2 Chronicles 22:7

And the destruction of Ahaziah was of God by coming to Joram: for when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab.

And the destruction {H8395} of Ahaziah {H274} was of God {H430} by coming {H935} to Joram {H3141}: for when he was come {H935}, he went out {H3318} with Jehoram {H3088} against Jehu {H3058} the son {H1121} of Nimshi {H5250}, whom the LORD {H3068} had anointed {H4886} to cut off {H3772} the house {H1004} of Ahab {H256}.

Through Achazyah's visit to Yoram, God brought about his downfall. After he arrived, he accompanied Yoram against Yehu the son of Nimshi, whom ADONAI had anointed to cut off the house of Ach'av.

Ahaziah’s downfall came from God when he went to visit Joram. When Ahaziah arrived, he went out with Joram to meet Jehu son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had anointed to destroy the house of Ahab.

Now the destruction of Ahaziah was of God, in that he went unto Joram: for when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom Jehovah had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab.

Commentary

The destruction of Ahaziah, king of Judah, as described in 2 Chronicles 22:7, marks a significant turning point in the narratives of both Judah and Israel, highlighting divine judgment and the consequences of unholy alliances. This verse succinctly explains that Ahaziah's death was "of God," meaning it was part of a divinely orchestrated plan, specifically tied to his visit to Joram (also known as Jehoram), the king of Israel, and his subsequent involvement with Jehu's mission.

Context

Ahaziah, king of Judah, was the son of Jehoram and Athaliah, the daughter of the notoriously wicked King Ahab and Jezebel of Israel. His short reign, detailed in 2 Chronicles 22:1-6, was heavily influenced by his mother and the idolatrous practices of the house of Ahab. At the time of this verse, Ahaziah had traveled to Jezreel to visit King Joram of Israel, who was recovering from wounds sustained in battle against the Syrians. It was during this visit that Ahaziah fatefully joined Joram to confront Jehu. Jehu, a commander in Israel's army, had been divinely anointed by a prophet of God to eradicate the entire house of Ahab as a punishment for their pervasive wickedness and idolatry.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The opening phrase, "the destruction of Ahaziah was of God," is paramount. It emphasizes that Ahaziah's demise was not a random event or a mere casualty of war, but a direct act of divine will and judgment. God actively orchestrated his end because of his alignment with the condemned house of Ahab and his own wickedness. This underscores God's ultimate control over human history and His righteous justice against sin.
  • Consequences of Unholy Alliances: Ahaziah's familial and political ties to the wicked house of Ahab proved fatal. His visit to Joram and subsequent involvement with him placed him directly in the path of God's judgment against Ahab's lineage. This serves as a powerful biblical illustration of the dangers and consequences of associating with ungodly influences and wicked individuals, even if one is not the primary target of divine wrath.
  • God's Use of Instruments: Jehu is presented as God's chosen instrument, "whom the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab." This highlights God's method of using human agents, even those with their own complexities and flaws, to fulfill His divine purposes and execute His justice. Jehu's anointing was specifically for this monumental task of cleansing Israel of the corrupt dynasty.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "destruction" (מְחִתַּת - m'ḥitāt) in "the destruction of Ahaziah was of God" carries connotations of terror, dismay, or ruin. Its use here, explicitly linked to God's action, signifies a divinely orchestrated ruin rather than a simple misfortune. It emphasizes the direct and intentional nature of God's judgment against Ahaziah, who, though a king of Judah, had become entangled in the wicked affairs of Israel.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound lessons for contemporary life. Firstly, it reminds us that God is sovereign and actively involved in the affairs of humanity, often bringing about justice for wickedness. Secondly, it serves as a stern warning about the company we keep and the alliances we form. Ahaziah's tragic end underscores that close association with ungodly people or systems can lead to spiritual and even physical ruin, pulling us into situations that are under God's judgment. Discerning our relationships and ensuring our primary allegiance is to God's righteous ways is essential for navigating life wisely and avoiding calamitous consequences.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 9:21 (4 votes)

    And Joram said, Make ready. And his chariot was made ready. And Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they went out against Jehu, and met him in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite.

  • 2 Chronicles 10:15 (4 votes)

    So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

  • 1 Kings 12:15 (2 votes)

    Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

  • Malachi 4:3 (2 votes)

    And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do [this], saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Hosea 14:9 (2 votes)

    Who [is] wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD [are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

  • Isaiah 46:10 (2 votes)

    Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

  • 2 Kings 9:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead: