2 Kings 8: How Long Will the Lamp Burn?

Verses 18-19: He followed the ways of the kings of Israel and even married a daughter of Ahab, for she was his wife. He did evil in the eyes of the LORD. Nevertheless, for the sake of his servant David, the LORD was not willing to destroy Judah. He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever.

The kings of the southern kingdom of Judah, who were in the line of David, also did evil in the eyes of the LORD. The author clarifies that this was because they intermarried with the daughter of the king of the northern kingdom of Israel. As we well know, Ahab was an infamous king who, influenced by his Sidonian wife Jezebel, worshipped Baal and Asherah, persecuting and killing God's prophets. His daughter followed in her parents' footsteps as the queen of Judah.

Despite King Jehoram of Judah's evil deeds, God did not destroy the kingdom of Judah. God's patience was due to His faithfulness to the covenant He made with David (2 Samuel 7:12-17, Psalms 89:27-37, 132:11-12), enduring their sins. However, as stated in 2 Samuel 7:14, the covenant explicitly required strict obedience to the Law of Moses (1 Kings 2:1-4, 9:1-9). We must remember that God is faithful and merciful, yet also just.

God promised to maintain a lamp forever. His covenant with David was directed toward his dynasty. Therefore, despite the corruption of the southern kingdom of Judah, God's discipline was limited to punishment that would not extinguish the lamp, in remembrance of His covenant. However, when Judah's rebellion reached its peak, God left a remnant of the dynasty and finally closed the line of kings.

God's promises are valid for those who live or strive to live in accordance with His will. A lamp goes out when it runs out of oil. God's promises are fulfilled when we obey His will. God is patient, but there is an end. God does not desire judgment, but He is just.

O Lord, in Your mercy and patience, lead us to repentance before the judgment of righteousness falls! Holy Spirit, guide us in the path of truth!