2 Kings

2 Kings 15: The LORD's word to Jehu

Begin in prayer

Before we read about the kings of Israel and Judah, let us come before the Lord together. Ask Him to make our hearts whole, and to show us Jesus, the King whose word never fails.

Praise Yah! I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart, in the council of the upright, and in the congregation.

Psalm 111:1

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us that You keep every word You speak, even when kings do evil. Help us to give You our whole hearts, and to trust Jesus. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Azariah, also called Uzziah, reigns in Judah for fifty-two years and does what is right, but the high places remain. The LORD strikes him with leprosy, and he lives in a separate house until he dies. Israel has one king after another, and each of them does evil in the LORD's sight. The LORD had told Jehu that his sons would sit on Israel's throne to the fourth generation, and it came to pass. Pul of Assyria comes against the land, and Menahem pays him silver to keep the kingdom. Pekah conspires against Pekahiah and reigns, and Tiglath-pileser of Assyria takes Galilee and carries the people away. Hoshea conspires against Pekah, and in Judah Jotham reigns, while the LORD begins to send Rezin and Pekah against Judah.

As you read 2 Kings 15, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD kept His word to Jehu, though the kings of Israel did evil.

This chapter moves quickly through the kings of Israel and Judah, and the LORD's word to Jehu stands among them (verse 12). In Judah, Azariah did right, but the high places stayed, and the LORD struck him with leprosy (verses 3 to 5). In Israel one king after another did evil, and plots ended the rule of Zechariah, Shallum, and Pekahiah (verses 8 to 26). The LORD had told Jehu that his sons would sit on Israel's throne to the fourth generation (verse 12). Zechariah, the son of Jeroboam, was the fourth, and the word came to pass (verses 8 and 12). Menahem paid Pul of Assyria a thousand talents of silver, and Assyria turned back for a time (verses 19 and 20). Later Tiglath-pileser of Assyria took Galilee and carried its people away (verse 29). In Judah, Jotham did right, and the LORD began to send Rezin of Syria and Pekah against Judah (verses 34 and 37). The LORD's word to Jehu stood through all of this, though the kings did evil.

How does 2 Kings 15 show us that the LORD kept His word to Jehu, though the kings of Israel did evil?

The LORD's word to Jehu comes true.

The LORD said that Jehu's sons would sit on Israel's throne to the fourth generation (verse 12). The word came to pass, as the LORD had said (verse 12). No king can stop the word of the LORD. Jesus said that heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will not pass away (Matthew 24 verse 35).

Israel's kings did evil in the LORD's sight.

The kings of Israel did evil in the LORD's sight (verse 9). They did not turn from the sins of Jeroboam (verses 18, 24 and 28). Plots ended the rule of Zechariah, Shallum, and Pekahiah, and Assyria took Galilee (verses 10, 14, 25 and 29). Parents, you may want to explain verse 16 in your own words, without details.

Assyria comes against Israel.

Pul of Assyria came against the land, and Menahem gave him a thousand talents of silver (verse 19). Menahem took the silver from the mighty men of wealth, fifty shekels from each (verse 20). Later Tiglath-pileser took Galilee and carried its people captive to Assyria (verse 29).

Memorise

This was Yahweh’s word which he spoke to Jehu, saying, “Your sons to the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.” So it came to pass.

2 Kings 15:12

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, do I trust the LORD's word more than the kings of this world?

The LORD's word to Jehu came to pass, even though the kings of Israel did evil. Kings rose and fell, but the word of the LORD stood. Jesus is the King whose word never fails.

Sin rules every heart that is not ruled by God. Jesus took the sin of His people to the cross and died in their place. His death pays for all their sin. He rose on the third day, and His kingdom never ends.

Now turn from your sin, and put your trust in Jesus the King. His kingdom has no end (Luke 1 verse 33), and everyone who comes to Him receives forgiveness.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the LORD kept His word to Jehu, and that Jesus is the King whose kingdom never ends. Parents, please explain verse 16 in your own words, without details. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that His word to Jehu came true, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Don’t be afraid, you worm Jacob, and you men of Israel. I will help you,” says Yahweh, “and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 41:14

Father, thank You that You keep every word You speak, even when kings do evil. Thank You for Jesus, the King whose kingdom never ends, who died for sinners. Give every child grace to turn away from sin and trust Jesus. Help us to trust Your word this week. Amen.