This is a raw and fascinating section of Judah’s history. Three things really stood out for me: the importance of authentic God centered leadership; the seductive and derailing impact of spiritual pride for anyone, even ‘good kings’; and the times we either get ahead of God or don’t see our next assignment/direction from God correctly. In the last one we carry out ‘our plan’ sometimes with far reaching and painful results.
In 2 Chronicles we see what a ‘good king’, someone who lives a life that is pleasing to God, has an immense positive influence over a tribe or nation. Good character in leadership has a profound impact on people. A king’s integrity, actual behavior, focus, and the words he use’s matter in the office of King as defined by YHWH.
These kings continue the pattern of rule where their actions are ‘evil or displeasing to the Lord’ and or pleasing to God. Hezekiah and Josiah were the ‘good’ Kings and four were not, Manasseh, Amon, Jehoahaz, (Eliakim, aka Jehoiakim), and Jehoiachin. Although Manasseh, does a remarkable about face from a very ‘evil king’ to a ‘good king’. In his journey as a King of Judah he would be conquered, then ridiculed and imprisoned by the Assyrian military commanders. The scriptures give us some insight in his transformation.
But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God! (2 Chron 12-13)
To see this child king leave his twisted and arrogant ways to become ‘all in’ on the way of YHWH is stunning! His turn about is evident in his zeal for undoing what he had done with idol placement in the Temple and worshipping of idol’s, restoring God’s Temple, encouraging the people of Judah to worship the LORD their God, and rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem. A sign of of hope for even the most hardened souls! The condition of “deep distress’ coupled with a humble sprit is often the seed for transformation to a better place when walking toward God instead of away. King Manasseh led his kingdom down one path which brought tremendous turmoil for Judah’s people, war, death, and captivity by an occupying force. When Manasseh changed and God accepted him Judah’s focus and outlook changed for the positive.
The second observation is with King Hezekiah, a fascinating king. He broke away from the status quo by seeing King David and not his own father, King Ahaz, as the way to rule going forward. Young, wealthy, mindful of God’s ways, learning from Judah’s history, and a man of action he makes an important connection as a twenty-five year old king.
Our ancestors were unfaithful and did what was evil in the sight of the Lord our God. They abandoned the Lord and his dwelling place; they turned their backs on him. They also shut the doors to the Temple’s entry room, and they snuffed out the lamps. They stopped burning incense and presenting burnt offerings at the sanctuary of the God of Israel.
“That is why the Lord’s anger has fallen upon Judah and Jerusalem. He has made them an object of dread, horror, and ridicule, as you can see with your own eyes. Because of this, our fathers have been killed in battle, and our sons and daughters and wives have been captured. But now I will make a covenant with the Lord, the God of Israel, so that his fierce anger will turn away from us. My sons, do not neglect your duties any longer! The Lord has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him, and to lead the people in worship and present offerings to him.” (2 Chron 29: 6-11)
King Hezekiah’s words are a timeless warning for a believer, a small group, a fellowship, a church, a denomination, an a nation that claims to follow God.
In his rule, King Hezekiah demonstrated a clear vision of return to the covenant ways taught by Moses. Personal modeling of the very behavior he asks the people of Judah to follow in giving their resources toward worship, show his tangible support of the priests and Levites. He invited all of Judah to return to God for corporate worship.
I did not recall this bit of “Holy flexibility’ in my past readings. Isn’t it sweet to see God’s mercy displayed because He see’s what is in the heart!
Since many of the people had not purified themselves, the Levites had to slaughter their Passover lamb for them, to set them apart for the Lord. Most of those who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun had not purified themselves. But King Hezekiah prayed for them, and they were allowed to eat the Passover meal anyway, even though this was contrary to the requirements of the Law. For Hezekiah said, “May the Lord, who is good, pardon those who decide to follow the Lord, the God of their ancestors, even though they are not properly cleansed for the ceremony.” And the Lord listened to Hezekiah’s prayer and healed the people. (2 Chron 30: 17-20)
In these years of King Hezekiah’s rule there was peace, prosperity, an abundance of spiritual worship and generosity to others. Even over the top JOY. Relationally it seems like God was pleased and the people were in the right state of mind and engagement for worshipping/glorifying God.
The entire assembly of Judah rejoiced, including the priests, the Levites, all who came from the land of Israel, the foreigners who came to the festival, and all those who lived in Judah. There was great joy in the city, for Jerusalem had not seen a celebration like this one since the days of Solomon, King David’s son. Then the priests and Levites stood and blessed the people, and God heard their prayer from his holy dwelling in heaven. (2 Chron 30: 25-27)
King Hezekiah was successful as a follower of YHWH, a worshipper and leader.
Then he faced a profound challenge when the Assyrian King Sennercherib was on conquest to take over Judah. Hezekiah’s leadership skills kicked in and he led his military and people to prepare for a great siege. He was both shrewd and traditional in his preparation. Sennercherib had momentum as a conquerer. He had defeated every tribe/nation and their ‘gods’ that stood in his way devastating all. In his pronouncements YHWH’s demise would be no different. In Judah, there must have been a see-saw of emotions vacillating between fear and courage. Can we trust God against such a treat? Hezekiah encouraged his people with these words.
“Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people. (2 Chron 32: 7-8)
When Sennercherib continued not only destroying and torturing the people in surrounding cities he added psychological warfare, to put doubt and confusion in the people of Judah minds and to undo any trust in YHWH. Sennercherib’s officers contempt was so strong that they mocked the LORD God as if he was just another wooden idol. This challenged Hezekiah’s leadership to it’s core. How would you or I respond to such a full attack?
Then King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to God in heaven. And the Lord sent an angel who destroyed the Assyrian army with all its commanders and officers. So Sennacherib was forced to return home in disgrace to his own land. And when he entered the temple of his god, some of his own sons killed him there with a sword. That is how the Lord rescued Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from King Sennacherib of Assyria and from all the others who threatened them. So there was peace throughout the land. From then on King Hezekiah became highly respected among all the surrounding nations, and many gifts for the Lord arrived at Jerusalem, with valuable presents for King Hezekiah, too. (2 Chron 32: 20-22)
With the prophet Isaiah in passionate prayer we see Hezekiah’s faith displayed in the crucible of a ‘winner take all’ battle. A tremendous miracle in history results with a surprise end for Sennercherib.
In the last sentence, ‘… King Hezekiah became highly respected among all the surrounding nations … with valuable presents for King Hezekiah, too.” my second point takes shape. Hezekiah experiences the glow of YHWH’s victory. Respect and gifts come from other nations for this outcome. Could it be that Hezekiah’s inner life begins to focus on himself for the success? Did Hezekiah lose focus and perspective in the role of his office and personal walk with God?
As the story continues Hezekiah confront’s a deathly illness and seeks God’s mercy. God gives a dramatic and rarely seen extension to his life based on Hezekiah’s plea which reminded God of what he has done in the past for the LORD. We learn in the book of 2 Kings he is given 15 more years of life! He receives it and somehow in his personal spirit, pride would grow to his detriment and it would impact the people of Jerusalem as well. Hezekiah became self-aware as God’s displeasure was expressed against Hezekiah and Jerusalem. Hezekiah humbled himself and repented of his pride. The author says “The LORD’s anger did not fall on them during Hezekiah’s lifetime’. Another huge grace moment for Hezekiah.
Hezekiah is recorded as a person that ’succeeded in everything he did’. Yet it is not the last statement about him in 2 Chronicles.
However, when ambassadors arrived from Babylon to ask about the remarkable events that had taken place in the land, God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart. (2 Chron 32: 31)
We know from 2 Kings 20 that Hezekiah would live in the tension of the self pride of accomplishment and wealth verses a spirit of humility. God was aware of this. Thus the test. In the Beatitudes Jesus describes one of the key traits of citizens of the Kingdom of God, is a humble spirit. Will God test me and/or you in our walk’s when we become distracted by ‘our’ accomplishments or successes? When spiritual pride creeps in and takes root for us? Does it need to be dealt with? Yes! This Old Testament story shows even THEN God was disciplining/guiding those that called him LORD of their life. God will discipline you and me.
The last observation in this text comes from King Josiah. A remarkable start for a child king who was a ‘good king’ and did what was pleasing to the Lord as he matured. At an early age he was drawn to follow the example of King David. Like Hezekiah he was very responsive to the teachings from the Mosaic covenant when the scroll, ‘the Book of the Law” was found in the Temple and read to him. He was like Hezekiah as a king. His journey gives testimony to those people who hear the Word of God and respond by doing it.
Josiah had his great challenge too. When King Neco of Egypt was traveling to a region north east of his kingdom to battle the Babylonians with those in Carchemish on the Euphrates River. Josiah took it as a treat to Judah. Even after King Neco spoke through messengers to King Josiah that he had ‘no quarrel with the king of Judah’ Josiah was not convinced and took decisive action.
The outcome was tragic. Josiah died from his battle wounds. A tremendous sorrow and lament fell across the land of Judah.
Why Josiah? Why did you choose this way? The following is speculation. Two possibilities come to mind. One, in Josiah’s zeal and devotion to God did Josiah move ahead of God’s leading? When God is silent does impatience set in, especially when we have a sense of urgency? Is this another side of pride or taking control of the situation? Was he fighting the right battle in God’s timing and view?
A second possibility: Did Josiah ignore the obvious in the recorded dialog? King Neco’s was clear he was not looking for a battle with Judah. Could Josiah not trust the King of Egypt? He couldn’t see that God was using King Neco in a bigger picture?
There is no record here if Josiah consulted his military advisors, the prophets, or God directly. This seems strange especially for a big decision like battling a powerful armed neighbor. Other kings in Israel made their own decision’s and suffered the consequences. It does not appear God was planning to end Josiah’s life in this timeframe. No specific prophecy is recorded. Josiah made his choice and the consequences were severe not just for Josiah, the last ‘good king’ of Judah. Judah itself would suffer with 3 more evil kings. The demise of Judah would come soon with the fall of the Assyrian empire and it’s ally Egypt by King Nebuchadnezzar with the rise of the Babylonians. Nebuchadnezzar would succeed in conquering and destroying Jerusalem as the prophets had foretold in 589 BCE.
These three kings, Hezekiah, Manasseh, and Josiah offer great lessons in our own lives as we follow God. Our actions (especially if we are in a position of authority/servant leadership/shepherds that are good or evil will have an influence on those around us. As you walk with God staying in the place of humility, knowing God is in control, and listening for direction is a great posture to live out. Consulting with those brothers/sisters that have walked a little longer on the big decisions may serve you well.