Facing Our Jericho: The Battle Against Despair and Fear
"¶ Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem." - 2 Kings 12:17
In 2 Kings 12:17 , we read: "Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem." This verse unfolds a narrative that encompasses both the historical struggle of nations and the spiritual battles that we face in our own lives.
To fully appreciate the significance of this scripture, we must first understand the context of Hazael’s actions. Hazael, King of Syria, was a man driven by ambition, fear, and a desire for power. Gath, a city of the Philistines, was strategically significant. Its conquest not only boosted his military reputation but emboldened him to turn his sights on Jerusalem, the heart of God’s dwelling among His people. In the days of Hazael, Jerusalem represented God’s covenant with Israel and the very symbol of His presence and glory.
The battle of Gath reflects a struggle that resonates with us today. Just as Hazael confronted physical enemies, we too face a multitude of battles: personal struggles, relationship issues, health concerns, financial uncertainties, and the ever-present enemy of despair. Hazael’s determination to "set his face" toward Jerusalem mirrors how we must approach our own challenges. We, too, must set our faces toward the Holy, seeking not our power or control but God's divine intervention and strength.
What does it mean to set our face toward Jerusalem? It speaks of focus, determination, and the courage to confront difficulty with faith rather than fear. Like Hazael, when we set our hearts and minds to face our own Jerusalem, we are choosing to confront our realities head-on. However, the key difference lies in whom we place our trust. Hazael relied on his own might; we should lean on the everlasting arms of our God.
When Hazael approached Jerusalem, it was a direct challenge to God’s authority. In our lives, we often face spiritual battles that seem to question our faith and shake our trust in God. It can feel as though our enemies—be they doubts or despair—are at the gates, threatening to infiltrate our peace and confidence in God's promises.
As we meditate on Hazael’s intent to confront Jerusalem, we are reminded that our struggles may come in the form of life's hardships. The enemy tries to divert our eyes from God’s faithfulness by bombarding us with fear and uncertainty. The scriptures invite us instead to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). In every battle we face, we are not alone; God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
Today, we can examine our own "Jerusalem" moments. What fears are set against your heart? What battles are poised at your gates? Are you tempted to despair, feeling as though the enemy is closing in?
Let Hazael’s determination inspire us, but let our response be one of faith and reliance on God’s promises. While Hazael moved with selfish ambition, we are called to move with the heart of the Father, embodying His love, truth, and grace toward those around us. If Hazael sought to conquer Jerusalem through might, we are to conquer through Christ’s love and sacrifice, reflecting His glory in the face of opposition.
As we face our personal battles today, let us remember to set our faces toward our own Jerusalems—not with fear, but with a deep-seated faith that God is still in control. Let us engage in spiritual battle through prayer, worship, and the Word, wielding the powerful assurances of God’s promises. In doing so, we not only stand firm against our foes but also find peace, knowing that the God of the universe supports us in every endeavor.
Reflect this week on your Jericho walls. How might you set your face toward God in faith as you confront your Gath? Trust in the Lord; He is faithful, and He will empower you to overcome.
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2 Kings 12:17 - "¶ Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem."
"¶ Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem." - 2 Kings 12:17
2 Kings 17:12 - "For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing."
2 Kings 17:2 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him."
2 Kings 19:17 - "Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,"
Revelation 17:12 - "And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast."
1 Kings 12:17 - "But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them."
"For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing." - 2 Kings 17:12
1 Kings 17:2 - "And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,"
2 Kings 12:19 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 17:40 - "Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner."
2 Kings 17:8 - "And walked in the statutes of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made."
2 Kings 21:17 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 12:14 - "But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 17:17 - "And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger."
2 Kings 25:12 - "But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen."
"And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him." - 2 Kings 17:2
"Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands," - 2 Kings 19:17
2 Kings 12:16 - "The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the LORD: it was the priests'."
2 Kings 17:19 - "Also Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made."
2 Kings 12:12 - "And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it."
2 Kings 17:5 - "¶ Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years."
2 Kings 24:17 - "¶ And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father's brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah."
2 Kings 12:2 - "And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him."
2 Chronicles 17:12 - "¶ And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store."
2 Kings 17:22 - "For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;"
2 Kings 17:14 - "Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God."
2 Kings 10:12 - "¶ And he arose and departed, and came to Samaria. And as he was at the shearing house in the way,"
2 Kings 13:12 - "And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might wherewith he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 14:12 - "And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents."