What can we learn about God's sovereignty from 2 Kings 17:26? Zooming In on the Verse “So they spoke to the king of Assyria, saying, ‘The nations you have deported and resettled in the cities of Samaria do not know the customs of the God of the land. Therefore He has sent lions among them, which are indeed killing them off, because the people do not know the customs of the God of the land.’” (2 Kings 17:26) Context Matters • Israel has just been exiled for persistent idolatry (2 Kings 17:7-23). • Assyria repopulates Samaria with foreigners (v. 24). • God responds by sending lions, prompting the new settlers to ask for instruction about “the God of the land.” God’s Hand Over Nations • Exile itself fulfills His warnings (Deuteronomy 28:36; 2 Kings 17:20). • “He makes nations great, and destroys them; He enlarges nations, and disperses them” (Job 12:23). • Assyria thinks it is redrawing borders; in reality, God is executing judgment and directing human history. God’s Hand Over Nature • “He has sent lions among them” (2 Kings 17:26) shows direct control over wildlife. • Similar moments: the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 9:22-26), a fish prepared for Jonah (Jonah 1:17), and lions restrained for Daniel (Daniel 6:22). • All creation obeys its Maker: “The young lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God” (Psalm 104:21). God’s Hand Over Knowledge and Worship • Foreigners recognize a spiritual cause before a political one. God pushes them to seek truth. • He moves a pagan king to send back an Israelite priest (2 Kings 17:27-28), keeping witness to His law alive. • Isaiah’s vision aligns: “So that they may know from the rising to the setting of the sun that there is none but Me” (Isaiah 45:6). Judgment Woven with Mercy • The lions are a disciplinary act, yet also an invitation to learn. • 2 Peter 3:9—God “is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish.” • Even in wrath, He leaves a door open for repentance and understanding. Living Lessons Today • God alone directs the rise and fall of peoples; trust His governance when nations shift. • He commands every corner of creation; no situation or creature is outside His reach. • Right worship isn’t optional; ignorance of God’s ways has consequences. • When God confronts, He also instructs—be ready to learn rather than resist. • His sovereignty fuels mission: if God moves people geographically, He is also moving them spiritually toward the knowledge of Christ (Acts 17:26-27). |
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