Today I read 1 Kings 16, in which Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri, and Ahab become king of Israel during Asa’s reign as king of Judah. Today I considered that we should not continue the evil path others started before us, and grace can be extended through generations.
Evil Kings of Israel
The kings of Israel continue to be replaced as their evils grow worse (1 Kings 16:1-34). Baasha as king of Israel committed worse evil than Jeroboam so the prophet Jehu predicted his downfall and the death of his line. Baasha’s son Elah became king of Israel and his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, killed him and all of his descendants. Zimri became king of Israel for seven days, but the people appointed the captain of the armies Omri as king over Israel. The people were divided over Tibni the son of Ginath as king versus Omri. Omri won and Tibni died. Omri committed worse evil than those before him. Omri’s son Ahab became king of Israel and committed worse evil than his father. Ahab married Jezebel and built a house and altar to worship Baal. Even though someone before us did evil, we should not continue to follow along on that prior path.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
God giving a person descendants is a blessing. While the kings of Israel are getting worse, God is also destroying their descendants. God took away their blessing. On the other hand we previously see God give grace to David’s descendants because David loved God. This shows that God is willing to extend grace to the descendants of those that love Him.
When have you seen grace extended to someone because of their parents or grandparents?