What lessons can we learn from Pekah's actions in 2 Kings 15:27? Setting the Scene “ “In the fifty-second year of Azariah’s reign over Judah, Pekah son of Remaliah became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria twenty years.” ” (2 Kings 15:27) Who Was Pekah? • Former army commander who murdered King Pekahiah (2 Kings 15:25). • Secured the throne through conspiracy and violence. • Continued the golden-calf idolatry begun by Jeroboam (2 Kings 15:28). • Saw God’s discipline through Assyrian invasion and eventual assassination by Hoshea (2 Kings 15:29-30). Key Failures Highlighted • Violent ambition—he grabbed power by force rather than waiting on God’s timing (cf. Psalm 75:6-7). • Persistent idolatry—he “did not turn away” from national sin (v. 28). • Deafness to warnings—earlier prophets (e.g., Amos, Hosea) had called Israel to repent, yet Pekah ignored them. • Short-sighted leadership—his reign ended in foreign domination and personal death, showing that “those who live by the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Lessons for Today • How we gain something matters as much as gaining it. God judges motives and methods (Proverbs 16:2). • Unrepentant sin, even if culturally accepted, still provokes God’s wrath (Romans 1:18). • A long season of apparent success (twenty years) does not equal divine approval; fruit is measured by obedience, not longevity. • National security ultimately rests on faithfulness to the Lord, not political alliances or military strength (Psalm 20:7). • Leadership influence is amplified: a king’s sin misled an entire nation. Our choices affect those under our care (James 3:1). • God’s discipline is certain but measured; He warned, waited, then acted through Assyria. His patience is salvation, yet final (2 Peter 3:9). Encouragement to Walk in Obedience • Seek God-honoring means to any end—promotion, success, influence. • Break cycles of cultural sin by personal repentance and public faithfulness (Joshua 24:15). • Evaluate success by faithfulness to God’s Word, not by years, numbers, or applause (1 Samuel 15:22). • Lead with humility, remembering authority is stewardship under the true King, Christ (Colossians 1:16-18). |
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