During Menahem’s reign, the Assyrian king invaded and demanded a huge sum of silver from Israel. Menahem paid it to the Assyrian king by extracting money from the wealthy, and preserved his kingship. The Assyrians withdrew, and Israel had temporary peace. During the reign of Pekah, the Assyrians invaded Israel again, occupied huge regions of Israel, and deported the people to Assyria. These godless kings of Israel did evil in God’s eyes and did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam (18, 24, 28). When God raised his hand of discipline, they should have turned their hearts back to God. Instead, they kept on Jeroboam’s evil way, and ultimately perished forever soon after.

While northern Israel was heading towards disaster, Judah remained in a state of peace. King Jotham honored God by rebuilding the Upper Gate of the temple. He did what was right in God’s eyes and so God blessed Judah. The allied forces of Aram and Northern Israel invaded Judah, but could not disrupt the peaceful state. Rather, northern Israel fell shortly thereafter. In God’s presence, his people will be at peace no matter how troubled and chaotic the world becomes.
Application: Lord, in times of trouble and confusion, help us rely more on you and find true peace in you.
One Word: Live in the eyes of the LORD