Rise, Fall, and Restoration: The Drama of Judah's Kings and Priests

Be God's Glory
Apr 28
10 min read

Updated: Apr 28

Welcome to Day 117 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are in the book of 2 Chronicles. The chapters of 22-24 capture a turbulent period in Judah’s history, marked by betrayal, divine judgment, and eventual restoration. King Ahaziah’s short reign ends in disaster due to his alliances with wicked leaders. His mother, Athaliah, seizes power through violence, leading to a dark period of idolatry and injustice. However, God raises up faithful individuals like Jehoiada the priest, who orchestrates the rightful crowning of young King Joash. Under Jehoiada’s guidance, Joash initially brings reform and restoration to the temple and the nation. Yet after Jehoiada’s death, Joash strays into idolatry, resulting in tragic consequences. These chapters remind readers that faithful leadership matters, and turning from God leads to downfall.

2 Chronicles 22: Ahaziah becomes king of Judah at twenty-two years old, but his rule is disastrous because he follows the wicked ways of Ahab’s house, heavily influenced by his mother, Athaliah. Seeking alliance with Israel, he joins King Joram in battle but gets caught up in Jehu’s God-ordained destruction of Ahab’s family. Ahaziah is found hiding and killed. In the aftermath, Athaliah sees an opportunity to seize control and massacres the royal heirs. However, Jehoshabeath, Ahaziah’s sister, saves Joash and hides him in the temple for six years, preserving the hope of David’s lineage.

2 Chronicles 23: Jehoiada calls the captains, Levites, and heads of families together and reveals Joash, the hidden heir. Strategically positioning guards at the temple, he ensures Joash’s coronation is secure. When the people proclaim Joash king and shout praises, Athaliah rushes in, crying “Treason!” but is captured and killed. Jehoiada renews the covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people. Baal’s temple is demolished, its priest is slain, and the city is set back on a course toward God. Under Jehoiada's leadership, Judah experiences a moment of national revival.

2 Chronicles 24: Joash becomes king at seven years old and initially does what is right in God’s eyes, thanks to Jehoiada’s mentorship. Passionate about restoring the temple, Joash organizes collections from the people to fund repairs, and the work is successful. After Jehoiada’s death, however, Joash’s heart turns cold. He and the leaders of Judah abandon the temple and worship idols. Despite God sending prophets to warn them, including Zechariah, Joash hardens his heart and kills Zechariah. As a result, Judah is weakened, defeated by the Arameans, and Joash is ultimately murdered by his own officials in retribution.

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The name "Chronicles" comes from the Latin Chronicon, which was adopted from the Greek word Paraleipomenon, meaning "things left out" or "things omitted." This implies that 1 and 2 Chronicles were seen as a supplement or continuation of the historical narratives found in Samuel and Kings. In the Hebrew Bible, 1 and 2 Chronicles were originally a single book called Divrei Hayamim, meaning “The Matters (or Events) of the Days.” This title reflects the book’s role in chronicling the history of Israel, especially from a priestly and spiritual perspective.

Purpose of the Book:

The purpose of 2 Chronicles is to highlight the religious history of Judah, focusing on the temple, the priesthood, and the Davidic line of kings. Unlike the books of Kings, which cover both Israel and Judah, 2 Chronicles centers almost entirely on the kingdom of Judah, tracing its spiritual fidelity or failure to God's covenant. The book was written to encourage and instruct the returning exiles from Babylon, reminding them of God’s faithfulness, the importance of proper worship, and the need for national and spiritual restoration under God's leadership. It serves as a theological reflection—emphasizing that faithfulness to God brings blessing, while rebellion leads to downfall.

Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:

The traditional author of 1 and 2 Chronicles is believed to be Ezra the scribe, based on ancient Jewish tradition and internal evidence. This tradition is supported by:

Jewish Talmudic sources (like Baba Bathra 15a), which state that Ezra wrote Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah.
The similar writing style, genealogical interest, and spiritual themes found in Ezra-Nehemiah and Chronicles (e.g., emphasis on temple worship, Levitical roles, and the priesthood).
2 Chronicles 36:22–23 ends with the same wording that begins the book of Ezra 1:1–3, suggesting a seamless continuation and possibly the same author or editorial hand.

Though the exact identity of the final compiler isn’t definitively proven, many scholars—both religious and academic—lean toward Ezra or someone in his priestly circle as the most credible authorship.

External References:

The Jewish Encyclopedia and ISBE (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) support Ezra's authorship.
Bible commentaries such as those by Matthew Henry, John Gill, and the ESV Study Bible also reflect Ezra as the likely author.
Modern scholars, like those cited in the Anchor Yale Bible Commentary and Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, also affirm Ezra as the most probable candidate, given the shared concerns of Chronicles and Ezra-Nehemiah.

