LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for July 4: God cares about the needs of his children_62804

Posted: 6/25/04

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for July 4

God cares about the needs of his children

2 Kings 8:1-2; 9:1-6, 10-13

By David Morgan

Trinity Baptist Church, Harker Heights

God's love for people extends to all aspects of their lives. People's needs, whether sacred or secular, matter to the Lord.

Elisha's ministry illustrates the breadth of God's care. His prophetic work ranged from advising people where they should live to anointing rulers for nations. Prophets associated with him were instrumental in restoration of a woman's land and a coup d'etat which cut off the reign of Ahab's descendants.

The Shunammite woman's land returned (8:1-7)

The Shunammite woman, whose son Elisha promised and later restored to life (2 Kings 4:8-37), resurfaces here in the telling of Elisha's story. The prophet warned her that God intended to strike the land with famine seven years. He instructed her to move her family to a land where they could survive. She obeyed, and they moved to “the land of the Philistines.” The narrator highlighted Elisha's reputation by referring to him as “the man of God.”

The woman returned home when the famine ended. She went before the king to petition that he restore her land. It just so happened Elisha's servant and the king were at that moment talking. The king had asked Gehazi to tell him about Elisha's great deeds, probably his miracles. He was telling the story of the raising of the woman's son to life when she came in to make her appeal.

When told this was the woman whose son had been resurrected, the king restored all her property to her. He even ordered all the profits from the field during her seven-year absence be given to her.

Jehu anointed Israel's king (9:1-13)

A brief interlude recounted Elisha's anointing of Hazael as king of Syria (“Aram”). Two kings of the southern kingdom were introduced–Jehoram and at his death, his son, Ahaziah.

Chapter 9 returned to events in the northern kingdom. Joram reigned over Israel but had returned to Jezreel to recover from battle wounds. Ahaziah joined him there while he recuperated.

The kings had left the united armies of Judah and Israel at Ramoth-Gilead, about 25 to 30 miles southeast of the Sea of Galilee. Jehu commanded these troops. The time had arrived for God to destroy the house of Ahab (1 Kings 21:17-24).

Elisha summoned “a man from the company of the prophets.” This company was likely a group of prophets who assisted Elisha as they ministered in Israel. Elisha commanded him to prepare for a special task (“tuck your cloak into your belt”) and sent him to anoint Jehu as the next king of Israel.

The instructions were detailed. Search for Jehu, separate him from his fellow officers to visit with him secretly, pour oil on his head and tell him privately God had anointed him “king over Israel.” Elisha knew the dangers of such action and alerted the prophet to anoint Jehu and then flee quickly.

This unnamed prophet reflected the courage of Samuel when God instructed him to anoint one of Jesse's sons to succeed Saul (1 Samuel 16:1-2). Samuel obeyed, even though Saul would have considered him guilty of treason and plotting rebellion.

Serving God is neither easy nor without danger. Some face physical attack because of their obedience. For others, the risk is emotional and social. Nurture the courage God provides that you may remain faithful in difficult times (2 Timothy 1:7).

The prophet faithfully carried out the task. He informed Jehu that God would use him to destroy the house of Ahab. This act of commissioning Jehu as king completed the tasks God had given to Elijah on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:16).

The designated king was well-qualified to reign. Jehu had served ably in Ahab's army (2 Kings 9:25). His name may mean “the Lord is the one.” His fellow officers respected and admired him. He rejoined them after the prophet had fled. They asked him why the prophet had singled him out. They quite likely suspected what had happened.

Jehu glossed over the meeting as the “mad talk” of the prophet. His comrades knew his reply was nonsense and pressed him to tell the truth. He finally admitted the prophet had anointed him king of Israel.

The general's aides took their outer clothing and placed it on the steps nearby. In essence, they formed a makeshift throne on which he sat. Some biblical students have suggested this was a mock coronation. Others are inclined to view this as an affirmation by fellow officers that they were ready to join with Jehu in the coup. The blowing of the trumpet was associated with the naming of the new king. Military support had switched to Jehu from Joram.

Jehu left the camp and traveled to Jezreel. There he assassinated both Joram and Ahaziah. He ordered the death of Jezebel. He executed others who might have challenged his rule. He destroyed both the temple and prophets of Baal.

The narrator's summary of Jehu's reign was mixed. He did not completely remove the pagan presence in the kingdom, but he reduced some of its influence. The Lord had saved the Shunammite woman and her family from famine. Here God saved the nation from pagan worship.

Question for discussion

How do you know God cares?