365 Days of Pursuit.org

  OVERVIEW:

The extension of David’s kingdom through his victories in battle; David’s sin in numbering the people; God’s judgment upon Israel for David’s sin.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

It will be helpful to understand that the events that God summarizes for us in chapters 18, 19, and 20 took place historically AFTER David was made king (chapter 12), but BEFORE the ark had been brought to Jerusalem. (chapters 13–17) David’s life in these three chapters reads more like the campaigns of a World War II General than “the man after God’s own heart”. They provide ample understanding of why God refused to allow David to build the temple, saying, “Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.” (1^st Chronicles 22:8)

Whereas in yesterday’s reading we saw that David had made a horrific blunder in multiplying WIVES for himself (14:3), chapter 18 and verse 4 records yet another failure of David to obey the laws God had laid down for Israel’s kings in Deuteronomy 17:15–17. This time he multiplied HORSES. God’s prohibition for not multiplying wives is obvious, however, the prohibition for not multiplying horses is somewhat unclear. Apparently, God knows that it is somehow associated with the development of a spirit of pride within human leaders. David’s pride will blossom in chapter 21.

Note in chapter 18, that while David’s enemies were the recipients of the execution of David’s wrath (18:1–15), God’s people enjoyed the execution of David’s righteousness and justice (18:14).

The first part of chapter 19 is a great example of the 21^st century tongue-in-cheek proverb: “No good deed goes unpunished.” What David fully intended to be a blessing to the son of king Nahash at the death of his father, is turned into an incredible fiasco by the newly installed king’s “cabinet of advisors” called “princes”. (19:3) Through their “profound insight” and ability to “discern the motives of David’s heart,” they counsel the king concerning David’s “ill-intentioned motives”, and by the time it is all said and done, what could have been the beginning of a great relationship, ended with the death of 47,000 soldiers! (19:18-19) A great lesson for us about thinking we have the ability to discern people’s motives and/or hearts; and a great warning to us about listening to people who think they can!

From a chronological standpoint, 1^st Chronicles 20 coincides with 2^nd Samuel 12, and is that time when David became involved with Bathsheba. Whereas 2^nd Samuel 12 records David’s sin and restoration, in keeping with the rest of 1^st and 2^nd Chronicles, the sin is not recorded here. 

In chapter 21, the usually humble David is lifted up with the pride of the devil. He instructs Joab, the commander of his army to number the people. Joab recognizes that David is battling his pride and that taking this census would bring sin into the kingdom, so he appeals to David, saying (in effect), “Listen, boss, if the motive here is to find out how many subjects are in your kingdom, let it be enough to know that there are a whole lot of ’em, and that they ALL love you and are your servants! You don’t need to know how many there are. All finding out is going to do is lead to a bunch of problems!” David, however, had made up his mind. He was going to do what “HE” wanted to do!  And he did.

Numbering the people displeased the Lord, and brought His immediate judgment upon Israel. (21:7) Though David had “sinned greatly”, the good news is, he was quick to humble himself and take ownership of his sin. (21:8) The bad news is, his sin did not just result in the death of one man, as in Uzza’s case, but the death of 70,000 men!!! Imagine the devastation felt by 70,000 families in Israel! Though God graciously forgave David of his sin, imagine how hard it would have been for 70,000 families to forgive their king because of his insistence upon exalting his foolish pride. It is yet another tragic and graphic reminder that the consequences of sin often have devastating effects on many innocent people.

Through the “seer” (i.e. “prophet”–1^st Samuel 9:9), the Lord instructed David to acquire the threshingfloor of Ornan (21:18), upon which to build an altar and to offer sacrifices. Through the sacrifices, the judgment of God upon Israel was stayed. This threshingfloor would later become the site of the temple. (2^nd Chronicles 3:1)

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through the ALTAR David built to sacrifice unto the Lord so that Israel might be restored to a right relationship with God — 1^st Chronicles 21:18, 26 (Only through Christ can we be restored to a right relationship with God — Romans 3:24).

OVERVIEW:

King Hiram’s blessing upon David; the Philistines defeated; the ark is brought to Jerusalem; David’s psalm of thanksgiving; David’s desire to build the temple; David is forbidden to build the temple; God makes a covenant with David (the Davidic Covenant).

