Stump of Jesse–From Fallen Kings To the Eternal King
He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan). 2 Kings 18:4 (ESV)
The foolishness of King Rehoboam was just the beginning of the kingdom’s troubles. As a result of Rehoboam’s arrogance and boorishness, the other tribes set up Jeroboam as their king. He established the worship of golden calves, which would set the ball rolling down the slope toward judgment.
It wasn’t much better in the southern kingdom of Judah–until Hezekiah, son of David. It is of note that we are told : “…he did right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father David had done.” (2 Kings 18:3 NASB) The idolatrous practices begun with Solomon were torn down under Hezekiah. When the Assyrians came against Judah, God delivered them. God also delivered Hezekiah from a sickness that left him near death. Under Hezekiah, son of David, Judah was restored to a godly path, and King Hezekiah himself was restored to bodily health. Hezekiah was a godly King, one of a few in Judah. Sadly, much of his work was undone by his own son who followed.
The work of the Eternal King, our Lord Jesus Christ, was to defeat the enemy and to undo what was done in Eden. It was for this purpose that He appeared in flesh and blood (1 John 3:8). He crushed the head of the enemy and has abolished death and brought life and immortality to sinners.
Rise! To arms! With prayer employ you, O Christians, lest the foe destroy you,
For Satan has designed your fall. Wield God’s Word, a weapon glorious!
Against each foe you’ll be victorious; Our God will set you o’er them all.
Is Satan strong and fell? Here is Immanuel. Sing hosanna!
The strong ones yield, With Christ our Shield, And we as conqu’rors hold the field.
The Lutheran Hymnal 444:1