Day 98 - Thrones, Treachery & Triumph: God’s Justice and Mercy in the Midst of Kings

Welcome to Day 98 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are continuing the book of 2 Kings. In 2 Kings 10-13, these chapters highlight the turbulent transitions of power, judgment upon wicked rulers, and God's faithfulness despite Israel’s rebellion. Jehu carries out a brutal purge to fulfill God's judgment on Ahab’s family and Baal worshippers, yet fails to fully walk in obedience. Athaliah usurps the throne of Judah, but God preserves David’s lineage through Joash, who brings reform under priestly guidance. Later, Joash’s own failure and assassination reflect Judah’s spiritual decline. In Israel, Jehoahaz and Jehoash continue the cycle of partial repentance and disobedience, but God shows compassion in times of oppression. Elisha’s final prophetic acts, even in death, emphasize God's enduring power and promises.

2 Kings 10: Jehu takes drastic action to eradicate Ahab’s dynasty and Baal worship in Israel. After securing the throne, he orders the execution of Ahab’s seventy sons, influential supporters, and relatives. He uses a cunning plan to assemble and slaughter all Baal worshippers, demolishing the temple of Baal. While Jehu fulfills God's judgment, he continues to follow the sins of Jeroboam by maintaining the golden calf worship in Israel. As a result, God limits Jehu’s reign to four generations and begins to reduce Israel’s territory through foreign oppression. Jehu's reign, though zealous in judgment, falls short of full devotion to the Lord.

2 Kings 11: Athaliah, mother of Ahaziah, seizes the throne of Judah after her son’s death by killing off the royal family. However, Jehosheba, Ahaziah’s sister, secretly saves Joash, an infant heir to David’s throne. Hidden in the temple for six years, Joash is finally revealed by the priest Jehoiada, who orchestrates a bold plan to crown him king. Athaliah is executed, and the covenant between God, the king, and the people is renewed. The temple of Baal is destroyed, and Joash begins his reign, guided by Jehoiada’s godly influence.

2 Kings 12: King Joash, under the mentorship of Jehoiada the priest, initiates temple repairs and restores worship in Judah. He commands that offerings be used for temple renovations, but progress is slow due to corruption. A new system of accountability is established, and the repairs resume faithfully. Later, when Jerusalem is threatened by Hazael of Syria, Joash uses temple treasures as a bribe instead of seeking God's help. Eventually, his departure from godly counsel leads to his assassination by his own servants. His early promise fades as he drifts from God’s path.

2 Kings 13: Jehoahaz, Jehu’s son, rules Israel but continues in Jeroboam’s sinful ways. Israel suffers under Aramean oppression until Jehoahaz cries out to God. The Lord sends deliverance, but Israel still does not turn from idolatry. His son Jehoash (Joash) continues in his father’s ways, yet shows some reverence toward the prophet Elisha. Elisha’s final prophecy to Joash foretells partial victory over Aram. Even in death, Elisha’s bones perform a miracle, showing God’s lingering power. Though Israel remains spiritually compromised, God still offers mercy and deliverance.