Daily Devotional | Mercy and Love

The phrase “divided nation” refers to the division of God’s people into two kingdoms. After King Solomon, Israel became the northern kingdom with Judah to the south. Second Kings 14 looks back to when Amaziah was king in Judah, but the focus is on the king in Israel, Jeroboam II. This was a time of expansion for both kingdoms. Amaziah expanded Judah’s borders to the south (vv. 21–22) and Jeroboam II expanded Israel’s borders in the north and the south.

Jeroboam II was wicked. He worshiped the golden calves set up by the first Jeroboam long before. Under his reign, Israel continued their idolatrous behavior. So why would God bless the people when they were disobeying Him so flagrantly? The answer is plain: He was being kind to them so they would repent. He also spoke to them through the ministry of a prophet from Gath Hepher named Jonah the son of Amittai (v. 25).

You probably recognize Jonah from the Old Testament book that bears his name (Jonah 1:1). There we read how Jonah was sent to the Gentile city of Nineveh to proclaim a message of warning (Jonah 1:2). Jonah knew his mission was another example of God’s redemptive character. While Jonah was not happy about it and “ran away from the Lord” (Jonah 1:3), he eventually went to Nineveh as commanded.

But God had not abandoned Israel—Jonah ministered in his own country. Jonah predicted expansion for the nation, a time of victory characterized as salvation. Why did this happen? “The Lord saw the affliction of Israel was very bitter” (14:26). In His infinite compassion, God chose to lighten the load of judgment on His people. He sent Jonah to predict victory for the nation. Temporary salvation would come through wicked Jeroboam II (v. 27).