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SERMON NOTES
The Lord Touched the King
2 Kings 15
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: The lives of seven kings—two in Judah and five in Israel—are covered in this chapter at a quickening pace as the author of 2 Kings brings us closer to the end of the northern kingdom. Azariah (also known as Uzziah), king of Judah, is listed first. Despite his reign of fifty-two years, he is remembered here for having leprosy. Though the author does not go into detail, a longer narrative is provided in 2 Chronicles 26, revealing that Azariah suffered this affliction due to his prideful attempt to assume priestly as well as kingly authority. Consequently, Azariah is required to live in a separate house while his son governs the people of Judah. The northern kingdom begins its rapid decline after the death of Jeroboam, as five successive kings acquire the throne by dubious means. Each king continues the idolatrous policies of the past while finding new opportunities to commit evil actions. As the stage is now set for the fall of Israel, it seems as if the Lord “touching” the king was more an act of mercy than mere judgment.
01. Take care lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. (Hebrews 3:12)
02. Do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. (Hebrews 12:5-6)
03. There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. (Hebrews 4:9-10)
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. Why do you think 2 Kings 15:1-7 says so little about the fifty-two-year reign of King Azariah/Uzziah? According to 2 Chronicles 26, what did King Azariah/Uzziah accomplish during his reign? What do both approaches suggest about the stain that one sin can have upon a person’s reputation?
2. What event led to King Azariah/Uzziah receiving leprosy? How did this condition affect the remainder of his reign? In light of this account, what can we learn about the nature of pride in light of our past successes? What should come to mind when we think we ourselves are an exception to God’s rules?
3. Trace the reigns of the kings of Israel in 2 Kings 15:8-32. What is the common denominator for them all? In what ways does their accession to the throne demonstrate the continued downward spiral of the northern kingdom? Does this section make you long for a world where such evil is a thing of the past?
4. Notice how verse 12 reminds us that God was faithful to his promise to Jehu. What does this suggest about the consistency of God’s character? Why is it important to abide by God’s promises when they are negative as well as positive? In other words, since God keeps His Word to bless those who walk with Him and threatens judgment for those who walk away from Him, what is the best option?
5. It is evident in this chapter that the events of the northern kingdom are headed in the direction of defeat by adversarial powers. How does the Lord “touching” King Azariah/Uzziah with leprosy provide a merciful contrast with that of the northern kings who act with impunity? In what ways can we see God’s discipline as an act of mercy, calling us back to him from the brink of judgment?
For Further Reading: Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices (first published, 1652; Banner of Truth edition, 2021).
1. Why do you think 2 Kings 15:1-7 says so little about the fifty-two-year reign of King Azariah/Uzziah? According to 2 Chronicles 26, what did King Azariah/Uzziah accomplish during his reign? What do both approaches suggest about the stain that one sin can have upon a person’s reputation?
2. What event led to King Azariah/Uzziah receiving leprosy? How did this condition affect the remainder of his reign? In light of this account, what can we learn about the nature of pride in light of our past successes? What should come to mind when we think we ourselves are an exception to God’s rules?
3. Trace the reigns of the kings of Israel in 2 Kings 15:8-32. What is the common denominator for them all? In what ways does their accession to the throne demonstrate the continued downward spiral of the northern kingdom? Does this section make you long for a world where such evil is a thing of the past?
4. Notice how verse 12 reminds us that God was faithful to his promise to Jehu. What does this suggest about the consistency of God’s character? Why is it important to abide by God’s promises when they are negative as well as positive? In other words, since God keeps His Word to bless those who walk with Him and threatens judgment for those who walk away from Him, what is the best option?
5. It is evident in this chapter that the events of the northern kingdom are headed in the direction of defeat by adversarial powers. How does the Lord “touching” King Azariah/Uzziah with leprosy provide a merciful contrast with that of the northern kings who act with impunity? In what ways can we see God’s discipline as an act of mercy, calling us back to him from the brink of judgment?
For Further Reading: Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices (first published, 1652; Banner of Truth edition, 2021).