The Sad End of a Good King
Then the LORD struck the king, so that he was a leper until the day of his death; so he dwelt in an isolated house. And Jotham the king’s son was over the royal house, judging the people of the land. (2 Kings 15:5)
King Azariah (also known as Uzziah) was one of the better kings of Judah. In many ways he honored God and he had a lot of success and power. Yet even good kings have their problems, and Uzziah didn’t end well. He died a leper and a disgrace – because he could not handle his success and power.
2 Kings 15 tells us it happened, but we learn a lot more about the tragedy of Uzziah’s end from 2 Chronicles 26. There, we read this about King Uzziah who was marvelously helped till he became strong (2 Chronicles 26:15). 2 Chronicles tells us about Uzziah’s pride, seen when he was strong and successful: but when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD his God by entering the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense (2 Chronicles 26:16). The priests tried to stop him, but the king insisted on forcing his way into the temple to offer incense.
Uzziah (Azariah) violated what had become a general principle in God’s dealing with Israel: that no king should also be a priest. It was God’s plan that the offices of prophet, priest, and king should not be combined in one man – until the Messiah, who fulfilled all three offices.
In his last days, he dwelt in an isolated house. Uzziah came into the temple as an arrogant king, but he left as a humbled leper. Indeed, he hurried to get out, because the LORD had struck him (2 Chronicles 26:20). The actual penalty for violating the sacred place of the temple was death (Numbers 18:7). Instead, God struck Uzziah with leprosy, a disease that has been described as a living death.
Even with his tragic end, God used Uzziah even in his death, when he rested with his fathers. His passing contributed to the call of the prophet Isaiah: In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the LORD sitting on a throne (Isaiah 6:1).
Therefore, when Isaiah wrote that he was called in the year King Uzziah died, he said a lot. It was to say, “In the year a great and wise king died.” But it was also to say, “In the year a great and wise king who had a tragic end died.”
The prophet Isaiah had great reason to be discouraged and disillusioned at the death of King Uzziah, because a great king had passed away, and because his life ended tragically. Yet despite it all, he saw the enthroned LORD God who was greater than any earthly king.
Can you see God, enthroned and greater than all your disappointments?
Überraschende Barmherzigkeit
Dieser eroberte das Gebiet Israels zurück, von Lebo-Hamat an bis an das Meer der Arava, nach dem Wort des Herrn, des Gottes Israels, das er geredet hatte durch seinen Knecht Jona, den Sohn Amittais, den Propheten aus Gat-Hepher. Denn der Herr sah das so bittere Elend Israels, daß Mündige und Unmündige dahin waren und es keinen Retter für Israel gab. Und der Herr hatte nicht gesagt, daß er den Namen Israels unter dem Himmel austilgen wolle; deswegen half er ihnen durch Jerobeam, den Sohn des Joas. (2. Könige 14,25-27)
Diese Verse erzählen uns von der Regierung Jerobeams, dem König von Israel. In 2. Könige 14,24 lesen wir, dass „er tat, was böse in den Augen des HERRN war.“ Doch wir sehen hier drei überraschende Dinge, die Gott zur Zeit des Jerobeam tat.
Erstens sehen wir einen überraschenden Propheten: Nach dem Wort des HERRN, des Gottes Israels, das er geredet hatte durch seinen Knecht Jona, den Sohn Amittais, den Propheten aus Gat-Hepher. Das ist mit ziemlicher Sicherheit derselbe Jona, der für seine Reise nach Ninive bekannt wurde. Offensichtlich hatte er auch einen Dienst in seinem eigenen Volk und nicht nur in Ninive, wie es im Buch Jona geschrieben steht. Es ist gut, sich bewusst zu machen, dass Gott durch die Propheten damals viel mehr tat, als wir allgemein denken.
Zweitens sehen wir die Treue Gottes: Und der HERR hatte nicht gesagt, dass er den Namen Israels unter dem Himmel austilgen wolle. Auch wenn Israel Gott gegenüber so oft untreu geworden war, würde Er ihnen treu bleiben. Er wirkte sogar durch einen gottlosen Mann wie Jerobeam, um sie zu retten, als es keinen Retter für Israel gab.
Und schließlich sehen wir die überraschende Barmherzigkeit Gottes: Dieser eroberte das Gebiet Israels zurück…denn der HERR sah das bittere Elend Israels. In Seiner großen Barmherzigkeit war Gott freundlich zu Israel, das von einem bösen König regiert wurde. Diese barmherzige Wiederherstellung zeigte sich auf viele Arten. Israel gewonn verlorene Gebiete zurück, und sie kamen in den Genuss von Wohlstand.
Dafür gibt es archäologische Beweise. Ausgrabungen antiker israelischer Städte zeigen, dass zur Zeit von Jerobeams Regierung größere und luxuriösere Häuser gebaut wurden. Als Israel Zerstörung und Mangel verdient hatte, gab Gott ihnen überraschende Barmherzigkeit durch ihren bösen König Jerobeam. Doch im Buch Amos können wir lesen, dass Israel nicht gut mit diesem Wohlstand umging, und die Boshaftigkeit, die sie unter dem Wohlstand von Jerobeam dem zweiten zeigten, brachte nur größeres Gericht auf sie.
Freunde, Gott hat uns große Barmherzigkeit – überraschende Barmherzigkeit – in Jesus Christus erwiesen. Er hat uns unsere Sünden vergeben und uns, durch das, was Jesus am Kreuz tat, eine Beziehung zu Ihm möglich gemacht. Gott hat Gebiete zurück erobert, die dir von der Welt, dem Fleisch und dem Teufel genommen wurden und hat dir in vieler Weise Wohlstand gegeben.
Wie wirst du auf Seine überraschende Barmherzigkeit reagieren? Bitte vergiß nicht, dich Gott unterzuordnen und Ihn zu ehren, wenn Er dir große Barmherzigkeit zeigt.
Except the High Places
And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done, except that the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. (2 King 15:3-4)
These words concern a king over Judah named Azariah (2 Kings 15:1-2). He was also called Uzziah in 2 Kings 15:13 and many other places in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and the writings of the prophet Isaiah. Azariah (Uzziah) was a good king – he did what was right in the sight of the LORD. The blessing of the LORD was on this king, and he was rewarded with a long reign of 52 years.
Azariah came to the throne in a difficult time. When his father Amaziah died, Jerusalem was in chaos. A significant section of the city’s wall was destroyed. The palace was emptied of many of its treasures, and some people of Judah had been seized by enemies as hostages.
Considering all that, it’s amazing to see what a good king Azariah was, and how much he accomplished. 2 Chronicles 26 tells us more about the successful reign of Uzziah (Azariah):
– He began his reign when he was only 16 years old (2 Chronicles 26:3).
– He reigned during the ministry of Zechariah the prophet (2 Chronicles 26:5).
– He defeated the Philistines and took many of their cities, and also kept the Ammonites in tribute to Judah (2 Chronicles 26:6-8).
– He was internationally famous as a strong king (2 Chronicles 26:8).
– He was an ambitious builder and skilled in agriculture (2 Chronicles 26:9-10).
– He built up and organized the army, introducing several new items of military technology (2 Chronicles 26:11-15).
It’s easy to look at the reign of Azariah and think he was one of the best kings of Judah, because he did so much good. However, the Bible goes on to say that the reign of Azariah didn’t end well. The seeds for that bad end were sowed much earlier in his life. We see it in 2 Kings 15:4: except that the high places were not removed. Notice that word: except.
As with Jehoash (2 Kings 12:3) and Amaziah (2 Kings 14:4), the reforms of Azariah did not reach far enough. Each of these kings stopped short of removing the high places, these traditional places of sacrifice to the LORD. We could say that these idolatrous high places were King Azariah’s except – what’s yours?
Many of us have an except in our life. God has done much in our life, and we walk in a generally faithful way. None of us is perfect, and every day we stand before God not in our own faithfulness, but in what Jesus did for us on the cross. Yet, there is something wrong when we know in our heart that we hide an except that God wants to deal with.
Confess your “except” to God, receive His forgiveness for Jesus’ sake, and leave it at the cross.
Together In His Name
Dear Pastor, Preacher, or Bible Teacher –
Did you get to preach or teach God’s Word this last weekend? If you did get that privilege, you might be a little drained today. If it is done right, preaching and teaching the Bible will take something out of you. It’s not only a giving of God’s truth, it is also a giving of one’s self.
Here is an encouraging word from Jesus:
For where two or three are
gathered together in My name,
I am there in the midst of them.
(Matthew 18:20)
In my last email to you we thought about the first few words of this wonderful verse, Matthew 18:20: Where two or three are gathered. Now let’s think about the next few words: are gathered together in My name.
As always, we want to remember the context of this encouraging word from Jesus. Our Savior said this in the context of speaking about order and even correction among God’s people (Matthew 18:15-18). Jesus promised to be among His people, and that His presence would give them the authority to confront and correct.
Still, we can’t miss what Jesus said: that His people should be gathered together in His name. Even it if is only a few (two or three), if they are gathered together in His name, it’s a precious gathering to Jesus. We could say that the most important thing isn’t so much gathering together – people do that all the time. The most important thing is gathering together in Jesus’ name.
Gathering together in His name means that we are known by Jesus and by His name. We belong to Jesus, and we aren’t afraid to proclaim it. It doesn’t matter if the culture or a government thinks we are foolish or dangerous for meeting in Jesus’ name; we love to gather together in His name.
Gathering together in His name means that Jesus is our point of gathering; we gather around Him. What draws us together and keeps us together is Jesus. It isn’t race, class, political party, or ethnic group. We gather around Jesus, the real Jesus revealed in the Bible.
Gathering together in His name means gathering according to the character and nature of Jesus. Our meetings, our church services, our Bible studies, and Sunday school classes are of such a character that Jesus would endorse them. They are consistent with the love, wisdom, character, and holiness of Jesus.
Isn’t it wonderful to gather in the name of Jesus? And, if God has given you the responsibility for leading, organizing, or teaching when God’s people are gathered together, I pray that God will give you the grace and the wisdom to always do it truly in the name of Jesus!
Blessings to You in Jesus’ Name – David Guzik
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Unnötige Probleme
Und Joas, der König von Israel, nahm Amazja, den König von Juda, den Sohn des Joas, des Sohnes Ahasjas, bei Beth-Schemesch gefangen; und er kam nach Jerusalem und riß die Stadtmauern ein, vom Tor Ephraim bis zum Ecktor, auf 400 Ellen Länge. Und er nahm alles Gold und Silber und alle Geräte, die sich im Haus des Herrn und in den Schätzen im Haus des Königs fanden, dazu Geiseln, und kehrte wieder nach Samaria zurück. (2. Könige 14,13-14)
Amazja war der König von Juda, das Königreich der zwei südlichen Stämme der Nachkommen Israels. Eigentlich war er ein guter und gottgefälliger König (2. Könige 14,3). Die Bibel erzählt uns von seinem Gehorsam und seinen großen Siegen. Doch er schuf sich selbst unnötige Probleme, und in 2. Könige 14,13-14 lesen wir, was die Konsequenzen seiner Dummheit waren
Amazja griff törichterweise den König von Israel an, das Königreich der zehn nördlichen Stämme. Durch diesen dummen und unnötigen Angriff auf seine Brüder im Norden nahm Joas, der König von Israel, gefangen, und er verlor seine Freiheit und wurde eine Zeit lang der Gefangene des Königs von Israel.
Joas hatte Amazja gewarnt (2. Könige 14,8-11), aber der hörte nicht. Er fragte Amazja: „warum willst das Unheil herausfordern?“ (2. Könige 25,19). Vielleicht wollte er nicht hören, weil seine Armee kampferprobt und mächtig war. Doch Gott gewährte Israel den Sieg über Juda, um den Götzendienst Amazjas zu bestrafen. 2. Chronik 25,20 sagt uns, dass dies passierte, weil Amazja die Götter von Edom anbetete.
Also ging Joas nach Jerusalem und riß die Stadtmauern ein. Das waren unnötige Probleme. Wegen seinem törichten Angriff musste Amazja zusehen, wie die Verteidigungsmauern von Jerusalem niedergerissen wurden. Sie verloren nicht nur die Schlacht, sondern sie waren auch gegen zukünftige Angriffe nicht mehr gut gewappnet.
Als Joas nach Jerusalem kam, nahm er alles Gold und Silber. Das waren unnötige Probleme. Wegen seinem törichten Angriff, verlor Amazja den Schatz von Gottes Volk. Amazja war nicht weise genug, um zu überblicken, dass eine Niederlage nicht nur ihm, sondern auch anderen wehtun würde.
Es ging sogar so weit, dass Geiseln mit nach Samaria genommen wurden. Das waren unnötige Probleme. Amazja traf die Entscheidung Israel anzugreifen, doch der Preis für den törichten Angriff musste das ganze Königreich Juda bezahlen. Dies ist eine ernste Warnung an alle Leiter, dass sie sich bewusst sein müssen, dass ihre dummen Entscheidungen unnötige Probleme für sich und viele andere bedeuten.
Amazja hörte die Warnung: „warum willst du das Unheil herausfordern?“ Er hörte es, doch er wollte nicht hören. Viele von uns gehen in dieselbe Falle. Wir fordern unnötige Probleme heraus und verletzen nicht nur uns selbst, sondern auch die, die uns nahe stehen.
Der Name Amazja bedeutet „Stärke Jahwes.“ Aber 2. Chronik 25,11 erzählt uns „Amazja stärkte sich selbst.“ Wenn du deine Kraft in dir selbst suchst, wirst du Probleme kriegen und nicht in der Lage sein, dich selbst zu retten. Erinnere dich stattdessen an die Bedeutung von dem Namen Jesus: „Jahwe ist Rettung.“ Wenn wir auf Jesus vertrauen, ist Gott unsere Stärke und Weisheit und rettet uns vor unnötigen Problemen.
Surprising Mercy
He restored the territory of Israel from the entrance of Hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet who was from Gath Hepher. For the LORD saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter; and whether bond or free, there was no helper for Israel. And the LORD did not say that He would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven; but He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash. (2 Kings 14:25-27)
These verses tell us about the reign of Jeroboam, king of Israel. 2 Kings 14:24 tells us that “he did evil in the sight of the LORD.” Yet, we can see three surprising things through what God did in the days of Jeroboam.
First, we see a surprising prophet: According to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet. This is almost certainly the same Jonah who was famous for his missionary trip to Nineveh. Apparently, he also had a ministry among his own people, not only in Nineveh as recorded in the book of Jonah. It’s good to remember that God did much more through these ancient prophets than we commonly think.
Second, we see the faithfulness of God: the LORD did not say that He would blot out the name of Israel. Even though Israel had been unfaithful to God many times, He would not stop being faithful to them. He worked through even an ungodly man like Jeroboam to rescue them when there was no helper for Israel.
Finally, we see the surprising mercy of God: He restored the territory of Israel…for the LORD saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter. Out of great mercy, God showed kindness to a disobedient Israel ruled by an evil king. This merciful restoration came in many ways. Israel regained lost territory, and they also enjoyed a great season of prosperity.
This is confirmed by archaeology. Digs of ancient Israelite cities show how in Jeroboam’s reign they built bigger houses with more luxuries. When Israel deserved destruction and deprivation, God gave surprising mercy through the wicked king Jeroboam. But the book of Amos shows that Israel did not handle this prosperity well, and the wickedness they showed under the prosperity of Jeroboam II actually built up more judgment against them.
Friends, God has shown us great mercy – surprising mercy – in Jesus Christ. He has forgiven our sins and restored us to relationship with Him, because of what Jesus did on the cross. God has restored territory taken from you by the world, the flesh, and the devil and God has prospered you in many ways.
How will you respond to His surprising mercy? Please remember to submit to God and honor Him when He shows great mercy to you.
Unnecessary Trouble
Then Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah…and [Jehoash] went to Jerusalem, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem…. And he took all the gold and silver, all the articles that were found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the king’s house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria. (2 Kings 14:13-14)
Amaziah was the king of Judah, the realm of the two southern tribes of the descendants of Israel. In general, he was a good and godly king (2 Kings 14:3). The Bible tells us of his obedience and great victories. Yet he also fell into unnecessary trouble, and 2 Kings 14:13-14 give us the consequences of his foolishness.
Amaziah foolishly attacked the king of Israel, the realm of the ten northern tribes. Because of his foolish, unnecessary attack on his northern brothers, Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah and he lost his freedom and for a time became a prisoner of the king of Israel.
Jehoash warned Amaziah (2 Kings 14:8-11) but he would not listen. He asked Amaziah, “why should you meddle with trouble so that you fall?” (2 Chronicles 14:10) Maybe he would not listen because his army was battle-tested and mighty. Yet, God gave Israel the victory over Judah to rebuke the idolatry of Amaziah. 2 Chronicles 25:20 tells us it was because Amaziah started worshipping the gods of Edom.
So king Jehoash went to Jerusalem, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem. This was unnecessary trouble. Because of his foolish attack, Amaziah saw the defenses of Jerusalem broken down. Not only did they lose the battle, but they were also weaker against future attacks.
When Joash came to Jerusalem, he took all the gold and silver. This was unnecessary trouble. Because of his foolish attack, Amaziah lost the treasure of God’s people. Amaziah didn’t have the wisdom to see how losing this battle would hurt others as well as himself.
This even extended to hostages who were taken from Jerusalem to Samaria. This was unnecessary trouble. Amaziah made the decision to attack Israel, but the cost of the foolish attack was paid by the whole kingdom of Judah. This is a sober warning to all leaders, to consider how their foolish decisions bring unnecessary trouble to many other people.
Amaziah heard the warning, “why should you meddle with trouble so that you fall?” He heard it, but he didn’t listen. Many of us fall into the same trap. We meddle with a lot of unnecessary trouble that we should leave alone, and it hurts not only us but others close to us.
The name “Amaziah” means, “Strength of Yahweh.” But 2 Chronicles 25:11 tells us, “Amaziah strengthened himself.” When you find your strength in yourself, you will eventually find yourself in trouble, unable to save yourself. Instead, remember the meaning of Jesus’ name: “Yahweh is Salvation.” As we trust in Jesus, God is our strength and wisdom, saving us from many unnecessary troubles.
