Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

2 Kings 14 Devotional

Help When No One Helps

“For the LORD saw that the affliction of the Israelites, both slave and free, was very bitter. There was no one to help Israel,”2 Kings 14:26 (BSB)

Amaziah of Judah begins well enough. When he punishes his father's murderers, he spares their sons, following the Law of Moses that each person dies for his own sin (14:5-6). But victory over Edom swells his pride, and he challenges Jehoash of Israel, who warns him to stay home (14:10). Judah is routed, Jerusalem's wall is broken down, and the LORD's house is plundered (14:12-14).

Then comes a surprising report about Israel. Jeroboam son of Jehoash does evil in the LORD's sight, yet he restores Israel's borders, as the LORD had promised through the prophet Jonah (14:24-25). The reason is plain. The LORD saw Israel's bitter suffering and saw that no one was left to help, so he saved them through this king (14:26-27). This is the same Jonah who later complained that God was too quick to show mercy (Jonah 4:2). The LORD's compassion moves toward people when no one else will, including you on the days when help seems nowhere to be found.

To think about: When you have felt that no one could help, how does God's compassion toward Israel here shape the way you pray?

About 2 Kings 14: Amaziah’s Pride and Jeroboam II

Amaziah of Judah defeats Edom and spares his father’s assassins’ sons as Moses’ law requires, but pride drives him to challenge Jehoash of Israel, who routs Judah and plunders Jerusalem. Jeroboam II, though evil, restores Israel’s borders as Jonah foretold, because God pitied Israel’s suffering.

Take the 2 Kings 14 quiz →Study notes

Get the next chapter and its devotional in your inbox each morning

One short email a day, no account needed. Stop anytime.