Tuesday, November 5 – 2 Kings 8, 9 – Additional Reading: Prophets and Kings, Chapter 19, “A Prophet of Peace”

1. How does the prophet Elisha show his concern for the Shunammite woman when he advises her to move elsewhere due to the coming famine? 2 Kings 8:1-2

2. The Old Testament mentions the phrase, “and he did evil in the sight of the Lord” 27 times; what are the implications of such a statement? 2 Kings 8:18, 27

3. What lessons can be learned from the tragic deaths of Ahab and Jezebel? 2 Kings 9:33-37

Commentary and Reflection:

2 Kings 8 begins by showcasing God’s kindness toward a faithful daughter. This Shunammite woman is the same one mentioned in 2 Kings 4:8-37. She and her husband were happy to care for the prophet Elisha. She believed in God’s mission and used her resources to support and promote His sacred work. She suffered the loss of her son but also rejoiced when he was returned to her through the miracle of resurrection performed by God through Elisha. Her obedience to the prophet’s word to relocate due to the impending famine highlights God’s mercy and care for His faithful children. This is not merely a story from the past; it is a present reality. God always cares for each of us.

Israel and Judah had 40 kings throughout their history, and on 27 occasions, the biblical authors state, they “did evil in the sight of the Lord,” although the number of wicked kings was higher than 27. Some of these kings began by doing good but later became corrupt. However, regarding Ahab, it was noted that he “did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were before him,” and the people of Israel had to endure his wickedness for 22 years (1 Kings 16:30). In other words, among the wicked kings, Ahab was one of the worst. His marriage to Jezebel further magnified the evil in his heart. The biblical account states that from the beginning of his reign, they worshipped foreign gods in direct opposition to the Lord.

The words of Solomon could very well apply to this royal couple: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Prov. 16:25). The deaths of both were tragic; the dogs licked their blood (1 Kings 22:38; 2 Kings 9:36). This serves as an example of the sad end that awaits those who turn their backs on God and persist in wickedness.

In the narrative of 2 Kings 8 and 9, we observe the contrast between a faithful woman, to whom God restored her son, and an unfaithful royal couple who met a horrific end.

The stories of these individuals continue to repeat today. It is our choice to be faithful or unfaithful. We can live a righteous life of obedience and loyalty to God or a life of disobedience that brings tears and pain to ourselves and those who love us.

My invitation today is to remain faithful to God and walk in His ways daily.

May God bless you with a beautiful day.