Daily Devotional | Whom Do You Trust?

Where we go for information reveals whom we trust. Children turn to their parents instinctively. Researchers consult the most reputable journals. Scientists use the best instruments. When Ahaziah was in trouble, his choice was to consult Baal. Why did the new king consider Baal to be the best source of information about his future?

Today’s passage spans the gap between 1 and 2 Kings with the story of Ahaziah, Ahab’s son. His introductory biography informs us that he was wicked in the ways of his father and mother, and he also behaved like Jeroboam, the king who built the golden calves at Bethel and Dan. First Kings ends there, but Ahaziah’s story does not.

The division here is probably not original. It is quite possible that these two books would have been written on one scroll in ancient times. So, if you keep reading into 2 Kings, you’ll see Ahaziah’s story continue. Here we discover that Ahaziah was seriously injured in a fall. His injury was significant enough that he feared for his life and sought divine counsel.

Like so many before him, the king did not seek God, but instead the counsel of Baal! Even after all that had happened to Ahab, his father, Ahaziah had not learned his lesson. So God, in His mercy, took steps yet again, to show Israel the He is in control and worthy of their undivided worship.

The angel of the Lord, spoke to Elijah and sent him to confront Ahaziah with an insightful question: “Is it because there is no God in Israel for you to consult that you have sent messengers to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?” (2 Kings 1:3). The question is penetrating.

>> Ahab’s decision to consult Baal implied that he thought of God as unreliable, or even worse, not God at all! What do your choices say about your view of God? Do they reveal Him to be totally trustworthy? Or do they suggest that your trust lies elsewhere?

Pray with Us

The truth is that most of us trust You imperfectly—even in areas where You have shown again and again that You are trustworthy. “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).

BY Dr. Steven H. Sanchez

Dr. Steven H. Sanchez is professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute. His specific areas of study include the Israelite monarchy, the Pentateuch, the Second Temple period, and biblical archeology. Steven earned his BA from Columbia University (New York), and his ThM and PhD from Dallas Theological Seminary. He was one of 30 faculty contributors to The Moody Bible Commentary.