Destruction: A Study in 2 KingsSample

What does it say?

Jehu was anointed king of Israel and told by the prophet to destroy the house of Ahab, including Jezebel. Prophecies fulfilled justice for the murder of Naboth.

What does it mean?

God had mercifully delayed judgment on Ahab’s family when he humbled himself before the Lord regarding compliance to Naboth’s murder at the hands of Jezebel. Instead, Elijah prophesied’s disaster would fall on Ahab’s son, Joram (1 Kings 21). This may seem unfair on the surface. However, woven into the account of their lives was the opportunity for Joram and Jezebel to make the same choice Ahab did – humble contrition. As king, Joram chose to follow his mother’s evil practices. God’s 20-year delay of justice was also an opportunity for repentance. God’s justice and mercy are perfectly balanced.

How should I respond?

As human beings, we are highly shortsighted regarding the big picture. We are so close to the immediate events of our lives and culture that we can’t fathom what God is doing. We’re usually grateful for His mercy on our own lives but question why the Lord would delay justice on someone else’s sin. We fail to comprehend that God extends opportunities for repentance to even the worst of humanity. His justice and mercy are two sides of the same coin. How has God shown you mercy? For whom do you need to pray humble repentance rather than wish God’s swift judgment?