When watching sports on TV, I almost always view a recording, so that I can fast-forward through commercials, and speed things up between pitches, plays, or possessions. This technology is a real gift for the impatient or busy! When reading through 2 Kings 15, one gets the distinct impression that the author has his finger on the fast-forward button, and we are watching history unfold at hyper-speed. The chapter is framed by two kings of Judah: Azariah (aka “Uzziah,” v 1-7) and Jotham (v 32-38). In between are thirty years and five kings of Israel, just prior to the final scattering of the nation (v 8-31). For most of this time period, Azariah reigned in Judah. The contrast is clear: one long reign in Judah, versus chaos and coups in Israel. Still, Azariah is no paragon of virtue. Though generally orthodox in his religious policies, his sin was great enough to provoke God’s judgment in the form of leprosy (v 1-7). Meanwhile in the north, Zechariah took the throne from his father, Jeroboam II. Zechariah reigns only six months, for Shallum conspires against him and strikes him down. This completes the four-generation dynasty the LORD had promised Jehu (10:30). Presumably, the dynasty might have been extended if they had turned to the LORD. But they didn’t, and Shallum brought it to an end. In no way does this imply that God approved of his actions, but it’s not unusual for God to use even evil deeds to bring His sure Word to pass (v 8-12). Shallum reigns for just one month until he is assassinated by Menahem (v 13-16). Menahem’s reign lasts ten years, during which he pays expensive tribute to the king of Assyria, hoping to secure Israel from invasion (v 17-22). Pekahiah succeeds Menahem, and he reigns two years, until eliminated by the conspiracy of Pekah (v 23-26). Pekah has to deal with Assyria once again, but silver has lost its magic by this time. Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria begins to put the squeeze on Israel, dominating all their land east of the Jordan and west of the Sea of Galilee, while carrying some of their people into captivity (v 27-29). Hoshea steals the throne from Pekah, but by this time, any influence of Israel’s king is limited to the region around Samaria (v 30-31). With Israel under such extreme pressure from Assyria, it’s obvious that she is on the brink of extinction. Her civil instability is a clear sign that God’s more severe judgment is imminent. Yet sadly, Israel is paying no attention to these preliminary warnings. Two hundred years after Jeroboam I, his poisonous sins are still holding sway. There is no repentance; thus there will be no escape. For further meditation: