2 Kings 8 Ahaziah of Judah
Jehoram of Judah is dead and his son Ahaziah of Judah takes his throne. This is the only surviving son of Jehoram of Judah. And he doesn’t follow God any better than his father did.
Ahaziah is also known as Jehoahaz. There will be two more Jehoahaz kings in the roster. One in Israel and another in Judah. We are going to stick with the name Ahaziah for our story.
Ahaziah was no better than his father in following the Lord. He had the house of Ahab in his ear. He never expected to become king, since he was the youngest of his father. So, when he took the throne, he needed advice. He picked the WRONG advisors!
The sad part of our story today, for me, will be the death of Jehoram of Israel. He came the closest to being a godly king that Israel had. He didn’t remove the golden calves, but he did remove every other god and idol. His death is more of a statement against his father, Ahab, than anyone else. Yet, his sin is still there in not removing the main idol in Israel.
Let’s rejoin our journey through the kings and see where the Spirit takes us today.
♥ ♦ ♥
Ahaziah looks out over the rooftops of the buildings in Jerusalem. He never dreamed that he would be in this place, in this role. As a child, he had limited roam of the palace. But today, he stands on the king’s balcony, wearing the royal robes, and king of Judah. He has not prepared for this role as his eldest brother had. No one expected the ‘baby of the family’ to one day be king.
A bird flying by catches Ahaziah’s eye. He watches the bird as it soars high into the sky. “I wish I had your freedom my friend.” Turning from the window, Ahaziah tells himself, “It’s time to do something. I don’t know what, but I’m sure someone will tell me.”
Ahaziah makes his way to the throne room. When his Abba began to rule on his own, he had the smaller chair taken from the room. No one sat beside him as he ruled Judah. Ahaziah has ordered that it be returned to its place. It will be for his Ima. She was an advisor to his Abba, and now she will publicly be an advisor to him.
Athaliah, his mother, is waiting for him near the door when he arrives. She will not disgrace him in front of the people by taking her seat before Ahaziah is seated. The two of them walk together to the dais at the front of the room with her hand resting on his arm. Ahaziah takes his seat, then motions for his Ima to take the place beside him. Ever aware of expectations, she bows to Ahaziah before sitting down.
Athaliah knows the inexperience of her son. She also knows that he, of all her children, is the most malleable. All she has ever had to do to get him to bend to her will, was to voice that doing thus and such would bring her pleasure or make her life easier.
Ahaziah sits to listen to the first person seeking his judgment. He listens carefully and formulates an answer within his spirit, but is afraid to speak it. He leans towards Athaliah and whispers to her. “What would you say to this man?”
Athaliah’s advice is close to what Ahaziah had reasoned out on his own. This gives him a small confidence boost, but there is enough difference in his response and hers that he believes he needs her input on every issue.
The whole day proceeds along these same lines. By the time the last petitioner leaves, Ahaziah feels spent. Several times Athaliah’s counsel was in direct opposition to what he had formulated, while other times they lined up perfectly. And he deferred to hers every time.
“When will I ever learn to do this on my own” he wonders.
It won’t be any time soon if Athaliah has her way. She deliberately chooses her ‘advice’ to highlight her son’s need for her. Once or twice, she actually gave advice she knew was the wrong choice in order to undermine her son’s confidence.
One thing Ahaziah doesn’t ask his Ima about is starting a family. He has two wives already with three children between them. He has another that is due to be born soon. Ahaziah loves his family. His love for others is one of his best qualities. He may not be a strong leader, but he is fiercely loyal to his family, including his extended family in Israel.
Ahaziah’s loyalty leads him into a dangerous situation. His uncle, Jehoram of Israel is determined to defeat King Hazael of Syria and take back Ramoth-gilead. Jehoram’s own father had attempted this with King Jehoshaphat of Judah, but was killed in the battle.
Ahaziah marshals all of Judah’s forces to join Jehoram of Israel in battle. The two armies march out together, banners flying high. When the reach Ramoth-gilead, they are met by Hazael’s forces.
