1 & 2 C H R O N I C L E S

A Devotional Look at the Kings of Judah from David

to Her Return from Exile

F. Wayne Mac Leod

Light To My Path Book Distribution

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written

permission of the author.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise specified are taken from the New International Version of

A Special thanks to the proof readers: Diane Mac Leod, Lee Tuson, Marilyn Tuson

CONTENTS
Title Page
Copyright
Preface
Introduction
1 - From Adam to Esau and the Edomites
2 - From Judah to David
3 - David's Descendants
4 - Notable Descendants of Judah and Simeon
5 - The Tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh
6 - The Descendants of Levi
7 - The Descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim,
Asher
8- Those who resettled in Israel after the Exile
9 - Defeat or Victory in Disguise?
10 - David's Reign Established
11 - David's Army
12 - David and the Ark of God
13 - Philistine Problems
14 - A Lesson Learned
15 - A Psalm of Thanksgiving
16 - God's Promise to David

- David's Military Success
- A Misunderstood Act of Kindness
- David's Census
- David Prepares for the Temple
- A Restructuring of the Levitical Ministry
- Musicians, Gatekeepers, Treasurers, Judges and Administrators
- David's Officers
- David Prepares Solomon and His Officials
- Israel Commits to Building the Temple
- Solomon Begins the Work
- The Temple and its Furnishings
- The Ark is brought to the Temple
- God Answers Solomon's Prayer
- Solomon's Wealth and Prosperity
- Israel is Divided
- Rehoboam's Reign in Jerusalem
- Abijah, King of Judah
- King Asa of Judah
- Asa's Later Years
- Jehoshaphat's Secret of Success
- Jehoshaphat's Alliance with Ahab
- Sinful Alliances
- Jehoram, Evil King of Judah
- Ahaziah and Athaliah's Evil Reign
- Joash, King of Judah
- King Amaziah of Judah
- Uzziah and Jotham of Judah
- King Ahaz of Judah
- The Worship of God Restored
- Hezekiah is Tested

47 - Manasseh and Amon of Judah

48 - Revival under Josiah: The Discovery of the Book of the Law

49 - A Passover and Final Battle

50 - The Last Kings of Judah

About The Author

PREFACE

he books of 1 & 2 Chronicles record the history of the nation of

Judah from the reign of David to its return from exile in Babylon.

The focus of the author is to show the reader the connection

between the prosperity of the nation of Judah and their faith in God.

As you study these books, take the time to see the connection between

obedience to the Lord and blessing in the land. Take note of the intense

spiritual battle that rages. Even the great King David fell into sin and

yielded to the temptations around him. Notice also, however, the incredible

patience of God toward His people. So many times He could have judged or

turned His back on them but He didn’t.

While circumstances have changed in our day, the same battle rages. The

same temptations exist. Years later God continues to offer His salvation and

healing to our land. The history of the kings of Judah ought to be an

example for us. Remember, as you read these books, that they are not just

stories but God’s way of showing us how we need to live. Every leader

needs to understand the truth of these books. Success in ministry or blessing

as a nation is more a result of a relationship with God than leadership skills.

There are serious consequences to ignoring the truth of these books. We

watch the nation of Judah slide from prosperity under David to the loss of

everything they had. What keeps God from repeating the same thing in our

lives? We marvel at the incredible patience of God with His people in these

books but see clearly from 1 & 2 Chronicles that there is a serious cost to

ignoring God.

As you read these books, open your heart to listen to what the Holy Spirit

might say to you about falling into the same error. Ask God to allow you to

hear His warning in these books. Ask Him to deepen your dependence on

Him as you face the same temptations. Ask Him to allow you to experience

the fullness of what He has in store for you.

This commentary is not meant to replace the Bible. Its sole purpose is to

help you to apply the lessons of these two important books to your life. If

you are challenged by the Spirit and given further insight into what 1 & 2

Chronicles have to say to your own life and society, then my prayers will

have been answered. May the Lord be pleased to use this simple study to

draw you closer to Himself.

F. Wayne Mac Leod

INTRODUCTION

Author:

& 2 Chronicles does not record the name of their author. Some

believe that the books were written by Ezra but there is no clear

evidence of this in the books. If the books were written by a single

author, the author would have had to live during the days of the return from

exile in Babylon. The fact that the books were written from a religious or

spiritual perspective shows us that this is the central concern of the author.

He spends very little time on what happened during the Babylonian exile.

This shows us that his concern was for the land promised to Israel as a

nation. Another point of interest is that the author examines the history of

the nation of Judah through David and places very little focus on the

separate nation of Israel.

Background:

The books of 1 & 2 Chronicles examine the history of Judah from David to

its return from exile in Babylon. Originally, they were one book. 1

Chronicles 1-9 gives us the genealogical record of the nation down to King

David. The remainder of 1 Chronicles deals with the history of David’s

reign. 2 Chronicles begins with David’s son Solomon and traces the history

of Judah down to its exile in Babylon.

The focus of 1 & 2 Chronicles is not so much political as it is spiritual.

God, and a relationship with Him, seems to be the central theme in these

books. Success as a nation is attributed not to good leadership but to a right

relationship with God.

Importance Of The Books For Today:

1 & 2 Chronicles gives us a spiritual history of the nation of Judah. We see

how the nation progressed from the blessing of God under David to

judgement and the loss of the nation. This focus is important for a number

of reasons.

First, we can see how an entire nation can fall away from God. We see how

errors and sins were repeated and lessons ignored. This shows us that

human nature is prone to sin and wander from God.

We see in 1 & 2 Chronicles the connection between obedience to God and

blessing as a nation. This connection is important in our day as well. We

cannot hope to know the fullness of God’s blessing in our land if we are not

ready to seek Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. What a

difference it would make if our churches and nations sought God in this

way.

These books teach us how even those who seek God can fall into sin and

wander from God. David was tempted and fell into serious sin. We meet

kings who started their reign seeking God but who fell into pride or through

ungodly advice turned their backs on God. This serves as a warning about

the need to persevere or be on guard in our commitment to the Lord God.

Even in our day, we have seen whole churches and nations walk away from

the truth they knew and fall into temptations and false doctrines.

The wonderful faithfulness of God is seen in 1 & 2 Chronicles. You cannot

read these books without wondering what it was that kept God from turning

His back on His people. God’s love for His people is very strong. While He

punishes and we suffer the consequences of our disobedience, God remains

faithful.

As you read these books take the time to see the various temptations that

confronted God’s people. These temptations are as real today as they were

in days of the kings of Judah. Ask the Lord to open your eyes to the

temptations you see in this book. Ask Him also to keep you from falling

into the same sins.

1 & 2 Chronicles show us the nature of the spiritual battle that rages around

us. Satan is very real and his efforts are focused on destroying the work of

God. He delights in getting our eyes off the Lord and onto ourselves. The

story of these two books is the story of the spiritual battle that raged in

Judah during the times of her kings. It is a story we need to take seriously

because it is our story as well.

1 - FROM ADAM TO ESAU

AND THE EDOMITES

Read 1 Chronicles 1:1-54

f there is one thing we can learn from the first chapters of 1 Chronicles

it is that the story the writer is telling is solidly based in the history of

real people. Each of the people mentioned here were important and

had a role to play in the unfolding of God's plan. Some of these people

served the Lord and others did not, but they were all part of the chain of

events that unfolded in God's eternal purpose.

While the list of names is extensive, the writer leaves out many key people.

His purpose is to trace a particular line of people and through them to show

the unfolding of God's purpose in their lives. In chapter 1 the writer traces

the line from Adam to Abraham and his descendants and tells us something

about the nation of Edom.

The author begins with Adam as the first man. Notice that the only son

mentioned is Seth. There is no mention of Cain and Abel. The author omits

them from his list and chooses to trace the line of Seth, the third son of

Adam and Eve. He mentions the name of the descendants of Seth until he

gets to Noah who was powerfully used of God to bring judgment on the

earth through the flood (1:1-3).

NOAH'S DESCENDANTS

The Line Of Japheth, Son Of Noah

In verses 4-27 the author traces Noah's line through his three sons, Shem,

Ham and Japheth. He begins first by showing us the line of Japheth.

