Anchor My Faith

God Preserves His Promise Through Kings and Generations

Author: Stephen Weller
1,039 words, 5 minutes read time

Section 1: 2 Kings 11:1–21 – Joash Crowned King

Overview:
After the death of King Ahaziah, his mother Athaliah seizes the throne and attempts to destroy the royal line of David. However, Joash, a young child, is hidden in the temple for six years by Jehosheba and protected by the priest Jehoiada. In the seventh year, Jehoiada orchestrates a bold plan to crown Joash as king. Athaliah is executed, the covenant is renewed, and the temple of Baal is destroyed. This chapter demonstrates God’s faithfulness in preserving the line of David despite intense opposition.

Theological Themes:

• God’s sovereign preservation of His covenant promises.
• The importance of godly leadership and courage.
• The triumph of true worship over idolatry.

Key Verse:
2 Kings 11:17 – “And Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and people, that they should be the Lord’s people.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. How did God preserve the Davidic line in this chapter?
   Answer: Through faithful individuals like Jehosheba and Jehoiada who protected Joash and acted in obedience to God.
2. What role did Jehoiada play in restoring the kingdom?
   Answer: He led the spiritual and political restoration, ensuring the rightful king was crowned and true worship restored.
3. What does this passage teach about God’s promises?
   Answer: God’s promises cannot be stopped, even in the face of evil, He preserves His plan.

Section 2: 2 Kings 12:1–21 – Joash Repairs the Temple

Overview:
Joash reigns in Judah and does what is right in the eyes of the Lord under the guidance of Jehoiada. He initiates repairs on the temple, restoring proper worship. However, after Jehoiada’s death, the people continue in some disobedience, and Joash later turns away from full devotion to God. He faces threats from foreign enemies and ultimately is assassinated by his own servants. His life reveals both early faithfulness and later decline.

Theological Themes:

• The importance of spiritual guidance and accountability.
• The need for continual faithfulness, not just a strong beginning.
• The consequences of drifting from God.

Key Verse:
2 Kings 12:2 – “And Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all his days, because Jehoiada the priest instructed him.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why was Joash successful early in his reign?
   Answer: Because he followed godly instruction under Jehoiada’s leadership.
2. What changed after Jehoiada’s death?
   Answer: Joash lacked spiritual guidance and began to drift away from full obedience to God.
3. What warning does Joash’s life provide?
   Answer: A strong start is not enough; we must remain faithful throughout our lives.

Section 3: 2 Kings 13:1–25 – The Decline of Israel

Overview:
The northern kingdom of Israel continues in sin under Jehoahaz and Jehoash (Joash of Israel), following the sins of Jeroboam. Because of their disobedience, God allows oppression from Aram, yet He shows mercy when they cry out. The prophet Elisha, nearing death, gives a symbolic prophecy to King Joash about victory over Aram. Though victories come, Israel’s incomplete faith results in limited success. The chapter ends with a miracle even after Elisha’s death, showing God’s power remains.

Theological Themes:

• God’s mercy even in times of rebellion.
• The consequences of incomplete obedience.
• The enduring power of God beyond human life.

Key Verse:
2 Kings 13:23 – “But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion on them… because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did God show mercy to Israel despite their sin?
   Answer: Because of His covenant promises and His compassionate nature.
2. What lesson can we learn from King Joash striking the arrows?
   Answer: Half-hearted obedience limits what God desires to accomplish through us.
3. What does Elisha’s final miracle demonstrate?
   Answer: God’s power continues beyond His servants; His work is not dependent on human life.

Section 4: 2 Kings 14:1–22 – Amaziah King of Judah

Overview:
Amaziah becomes king of Judah and begins well, doing what is right in God’s eyes but not wholeheartedly. He defeats Edom but later brings back their idols and worships them. His pride leads him to challenge Israel’s king, resulting in defeat and humiliation. Though he had success early on, his divided heart leads to downfall, and he is eventually assassinated.

Theological Themes:

• Partial obedience is not true obedience.
• Pride leads to downfall.
• Success can become a snare when it turns the heart from God.

Key Verse:
2 Kings 14:3 – “And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not like David his father. He did in all things as Joash his father had done.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What was the problem with Amaziah’s obedience?
   Answer: It was incomplete; he followed God outwardly but not with a fully devoted heart.
2. How did pride affect Amaziah’s reign?
   Answer: His pride led him to unnecessary conflict and eventual defeat.
3. What does this teach about spiritual consistency?
   Answer: True faith requires wholehearted devotion, not partial obedience.

Section 5: 2 Kings 14:23–29 – Jeroboam II and Israel’s Expansion

Overview:
Jeroboam II reigns in Israel and restores much of the kingdom’s territory, fulfilling God’s word through the prophet Jonah. Despite political success, Jeroboam continues in sin and idolatry. God grants temporary relief to Israel because of their suffering, not because of their righteousness. The chapter ends by emphasizing that outward success does not equal spiritual faithfulness.

Theological Themes:

• God’s mercy can bring temporary blessing even to sinful nations.
• Political or material success does not indicate spiritual health.
• God remains faithful to His word, even in imperfect circumstances.

Key Verse:
2 Kings 14:26–27 – “For the Lord saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter… and the Lord had not said that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did God allow Israel to prosper under Jeroboam II?
   Answer: Because of His compassion and mercy, not because of their righteousness.
2. What danger comes with outward success?
   Answer: It can mask spiritual decline and lead people to believe they are right with God when they are not.
3. What does this passage teach about God’s character?
   Answer: God is both just and merciful, acting according to His purposes and promises.