18 April

Bible In 365 Days                                 

1 Kings 15-17

1 Kings 15

In this chapter we have the continuation of a sad story in the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. Under the reign of Abijam the process of deterioration went rapidly forward. He walked in the sins of his father, thus abusing the position he occupied. The corruption was not universal, for God maintained a lamp in the midst of His people, that is to say, there was still a remnant loyal to the divine Covenant which partially checked the development of evil. There was a break in this downward process connected with the accession and long reign of Asa. We are told that his heart was perfect as was that of David, that is to say, that his purpose was good; and, indeed, during his reign certain reforms were carried out. These, however, were by no means complete, for the high places were not removed. Nevertheless, this partial reform under Asa preserved Judah for a time from the spread of the corruption and downfall which occurred in the case of Israel.

Returning to the history of the northern kingdom of Israel, we find a terrible story of corruption, in which the government of God is manifested proceeding in a series of judgments against the continued sin which characterized the reigns of successive kings. Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, reigned for two years, and his influence was wholly evil. He was slain by Baasha, who succeeded him. Baasha carried out the judgment of God on the house of Jeroboam in destroying all his sons, but, nevertheless, himself continued for four and twenty years in the same courses of evil.

1 Kings 16

Here we have the account of how Jehu was called on to exercise judgment against Baasha. This being accomplished, Elah succeeded Baasha on the throne of Israel. He was so corrupt as to be found "drinking himself drunk," and was slain by Zimri, who thus came to the throne. He carried out the judgment of God on the house of Baasha, and after four years of civil war died by his own hand.

All this is indeed appalling. The throne of the chosen people was occupied by men of depraved character who came into power by conspiracy and murder. All the while the wheels of the divine justice ground surely forward, so that murderer was slain by murderer.

After the death of Zimri, there was division in Israel, half the people following Tibni and half gathering to Omri. The victory was with Omri, who for six years continued in courses of evil, and was succeeded by Ahab. The record declares of him, "He was evil above all that were before him." He united Jezebel with himself on the actual throne of power. This alliance was contradictory to the law of God, and she became a veritable scourge to the people. Under their joint reign Israel sank almost to the level of surrounding nations. Its testimony was practically destroyed. There was hardly a ray of light, for although, as subsequent declarations reveal, a remnant still existed loyal to God, its testimony was overwhelmed by abounding wickedness.

1 Kings 17

Here began a new order, the prophetic. Of course there had been prophets before, but with the coming of Elijah the office was elevated to national importance. From this point onwards, in the economy of the divine government, the prophet is superior to the king. Presently we shall find kings whose hearts were set upon reform, but even their work will be due to the inspiration of some prophet of God through whom His will is made known to men.

The sudden appearance of Elijah was startling and dramatic. To this day there are doubts as to his nationality and parentage. In the midst of the prevailing darkness, he flamed like a lightning flash upon history. His first words declared his authority. He affirmed that Jehovah, the God of Israel, lived, and announced that in the message he was about to deliver he was speaking for the enthroned Jehovah. The divine action in sending Elijah, and in the method adopted with regard to him, is very remarkable. All earthly authority and protection were swept aside as being unnecessary. In simplest ways God protected His messenger by the brook and at Zarephath. His first appearance was to pronounce judgment. The nation had become wholly materialized, and the first stroke fell on material things. The heavens were to give no rain. The judgment thus announced fell immediately, while the prophet passed out of sight of court and people to the divine care, which was simple and perfect.