2 Crônicas 24

2 Crônicas 24

Morgan - 2 Chr 24.17 These are very simple words, but they are inexpressibly sad, and full of arresting power and suggestion. Under the reign of Joash real reformation was achieved in Judah, but it was wholly due to the influence of Jehoiada the priest. This is clearly indicated in the statement of the chronicler that: "Joash did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah all the days of Jehoiada the priest." Nevertheless, during this period it is evident that Joash was honesty zealous in his endeavour to re-establish the true worship of God. The reform circumferenced the Temple: "They set up the house of God in its state, and strengthened it." The worship was maintained while Jehoiada lived. After his death, the princes of Judah, evidently corrupt men, came to the king, and he "hearkened unto them." The house of God was forsaken, and idolatry was again established in the land. Joash, who had been zealous in reform, now became determined in wickedness. The study of the story of Joash offers a striking illustration of how a weak man is easily influenced. It emphasizes the need of strong individual character, which can only be created by direct dealing with God. However valuable the influence of a good man may be, it remains true that if a man have nothing more to lean on than that, if it should fail, collapse is almost inevitable. All foundations fail, save one. When the will of man is yielded wholly to the will of God, and no other authority is sought or permitted, that man is safe. Where this is lacking, every changing tide of circumstances will change the currents of life. 2 Chronicles 24:18 They abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols; so wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their guilt. They abandoned the house of the LORD 2Ch 24:4 21:13 33:3-7 1Ki 11:4,5 14:9,23 wrath: 2Ch 19:2 28:13 29:8 32:25 36:14-16 Jos 22:20 Jud 5:8 2Sa 24:1 Ho 5:10,11,14 Zep 1:4-6 Eph 5:6 TRAGIC OUTCOME OF ABANDONING GODLY COUNSEL They abandoned ('azab; LXX - egkataleipo = leave behind, forsake) the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers - The verb abandoned ) is a key word in 2Ch 24 (2Ch 24:18, 20, 24, 25) and the last use is poetic justice. Joash LEFT God and in the end the Arameans LEFT him very sick (2Ch 24:25)! What goes around, comes around. This is the immutable law of reaping and sowing (Hos 8:7). What Joash should have abandoned was his transgressions, Pr 28:13+ using the same verb 'azab declaring "He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes ('azab - abandons) them will find compassion." Judah did not merely neglect worship, but walked away from it. This is especially shocking given the recent restoration of the temple. The house that had been repaired with such care is now spiritually forsaken and without care. This verse records the tragic outcome of the decision described in verse 17. What began as listening to ungodly counsel now becomes open apostasy. and served the Asherim and the idols - The Asherim were associated with fertility worship and moral corruption. Their reappearance signals a return to pagan influence and worship driven by desire rather than obedience. This was not a neutral alternative spirituality but a direct violation of the first commandment. So - Term of conclusion (and what a horrible conclusion!) describing the moral consequence of the abandonment of Yahweh. Wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem The verse clearly connects sin with consequence. God’s wrath here is not arbitrary anger but covenant response. The Law had warned that abandoning the LORD would bring discipline. What follows is not random misfortune but divine judgment designed to awaken repentance. for this their guilt - The Chronicler leaves no ambiguity. Judah’s suffering is traced to a specific cause: their guilt. Political trouble, military defeat, and national distress are presented as the fruit of spiritual rebellion. The lessons are several - External reform cannot substitute for internal devotion Abandoning God often follows abandoning godly counsel Idolatry invites divine discipline Covenant faithlessness has real consequences Once Joash and Judah abandoned the LORD for idols, wrath followed—revealing the tragic collapse of reform that never reached the heart. Bob