What leadership qualities are lacking in the actions of Hoshea in this verse? Scripture Snapshot “Then Hoshea son of Elah led a conspiracy against Pekah son of Remaliah. He attacked Pekah, killed him, and reigned in his place in the twentieth year of Jotham son of Uzziah.” (2 Kings 15:30) Historical Setting • Israel is staggering through rapid successions of kings, most of whom “did evil in the sight of the LORD.” • Assyria is rising; political fear and intrigue dominate Samaria. • Hoshea’s coup continues a grim pattern of throne-grabs by violence (cf. 2 Kings 15:25; 15:10). Immediate Observations on Hoshea’s Actions • Secret plotting: “led a conspiracy.” • Violent overthrow: “attacked … killed him.” • Self-promotion: “reigned in his place.” Leadership Qualities Missing • Integrity and transparency – Proverbs 10:9: “He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.” • Respect for God-ordained authority – Romans 13:1-2; contrast David’s refusal to harm Saul (1 Samuel 24:4-6). • Patience with God’s timing – Psalm 37:7: “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.” • Servant-heartedness – Mark 10:45: the model King serves, not seizes. • Peace-making spirit – Matthew 5:9; Proverbs 6:16-19 lists “hands that shed innocent blood” among what the LORD hates. • Accountability to God’s Word – Deuteronomy 17:18-20 sets a king under Scripture; Hoshea acts outside it. • Humility and dependence on the LORD – Micah 6:8: “to walk humbly with your God.” Hoshea trusts intrigue, not providence. • Justice and righteousness – Isaiah 32:1 speaks of kings who “reign in righteousness.” Assassination is the opposite. Contrast with Godly Leadership • David: waits for God to remove Saul, refuses violence (1 Samuel 26:9-11). • Hezekiah: seeks divine counsel, not conspiracies (2 Kings 19:14-19). • Jesus: lays down life for others, does not take life to gain power (John 10:11,18). Takeaway for Today God-honoring leadership rejects hidden plots and self-seeking aggression, choosing integrity, submission to divine authority, patient trust, and servant love. |
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