This dense chapter tells of five consecutive Israelite kings who reigned during Asa’s reign in Judah.
“In the twenty-sixth year of Asa king of Judah, Elah the son of Baasha began to reign over Israel in Tirzah, and he reigned two years. In the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah, Zimri reigned seven days in Tirzah. In the thirty-first year of Asa king of Judah, Omri began to reign over Israel, and he reigned for twelve years; six years he reigned in Tirzah. In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel, and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years.” (v8,15,23,29)
A couple of historical tidbits for you:
– Elah was murdered by Zimri, who killed himself when besieged by Omri.
– Zimri holds the record for shortest reign in the entire Bible (7 days)
– Omri purchased land and built the city of Samaria, which replaced Tirzah as the capital city of Israel
– Ahab the son of Omri married Jezebel, and went and served Baal and worshiped him (we’ll hear much more about this couple a little later)
If you’re keeping track, Israel has not yet had a God-honoring king since the kingdom split in two (Judah and Israel under Rehoboam’s reign). In fact, each king is described as being more wicked than the previous (and we thought Jeroboam was bad). At this point Israel is in total spiritual depravity. Spoiler alert: the stage in Israel is now set for two well-known prophets to make an appearance.
God could choose to wipe out the nation of Israel and just keep the partially obedient nation of Judah. However, God in His infinite mercy will relent from totally destroying Israel and will give them yet another chance at repentance.
God is just as merciful today as He was 2900-3000 years ago (the approximate time period in which these kings reigned). In fact His ultimate act of mercy was sending Jesus His son to pay the death penalty for our sin. This season is the perfect time to celebrate God’s mercy upon us – let’s rejoice that the God of Israel has once more relented from the destruction of those who call upon His name.
Father God, our Righteous and Generous Lord, great and mighty is Your magnificent name. All praise, honor and glory be unto You Father, for Your abundant mercy upon us. Thank you for relenting from our destruction, even though we deserved it. Thank You for sending Jesus as the ultimate act of mercy. It is by His name we are redeemed, and by His blood we are set free from the power of death. Holy, holy, holy is Your name, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training