Jeroboam II, Friday, June 15, 2012

Today's reading is II Kings 12, 13, and 14; II Chronicles 25.  The spiritual decline of Israel and Judah continues.   Hazael, King of Aram, and after his death, his son Ben-Hadad, continues to oppress Israel as God willed it. 

In Judah, Amaziah, son of Joash, kills the assassins of his father.  Amaziah then sets out on a successful campaign against Edom, only to return home with their "gods", which he sets up and worships.  Amaziah challenges Jehoahaz and God allows the defeat of Amaziah.  He is captured and Jehoahaz breaks 600 feet of the Jerusalem wall before taking gold and treasures from the temple.  After Jehoahaz' death, his son Jeroboam begins his 41 year reign.  He is as evil as his father before him.