At this point in our reading, the nation of Israel is divided into the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Both kingdoms and their kings are in political turmoil as they face mounting instability, warfare, revolts, and murder. The kingdoms are also in spiritual crisis. King after king “did what was evil in the LORD’s sight” (1 Kings 15:26). They endorsed detestable idol worship, which emboldened the people to set up poles and stones and high places for pagan gods and to engage in shrine prostitution, along with other evil practices. Verse after verse, we read of people who have forsaken the one true God in exchange for worthless, false gods.
As I read of one evil king after another, I find myself hoping that maybe, just maybe, the next one might be faithful. With that in mind, I find myself cheering as I finally read about Asa, King of Judah, a king who finally “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” He abolished shrine prostitution, removed idols, and directed his people back to the Lord’s laws and commands. Asa ruled for 41 years and promoted flourishing and peace for most of his reign.
Asa’s life is a picture of the good, gracious provision of God. His father, Abijam, was not faithful to the Lord, “but for the sake of David, the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up his son after him and preserving Jerusalem” (v.4). In the midst of Abijah’s disobedience, God provided a righteous son who would lead his people. King Asa was a lamp shining God’s light and truth. Finally, a hero in this story!
Eh. Not so fast. In 2 Chronicles 16 we read that toward the end of Asa’s reign, as the northern kingdom was threatening Judah, he faltered and trusted in his own power and plans instead of relying on the Lord. Despite shining like a lamp of righteousness for a time, Asa would not even seek help from the Lord as he suffered at the end of his days. While Israel and Judah’s kings floundered in the face of their commitment to the Lord, He remained true to them, keeping this promise to David:
“My faithful love will never leave him as it did when I removed it from Saul,
whom I removed from before you. Your house and kingdom will endure before me forever,
and your throne will be established forever” (2 Samuel 17:15–16).
The life of King Asa gives us a glimmer of the deliverance that we long for, as well as the realization that it’s futile to trust in kings, or anyone, really—even ourselves. But we sure do try, looking to friends and parents, pastors and employers and political leaders—only to be disappointed, because they stumble and fall and fail too. Though our hope is misplaced, it isn’t pointless; God plants this hope and hunger in us to point us to the King of kings, the ultimate hero, Jesus, who never falters. He is not only a lamp for Jerusalem, but the light of the world (John 8:12).
Patti Sauls lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband Scott and daughters, Abby and Ellie, where they serve alongside the people of Christ Presbyterian Church. Prior to living in Nashville, the Sauls planted churches in Kansas City and Saint Louis and served at New York City’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church. A trained speech therapist, Patti also enjoys serving behind the scenes, hiking with friends, and reading good books.
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36 thoughts on "Judah and Israel’s Kings"
God is painting a picture of generational sins within the family line. I think what is notable is that God is the one appointing, he is still over each king’s rule. Asa, whose family line he couldn’t have followed in or learned from, somehow knew the truth and knew how to honor God, not perfectly, but he did. Doesn’t God still do that today in our own families? He plucks one here and one there whose hearts are for him. If I’m being honest, I didn’t learn that from my parent or grandparents. And I didn’t live that way for most of my life, but that searching for God, desiring to know Him, that has been in my heart since I can remember. It’s a sweet reminder how God’s hand is so sovereign, and we can all find rest believing that truth.
Reading about the constant failures of these kings is hard but also so humbling. A really good reminder that I am just like them…. wretched and sinful. I could be nothing else if it wasn’t for the grace of God sending Jesus to die for my sins.
I also noticed that the Lord always says “because of David…” in these books and then gives mercy to the kings’ lines. It correlates to how “because of Christ” I am forgiven and given mercy!! I love seeing God’s hints in the OT of what is to come!
Hi Kim, could you please help me understand what your comment means? Thank you!
Yes The lost tribe of Judah are the blacks in America~ Yes we are The Most Highs Chosen People
I have a difficult time reading Kings. It’s so repetitive and tedious for me. It’s also frustrating because they keep making the same mistakes over and over and over. Yet, this is how God must feel with us. How many trials must He put us through before we truly understand? I, too, am guilty of repeating past transgressions. I can only continue to ask for forgiveness and mercy and wisdom.
Wow Ashley, I love this!!
Such a good representation. I feel the same way while reading through Kings, but your correlation to the kings being us is so beautiful and gives me a new perspective!
Sisters, there is more detail about King Asa’s life and reign in 2 Chronicles 14-16 if you feel like delving deeper into his story. Ultimately, Asa’s pride was his downfall, as he refused to repent of his self-reliance in his older days. This study has been reminding me of the importance of repentance. Over and over in 1 Kings, David is described as a king who served God wholeheartedly. Although I tend to remember his sin when I hear his name, David’s life isn’t defined by his sin because he repented of it and served God with humility and faithfulness. God is so forgiving and merciful! He truly forgets our sins as He has promised (Isaiah 43:25)!
Welcome Lipa!! The Bible is God’s diary; His point of view. Jump right in and ask your questions. The heartbeat of the Universe is Love. We know this through Jesus Christ, God’s Son, the exact representation of his nature. This is glorious, living Truth. Our firm foundation in life. I have a lot of family who bashed Billy Graham, etc.. My heart seeks truth. This has been a great study for me. The Old Testament can be an intimidating place to start. I am glad you are here.
Praying for you and your family. His comfort, love and peace around you. Our God is mighty in love. May we stand strong in the places He has us in.
Amen Churchmouse!
Welcome Lipa. Hope you will continue to read His Word.
Praying for you Bunny, your dad and your family.
Lipa, The Lord calls to us, you. He pursues us, you, relentlessly. He wants to have a relationship with us, you. This nudging for you to visit this website is His way of introducing Himself to you. He is faithful and true and will not stop reaching out to us, you. The Bible tells us this over and over again, reiterating and confirming His love for us, you. Let me encourage you to continue reading it. It’s a big love letter from our most awesome and wonderful God. Jesus is persistent and never tires of running after us as we find our way to Him. Bless you, sister.
Sisters, I have not been able to participate in this study as I am saying goodbye to my father. He was diagnosed last Thursday with stage 4 lung and liver cancer. Hospice is here. I love that Jesus always has a plan. Our next study “mourning and dancing” will see me through. Thank you my sisters in advance for your prayers for my family. God is good, all the time. Thank you Jesus.
Lifting up you and your family during this heartbreaking time. ❤️
Praying for you and your father during this difficult time. May you both find peace.
God’s faithfulness has me in awe as I read this passage. He kept His promise to David even when they did not stay faithful to Him. He shows us grace upon grace. Thank you, God for your love and grace. I praise You and adore You.
Welcome Lipa.
God loves you.
Thank you for taking this step
May the Word of God wrap you like a warm blanket
safe, cared for, and secure.
May you find in Jesus Christ
all, everything
For He is Lord
Faithful and True.
And may His Word nourish and fill you
with healing blessings.
Amen.
Wholehearted devotion to the LORD.
Not God, and…
Wholehearted.
There is one throne in my heart,
The One God will not share it with any other
nor should He.
As I read today’s scripture my heart breaks for the years of loss,
for the people without a Good Shepherd,
for the wolves that led them astray.
As I read today’s scripture my heart breaks for our great loss today,
for the multitudes without the Good Shepherd,
for the wolves that are leading astray.
I hate the subtly of the sin that creeps in
And I hate the rocking to sleep against sin that is happening.
LORD God, You are Faithful, You are True. There is no other God, only You.
Holy Spirit, empower us. Fill us with You.
When we need to be shaken awake, awake our hearts, open our eyes,
Make us warriors, bold and strong. Cover us with your armor. Equip us in Your strength and stamina.
As our hands reach out to our fellow sheep in your great Love,
teaching of your great provision through salvation in Jesus Christ,
May it be You, Good Shepherd, Jesus, that they see.
May it be You, Savior and Lord, to whom they wholeheartedly cling.
The timeline is yours Lord,
We are your servants.
Forgive us Lord, purify our hearts and minds.
Give us wisdom for the day.
Give us courage for the call.
The timeline is yours,
Make us faithful, repentant, obedient
wholeheartedly, only devoted to You.
Amen
Amen
I prayed that with you just now Angie. Amen – oh Amen. ♥️
♥️♥️♥️
Amen.
AMEN! I went back and reread this as a prayer. Amazing words to lift up to the Lord. I was blessed by this!
Thank you so much for this. I have a situation, that has been creating anxiety for me, and God uses this to show me that my worry is because I am depending on a person rather than Him. This was exactly what I needed to read this morning.
dont read the bible much or at all mostly because i have a bible basher in my family, who only preaches it but nothin else, therefore i have been put off the entire topic.
i will say i was watching addrienne haughtons youtube channel and she mentioned this website and for some reason i felt compelled to look it up, not sure if ill ever read the bible but i will say im feeling inspired to today.
Lipa, we are happy to have you here. I hope you will continue reading with us.
Praying for you, Lipa. This is a wonderful community of women seeking to learn and grow and encourage – with God and his Word at the core. Hope you stay!
The Bible in a year plan on this site was the first time I’ve ever read the Bible all the way through. I’ve read every study since then. I would encourage you to start the bible in a year plan at the present date. It’s great to have others to bounce ideas around.
Lipa I’m happy you’re reading it for yourself :) welcome!
Happy to have you, Lipa!
Glad you are here…. hope you’ll stay. Everyday I’m amazed at what I learn from these devotions, daily readings, and insight from others in this community!! The devotions are so well written and have a lot of “meat” to digest… not just fluff.
Thank you for your honesty. I hope you begin to read the word along with us.
Lipa, so happy you decided to lean in and read She Reads Truth. I love the studies. I’m sorry you have been turned off by someone’s actions with the Bible. I know that if you explore the Scriptures on your own, you will experience something entirely different than you have seen before.
Great read! The most comforting part of these readings Is seeing how faithful God is to those that love, serve and obey him. I also see that ALL prophecies were fulfilled! God is also a just God! He is both merciful and firm. Those that do not walk in Him are punished. This brought me to think about my life today. What have I made a god in my life to worship? Those people we’re making their own gods. Has my chase for money become a “god” where I have forgotten to acknowledge Him in all my ways? Thank God for His love and kindness in the midst of my sin!
Could not the same be said of our culture, that we do evil in the Lord’s sight, more evil than all that was before? The situation would be dire were it not for God’s faithfulness. His people are scattered among the nations, crying out to Him for deliverance, trusting in His promise to come again. God sees the escalating evil in this world and He also sees the faithful remnant on their knees. The day of judgment is coming. May hearts be turned in repentance while there is yet time. Let those of us who know the Truth be persistent in shining the Light in this dark age. May we stand firm and faithful, unwavering in our faith. The King is coming!
Jesus is the one true Holy King. That’s my conclusion. God is faithful, he never gives up on us. God hates sin.
So good!