Advent Journey - Following the Seed From Eden to Bethlehem Намуна

Day 18

IN GOD’S SIGHT

Abijah (36), Asa (37), Jehoshaphat (38), Joram (39)

The next sixteen fathers in line of the Seed were kings. From the reign of Rehoboam when the kingdoms split, the kingdom of Judah lasted for just over three hundred fifty years (and roughly two hundred years for Israel).

These kingdoms were led by mostly evil kings, with occasional good kings. Most of the time God dealt with kings and their respective kingdoms according to their behavior and countenance toward God. 

They either “did right in the sight of the Lord” or “did evil…” He interceded for the righteous and inflicted judgment on the evil. Pretty straightforward. 

To Rehoboam, God said “You have abandoned me, so I have abandoned you.” Sure enough, Jerusalem was plundered by the Egyptians.  

Occasionally God’s judgment seemed delayed or absent. Abijah followed the pattern (evil) of his father Rehoboam, but he had success against his adversaries. 

Next we have Asa and Jehoshaphat – both righteous kings. Both tore down the altars for idol worship and initiated worship reforms according to the law of Moses. God honored both kings and gave them success against their enemies. 

But when Joram succeeded the throne, he returned to the wicked ways of his great grandfather, Abijah. In fact, he killed his six brothers. (Yes, those were Jehoshaphat’s sons!)

Despite this atrocity, the Lord was not willing to destroy the house of David because of His covenant with David (2 Chronicles 21:7).

God continued to have His way with the path of the Seed – seeking to fulfill His covenants and His overall promise from Genesis 3:15. 

As we meet these kings along the Advent Journey, keep in mind – these men (even the most wicked ones) were ancestors to Jesus! 

Bible Reading Tip!

When reading the Biblical account of  kings, it helps to follow references to “Judah” and “Israel.” Following the family lines, and bouncing back and forth between northern and southern kingdoms gets confusing. 

First, there are lots of common names in both kingdoms (think of today’s names like John, David, James, etc.) To add to confusion, intermarriage between Israel and Judah becomes tricky. But for students of Bible genealogies, it’s fascinating how cleanly the Seed passes within the family for Judah. It’s all because of God’s promise to King David – that his seed would remain on the throne forever.