For the Sake of David His Servant
2 Kings 8:16-29
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: The successive reigns of the son and grandson of Jehoshaphat are brought into focus as the author’s attention returns to events taking place in Judah. Although Jehoram was raised by a godly father and co-reigned with him, he chose an entirely different path after becoming the sole ruler over Judah. According to the parallel account in 2 Chronicles 21, Jehoram adopted the evil ways of his wife, murdered his own brothers, and led his country astray by establishing unauthorized places of worship. He received ample warning from the revolt of Edom and the reception of a letter from Elijah, but to no avail—he eventually died a horrible death and was soon forgotten by those over whom he ruled. His son and successor, Ahaziah, would fare no better, ruling for only one year while promoting evil instead of good. Given the previous warnings about breaking God’s covenant, the question naturally arises why Judah has not been completely destroyed already, to which the author of 2 Kings points to God’s previous promises and ongoing patience with His people.
01. The Bible affirms human responsibility alongside divine sovereignty as it relates to events in our lives and on a larger scale. Let us seek to live wisely and pray for God’s mercy.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. Consider the advantages that Jehoram had as the son of Jehoshaphat. What advantages did Jehoram have as the son of a king? What advantages did he have as the son of a godly father? If we were mapping out Jehoram’s life with these advantages in mind, how would we expect him to live his life? What advantages or obstacles have you experienced in your walk with the Lord?
2. According to verse 18, what reason is given for Jehoram’s departure from the ways of his father? What does this reason suggest about the importance of marrying someone who is already walking with the Lord? If you are married, how does your spouse encourage you to grow in the Lord?
3. Read 2 Chronicles 21. What information is given about Jehoram that is not given in 2 Kings 8? What preemptive warning did Jehoram receive from the prophet Elijah? How does this preemptive warning remind us to take heed to God’s Word whenever we hear it?
4. Discuss the final verse of 2 Chronicles 21. What does the lack of, after his death, reveal about the way that Jehoram lived his life? How do you hope to be remembered by others? What are you doing in your life in order to ensure that such memories are grounded in reality?
5. Think of how the actions of Jehoram affected the people of Judah and provoked the anger of the Lord. How did the Lord bring about immediate consequences while refraining from destroying Judah altogether? What does this passage suggest about the patience of the Lord, even though judgment is deserved? See 2 Peter 3 for further insight.
For Further Reading: John Flavel, Preparations for Sufferings: The Best Work in the Worst of Times (first published, 1682; Aneko Press, 2022)