This chapter overviews a series of kings – one in Judah, and five in Israel (many of the Israelite kings were short-lived).
“In the thirty-eighth year of [Uzziah]… Zechariah son of Jeroboam became king of Israel… and he reigned six months. Shallum son of Jabesh became king in the thirty-ninth year of Uzziah… and he reigned… one month. In the thirty-ninth year of [Uzziah]… Menahem son of Gadi became king… and he reigned… ten years. In the fiftieth year of [Uzziah]… Pekahiah son of Menahem became king… and he reigned two years. In the fifty-second year of [Uzziah]… Pekah son of Remaliah became king… and he reigned twenty years.” (v8, 13, 17, 23, 27 abr)
What a mess. In this time there is a high turnover rate for kings in Israel because these kings all did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and 4/5 were assassinated. During the same time period in Judah, one king (Uzziah/Azariah, son of Amaziah) was reigning because he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord (until the end of his reign when he turned away and was stricken with leprosy).
For me, this chapter really reinforces two truths: God allows people in this world to commit great sins and evils because He has given us free will; God also will not allow evil to reign forever, and allows evil to destroy evil (most of these wicked rulers were assassinated by their wicked successor).
When we find ourselves disappointed or trapped by dire circumstances, and some people are practicing evil around us, we can rest assured that God will not allow evil to endure into eternity. It may last for many generations, but in God’s big-picture perspective, evil is only allowed to exist for a brief moment.
I encourage us to live with eternity in mind, focusing on God and His will in this moment, and keeping our eyes fixed on Him. By doing so we can have a healthy perspective on the evil in this world, and trust God to handle it. I know it’s hard not to let a sense of justice and judgement well up within us, but we’re called to love, not judge (see Mt 7:1-5, Lk 6:35-36). Let’s love as Jesus loved, and focus on obedience rather than vengeance. God will look after justice in His due time.
Father God, our Glorious Lord and Magnificent Savior, You are gracious and merciful beyond description. Father You have forgiven us greatly, and we ask that You’d help us to do the same. May we learn to love as Jesus did, and focus on obedience rather than judgement. Father may we constantly trust and seek You, leaving everything else in Your hands for Your timing. May we glorify You by the way we live, speak and act, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training