The battle is fierce. Neither give or gain any ground. In one exceptionally bloody charge, Jehoram of Israel is severely wounded. It doesn’t cost him his life, but it could if not treated. He calls for his charioteer to take him to a place of safety. He is whisked away to Jezreel where his wounds can be tended to.
Ahaziah also withdraws from the battle field. This is his uncle’s fight, not his own. Jehoram’s forces remain though, to press on in the battle.
Ahaziah leaves for Jezreel to see his uncle, after checking on things in Judah. He says a quick ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ to his wives and children. He feels compelled to go and see his uncle, in case he doesn’t survive this injury.
Jehoram is resting comfortable in Jezreel. The immediate danger has passed, thanks to some fine physicians. Ahaziah is more than happy to hear this good news. He will stay by his uncle’s side until he is well enough to return to the throne.
While Jehoram of Israel is in Jezreel, God speaks to Elisha the prophet. “Send a messenger to Jehu, son of Jehoshaphat, son of Nimshi. Do not go down yourself. Have the messenger anoint Jehu king over Israel. He will execute my judgment on the house of Ahab.”
Elisha calls one of the sons of the prophets who are training under him. “Tie up your garments, and take this flask of oil in your hand, and go to Ramoth-gilead. And when you arrive, look there for Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat, son of Nimshi. And go in and have him rise from among his fellows, and lead him to an inner chamber. Then take the flask of oil and pour it on his head and say, ‘Thus says the Lord, I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and flee; do not linger” (2 Kings 9:1-3).
“I will leave immediately.”
Elisha holds the flask of oil while the messenger reaches between his legs and grabs the bottom of his robe. He pulls it forward and tucks it securely into the belt at his waist. He then takes the flask from Elisha and takes off running. He doesn’t stop until he reaches Ramoth-gilead. He looks around quickly for someone he can ask directions from.
“I need to find Jehu, the commander” he tells one of the soldiers standing guard.
“He is over by that house” he says while pointing to the dwelling place.
The messenger walks directly to where a group of commanders are gathered talking strategy. He looks straight at Jehu. “I have a word for you, O commander” (2 Kings 9:5a).
Jehu looks him over and says; “To which of us all?” (2 Kings 9:5b).
The messengers says; “To you, O commander” (2 Kings 9:5c).
The messenger turns and walks into the house. Jehu rises and follows him. As soon as the door is shut, the messenger begins following the directions of Elisha. He pours the flask of oil over his head and begins speaking the words of the Lord.
“Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, I anoint you king over the people of the Lord, over Israel. And you shall strike down the house of Ahab your master, so that I may avenge on Jezebel the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the Lord. For the whole house of Ahab shall perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel. And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah. And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the territory of Jezreel, and none shall bury her” (2 Kings 9:6-10).
As soon as he finishes speaking, the messenger turns, opens the door, and takes off running. The men outside watch him with mounting curiosity. When Jehu walks out of the house they begin to question him.
“Is all well? Why did this mad fellow come to you?” (2 Kings 9:11a), they ask.
Jehu waves a hand as if batting the question away. “You know the fellow and his talk” (2 Kings 9:11b).
“That is not true; tell us now” ( 2 Kings 9:12a) they plead.
Jehu looks in the direction the messenger had come and departed. He shakes his head before speaking. “Thus and so he spoke to me, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord, I anoint you king over Israel’” (2 Kings 9:12b).
The men’s mouths drop open for an instant, then they all take their garments and spread them as a rug on the steps for Jehu to walk upon. A trumpet was quickly procured so they could blow it as they proclaim Jehu king.
A loud blast sounds of the trumpet and the men shout; “Jehu is king” (2 Kings 9:13).
Jehu rubs the back of his neck. He is still a little uncertain, so he puts it to those around him. “If this is your decision, then let no one slip out of the city to go and tell the news in Jezreel” (2 Kings 9:15).
“It is our decision” they cry in unison.
Jehu hurries to his chariot. He takes with him several of the best horsemen and chariot drivers. Together, they head for Jezreel where Jehoram of Israel lies wounded.
Jehu did not ask for this, but now that he has the position from the Lord, he has to finish the task set before him; including ridding the world of the house of Ahab.
Jehu drives his chariot mercilessly. He has to reach the king before anyone can alert him to what has transpired. He wants to take Jehoram with the least possible collateral damage.
As Jehu nears Jezreel, the watchman in the tower sees a band of men approaching. They are too far away for him to make out who they are. He sends word to the king immediately.
“I see a company” (2 Kings 9:17a).
“Take a horseman and send to meet them, and let him say, ‘Is it peace?’” (2 Kings 9:17b) instructs Jehoram.
A horseman is dispatched to ride out to those approaching. As soon as he gets within shouting distance, he calls out; “Thus says the king, ‘Is it peace?’” (2 Kings 9:18a).
Jehu looks at him and says; “What do you have to do with peace? Turn around and ride behind me” (2 Kings 9:18b).
The rider is moved by Jehu’s words. He turns his horse so that he falls in behind Jehu.
The watchman reports this strange behavior to the king. “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back” (2 Kings 9:18c).
Jehoram commands that another horseman be sent out. As soon as he is within shouting distance, he calls out to Jehu as the first horseman had done. “Thus the king has said, ‘Is it peace?’” (2 Kings 9:19a)
Jehu’s answer is the same as well. “What do you have to do with peace? Turn around and ride behind me” (2 Kings 9:19b).
When the watchman sees the second horseman join in with those approaching the city, he calls out to Jehoram again. He has more news this time, as the group is quite a bit closer to the city. “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously” (2 Kings 9:20).
This news pleases Jehoram very much. Jehu is his commander, and he is probably bringing good news about the war. “Make ready.”
Chariots are made ready for both Jehoram of Israel and Ahaziah. As they draw near to Jehu, Jehoram calls out to him. “Is it peace, Jehu?” (2 Kings 9:22a).
Jehu answers back immediately. “What peace can there be, so long as the whorings and the sorceries of your mother Jezebel are so many?” (2 Kings 9:22b).
Jehoram grabbed the reins of his chariot and executed a perfect reversal turn while crying out to Ahaziah. “Treachery, O Ahaziah!” (2 Kings 9:23).
As fast as Jehoram is, Jehu is faster. As Jehoram wheels about, Jehu is notching his arrow. Once Jehoram’s back is exposed, Jehu lets his arrow fly. It strikes Jehoram directly between the shoulder blades. Its force propels it through the vertebra, severing the spinal cord, and piercing the heart. Jehoram is dead within minutes.
As Jehoram lies dying in his chariot, he hears Jehu speaking to his servant, Bidkar. “Take him up and throw him on the plot of ground belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. For remember, when you and I rode side by side behind Ahab his father, how the Lord made this pronouncement against him: ‘As surely as I saw yesterday the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons—declares the Lord—I will repay you on this plot of ground.’ Now therefore take him up and throw him on the plot of ground, in accordance with the word of the Lord” (2 Kings 9:25-26).
Ahaziah is farther away at the moment treason was called out. He is able to wheel around and make a break for it in the direction of Beth-haggan. Jehu, though, is in hot pursuit. Ahaziah cannot match Jehu’s skill with a chariot. Jehu catches up to Ahaziah at the ascent of Gur which is by Ibleam.
Jehu calls out for his archer beside him to; “Shoot him also” (2 Kings 9:27).
The archer’s arrow flies and mortally wounds Ahaziah, but he is able to escape to Megiddo where he dies shortly after arriving.
Knowing that Ahaziah won’t survive, Jehu turns his attention back to Jezreel. There is still the evil Jezebel to deal with. This is something he has been looking forward to for a long time. He has seen her evil up close, and it turns his stomach.
Jezebel has heard what just took place. She is in fear for her life. She hopes to entice Jehu though with her beauty or to make him afraid to touch her. She goes to her chambers and applies her makeup and puts her crown on her head. When Jehu rides through the city gates, she calls out to him from her window.
“Is it peace, you Zimri, murderer of your master?” (2 Kings 9:31). She can’t help but be biting, even though it means her life.
Jehu looks up at the sound of her voice. He can tell she has gone to some effort to look good, but it has no affect on him. Instead, he looks for others who will stand beside him. “Who is on my side? Who?” (2 Kings 9:32) he calls out.
He sees two or three faces make eye contact with him from behind and beside her at the window. He knows these to be eunuchs who serve Jezebel. He calls out to them. “Throw her down” (2 Kings 9:33).
They don’t hesitate for an instant. As soon as the words leave Jehu’s mouth, they all shove from behind and Jezebel goes flying out her window. She hits the ground with such force that her skull bursts open and blood splatters on the wall and the horses. The smell of death frightens the horses and they trample her in their rush to escape.
Jehu goes directly to the palace, leaving Jezebel lying sprawled beneath her window. He throws open the doors and goes in. He treats himself and those with him to a sumptuous meal and good wine.
After they are all satisfied, Jehu sighs. It is time to deal with Jezebel. As much as he would like to, he cannot leaver her where she is. “See now to this cursed woman and bury her, for she is a king’s daughter” (2 Kings 9:34) Jehu says to two of the soldiers who are with him.
The two men leave to attend to Jezebel’s body but come rushing back inside in a matter of moments. “There is nothing left of her but her skull, her feet, and the palms of her hands.”
Jehu shakes his head. “This is the word of the Lord, which he spoke by his servant Elijah the Tishbite: ‘In the territory of Jezreel the dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel, and the corpse of Jezebel shall be as dung on the face of the field in the territory of Jezreel, so that no one can say, This is Jezebel’” (2 Kings 9:36-37).
Jehu also killed Ahaziah’s brother’s sons and many of the princes of Judah. He did not, however, kill the sons of Ahaziah. This would be reserved for their grandmother. In her zeal to avenge her son, she struck down the entire royal family. All but one, that is.
When news of Ahaziah’s death reached his home, his second wife went into labor. She birthed a healthy baby boy. Her sister-in-law, Jehoshabeath, took him away right after he was born and hid him and his nurse. When Athaliah came for Ahaziah’s children, she was told that the infant died during birth. Jehoshabeath is grateful that Athaliah didn’t demand to see the child’s body, for she had none to show her.
Jehoshabeath and her husband, Jehoiada, the priest, raise the boy. He is named Joash, and at just the right moment, he will be brought forth and crowned as king. For now, he has to remain hidden, or he too will be killed.
(to be continued)
This is one messed up family! But they too played a part in God’s plan; in fulfilling His prophecies. The house of Ahab is no more. Ahab’s sins polluted the people from Israel to Judah. And God punished them for his sins. Along with their own.
If you think about it, there may have been a smidgen of Ahab’s DNA in the portion she received from His mother. Ahaziah was the product of his father Jehoram of Judah and Ahab’s daughter, Athaliah. All of his children would carry those genes. With the rest of the royal family dead, that smidgen remained in the bloodline.
I am SO glad that God does not count the sins of the fathers against the children, or the sins of the children against the father any longer. Each man is accountable for his own actions. Jesus’ mighty work of redemption made this possible.
I wonder what would have happened if Jehoram of Israel had brought the people all the way back to the Lord. Would He have relented in wiping out Ahab’s house for the sake of Jehoram? Another question for when I see Him face to Face.
Father God, I’m SO GLAD I didn’t live in the time of the kings of Israel and Judah. The people were so far from You. MANY people are today too, but I have access that they didn’t. I have a personal relationship with You through Your Son Jesus. I have forgiveness and mercy that doesn’t come at the cost of an animal’s life. It came at the cost of Jesus’ life.
THANK YOU JESUS for paying that price. For bringing me to Your Father. For making me part of Your ‘blood line’. That’s the genealogy and inheritance that matters. It is eternal.
Thank You Father God for also bringing me into the earthly family that You did. You gave me parents and grandparents that molded me and taught me of You. And they sparked a hunger in me to know You better. Thank You for the imagination and desire to know even more that have brought me to this story time with You. I pray that I am doing Your stories justice and am NOT authoring confusion.
