2 Kings 15:37

2 Kings 15:37 marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically during the reign of King Jotham. This verse introduces the beginning of a significant military threat that would escalate into the Syro-Ephraimitic War, a conflict with profound implications for Judah's future.

Context

This verse immediately follows the summary of King Jotham's reign in Judah (2 Kings 15:32-36), which is largely described as righteous in the eyes of the LORD, though the people continued in corrupt practices. Despite Jotham's piety, the nation of Judah was not exempt from divine judgment. The mention of "those days" points to the latter part of Jotham's rule, setting the stage for the major conflicts that would fully unfold during the reign of his son, Ahaz.

The two aggressors, Rezin, King of Syria (Aram), and Pekah, King of Israel (the Northern Kingdom), formed an alliance against Judah. This alliance aimed to compel Judah to join their coalition against the rising power of Assyria. This period reflects the complex geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East, where smaller kingdoms constantly navigated threats from larger empires and internal rivalries.

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty: The most striking aspect of this verse is the declaration that "the LORD began to send" these kings against Judah. This emphasizes God's ultimate control over history and the actions of nations, even those seemingly hostile to His people. It signifies that these invasions were not mere random acts of war but instruments in God's hand, likely as a form of discipline or judgment for the spiritual decline within both Judah and Israel. This concept of God's sovereignty is a recurring theme throughout the prophetic books, such as in Isaiah 10:5 where God uses Assyria as a rod of His anger.
• Consequences of Sin: While Jotham himself was righteous, the nation as a whole had not turned fully from idolatry and unfaithfulness. The impending conflict serves as a foreshadowing of the greater judgments that would eventually lead to the destruction of both Israel and Judah due to their persistent sin against God.
• Inter-Kingdom Conflict: The verse highlights the ongoing animosity and strategic alliances between the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, and their neighbors like Syria. This alliance between Israel and Syria against Judah is particularly notable and is a central focus of the prophecies in the Book of Isaiah, particularly Chapter 7.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the LORD began to send" (Hebrew: shalakh - שָׁלַח) is significant. It implies a deliberate commission or deputation from God. This is not simply a passive allowance of events, but an active initiation by the divine hand. It underscores the theological perspective that even the aggression of foreign powers is ultimately under God's control and serves His purposes, whether for judgment, discipline, or to fulfill prophecy.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereign control over world events. Even in times of turmoil, political upheaval, or international conflict, believers can find reassurance in the truth that God is not absent or powerless. He orchestrates history according to His divine plan, often using human leaders and nations to accomplish His purposes, even when those leaders are unaware of it. For us today, it encourages a posture of trust in God's ultimate authority, even when circumstances are challenging, and to consider whether national or personal struggles might be an invitation to repentance and a return to God's ways.