◄ 2 Kings 1:18 ►
As for the rest of the acts of Ahaziah, along with his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?
Study Bible
As for the rest of the acts of Ahaziah
This phrase introduces a common biblical formula used to summarize the reigns of kings in the books of Kings and Chronicles. The Hebrew word for "acts" is "דִּבְרֵי" (divrei), which can also mean "words" or "matters." This suggests that the chronicler is referring to the significant events and decisions that characterized Ahaziah's reign. Ahaziah, the son of Ahab and Jezebel, ruled the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign was marked by idolatry and a continuation of his parents' policies, which were contrary to the worship of Yahweh.

along with his accomplishments
The Hebrew word for "accomplishments" is "גְּבוּרָה" (gevurah), which can also mean "mighty deeds" or "strengths." This implies that Ahaziah's reign, though brief, included notable actions or events. However, from a conservative Christian perspective, these accomplishments are overshadowed by his failure to lead Israel back to the worship of the one true God. His reliance on Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, for healing, as described earlier in the chapter, highlights his spiritual failings.

are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?
This rhetorical question points to a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures of recording the deeds of kings in official annals. The "Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel" is a lost historical record that would have contained detailed accounts of the reigns of the kings of Israel. This phrase underscores the historical nature of the biblical narrative, affirming that the events described were part of a larger historical context. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this also emphasizes the reliability and historical grounding of the biblical text, even when some sources are no longer extant.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ahaziah
The king of Israel who reigned after his father Ahab. His reign was marked by idolatry and a lack of faithfulness to God, following in the footsteps of his parents, Ahab and Jezebel.

2. The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel
A historical record mentioned in the Bible, which documented the reigns and deeds of the kings of Israel. This book is not part of the canonical scriptures but served as a historical source.

3. Israel
The northern kingdom, distinct from Judah, which often struggled with idolatry and turning away from God during the time of the divided monarchy.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Faithfulness
Ahaziah's reign is a reminder of the consequences of unfaithfulness to God. His reliance on false gods led to his downfall, emphasizing the need for steadfast faith in the true God.

Historical Records and Accountability
The mention of the chronicles highlights the importance of accountability and the recording of one's actions. Our lives are also recorded before God, urging us to live righteously.

Legacy and Influence
Ahaziah's short reign and negative legacy remind us of the impact of our actions and the importance of leaving a godly legacy for future generations.

God's Sovereignty
Despite Ahaziah's rebellion, God's purposes prevailed. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when leaders or circumstances seem contrary to His will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Ahaziah's reliance on Baal-Zebub instead of God reflect the spiritual state of Israel, and what can we learn from this about where we place our trust?

2. In what ways can the concept of historical records, like the chronicles, encourage us to live lives of integrity and accountability before God?

3. How does Ahaziah's legacy challenge us to consider the kind of spiritual legacy we are leaving for those who come after us?

4. What other biblical examples can you find where a leader's unfaithfulness led to their downfall, and how does this reinforce the importance of faithfulness to God?

5. How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty in Ahaziah's account to our own lives, especially when facing leadership or circumstances that seem opposed to God's ways?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 22
Provides background on Ahaziah's father, Ahab, and the spiritual climate of Israel during Ahaziah's reign.

2 Kings 1:1-17
Details the events leading up to Ahaziah's death, including his injury and his inquiry of Baal-Zebub, which demonstrates his lack of faith in the God of Israel.

2 Chronicles 20:34
Mentions the chronicles of the kings of Judah, similar to the chronicles of the kings of Israel, indicating a common practice of recording royal histories.
Sermons
Man in Three AspectsD. Thomas 2 Kings 1:9-18
Unwritten HistoryJ. Orr 2 Kings 1:17, 18
People
Ahab, Ahaziah, Baalzebub, Elijah, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Joram
Places
Ekron, Moab, Samaria
Topics
Acts, Ahaziah, Ahazi'ah, Ahaziah's, Annals, Aren't, Book, Chronicles, History, Kings, Matters, Recorded, Reign, Rest, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 1:18

     5232   book

2 Kings 1:1-18

     5366   king

Library
Whether the Sin of those who Crucified Christ was Most Grievous?
Objection 1: It would seem that the sin of Christ's crucifiers was not the most grievous. Because the sin which has some excuse cannot be most grievous. But our Lord Himself excused the sin of His crucifiers when He said: "Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do" (Lk. 23:34). Therefore theirs was not the most grievous sin. Objection 2: Further, our Lord said to Pilate (Jn. 19:11): "He that hath delivered Me to thee hath the greater sin." But it was Pilate who caused Christ to be crucified …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it is Lawful to Curse an Irrational Creature?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is unlawful to curse an irrational creature. Cursing would seem to be lawful chiefly in its relation to punishment. Now irrational creatures are not competent subjects either of guilt or of punishment. Therefore it is unlawful to curse them. Objection 2: Further, in an irrational creature there is nothing but the nature which God made. But it is unlawful to curse this even in the devil, as stated above [2960](A[1]). Therefore it is nowise lawful to curse an irrational …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter.
WE Are now come to the letter of Mr. W's Jewish Rabby, whom Mr. W. calls his friend, and says his letter consists of calm and sedate reasoning, p. 55. I on the other hand can see no reason in it. But the reader than not need to rely upon my judgment. Therefore I will transcribe some parts of it, and then make some remarks. The argument of the letter is, that the story of Lazarus's being raised is an imposture; or else the Jews could not have been so wicked, as to be on that account provoked against …
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles

An Address to a Soul So Overwhelmed with a Sense of the Greatness of Its Sins, that it Dares not Apply Itself to Christ with Any
1-4. The case described at large.--5. As it frequently occurs.--6. Granting all that the dejected soul charges on itself.--7. The invitations and promises of Christ give hope.--8. The reader urged, under all his burdens and fears, to an humble application to him. Which is accordingly exemplified in the concluding Reflection and Prayer. 1. I have now done with those unhappy creatures who despise the Gospel, and with those who neglect it. With pleasure do I now turn myself to those who will hear me …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

A Prayer when one Begins to be Sick.
O most righteous Judge, yet in Jesus Christ my gracious Father! I, wretched sinner, do here return unto thee, though driven with pain and sickness, like the prodigal child with want and hunger. I acknowledge that this sickness and pain comes not by blind chance or fortune, but by thy divine providence and special appointment. It is the stroke of thy heavy hand, which my sins have justly deserved; and the things that I feared are now fallen upon me (Job iii. 25.) Yet do I well perceive that in wrath …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
2 Kings 1:18 NIV
2 Kings 1:18 NLT
2 Kings 1:18 ESV
2 Kings 1:18 NASB
2 Kings 1:18 KJV

2 Kings 1:18 Commentaries

Bible Hub
2 Kings 1:17
Top of Page
Top of Page