The Essence of Judgmental Prophecies

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Judgmental prophecies are prophecies that pronounce judgment and doom as a result of the disobedience of an individual, family, community, Church, institutions and nations. They are however not a regular occurrence. God does not delight in pronouncing judgment on His people. Rather He blesses His people on a daily basis.  The essence of judgmental prophecies is to cause the people of God to repent and to turn away from their sins back to God. God does this because of His love and compassion for the people. Please see 2^nd Chronicles Chapter 36 verse 15, Jonah Chapter 4 verses 2 to 3, 11.

Most often, God averts judgment especially when people repent as the Word of God comes forth. Ahab repented when he received a judgmental prophecy after killing Naboth to take over his vineyard (1^st Kings Chapter 21). Though Ahab eventually died on account of other sins, it is significant to note that as much as possible, God always wants to avert judgment which explains why He uses His prophets to warn His people and nations of the impending consequences of their sinful actions. It is sad that most often, people and nations do not pay attention to God but choose to walk in their own ways. The case of the city of Nineveh is significant. As the Prophet Jonah spoke of the impending doom that would befall Nineveh on account of their sins, the Bible records that the nation led by the King repented in dust and ashes. God rescinded judgment and the people were spared.

The people of Israel and Judah as well as the land suffered the consequences of their sins and persistent refusal to turn away from their sinful ways back to God. Consequently, Nebuchadnezzar humiliated them and burnt the beautiful temple built by Solomon, carted away the precious articles of gold and silver. God allowed this because He had warned them severally. Additionally, the leadership of the people including priests and prophets were defiling the temple with the abominable idolatrous practices of the nations around them (2^nd Chronicles Chapter 36 verse 14, Ezekiel Chapter 8) and had hardened their hearts against any rebuke from the LORD. Rather than be convicted and repent, they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words and scoffed at His prophets (2^nd Chronicles Chapter 36 verse 16).

King Ahaziah (2^nd Kings Chapter 1) chose to consult idols rather than ask God for healing. God judged him and struck him dead according to the word of the Prophet Elijah to Ahaziah. What is particularly instructive is Ahaziah’s refusal to repent in spite of being rebuked by the prophet. He died of idolatry and an unrepentant heart. He had no respect for God and had no intention of walking with God. Why? He refused to acknowledge his wrong and sin against God. Rather than acknowledge his sin and repent (like David did when he was confronted with his sin); Ahaziah became angry with Prophet Elijah. In fact, Ahaziah attempted to arrest Elijah. Ahaziah was so hardhearted that the death of his captains and several soldiers did not deter him from sending more people to arrest Elijah. 

King Uzziah became proud (2^{nd Chronicles} Chapter 26 verses 11 to 23 note verse 16) and that pride was his undoing as he stepped out of line. He was a King and not a priest. Therefore, he had no business burning incense on the altar of incense in the temple of the Lord (Exodus Chapter 30). But pride urged him on and even when Azariah the priest accompanied by eighty priests of the Lord tried to stop him, Uzziah was adamant in his pride, folly and rebellion. He became furious with the priests and God struck him with leprosy (v 19). Repentance would have done a lot of good for Uzziah but pride had made him stiff necked. Who were the priests to correct him? Unfortunately, that was the end of his reign as well as his interaction with people. He was kept in isolation and his son, Jotham judged the people until eventually Uzziah died and Jotham was crowned King. Please see also 2^nd Kings Chapter 15 verses 1 to 5.

The case of Jehoram though pathetic is particularly instructive. Idolatry is a sin against God but when a person, especially someone very influential and who is in leadership capacity like a King or ruler of a people, a Priest or Prophet lives in that sin and misleads the people of God into walking in that sin as Jehoram did, then there is big trouble. Why?  God loves His people and hates for anyone to mislead His people. In fact, He metes out terrible judgment on such people especially when God repeatedly speaks against the sin through His prophets. Severally God warned Jehoram to turn away from the sin of idolatry. He refused to heed the voice of God and ultimately judgment came upon Him. Please see 2^nd Chronicles Chapter 21 verse 12 to 20 KJV.

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