Community on Columbia

When the Queen Mother Athaliah of Judah learns that her son Ahaziah has been killed, she in turn murders all the remaining royal line so she can be sole ruler. But one woman saves a one-year-old baby – Joash, the only remaining descendant of David. Six years later, Athaliah is overthrown, Joash is crowned king of Judah and Baal worship is eliminated.

Notes for 2 Kings 11:1-21

Jehu, newly anointed as king of Israel, is God’s instrument in fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy and curse on the descendants of King Ahab. But Jehu is a flawed leader, because although he blots out Baal worship, he doesn’t end the worship of the golden calves.

Notes on 2 Kings 10:1-36

Elisha sends a disciple to anoint Jehu as the next king of Israel. He takes up his role with relish, slaying King Jehoram and Judah’s king Ahaziah, and finally dispatching Queen Jezebel according to the prophecy of Elijah.

Notes on 2 Kings 9:1-37

God had previously told Elijah to “anoint” Hazael as king of Syria. Elisha takes up this mission, and foresees the suffering that this court advisor will bring as God’s vessel to bring judgment on Israel for its idolatry. Hazael then assassinates Ben-Hadad and seizes the Syrian throne.

Notes on 2 Kings 8:1-29

We take a break this week from our narrative in 2 Kings. Rabbinical tradition says Obadiah the prophet lived during the reign of evil King Ahab and his queen Jezebel. He was an Edomite convert to Judaism, and therefore the perfect vessel to deliver his vision against the Edomites, longtime enemy of the Jews. When we consider that Esau/Edom is a type of the flesh or natural man as opposed to the Spirit, the message of Obadiah penetrates to our hearts.

Notes on Obadiah 1:1-21

The Sins of Esau

Elisha delivers a cryptic prophecy about the end of the famine and siege of Samaria. God allows the Syrian army to hear the terrifying sound of his heavenly host, and they flee. Then four lepers discover the empty camp, and are the first to relay the good news to the city.

Notes on 2 Kings 7:1-20

God works miracles again through Elisha – an axe head floats, the prophet discerns the secret plans of the Syrian king, the angelic hosts and their chariots of fire are revealed to Elisha’s servant, and the enemy raiding party is struck blind. Elisha insists on treating these invaders kindly.

Notes on 2 Kings 6:1-33