April 22nd Bible Study: 2 Kings 13-15
Read 2 Kings 13-15**or listen to it here:**2 Kings 13-15 Audio
💖 Scripture of the Day
“But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion… because of His covenant…” – 2 Kings 13:23
These chapters continue the complex history of Israel and Judah’s kings—some who briefly honored God and others who led the people further into sin. While most leaders were marked by failure and idolatry, we also see glimpses of God’s mercy. Elisha performs a final prophetic act even after death, and Joash of Judah attempts to do what is right. Despite political instability and moral decline, God’s hand remains present, preserving His people and His promises. We see that even when human leadership falls short, God’s purposes are never derailed. His compassion shines through moments of judgment, and His faithfulness endures beyond human weakness. These stories remind us that no matter how dark the days, God is still at work, guiding history toward His redemptive plan.
📚 Overview of 2 Kings 13–15
🔹 2 Kings 13 – Jehoahaz and Jehoash reign in Israel. Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, God listens to their cry for help. Elisha dies but still performs a miracle through his bones.
🔹 2 Kings 14 – Amaziah reigns in Judah, achieving military success but also falling into idolatry. Jeroboam II reigns in Israel, expanding the territory but continuing in evil.
🔹 2 Kings 15 – A series of short and troubled reigns unfolds in Israel. Uzziah (Azariah) reigns in Judah and does what is right but fails to remove the high places of idol worship
📢 Flickers of Faith, Depths of Grace
These chapters show a nation in spiritual decline but also highlight moments of God’s compassion and hope. While most kings failed to lead fully righteous lives, God’s mercy never failed. His covenant remained, and so did His patience. Even when human leadership falters, God’s faithfulness continues.
📚 Bible Study Points and Reflections
- 📖 2 Kings 13: God’s Mercy in the Midst of Failure
- 📌 Key Verse: 2 Kings 13:23 – “But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion… because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
- 💡 Reflection: Even in repeated disobedience, God’s mercy shines through because of His covenant promises.
- ❓ Application: When you mess up repeatedly, do you run to God’s mercy or away from Him in shame?
- 📖 2 Kings 14: Pride and Partial Obedience
- 📌 Key Verse: 2 Kings 14:10 – “You have indeed defeated Edom and now you are arrogant. Glory in your victory, but stay at home!”
- 💡 Reflection: Amaziah’s success leads to pride, which ultimately brings defeat. Success without humility is dangerous.
- ❓ Application: How do you stay humble when things are going well in your life?
- 📖 2 Kings 15: Leadership Without Full Surrender
- 📌 Key Verse: 2 Kings 15:3–4 – “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord… The high places, however, were not removed.”
- 💡 Reflection: Partial obedience is still disobedience. True leadership requires wholehearted surrender.
- ❓ Application: Are there “high places” in your life that you’ve left standing—areas you haven’t fully surrendered to God?
✨ Encouragement of the Day
God honors those who choose righteousness, even in corrupt environments. He sees your faithfulness and is working behind the scenes to preserve His purposes in and through your life.
🙏 Call to Action
📚 Journal Prompt:
Write about a time when you saw God’s grace in your life despite your failures or half-hearted obedience.
💬 Discussion Question:
Why do you think so many of the kings failed to remove the high places? What does that teach us about fully committing to God?
🙏 Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your mercy that outlasts our failures. Help me not to settle for partial obedience but to surrender every area of my heart to You. Keep me humble in victory, faithful in trial, and quick to return when I stray. Thank You for always preserving Your promises. Amen.
