This chapters recounts the next King of Judah, Ahaziah, son of Jehoram. There are so many events and people referenced in a short chapter, it’s pretty hard to follow, but we’ll give it a try.
“For when [Ahaziah] came [to Israel], he went out with Jehoram to meet Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the Lord had anointed to destroy the house of Ahab. And when Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab, he met the princes of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah’s brothers… and he killed them. He searched for Ahaziah, and he was captured while hiding in Samaria, and he was brought to Jehu and put to death.” (v7-9a abr)
After reading this chapter three times I think I get the flow of events – Jehoshaphat’s wicked son (Jehoram) is succeeded by his wicked grandson (Ahaziah) who goes to visit the King of Israel (also named Jehoram). While visiting, Ahaziah and his entire family (brothers and nephews who are with him) are killed by Jehu, whom God raised up to destroy the house of Ahab (a previous wicked King of Israel, who was Ahaziah’s other grandfather).
The drama continues as Ahaziah’s mother (Ahab’s daughter, wife of Jehoram [Judah]) begins executing all remaining royals in Judah, making herself queen of Judah. Her daughter, Jehoshabeath (Ahaziah’s sister) manages to hide Ahaziah’s infant son from execution, so there is still technically an heir in his lineage. This is the type of drama soap opera creators dream of writing.
Note: This chart of the kings may be helpful. We’re roughly at the half-way point. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f3/Genealogy_of_the_kings_of_Israel_and_Judah.svg
Long story short (too late, I know) God does not tolerate people (especially leaders) misguiding other people. Ahab and Jezebel (Israel), Ahaziah (Israel), Jehoram (Israel), Jehoram and Athaliah (Judah), and Ahaziah (Judah), are all leaders who misled the people, and they were all forcibly removed from their place of influence.
I encourage us to continue having a God-honoring influence. It doesn’t take any thought or effort to influence people in worldly ways. To influence people in a God-honoring way takes courage, integrity, effort, and intention, which is why so many choose the easy door. Let’s allow the Spirit to guide us and strengthen us through the right (narrow) door, and not just go with the flow down through the easy (broad) door (see Mt 7:13-14).
Father God, our Great and Mighty Lord, You are wise and guide us far better than we realize. Father You consistently offer us Your wisdom and discernment through Your Spirit, and I ask that we would learn to embrace that help. Please help us to influence others according to Your will and word, in the name of Your son Jesus, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training