2 Kings 21: The Unbiased Plumb Line and Rod

Verse 13:

"I will stretch out over Jerusalem the measuring line used against Samaria and the plumb line used against the house of Ahab. I will wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down."

◇ On a construction site, lines are drawn straight on the floor, and plumb lines and weights are used to mark straight lines on walls. This is to ensure precision. God is precise like a plumb line. When He handed over Samaria to Assyria, He saw their sins clearly and judged them accordingly. God planned to judge Judah just as He had judged Samaria.

God's plumb line does not discriminate or differentiate. It applies equally and fairly to everyone. Whether it's the descendants of Abraham or foreigners, whether it's the beloved royal line of David or the idol-worshipping and evil-doing royal lines of Jeroboam and Ahab, God's standard is always applied fairly.

"If only Israel had kept all my commands and all the laws my servant Moses commanded them, I would not make them leave the land I gave their ancestors" (verse 8).

God intended for the Israelites to never leave the land He had given them, to avoid becoming restless wanderers with no homeland. But they will end up as strangers without a home to cherish, because they have chosen to live a life away from God. God has decided to take up the rod to bring them to their senses.

Just as a parent takes up the rod out of love for their child, God takes up the rod for His beloved Israel. We must remember that God, who went as far as giving up His precious Son on the cross for our salvation, measures us with the plumb line and wields the stern rod.

♧ Lord, awaken us! Before You take up the rod, open our eyes and ears to see You and hear Your voice! Turn us back to what is pleasing in Your sight! Holy Spirit, lead us on the path of truth!