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

At the end of yesterday’s reading, in 1^st Chronicles 13, David was a discouraged, dejected, defeated, and disillusioned man. The excitement that was in his heart to see God’s presence, represented in the ark, restored to its rightful place in Jerusalem had caused a great positive ground-swell of spiritual excitement amongst the people, yet it had all come to a screeching halt with the tragic death of Uzza. David had even changed his mind about wanting the ark returned to Jerusalem, and had it stored in the house of Obed-edom. That’s how disillusioned he had actually become. The ark remained there for three months, but upon seeing the blessing of God that had come upon the house of Obed-edom and “all that he had”  because the ark was in his home (13:14), it was enough to convince David that regardless of the cost, the ark in Israel’s capital was non-negotiable.

The narrative concerning bringing the ark into Jerusalem will pick up again in chapter 15, but first, chapter 14 provides some parenthetical information to help us to understand more about David and his reign.

Without providing any commentary, 14:3 very straightforwardly states, “And David took more wives at Jerusalem”. This practice was common among ancient kings, and, in fact, had come, not only to be ACCEPTED by the people but almost EXPECTED as a sign of their ruler’s royalty and prestige. Regardless of how the people viewed it or regarded it, it was clearly against the law of God! At times, it may seem that God is somewhat lenient in the Old Testament concerning this practice, but a closer look at the harvest of sorrows David, and others like him, reaped in their families proves different, teaching us the principle, once again, that there are always consequences to sin! We must be certain that the world’s acceptability of sin in the 21^st century does not influence us to violate God’s holy Word, or His holy calling upon our lives!

Upon hearing that David was now Israel’s king, the Philistines thought they might try their hand against David’s army. David “spanked” them even to the point that the gods they were carrying and trusting to give them the victory were dropped on the ground so they could run away in more haste. (14:12) Call us crazy, but would we really want to put our trust in any “god” that can be dropped like a hot potato on a battle field, and can be burned?!

Note, however, that David “enquired of God” before leading the troops into battle. (14:10) He wanted to make certain that this was completely the will of God. Note also, that when the Philistines returned to do battle (14:13), “David enquired again of God”. (14:14) God’s previous “go ahead” was no guarantee of a “go ahead” today! We must learn to pray about everything, asking for God’s specific guidance in and for every decision. God did give David the “go ahead” but revealed a very particular battle plan to achieve the victory. It is interesting to note that this battle plan would not have been revealed to David had he not “enquired again of God”! What clear direction from the Lord might we be forfeiting, simply because we fail to enquire of Him? (James 4:2b)

As chapter 15 begins, David is once again moving to get the ark in its proper place. It’s the same exact thing he sought to do in chapter 13, but this time it was being done, what we like to call, the “BIBLICAL way”! David realized that they had received God’s judgment upon them (at Uzza’s expense), because they “sought him not after the due order.” Or, in other words, “because we didn’t ask God how He wanted us to do it!” This time, David made sure that the right people were carrying the ark (15:2), that they were properly prepared for the task (15:12), and that it was being carried the right way (15:15). Once the ark was in its proper place (16:1), the priority of worship was once again restored to Israel (16:1–6). David then offered a psalm of thanks to the Lord. It is a composite of Psalms 105:1–15; 96:1–13; 106:1, 47–48.

Chapter 17 is divided into three basic sections:

1. David’s desire to build God a house. (17:1–2)
2. God’s determination to build David a house. (17:3–15)
3. David’s humble prayer of response. (17:16–27)

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

• Through the EXALTATION AND FAME OF ISRAEL’S KING (DAVID) – 1^st Chronicles 14:17 (Philippians 2:9–11; Romans 14:11)
• Through DAVID, THE SHEPHERD-KING – 1^st Chronicles 17:7 (Matthew 1:1–2; Romans 1:3; John 10:11; Revelation 19:16)

OVERVIEW: 

The death of Saul and his sons; David made king over Judah; Israel anoints David king; David takes Jebus (Jerusalem) as the capital city of the kingdom; David’s first attempt to bring the ark into Jerusalem.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The seemingly endless genealogy ended in chapter 9, and now God is wanting to bring us into the reign of David as Israel’s king. To do so, however, He must make the transition from the reign of Saul. Chapter 10 makes that transition, as it gives us the record of Saul’s death. The parallel account of the death of Saul and his sons is found in 1^st Samuel 31:1–13. The reasons for Saul’s death are found in verses 13 and 14 of 1^st Chronicles 10: 

1. He was not obedient to the word of God. (1^st Samuel 13 and 15 provide the details) 
2. He consulted a medium, or witch. (1^st Samuel 28 provides the details) 

In chapter 11, David is anointed as Israel’s king in Hebron. This is a classic case of “the third time being the charm”, as this is now the third-time David has been anointed. The first anointing was done privately by Samuel (1^st Samuel 16:13), and the second was done publicly as king over Judah (2^nd Samuel 2:4).

Note the key responsibilities God gave to David as Israel’s leader in chapter 11 and verse 2: “Thou shalt FEED my people Israel, and thou shalt be RULER over my people Israel.” In simple terms, David’s responsibilities are much like those given to those who are called to provide oversight of God’s people in the church: FEED and LEAD! (See Acts 20:28; 1^st Peter 5:1–3)

The first item on David’s agenda, after being anointed king, was to secure a capital for the kingdom. Chapter 11 verses 4–9 explain how Jerusalem was taken and how that, in accordance with David’s promise for whoever was instrumental in removing the Jebusites out of Jerusalem being promoted to the captain of David’s army, Joab was installed as the commander. Verse 10 of chapter 11 begins a long list of the “mighty men” in David’s army. It is interesting to note the accomplishments of the various men who comprise this list.  

Whereas chapter 11 identifies the INDIVIDUALS who were key in David’s army, chapter 12 identifies the number of mighty men from each of the TRIBES. Chapter 12 and verse 38 lets us know why all of these men were so “mighty”, and why they were so mightily used in David’s army: “All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel.” These four qualities provide a great list for what every church should be looking for when filling positions of leadership within the church:

1. Men who understand SPIRITUAL WARFARE (“all these men of war” – 12:38a)
2. Men who understand SPIRITUAL TEAMWORK (“that could keep rank” – 12:38b)
3. Men who manifest SPIRITUAL MATURITY (“came with a perfect heart” – 12:38c)
4. Men who manifest SPIRITUAL SUBMISSION TO LEADERSHIP (“to make David king over all Israel” – 12:38d)

Chapter 13 records David’s first attempt to bring the ark back into his newly acquired capital, Jerusalem. Remember, the ark had been completely neglected during the reign of Saul; and keep in mind that the ark represented God’s presence. What is sad, is that for 20 years, nobody seemed to miss it! David, however, is zealous to see God’s presence, as it was represented in the ark, restored to its rightful place in Israel’s camp.  It is, however, a great lesson on how doing the right thing with the right motives, but done in the wrong way will always be disastrous, and in many cases, as in this one, deadly!

Notice that the ark was placed on a “new cart”. (13:7) Apparently, David wanted it to be “special” because of what it represented. But the cart hit an uneven place in the road, the ark began to fall, and when well-meaning Uzza reached out to steady it to keep it from hitting the ground, he was immediately zapped; just as Numbers 4:15 said would happen! God had specifically given Israel instruction concerning transporting the ark so that this very thing would not happen! (Exodus 25:12–14; Numbers 7:9) What began as a glorious celebration at the beginning of this chapter, ends like a funeral procession; with David very discouraged, disappointed, and somewhat, disillusioned. Again, a great reminder that God says what He means, means what He says, and no amount of good intentions override obedience to what He has specifically spoken in His word!

CHRIST IS REVEALED:


• In DAVID, the ANOINTED KING — 1^st Chronicles 11:3 (Christ is the “Anointed of God” who will sit on the throne of David as “King of kings and Lord of lords.” – Luke 1:32; Revelation 19:16) 


OVERVIEW:

A continuation of Israel’s descendants: Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, half-tribe of Manasseh west of the Jordan, Ephraim, Asher, Benjamin; those who returned from captivity; the genealogy of Saul.  

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The genealogy continues today bringing us through the remainder of the descendants of Israel: Issachar (7:1–5), Benjamin (7:6–12), Naphtali (7:13), the half-tribe of Manasseh west of the Jordan (7:14–19), Ephraim (7:20–29), Asher (7:30–40), Benjamin (Chapter 8). Chapter 9, then, gives us the record of those who returned from captivity (9:1–34), and then, the descendants of Saul. (9:35–44)

A particular phrase, that is mentioned twice in chapter 7, is well worth noting: Chapter 7 and verse 11 talks about the number of the “…soldiers FIT to go out for war and battle.” Chapter 7 and verse 40 talks about the number of the “mighty men of valour…that were apt to the WAR and to battle…” You might want to note that the word “apt” is also translated in the Bible as “prepared”; “ready”; and “willing”. You might also want to note that the New Testament is very specific in letting us know that as believers in Jesus Christ, we, too, are SOLDIERS (2^nd Timothy 2:3) who are engaged in an incredible “WAR” or “BATTLE”. (2^nd Timothy 2:4; 2^nd Corinthians 10:3) With that reality in mind, we would do well to consider: If God were making a list today of the number of New Testament “soldiers” and “mighty men and women of valour” who are “fit” and “apt to the war and to battle” like He did here in 1^st Chronicles 7, would our name be included in that number? Ephesians 6:10–18 lets us know that the number includes only those who “STAND” in the victory Christ has already won, having on “THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD”. Are you “FIT” and “APT” for the “WAR” we call the Christian life?

Chapter 9 and verse 2 says, “Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims.” The “Nethinims” were very simply the “temple servants”. Their job was simply to do whatever needed to be done. Because of their love for the Lord, they didn’t need the limelight. They were willing to work behind the scenes so that the work of the Lord could go forward! Oh, that God could use us to be as the Nethinims! Verse 28 says of the Levites, “And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale (or, count).” Again, from an earthly standpoint, the job God entrusted to them doesn’t really seem to be all that significant. “Some”, according to verse 29 and 30 “were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices. And some of the sons of the priests made the ointment of the spices.” Again, from the mind of a natural man, these responsibilities are hardly worth mentioning, but to God, each individual fulfilling their role and completing their personal assignment was well worth mentioning, because God knew that every individual was key for what He intended for the service of the tabernacle! 

Let us learn from these Old Testament servants that whatever God has called us to do in His service, however insignificant it may appear to others, and however insignificant it may sometimes even feel to us, it is extremely significant to Him! He is simply looking for us to faithfully carry out the assignment to which we have been entrusted. The way Paul said it, in Philippians 3:12, “…but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” In other words, “I’m going to live my life in constant pursuit of taking into my possession the purpose God had in taking me into His possession!” The New Testament teaches that God has given all of us a MINISTRY to fulfill in the CHURCH and a MISSION to fulfill in the WORLD. To fulfill these responsibilities according to God’s design, He has entrusted each of us with a composite of key resources to utilize in fulfilling our intended purpose. He has given each of us spiritual gifts, along with our natural, and yet, God-given talents and abilities. He has given to us our individual personality, and within our personality, has made us passionate about certain things. All along the way, through the course of our life, God has allowed us to encounter many different people and experience many different things. All these various components are not random. These are all the specific things God orchestrated, and is orchestrating, in our lives to direct us into an understanding of the specific kingdom assignment He intends us to fulfill. 

Regardless of how insignificant we may think our value to His kingdom may be, God views our responsibility as a sacred trust, and vital to His will and work in and through the body of Christ! We all must play our position! We all must fulfill our role! God has called each of us to embrace the stewardship of these incredible resources, and do one thing with them: be FAITHFUL! (1^st Corinthians 4:1–2) Always keep in mind that you are as vital to the body of Christ in your local church, as any member of your physical body is to you! There are no insignificant individuals and there are no insignificant responsibilities.

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

In JERUSALEM (which means, “Foundation of peace”) — 1^st Chronicles 9:3. (Christ is the only foundation of peace upon which man can stand before God – 1^st Corinthians 3:11; John 14:27; 2^nd Corinthians 5:18; Ephesians 2:14)

OVERVIEW:

The descendants of Solomon, Judah, Simeon, Reuben, Gad, Manasseh and Levi; temple singers and keepers appointed; the descendants of Aaron; the cities of the Levites.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As we read through what seems to be a never-ending genealogy today, rejoice in the underlying message: God doesn’t view mankind as simply a mass of humanity! He is interested in each individual and knows us all by name! Hallelujah! God takes the time in these chapters to make sure that the name of every single priest and Levite, along with the family and tribe to which he belonged, was specifically registered and mentioned. (Exodus 33:17)

Of particular note in chapter 4 is this man Jabez. God stops when He gets to his name to interject an incredible statement about him. Verse 9 of chapter 4 says that he “was more honorable than his brethren”! One of the reasons he was “more honorable”, no doubt, is not only the fact THAT he prayed, but HOW he prayed. Our Lord reveals to us in this passage that Jabez had a beautiful fourfold request, and it was of such significance that God chose to record it for us in verse 10:

1) “…Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed…” 

2) “…and enlarge my coast…” 

3) “…and that thine hand might be with me…”  

4) “…and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!…”

Verse 10 concludes with this monumental statement: “…And God granted him that which he requested.” Verse 10 is not held up as a “model prayer” as such, but its content is well worth incorporating into our prayers! It is obvious that Jabez was a man who lived in pursuit of God, and that God rewarded him for it. May God strengthen us to follow his example as we continue the “365 Days of Pursuit”!

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

In the CITIES OF REFUGE – 1^st Chronicles 6:57, 67, 69 (To find protection from the avenger of blood, a person had to flee to a city of refuge. Likewise, God provided His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ as the Refuge to whom we must flee to find protection from His judgment against sin — John 3:14–18; 10:24–30; Galatians 2:16; 3:1-14; Hebrews 10:1–18; 1^st John 2:2; Revelation 1:5; Hebrews 6:18)

OVERVIEW:

Jesus’ lineage through Adam, Noah, Abraham, Israel (Jacob), Judah, and David.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

At first glance, it appears that the book of 1^st Chronicles is simply a repeat of 1^st and 2^nd Samuel, and that 2^nd Chronicles is a repeat of 1^st and 2^nd Kings, but there are some significant differences.

Whereas Samuel and Kings emphasize the HISTORICAL side of things, Chronicles emphasizes the SPIRITUAL. Whereas Samuel and Kings are seen from the HUMAN standpoint, Chronicles is seen from the DIVINE standpoint. Whereas Samuel and Kings are presented from the viewpoint of the PROPHETS, Chronicles is presented from the viewpoint of the PRIESTS. Whereas Samuel and Kings show MAN RULING, Chronicles shows GOD OVERRULING.

Chronicles primarily concentrates on the reign of David and his successors, and on the temple and its worship. It includes information not previously covered concerning the priests, the Levites, the musicians, singers, and doorkeepers. It goes into detail concerning transporting the ark to Jerusalem, and the preparation for the building of the temple. The northern kingdom is of little significance in Chronicles. In fact, the northern tribes are only mentioned in connection with their dealings with David’s reign.

The book of 1^st Chronicles opens with the longest genealogical history in the entire Bible. It continues on for nine solid chapters! Needless to say, the next several days’ readings will not qualify for the award for “The Most Heart-Warming and Life-Changing Devotional Passage of the 365 Days of Pursuit!” However, always remember Proverbs 30:5, “Every word of God is pure:” and every word is there for a reason! These chapters are in our Bible to provide us the historical basis of our faith.  As Bruce Wilkinson said, “The opening chapters of 1^st Chronicles form the skeletal framework of the entire Old Testament. They bind the Old Testament together into a unified whole, showing that it is in fact history and not merely legend or myth. From Adam to Abraham, Boaz to Benjamin, the generations are all there in their proper order to show the outworking of God’s plan and purposes through the years and in the lives of men and women of faith.” What these chapters teach us, if nothing else, is that God has a plan: A plan for the earth, the universe, Israel, and your life!

A very basic overview of the first nine chapters of 1^st Chronicles is as follows:

• The genealogy from Adam to Abraham. (1:1–27)

• The genealogy from Abraham to Israel. (1:28–54)

• The genealogy of the descendants of Israel. (Chapters 2–8)

* Judah (2:1–4:23)

* Simeon (4:24–43)

* Reuben, Gad, half the tribe of Manasseh East of Jordan (Chapter 5)

* Levi (Chapter 6)

* Issachar (7:1–5)

* Benjamin (7:6–12)

* Naphtali (7:13)

* Half tribe of Manasseh West of Jordan (7:14–19)

* Ephraim (7:20–29)

* Asher (7:30–40)

* Benjamin (Chapter 8)

• Those who returned from captivity (9:1–34)

• The genealogy of Saul (9:35–44)

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

In the FIRST ADAM –  1^st Chronicles 1:1 (Christ is the LAST or SECOND ADAM.  We have eternal life because the last Adam was a quickening, or “life-giving” spirit – 1^st Corinthians 15:45, 47).

Through the genealogy of DAVID – 1^st Chronicles 3:1–24 (Christ, the Son of God was also called the Son of David – Matthew 1:1; Luke 3:23–38; Romans 1:3)


OVERVIEW:

Wicked Manasseh and Amon; the last good King, Josiah; four more evil kings; the Babylonian captivity.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The righteous leadership of Hezekiah for which we were refreshingly able to rejoice in yesterday’s reading is quickly replaced by the overwhelming evil of his son, Manasseh. Though we read of his later repentance in 2^nd Chronicles 33, Jeremiah 15:4 says that the kingdom would be removed because of the deeds of Manasseh in Jerusalem. The deeds of a leader (husband, father, teacher, pastor) have a far-reaching effect for good or for bad.

Josiah, the last good king, did that which was right in the sight of the Lord. He had chosen to do right and restore the temple before the book of the law was found. The knowledge he received from the word of God would not have been revealed to him, however, had Josiah not already chosen to do right! God reveals to us in 2^nd Peter 1:5-7, that virtue (choosing to do right, and doing it!) is to be added to our faith, before beginning to add knowledge. If we have not already purposed in our hearts to follow the instruction of the Lord, what need is there to accumulate more knowledge?

With the “new knowledge” received from the “newly discovered” books of the law, Josiah humbles himself before the Lord, makes a covenant to the Lord in the presence of all the people, and begins to cleanse the temple and the land. He is used of God to remove the idols and the high places of worship in Jerusalem. Interestingly, notice that he carries the items of sin across the brook Kidron, destroys them, and then scatters the ashes on old graves. The Lord Jesus Christ crossed the very same brook, Kidron (or, Cedron), on the way to become sin for us on the cross, where our sins would be buried in His grave! (John 18:1)

Josiah continues his cleansing reforms and goes to Bethel to destroy the golden calf set up by Jeroboam. The idol worship that plagued the children of Israel throughout their entire history is finally destroyed by the one who was prophesied by name. The Lord tells us concerning Josiah in 2^nd Kings 23:25, “And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.” It is almost unbelievable, that not until Josiah, did any king ever go up to destroy the golden calf! 

After such an incredible example set by Josiah, surprisingly enough, not a single one of the final four kings follow in his footsteps. As seen in today’s reading, all four of them are weak, evil kings, who are actually controlled by other foreign kings. Because of the evil of Manasseh, the Lord will not spare Judah. The leaders, the people, and the treasures that should have been dedicated to the Lord, are carried away to serve the Babylonians in captivity.  

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As the PROCLAIMER OF THE WORD –– 2^nd Kings 23:2 (Luke 4:16)

As the ONE PROMISED BY NAME –– 1^st Kings 13:2 and 2^nd Kings 22:1 (Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 2:21)

As the PASSOVER –– 2^nd Kings 23:21 (1^st Corinthians 5:7; John 1:29; 1^st Peter 1:19)

As the INNOCENT BLOOD OF JERUSALEM –– 2^nd Kings 24:4 (Matthew 27:4; Acts 13:28)

OVERVIEW: 

Israel is carried away; the glorious reign of Hezekiah.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Today’s reading records for us the judgment of Jeroboam’s sin in Israel. God has consistently warned, both through his prophets and through the display of His righteous judgment upon other nations, and yet, the warning has been to no avail. But now, the hammer of God’s judgment falls. Twenty kings over a period of 200 years have had countless opportunities to repent and obey the word of the Lord, but it has totally gone unheeded. Psalm 86:5 reminds us: “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”  The Lord had sent prophets to let them know just how “ready” He was “to forgive”, but 2^nd Kings 17:14 gives the heart of the matter: “They would not hear”! The next verse tells us that “…they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the Lord had charged them, that they should not do like them.” (17:15) The consistent pattern in scripture teaches us that God’s judgment comes upon our lives because of our persistence to continue to follow our own stubborn will and way. Proverbs 29:1 says: “He, that being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”  

Chapters 18 through 20 reveal the life of a king that was unlike any others in the land of Judah. Rather than trusting his own will and way, this king actually “trusted in the Lord God”. (18:5) Hezekiah accomplished great things in Judah! He destroyed the idolatry; he conquered the Philistines; he resisted the Assyrians; he fortified his city; and he built great water works. But his real legacy is found in the statement of 18:3 and 7: “And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father did…And the Lord was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not.”

Hezekiah’s life was not without troubles though. His faith and dependence on the Lord were severely tested. His trust in the Lord was specifically challenged and publicly ridiculed by the messengers from Assyria. The messengers spoke scornfully concerning his religious reforms. Notice, however, that Hezekiah’s immediate response to trouble was seeking God through His word and prayer. Oh, once again, may we learn from his incredible example! The answer returns: “…be not afraid…I will cause him to fall…” (19:6-7) When a threatening letter came from the king of Assyria, once again, Hezekiah immediately took it to the Lord in prayer. God lets him know that He had heard his prayer, and answers: “…the king of Assyria, he shall not come into this city…” (19: 32) Because of Hezekiah’s faithful walk and relationship with the Lord, He miraculously delivers him and the land of Judah.

In chapter 20, Hezekiah’s faith is tested once again, this time through his health. Verse 6 reveals that this time of trial comes during the conflicts with the king of Assyria. His public challenges were compounded by his private health issues. Hezekiah’s response was simple and consistent: “he…prayed”! (20:2)

Through the trials and life of Hezekiah, God is able to teach us what it looks like in “real life” to walk with the Lord, and to trust in Him. Note some of the Psalms that Hezekiah exemplified through his life:

Psalm 18:3 “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.”

Psalm 20:7 “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”

Psalm 25:2 “O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.”

Psalm 32:10 “Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.”

Psalm 33:21 “For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.”

Psalm 44:6 “For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.”

Psalm 56:11 “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.”

Psalm 118:8 “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”

Psalm 143:8 “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.”

Like Hezekiah, may our lives reflect that same kind of bold trust in our trustworthy God! 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As TEACHER – 2^nd Kings 17:27 (Mark 4:1; John 3:2)

As the CLEANSER OF THE TEMPLE – 2^nd Kings 18:4 (Matthew 21:12; Mark 11:15; John 2:15)

As a MAN OF PRAYER – 2^nd Kings 19:15 (John 17; Matthew 26:39; Luke 5:16; 22:32)

OVERVIEW: 

Israel is delivered into the hand of Syria; the death of Elisha; three good kings in Judah; the final kings of Israel.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

During the period of time covered in today’s reading, it gets a little tricky to keep the kings of Judah and Israel straight! For example, both kingdoms have a king named Ahaziah, and both kingdoms have a king named Joash, whose names are sometimes spelled Jehoash. They can be identified, however, by carefully noting over which kingdom they are reigning, or by noting the name of their father. For example, King Joash of Judah, the son of Ahaziah, begins his reign in chapter 12 and does that which is right in the sight of the Lord. King Joash of Israel, the son of Jehoahaz, begins his reign in 2^nd Kings 13:9-11 and does that which was evil in the sight of the Lord.  

Something else that becomes somewhat difficult to get our minds wrapped around in today’s reading, is that the accounts of the two kingdoms are being told in parallel. But the reality is, it would be impossible to record the reigns of the kings and the events of their lives in chronological order, because of how the history of one king sometimes overlaps with one or more of the kings in the other kingdom. Note that the death of Joash, the king of Israel is told in both 2^nd Kings 13:13 and 2^nd Kings 14:16, because chapter 13 is telling the story in Israel and chapter 14 is telling the story in Judah. As was mentioned above, careful reading of the context is definitely required in this section!

The end of chapter 13 records an incredible and beautiful example of the enduring faithfulness of our Lord. Though Israel has repeatedly worshipped Baal and the golden calves, the Lord graciously expresses His compassion on them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The beginning of chapter 14 gives an interesting insight into the effect of a father on his son, and/or the effect of a disciple maker upon a disciple. Joash started his reign as a good king, through the influence of Jehoiada, the priest. Evidently, the teaching of Jehoiada not only affected Joash, but even reached to his son Amaziah. (2^nd Timothy 2:2) Verse 3 says he did as his father Joash had done, and verse 6 lets us know that he not only knew the commandment of the Lord from the book of Deuteronomy, but he also obeyed it.  

Chapter 15 continues with two more good kings of Judah: Azariah (also called Uzziah), and Jotham. Both did that which was right in the sight of the Lord as their father had done.  It is revealed, in 2^nd Chronicles 26, that as long as Uzziah sought the Lord, God made him to prosper, but also lets us know that after much success, Uzziah’s heart was lifted up to his destruction. May we learn from his example!

Though Judah has a series of good kings, Israel is spiraling downward. Though Jeroboam has outward success, he did that which was evil and never could disconnect himself from idol worship. Zachariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah and Pekah continue in the evil and bring Israel near captivity. Most of these kings are murdered, one even being murdered after only one month on the throne! Menahem is a ruthless and cruel leader. Pekah and his army kill 120,000 men in one day of battle. Yet, in such a dark time, Isaiah prophesies that a virgin will conceive and bear a son, Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14) Isaiah 9 is written during this time to a people in darkness that have seen a great light.

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As SAVIOUR – 2^nd Kings 13:5 (Luke 2:11; Acts 5:31; 13:23)

As THE RESURRECTION – 2^nd Kings 13:21 (John 11:25) As THE BRASEN ALTAR – 2^nd Kings 16:14 (Hebrews 9:14) 

OVERVIEW: 

Jehu executes judgment; Joash is spared and becomes king; Joash repairs the temple.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Two chapters in today’s reading deal with Jehu, the king of Israel (Chapters 9 and 10) and two deal with Joash, the king of Judah. (Chapters 11 and 12) The crazy thing is, both men will actually do God’s work but neither one will do it with a pure heart for God. The results will be short-lived, and obviously, because of their self-promoting motives, the Lord certainly won’t receive the glory that is due His name! Once again, recognize that there are many people today who do the Lord’s work with the same self-aggrandizing motives, and with the same results. May God spare us from the overarching “last days” characteristic that drives such behavior… “for men shall be lovers of their own selves.” (2^nd Timothy 3:1-2)

Jehu was prophesied by name years earlier by Elijah. (1^st Kings 19:16) God intended to use this man to completely remove the lineage of the wicked Ahab. This “promised avenger” could have given great glory to God by fulfilling the purpose for his existence, demonstrating to the world the incredible trustworthiness of God’s promises, but he failed to do so because of his extreme cruelty and pride. Recognize, that just as in the case of Jehu, God has all of us here on a specific mission. Our job is to completely embrace God’s purpose for our existence and to fulfill it! The way Paul said it in Philippians 3:12 is, “But I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” In other words, Paul says, “The Lord Jesus had a specific purpose for my life when He took me into His possession, and I am going to do everything within my power to take that purpose into my possession!” Oh, may that be the passion of every one of us! 

In chapter 9, Jehu executes judgment on Joram, the king of Israel, along with Ahaziah, the king of Judah, and Jezebel, the wife of Ahab. In chapter 10, Jehu continues with his judgment upon all of the descendants of Ahab and all of the Baal worshippers in Israel. He accomplishes the tasks with intimidation (10:3-4), ruthlessness (10:14), pride (10:16), and deception (10:18-19). Jehu is rewarded for removing Baal and the house of Ahab, but because he continued the worship of the golden calf (Are you kidding me?), disregarding the law of the Lord, Israel moves closer to captivity. (10:32)

Chapters 11 and 12 take us to the other kingdom, Judah. When Ahaziah is killed by Jehu,  his mother, Athaliah, does one of the most deplorable and despicable acts in all of scripture. She is so incredibly ruthless that she actually kills all of her grandsons so that she can sit her sorry behind on the throne in Judah! I don’t know, maybe you have to be grandparent to understand the depth of reprobation that could cause you to do something so inhumane! The Lord hides one baby boy, Joash, from the slaughter. A faithful priest, Jehoiada, raises the boy for six years and then orchestrates his coronation as the king of Judah at the ripe old age of seven! Athaliah is removed from the throne, and Joash (also called Jehoash) becomes king. He is a good king all of the days of Jehoiada, but his demise is explained in 2^nd Chronicles 24:17: “Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.”  We must be very careful and discerning with the counsel we receive and the voices to which we are listening! Joash followed the Lord while Jehoiada lived, but after his death, Joash hearkened to the bad counsel of the princes of Judah. It becomes apparent that the “spiritual discernment” and “commitment to the Lord” that Joash seemed to exercise was never really his own. It wasn’t really his own personal faith, but rather, the faith of Jehoiada. We must be certain that we do what we do because of our own personal faith, and our own surrender to the lordship of Christ, not that of our pastor, our parents, our discipler, our friends, or our fellow church members. Notice also, that the compromise of Joash led to the severe judgment of God, not only in Joash’s life, but in the entire land of Judah. Be reminded, there are far-reaching effects of sin!

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As THE AVENGER –– 2^nd Kings 9:7 (Revelation 6:9)

As THE INTERCESSOR –– 2^nd Kings 11:17 (1^st Timothy 2:5; Romans 8:34)