2 Kings 15:37 – “In those days the Lord began to send Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah against Judah.”
Extended Explanation
This verse marks the beginning of external troubles for Judah during the reign of Jotham, king of Judah. It introduces Rezin, king of Aram (modern-day Syria), and Pekah, king of Israel, as adversaries sent against Judah by the Lord. The phrase “the Lord began to send” suggests that these events were not random attacks but were part of God’s plan. Judah, although faithful under Jotham’s leadership, was not without its faults, especially with the ongoing problem of high places where improper worship continued.
The invasion by Rezin and Pekah was not an isolated event but part of a broader geopolitical struggle in the region. Judah was caught in the middle of conflicts between larger regional powers like Aram, Israel, and eventually Assyria. This attack foreshadows greater challenges that Judah would face as external pressures increased. Although Jotham himself was a righteous king, the verse shows that Judah’s troubles were beginning due to the broader disobedience of the nation.
Historical Context
At this point in history, the northern kingdom of Israel was allied with Aram (Syria), led by Rezin, in a bid to resist the growing threat of Assyrian dominance. Pekah, the king of Israel, had formed an alliance with Rezin to fight against the Assyrians and sought to force Judah into joining their coalition. However, Judah, under Jotham and later his son Ahaz, resisted this pressure, preferring instead to seek help from Assyria.
This alliance between Israel and Aram resulted in military campaigns against Judah, which is what this verse refers to. These attacks would escalate during the reign of Jotham’s son Ahaz, leading to what is known as the Syro-Ephraimite War, where Ahaz would seek Assyrian intervention, a move that would have long-term consequences for Judah.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse highlights the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations. It is clear that the attacks from Rezin and Pekah were not simply the result of human politics or ambition but were initiated by God. The phrase “the Lord began to send” indicates that these events were part of God’s judgment on Judah, even though Jotham was a faithful king. This shows that even a relatively righteous leader cannot fully protect a nation from the consequences of long-standing disobedience to God.
This verse also reminds us that God uses even the actions of adversarial nations to accomplish His purposes. Although Rezin and Pekah were acting out of political ambition, their actions served God’s plan to discipline Judah and call the nation back to full obedience. God’s control over history is evident, even when it seems that the enemies of His people are gaining the upper hand.
Literary Analysis
The verse’s structure is straightforward but packed with significance. The phrase “the Lord began to send” is key to understanding the spiritual reality behind the political and military events. This simple introduction conveys that the conflict was not just a matter of international relations but was divinely orchestrated. The verse serves as a transition point in the narrative, moving from a time of relative stability under Jotham to a period of increasing external threats and internal decline that would plague Judah in the coming years.
The mention of both Rezin and Pekah also sets the stage for the Syro-Ephraimite conflict that would dominate the next few chapters of Israel and Judah’s history. This brief verse is an important pivot in the larger narrative of the Book of Kings.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 7:1: Isaiah describes this same event, detailing how Rezin and Pekah waged war against Judah but were unable to overpower it.
- 2 Kings 16:5: This verse provides more context for the attacks on Judah, which would continue into the reign of Ahaz, Jotham’s son.
- 2 Chronicles 28:5-6: Chronicles gives a parallel account of this period, emphasizing that God delivered Judah into the hands of Rezin and Pekah as part of His judgment.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse serves as a reminder of God’s control over both personal lives and world events. It highlights the fact that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations, using even difficult circumstances to bring about His purposes. While it may be hard to see God’s hand in times of adversity, this verse reminds believers that God is always at work, even through challenging situations.
It also underscores the importance of national and communal faithfulness to God. While Jotham was a good king, the people of Judah had not fully turned away from their idolatry, and as a result, the nation began to face external threats. This challenges Christians to think about the broader spiritual health of their communities and nations, recognizing that disobedience to God can bring consequences that affect even the faithful.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His desire to correct and discipline His people, even when it means allowing adversaries to come against them. God does not delight in bringing judgment, but He uses it as a means to call His people back to faithfulness. The attack from Rezin and Pekah was part of God’s loving discipline, meant to wake Judah up from its complacency and bring the nation back to Him.
God’s love is also seen in the fact that He did not abandon Judah, even in this time of trouble. Although Judah faced external threats, God was still at work, and His ultimate plan for the nation would not be thwarted. His love endures even in times of hardship, offering hope and the possibility of restoration.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points to the need for a perfect and faithful King who would not only protect God’s people from external threats but also lead them in true obedience to God. While Jotham was a good king, he could not fully reform Judah or prevent the consequences of the nation’s disobedience. This foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, the perfect King from the line of David, who brings true peace and righteousness.
Jesus came to lead His people in perfect obedience to God and to protect them from the ultimate enemies of sin and death. Where human kings like Jotham fell short, Jesus succeeded. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus secures eternal victory for His people, offering protection and salvation that no earthly king could provide.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the phrase “the Lord began to send” challenge your understanding of God’s control over world events, especially in times of difficulty or conflict?
- In what ways can we ensure that we are not falling into complacency or disobedience, knowing that God disciplines those He loves?
- How does God’s sovereignty over both blessing and discipline give you hope, even when facing adversity in your personal life or in the world?
- How does Jesus fulfill the role of the perfect King, protecting His people from both external threats and the deeper issue of sin? How can we trust Him more fully in difficult times?