Chapter Summary

Accession of Ahaziah over Judah. Athaliah's wicked plot.

Discussion Questions for 2 Chronicles, Chapter 22

1. What factors does the text say contributed to Ahaziah’s poor leadership qualities? How do these poor qualities lead to his downfall?
2. What role does Ahaziah’s mother play in his poor leadership? How does this text display the importance of raising children? Are there ways that you are convicted about failures in raising your children or having positive influence over other children or adults? What adjustments and changes could you make to prevent this or reconcile?
3. How does this chapter illustrate how having good advisors or bad advisors can affect leadership?
4. Verse 7 says “It was ordained by God that the downfall of Ahaziah should come about through going to visit Joram.” (ESV) What factor or factors were used by God to bring about Ahaziah going to Joram? What are your thoughts about how God involves Himself in the everyday affairs of humanity?
5. Why does following the Lord cause one to look at injustice and evil differently?
6. The phrase “executing judgment” is used in verse 8 describing the work of Jehu. Is Jehu’s work of “executing judgment” his alone, or is it preceding from something else in his life? What is the motivation of Jehu in destroying the house of Ahab?
7. When Ahaziah is captured and put to death, he is buried, which showed honor that was often overlooked for wicked kings. Why does the text say that Ahaziah was given the honor of burial? Do you believe he was deserving of this honor? Why or why not?
8. Ahaziah’s mother Athaliah continues her wicked ways by killing the royal heirs. She compounds her sinfulness even in the face of judgment. What are the dangers of continuing in sin even after seeing the judgment of God against sin? How does she use her power to take a position that is not hers?
9. The actions of Jehoshabeath are different from that of Athaliah. How does her action display hope?
10. Are Jehoshabeath’s actions selfish or selfless, or a combination? What specific ways could her actions be described as each? Can selfish actions also serve a purpose in serving God? In what ways can they? Are there ways in which they cannot? What are they?

Key Words/Phrase

Evil, v. 4.

Characters

God, Ahaziah, Athaliah, Joram, Jehu, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Jehoshabeath.

Strong Verse(s)