Four more kings of Israel were mentioned in this chapter. They are Elah (son of Baasha), Zimri (Elah's official), Omri (an army commander) and Ahab (son of Omri). None of them did right before God and continued to lead the nation into sin. No wonder their reigns were all short lived compared to Asa, king of Judah who outlasted all these four kings of Israel. Zimri had the honored of the shortest reign, only 7 days. Ahab sinned even more by marrying Jazebel, the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians. It was this woman who later caused Elijah to fear and run for his life as she was so very wicked.
Asa was the son of Rehoboam, who came closest to being a good king as far as following God's command was concerned. And that, perhaps was the reason that his reign lasted so long - almost 40 years and he was succeeded by Jehosaphat.
Major Verses
V1-4, 11-13, 18 - Just as Baasha was used as an instrument of punishement upon Jeroboam, Baasha's clan was similarly dealt with by Zimri who overthrew Elah. Baasha, though raised by God to fulfill His will, did not yield himself to God's ways. He led the nation into deep sin and thus was eventually punished in the same way. In the same manner, Zimri who walked in the sinful ways of Jeroboam met the same fate. Only in his case, he lasted only 7 days on the throne.
What I learn
God can use any one to fulfill His plans. Being used does not automatically mean that we is accepted and assured. If we do not follow God's way, then we will be subjected to the consequences as well. As a leader, I am mindful that I have great responsibilities to fulfill and therefore a departure from His ways will cause me greater pains. There is only one sure way, that is, to follow God's decree all the way and all the time. Ask the Holy Spirit to help us do that.
V24-26 - Omri was a capable commander and leader. He built Samaria to become the capital city for Israel which remained as the capital until the nation fell to the Assyrians. While he built the nation, he failed to take care of the spiritual condition of the people. Omri also did worst things than Jeroboam did and angered God by worshipping idols.
What I learn
Omri walked in the ways of Jeroboam though he saw how Jeroboam was severely dealt with. Let us be careful to learn from others' mistakes.
V32-33 - To please his wife Jezebel, Ahab built a temple for Baal and also put up an Asherah pole. These acts were clearly going against God's ways as they led the entire nation into sin.
What I learn
Do we want to please God or men? In our life, we will always have to may such choices. We must ask God for help to make such decisions wisely and with reverence to Him.
Summary
The kings continued to lead their people into sin against God. They paid for their sins. There is no reason that we should go against God; it will only bring us into disasters.
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What I learn
Omri walked in the ways of Jeroboam though he saw how Jeroboam was severely dealt with. Let us be careful to learn from others' mistakes.
V32-33 - To please his wife Jezebel, Ahab built a temple for Baal and also put up an Asherah pole. These acts were clearly going against God's ways as they led the entire nation into sin.
What I learn
Do we want to please God or men? In our life, we will always have to may such choices. We must ask God for help to make such decisions wisely and with reverence to Him.
Summary
The kings continued to lead their people into sin against God. They paid for their sins. There is no reason that we should go against God; it will only bring us into disasters.
Leave you comments
Share your learning and encourage others by leaving them in the "Comments" page.
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