2 Chronicles - Chapter 22

2 Chronicles 22.1 And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest son king in his stead: for the band of men that came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned. 2 Chronicles 22.2 Forty and two years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Athaliah the daughter of Omri. 2 Chronicles 22.3 He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly. 2 Chronicles 22.4 Wherefore he did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab: for they were his counsellors after the death of his father to his destruction. 2 Chronicles 22.5 He walked also after their counsel, and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramothgilead: and the Syrians smote Joram. 2 Chronicles 22.6 And he returned to be healed in Jezreel because of the wounds which were given him at Ramah, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria. And Azariah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Jehoram the son of Ahab at Jezreel, because he was sick. 2 Chronicles 22.7 And the destruction of Ahaziah was of God by coming to Joram: for when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab. 2 Chronicles 22.8 And it came to pass, that, when Jehu was executing judgment upon the house of Ahab, and found the princes of Judah, and the sons of the brethren of Ahaziah, that ministered to Ahaziah, he slew them. 2 Chronicles 22.9 And he sought Ahaziah: and they caught him, (for he was hid in Samaria,) and brought him to Jehu: and when they had slain him, they buried him: Because, said they, he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart. So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom. 2 Chronicles 22.10 But when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal of the house of Judah. 2 Chronicles 22.11 But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king’s sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest, (for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not. 2 Chronicles 22.12 And he was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land.

2 Chronicles : Chapter 22

Reflection on 2 Chronicles, Chapter 22

Chapter 22 of 2 Chronicles plunges us into the heart of the brief and tragic reigns of Ahaziah and Athaliah. It highlights how evil can threaten the messianic line, and how divine providence intervenes to preserve its promises. Through this dramatic narrative, we discover the corrupting influence of Athaliah, the tragic death of Ahaziah at the hands of Jehu, and the miraculous preservation of Joash.

The Consequences of Unholy Alliances

Ahaziah, influenced by his mother Athaliah and her alliance with Ahab's family, followed paths that were harmful to him. 2 Kings 8:25-29 sheds light on his reign: "He walked in the ways of the house of Ahab and did what was evil in the sight of the Lord..." This disobedience to God's commandments led to his downfall and that of his lineage, illustrating the dangers of unholy alliances.

The Sovereignty of God

Ahaziah's death, as described in 2 Kings 9:27-28, reminds us that God's judgment is inexorable: "Ahaziah... he managed to escape to Megiddo, where he died." Despite man's plans, God remains sovereign and watches over his promises.

The Role of Women in the Biblical Story

The story of Athaliah and Jesheba highlights the crucial role of women in God's plan. 2 Kings 11:1-3 tells how Jesheba saved Joash from certain death: "She hid him with Athaliah... in the house of the Lord for six years." This courageous action demonstrates that God often uses unexpected people to accomplish His purposes.

Prophecy and Judgment

Hosea's prophecy, mentioned in Hosea 1:4-5, underscores God's justice toward those who oppose Him: "I will soon punish the dynasty of Jehu for the murders committed in Jezreel." This judgment reminds us that divine justice is inevitable and that human actions have consequences.

Wisdom in Instability

Finally, the proverb from Proverbs 28:2 resonates with wisdom in the troubled context of 2 Chronicles 22: "When there is rebellion in the land, its rulers are many..." In times of instability, true wisdom lies in knowledge and the ability to lead with justice.

In conclusion, chapter 22 of 2 Chronicles challenges us on our own journey of faith. May we pray for divine wisdom, avoid unholy alliances, and recognize God's sovereignty in our lives. Amen.