Ahaziah Of Judah (2 Chronicles 22)

Is a change in leadership used as a chance for reformation or a continuation of evil? Is today’s world much different? Let’s look at 2 Chronicles 22.

Who became king after the disastrous reign of Jehoram?

The inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest son king in his place, because the band of men who came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the oldest. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned. Ahaziah was forty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Athaliah the daughter of Omri. He also walked in the ways of Ahab’s house, because his mother was his counselor in acting wickedly. He did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight, as did Ahab’s house, for they were his counselors after the death of his father, to his destruction. He also followed their counsel, and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramoth Gilead; and the Syrians wounded Joram. He returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which they had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. Azariah the son of Jehoram, king of Judah, went down to see Jehoram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick. (2 Chr 22:1-6 WEB)

How did God finally bring about Ahaziah’s downfall along with Ahab’s destruction?

But God used this visit to Joram to bring about Ahaziah’s downfall. After his arrival, Ahaziah went with Joram to meet Jehu, Nimshi’s son, whom the Lord had anointed to destroy Ahab’s dynasty. While Jehu was executing judgment on Ahab’s dynasty, he discovered the princes of Judah, Ahaziah’s nephews, serving Ahaziah, and Jehu killed them. Jehu went looking for Ahaziah, who was captured while hiding in Samaria. He was then brought to Jehu and executed. He was given a decent burial, however, because people said, “He was the grandson of Jehoshaphat, who sought the Lord with all his heart.” There were now no members of Ahaziah’s dynasty strong enough to rule the kingdom. (2 Chr 22:7-9 CEB)

What did evil queen Athaliah decide to do at the death of her evil son Ahaziah?

As soon as Athaliah heard that her son King Ahaziah was dead, she decided to kill any relative who could possibly become king. She would have done just that, but Jehosheba rescued Joash son of Ahaziah just as the others were about to be murdered. Jehosheba, who was Jehoram's daughter and Ahaziah's half sister, was married to Jehoiada the priest. So she was able to hide her nephew Joash and his personal servant in a bedroom in the Lord's temple where he was safe from Athaliah. Joash hid in the temple with them for six years while Athaliah ruled as queen of Judah. (2 Chr 22:10-12 CEV)

In situations like this, what would Jesus encourage us to pray?

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (Mat 6:13 ESV)

Is a change in leadership used as a chance for reformation or a continuation of evil? Is today’s world much different? You decide!