Use others' decision methods in life?
How can we apply the people's decision-making process to our own lives?

Setting the Scene

• “Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and made him king in Jerusalem in place of his father.” (2 Chronicles 36:1)

• Following righteous King Josiah’s death, the nation faced a leadership vacuum. Without delay, ordinary citizens chose Josiah’s younger son, Jehoahaz, to reign. Scripture’s precise record invites us to watch their process and measure our own.


Observing Their Decision

• Swift action: the people “took” Jehoahaz—no waiting, debating, or praying is mentioned.

• Popular preference: Jehoahaz was likely seen as likable and decisive, yet his short rule (v. 2–4) shows popularity alone cannot sustain godly leadership.

• Missing element: the text is silent on seeking the LORD; contrast Josiah, who had “inquired of the LORD” (2 Kings 22:13).


Timeless Lessons

• A decision may be legal and popular yet spiritually shallow.

• Momentum can feel urgent, but urgency is not the same as wisdom.

• God records this choice to remind us: any plan that sidelines Him invites instability.


Practical Steps for God-Honoring Choices

1. Pause and pray before acting.

Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD… He will make your paths straight.”

2. Examine motives.

Galatians 1:10: pleasing God outweighs pleasing people.

3. Weigh character over convenience.

1 Samuel 16:7: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

4. Seek counsel from grounded believers.

Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

5. Align the outcome with Scripture.

Psalm 119:105: God’s Word lights the path, exposing missteps before they happen.


Additional Scriptural Anchors

James 1:5 — ask for wisdom; God gives generously.

Psalm 32:8 — the LORD promises personal guidance.

Isaiah 30:21 — “This is the way; walk in it,” when we are ready to listen.


Living It Out Today

• Begin each choice—big or small—with a deliberate pause to acknowledge God.

• Write out the relevant biblical principles before finalizing plans.

• Invite a trusted brother or sister to speak truth if impulse starts to override discernment.

• Review outcomes regularly, celebrating when God’s guidance proves sound and correcting course when human popularity swayed the decision.

By letting the people’s hasty selection in 2 Chronicles 36:1 mirror back our own tendencies, we gain a practical roadmap: slow down, seek the LORD, surround ourselves with counsel, and submit every decision to the unchanging Word.

What does 2 Chronicles 36:1 teach about leadership and God's will?
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