian army commander speaks against Yahweh, to intimidate the city and get them to surrender.
2. Jesus
Jesus is a greater Hezekiah, who rebukes His people and stops their idolatry, who protects His city.
3. Application
a. It's a bad idea to try to bribe unbelievers hostile to you with money, nicety, or other concessions, if they are out to take you down.
God Spares Hezekiah - 2 Kings 19
1. Text summary
Hezekiah seeks the Lord. Isaiah says not to fear Assyria. Assyria hears news of attacks on them elsewhere and plans to leave, sending Hezekiah a letter that they should still fear Assyria, not Yahweh. Hezekiah prays for help, and Isaiah promises God will judge Assyria for their pride. 185,000 of them die of plague outside the city. The king of Assyria dies later.
2. Jesus
Jesus trusts God to save Him when nations surround and attack Him. He listens to the Spirit promise to help Him.
3. Application
a. We are tempted to attribute God's salvation to natural causes (Assyria's departure to shore up their defenses elsewhere).
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