Key People:

2 Chronicles features numerous significant figures from Israel’s past, but some stand out more than others:

Solomon – Son of David and builder of the Temple in Jerusalem. His wisdom and early devotion to God are foundational to the book.
Rehoboam – Solomon’s son and the first king of Judah after the kingdom divides.
Asa – A king of Judah who led significant religious reforms.
Jehoshaphat – A godly king known for his alliance with Ahab and a strong military.
Hezekiah – A reforming king who reopened the temple and celebrated Passover.
Manasseh – A wicked king who later repents, showing God’s mercy.
Josiah – Known for rediscovering the Book of the Law and restoring temple worship.
Zedekiah – The last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile.
Ezra (possibly) – Though not directly named, if Ezra is the author, his priestly focus shapes the narrative.

Conclusion

The book of 2 Chronicles closes with both a solemn warning and a hopeful promise. It reveals the tragic consequences of Judah’s persistent unfaithfulness to God—despite the reforms of good kings like Hezekiah and Josiah, the nation ultimately falls to Babylon due to generations of disobedience, idolatry, and rejection of prophetic warnings. Yet, even in the final verses, God’s mercy shines through. The decree of King Cyrus of Persia, allowing the exiles to return and rebuild the temple, marks a powerful turn in Israel’s story. This moment reminds readers that while sin brings judgment, God’s covenant love remains steadfast.

2 Chronicles ultimately serves as a call to repentance, restoration, and reverence. It urges the people—and us today—to honor God with undivided hearts, to value His presence above all else, and to recognize that true greatness is found in humble worship and faithful obedience. Through kings, priests, and prophets, God revealed His desire for a holy people set apart for His glory. The journey from Solomon’s majestic temple to the destruction and eventual restoration reminds us that God’s purposes will prevail, and His invitation to return to Him is always open.

What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In 2 Chronicles 22, we see God's character revealed as sovereign, just, and faithful. Even as human leaders, like Ahaziah and Athaliah, make destructive choices, God’s larger plan is never thwarted. His justice is evident in how He uses Jehu to bring judgment on wicked rulers, and His faithfulness shines in how He preserves the Davidic line through Joash’s hidden rescue. God’s protection and commitment to His promises demonstrate that no amount of human evil can overcome His will.

There are no specific Hebrew names of God mentioned in this chapter, but His character is deeply displayed through His silent yet sovereign intervention. The key lesson God teaches here is that He remains in control even when leadership is corrupt and evil seems to dominate. God's providence is at work behind the scenes, ensuring His promises stand firm, encouraging believers to trust Him even when circumstances look dark.

In 2 Chronicles 23, God is revealed as the Restorer and Covenant-Keeper. He raises up Jehoiada to restore rightful leadership and bring the people back to Himself. God's holiness is emphasized as the people tear down idols and renew their covenant with Him. He is seen as patient and merciful, providing an opportunity for Judah to return to obedience after a season of rebellion.

While no Hebrew names like Yahweh or Elohim are specifically named in the chapter, the covenantal aspect points strongly to God as Yahweh—the faithful, relational God of Israel. The lesson God teaches here is that He is always working to restore His people when they stray, calling them back to covenant faithfulness. Through courageous and righteous leaders, God brings revival and turns hearts back toward Himself.

In 2 Chronicles 24, God's character is portrayed as both merciful and righteous in judgment. He blesses Joash’s efforts to restore the temple during his early years, showing God's delight in worship and obedience. Yet, when Joash turns to idolatry and rejects God's messengers, God's justice is swift and sure. His patience has limits when His people harden their hearts against Him.

There are no direct mentions of Hebrew names for God in this chapter, but God’s role as Elohim—the Creator and Judge—is clearly seen in how He governs Judah’s rise and fall. The lesson taught is that ongoing faithfulness to God is essential. It’s not enough to start well; perseverance in obedience matters, and forsaking God brings serious consequences.

Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

Questions:

Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?

How does God's justice and mercy show up throughout these chapters?
What do these events teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises, even when people are unfaithful?
In what ways do we see God protecting His covenant and His chosen people?
How is God’s sovereignty displayed when evil rulers like Athaliah rise to power?
How do these chapters demonstrate that God raises up leaders at the right time to fulfill His plans?
How does God respond when His people turn away from Him after experiencing His blessings?
What does God’s patience with Judah, even after repeated rebellion, reveal about His character?

Questions About Themes:

How does the theme of "God’s Sovereign Preservation" appear in the story of Joash being hidden and protected?
What role does covenant loyalty play in the restoration of Judah?
How do the consequences of idolatry and disobedience stand out as a theme in these chapters?
What can we learn from the theme of leadership — both godly and ungodly — and its impact on a nation?
How does the theme of revival and reform unfold through Jehoiada’s actions?
How does the downfall of Joash after Jehoiada’s death highlight the theme of personal responsibility in faith?
In what ways do these chapters show the contrast between faithful beginnings and tragic endings?

Reflective Application Questions:

Where in my life do I need to trust God’s sovereignty more, even when circumstances seem out of control?
How am I influencing others — am I leading people toward faithfulness or compromise?
In what ways might I be relying on spiritual leaders or mentors rather than developing my own deep walk with God?
Am I guarding my heart against the slow drift into spiritual compromise like Joash did later in his life?
How can I take bold steps like Jehoiada to stand for truth even when it’s risky?
What "idols" might God be calling me to tear down in my heart or life?
How can I stay faithful to God throughout my life and not just in seasons when I feel strong support around me?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans