History repeats itself in two very similar stories of two different kings of Israel and their sons. These stories serve as a lesson for us.  We often repeat the mistakes and failures of our parents, even without us realizing this.  What things have you picked up from your home and family life, that God would like to see changed?  If there are things in our personal history that need changing, it is not just for us, but also for our descendants.  As believers, there is no need for us to imitate our parents’ failings, but we can imitate our Lord Jesus Christ. Other passages mentioned include: Numbers 14:18; Galatians 2:20.