Ahaz was a wicked king who ruled over Judah for sixteen years. (735-715 BC) Since Judah sinned against God, He allowed the King of Aram, Rezin, and King Pekah of Israel to attack Judah. But they had a massive victory over Judah. Pekah killed 120000 soldiers of Judah. Some civilians were taken as captives to Damascus by Rezin. Israel king Pekah took 200 000 people as captives. They were both men and women of Judah. (II Chronicles 28:8-15)
Bold confrontation:
King Pekah and his army were victorious. Certainly, victorious armies tend to be arrogant. Amid the celebration, Oded went to meet the arriving army and confronted them, giving a strong message. His obedience to God’s call and tough assignment is exemplary. The Message of Oded had four components: First, God gave victory over Judah because of the sin of Judah. It was rather the punishment for Judah, and God used Israel as His instrument. Hence, the credit for victory does not belong to them. So, they can neither take spoils nor prisoners of war. Second, Israel was so ruthless that the rage reached up to heaven. Israel demeaned and robbed the dignity of the people of the Kingdom of Judah. Third, he reminded them that they shared the same heritage and God’s wrath would come upon them. Fourth, he directed them to send the captives back to their country.
Good Samaritans
Four leaders supported Oded and acted in his direction. They are Azariah, son of Johanan, Berechiah, son of Meshillemoth, Jehizkiah, son of Shallum, and Amasa, son of Hadlai. First, they took all the captives and assembled them. Second, they clothed them with the plunder and provided sandals from the spoils that the soldiers had taken. Third, they were given food and drink. Four, all were allowed to freshen themselves and were anointed with oil. Five, all were led towards Jericho. The leaders carried the feeble among them on donkeys. Six, they handed over all of them at Jericho and returned to Samaria. (II Chronicles 28:15)
Am I bold like Oded, and diligent like those four leaders?