MAY 21, 2026 – MURDER AND HARLOTRY

READ: 2 Kin. 15:1–38: … he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam …

King Azariah, also called Uzziah, follows in the footsteps of his father Amaziah. A priest named Zechariah first leads him in the right way, just as his grandfather Joash was instructed by Jehoiada.

But Uzziah, as king, begins to offer the sacrifice instead of the priests (2 Chron. 26:16ff). When he is rebuked for this, he becomes angry. At that moment the LORD strikes him with leprosy which he has until his death (v.5). Jotham, his son, meanwhile governs Judah.

In that same time several kings come to power in Israel. All of these kings do what is evil in the eyes of the LORD. Despite the longsuffering of the LORD, there is no reformation.

First Zechariah is mentioned, son of Jeroboam and last of the house of Jehu. He reigns only six months until he is publicly murdered by Shallum, who reigns only one month. He in turn is murdered by Menahem, who proves to be a very cruel man, as appears from the dreadful event at Tiphsah and its surroundings (v.16).

Menahem spends a lot of money to buy off the king of Assyriaso that he will not attack Israel. After ten years his son Pekahiah becomes king. After two years he is murdered by Pekah, who in turn is murdered by Hoshea the son of Elah.

The prophet Hosea describes the religious situation in Israel in Hos. 4:1ff, where Judah is warned not to go the same way. We read there, among other things: “There is no truth or mercy or knowledge of God … swearing and lying, killing and stealing and committing adultery are widespread …” They have ceased to honor the LORD. Harlotry, wine, and new wine take away the heart. The people consult their wooden idols … They sacrifice on the mountaintops … under every green tree … They sacrifice with temple prostitutes … Ephraim is joined to idols.”

Can it be worse?

Is it better in our society than then?
Sing: Ps. 11:2