Troubles in Judah and Israel: A Story of Prophets and Kings

The divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel faced turmoil and upheaval as their kings and people turned away from God. Yet, even in their rebellion, God sent prophets to deliver His message, offering guidance, warnings, and hope for restoration.

The Secret Mission: Jehu Anointed as King

After King Ahab’s death, his son, King Joram, and his mother, Jezebel, continued their wicked reign in Israel. God chose Jehu, an army officer, to end their rule and instructed Elisha to anoint him as king. Elisha sent a young prophet on a secret mission to the army camp.

The prophet found Jehu among the officers, took him aside, and anointed him with oil, saying, “God proclaims you king over Israel.” The prophet fled, and Jehu, stunned, shared the news with his comrades. They cheered, spread their cloaks on the steps, and declared, “Jehu is king!” Jehu’s rise marked the beginning of judgment against Ahab’s family. (2 Kings 9:1–13)

The Crazy Driver: Jehu’s Vengeance

Jehu wasted no time. With his supporters, he raced to Jezreel in his chariot, driving furiously. King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah, recovering from battle wounds, saw Jehu’s approach. They rode out to meet him, asking, “Do you come in peace?”

Jehu responded, “How can there be peace while your mother Jezebel and you lead Israel into sin?” Realizing Jehu’s intentions, Joram turned to flee, but Jehu’s arrow struck him dead. Ahaziah was also killed as he tried to escape.

Jezebel, upon hearing the news, dressed herself and looked out from her palace window. When Jehu arrived, she mocked him. Jehu ordered the palace servants, “Throw her down!” Jezebel was thrown from the window, meeting her death. Jehu then eliminated all of Ahab’s descendants, believing he was fulfilling God’s command. However, his excessive brutality displeased God. (2 Kings 9:14–37)

The Hidden King: Joash Rescued

In Judah, Athaliah, the wicked queen mother and Jezebel’s daughter, seized the throne after her son Ahaziah’s death. To secure her reign, she ordered the royal family to be killed. But Ahaziah’s infant son, Joash, was saved by his aunt Jehosheba and hidden in the temple for six years.

When Joash turned seven, his uncle, the priest Jehoiada, gathered loyal guards and declared him king. In a dramatic moment, Jehoiada crowned Joash, presented him to the people, and proclaimed, “Long live the king!” Athaliah, hearing the celebration, rushed to the temple, shouting, “Treason!” But the people did not defend her, and her reign ended that day.

With Jehoiada’s guidance, Joash ruled righteously, bringing peace and restoring the worship of God. (2 Kings 11:1–20)

Amos: The Voice of Justice

During Jeroboam II’s reign in Israel, the kingdom prospered materially but suffered morally. Corruption, injustice, and exploitation of the poor ran rampant. God sent Amos, a shepherd from Judah, to confront Israel’s sins.

In the marketplaces, Amos declared, “You cheat with false weights, sell poor grain, and exploit the needy. Your greed and luxury oppress the poor. God calls for justice and righteousness to flow like a river!” Though Amos warned of God’s judgment, many dismissed his words, choosing their corrupt ways. (Amos 2:6–7, 5:24)

Hosea: The Prophet of Love and Forgiveness

Hosea, a prophet in Israel, used his personal life to mirror God’s relationship with His people. His wife, Gomer, was unfaithful and left him. Heartbroken, Hosea sought her out, purchased her freedom, and brought her home, forgiving her despite her betrayal.

Through this, Hosea preached, “God loves you as I love Gomer. Though you have turned to idols, He longs for you to return. If you repent, He will forgive and restore you. But if you persist in rebellion, judgment will come.” Hosea’s message revealed God’s deep love and sorrow for His people’s sins. (Hosea 1:1–3:5)

Moral of the Tale

The stories of Jehu, Joash, Amos, and Hosea highlight God’s sovereignty and justice, as well as His boundless love and patience. While God holds nations accountable for their sins, He always offers a path to repentance and restoration. These tales remind us to choose righteousness over rebellion, compassion over corruption, and faith over fear. Above all, they reveal a God who never stops pursuing His people, even in their darkest moments.