(REFLECTIONS ON 2 Kings 8:16-29)

The kingship of Ahab and Jezebel in the northern kingdom of Israel is generally remembered as one of great evil, as Ahab and Jezebel killed the prophets of the Lord and even pursued the prophet Elijah in fear and hostility. Yet that was the northern kingdom of Israel, what about the southern kingdom of Judah?

In today’s Scripture, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat became king over the southern kingdom of Judah. Interestingly, however, his reign is compared to that of Ahab, the former king of the northern kingdom of Israel.

18 “He walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab became his wife; and he did evil in the sight of the Lord.”

The daughter of Ahab became the wife of Jehoram king of Judah. Not only was she his wife, but likely also a political ally, political influence, and even a religious influence as well. It is a reminder that who we ally ourselves with makes a difference.

It is also a reminder that we are often easily influenced, especially by those closest to us. If we do not hold firmly to our faith, then we too can easily be swayed, lured away, and not even realize it.

After Jehoram, his son Ahaziah became king of Judah, yet again we read,

26 “Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Athaliah the granddaughter of Omri king of Israel. 27 He walked in the way of the house of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the Lord, like the house of Ahab had done, because he was a son-in-law of the house of Ahab.”

Not only Jehoram, but also his son Ahaziah was influenced by the house of Ahab, leading us to ask the question, who is really in charge in the southern kingdom of Judah? Whose house is it? It seems that through political alliance, the house had in many ways become Ahab’s.

Despite this, grace was still poured out upon Judah. Today’s Scripture tells us,

19 “However, the Lord was not willing to destroy Judah, for the sake of David His servant, since He had promised him to give a lamp to him through his sons always.”

Today’s Scripture leads us to reflect on the alliances we have made in our own lives, and on what or who influences us even though we are sons and daughters of the Lord Most High. Yes, there is grace in this, but we should not take grace for granted. Rather, we should honestly ask ourselves the question, whose house is it?

Grace is there for us when we answer that question truthfully, turn back to God, and proclaim that this is the house of God. Yes, there is grace in our faith, but let us not let grace be for naught, but rather let us allow the Lord to take back His rightful place in our lives.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: 2 Kings 8