What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Menahem's actions in 2 Kings 15:14? Setting the Scene 2 Kings 15:14: “Then Menahem son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, went to Samaria, and struck down Shallum son of Jabesh in Samaria and killed him. Then he reigned in his place.” In one terse sentence, a throne changes hands through assassination. No divine voice, no prophetic announcement—yet God remains unmistakably at work behind the curtain. God’s Sovereignty on Display • Unforeseen turns still fulfill His larger plan – Israel’s throne looked secure under Shallum, but in only one month (v. 13) God allowed a sudden upheaval. The Lord’s word regarding Israel’s decline (2 Kings 10:32; Hosea 1:4) marches forward through Menahem’s brutal coup. • Human wickedness cannot thwart, but rather serves, God’s purposes – “Surely the wrath of man shall praise You” (Psalm 76:10). Menahem’s violence did not surprise or derail God; it became an unwitting tool in His hand. • God raises up and removes rulers at will – “He removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). Menahem thought he seized power; in reality he occupied a seat God temporarily allowed (cf. Romans 13:1). • History unfolds exactly as God decrees, not as humans intend – “My purpose will stand, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure” (Isaiah 46:10). Menahem’s ambition merely intersected with the Lord’s predetermined timeline for Israel’s judgment. Key Take-Home Truths • The seeming chaos of political turnover is never outside God’s control. • God may use even unrighteous leaders to advance His redemptive storyline (Habakkuk 1:6; Acts 4:27-28). • Because the Lord alone grants authority, ultimate allegiance belongs to Him, not to any earthly ruler (Psalm 146:3-10). • Confidence in God’s sovereignty frees believers from fear when nations shake (Psalm 46:1-2). |
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