In verse 5 we read the names of seven sons of Japheth son of Noah (Gomer,

Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech and Tiras). Of these seven sons

mentioned here, the author only traces the lines of Gomer and Javan. He

mentions three sons of Gomer in verse 6 (Ashkenaz, Riphath and

Togarmah) and four sons of Javan in verse 7 (Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim and

Rodanim).

The Line Of Ham, Son Of Noah

The second son of Noah mentioned is Ham. Verse 8 tells us the names of

four of Ham’s sons (Cush, Mizraim, Put and Canaan). The descendants of

three of these sons are briefly traced in verses 9-16. Cush's sons were Seba,

Havilah, Sabta, Raamah and Sabteca (verse 9). Two grandchildren through

Raamah, Cush's son, are mentioned in verse 9 (Sheba and Dedan). Mention

is also made of Nimrod who was a descendant of Cush. The word father

used here does not always imply that he was a direct biological father but

could also be a reference to an ancestor. Nimrod became famous for his

skills as a warrior. Historically, his descendants were the Assyrians.

Mizraim was the second son of Ham mentioned. Verse 11 tells us that he

was the father of the Ludites, Anamites, Lehabites, Naphtuhites,

Pathrusites, Caphtorites and the Casluhites. The Philistines were

descendants of the Casluhites (verse 12).

The final son of Ham mentioned in this list is Canaan. He became the father

of Sidon and the Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, Girgashites, Hivites, Arkites,

Sinites, Arvadites, Zemarites and the Hamathites (verses 13-16).

The Line Of Shem, Son Of Noah

Five sons of Shem, son of Noah, are mentioned in verse 17 (Elam, Asshur,

Arphaxad, Lud and Aram). The writer traces the line of only two of these

sons, Aram and Arphaxad. Four of Aram's sons are noted in verse 17 (Uz,

Hul, Gether and Meshech). Two sons of Arphaxad are recorded in verse 18

(Shelah and Eber). Eber had two sons (Peleg and Joktan). Twelve sons of

Joktan are recorded in verse 20-23.

Of deeper concern for the author are the descendants of Shelah, Ham's

grandson through Arphaxad. In verses 24-27 he shows the line from Shem,

Arphaxad and Shelah to Abraham. This line is traced in more detail in

Genesis 11:10-26.

ABRAHAM'S DESCENDANTS

Two of Abraham's sons are listed in verse 28 (Isaac and Ishmael). These are

not all the sons of Abraham but they were certainly the most well-known.

The author divides the children of Abraham into several categories. This

may be because of how God would work differently in each of these lines.

The Line Of Ishmael

Ishmael was born to Abraham when Sarah, his wife, gave him her servant

Hagar (see Genesis 16:1-12). In verses 29-31 the author lists the names of

twelve of Ishmael's sons.

Sons Of Abraham Through His Wife Keturah

In Genesis 25:1 we read how Abraham took another wife by the name of

Keturah. We have the names of six of Abraham's sons through his wife

Keturah in verse 32 (Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah).

Of these six sons the author only traces the line of two (Jokshan and

Midian). Two of Jokshan's sons are mentioned (Sheba and Dedan). Five

sons of Midian are listed in verse 33 (Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida and

Eldaah).

Abraham's Son Through Sarah

Isaac was Abraham's son through his wife Sarah. Isaac had two sons Esau

and Jacob (who would become known as Israel). Five of Esau's children are

recorded in verse 35 (Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam and Korah). Only two of

these sons are of interest to the writer (Eliphaz and Reuel). Six of Eliphaz's

sons are recorded in verse 36. One of these sons (Amalek) was a son

through his concubine Timna (see Genesis 36:12). Four of Reuel's sons are

mentioned in verse 37.

Esau descendants would become known as the Edomites. Genesis 36:8-9

tells us:

So Esau (that is, Edom) settled in the hill country of Seir. This is

the account of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill

country of Seir.

In verses 38-44 we have a list of the names of the descendants of Seir. As

we have said, the region of Seir would become known as Edom. Esau's

family became part of this nation. Verses 43-54 give us the names of the

various kings who reigned in Edom. Bela reigned in the city of Dinhabah

(verse 43). He was succeeded by Jobab from Bozrah (verse 44). When

Jobab died Husham from the land of the Temanites ruled in Edom (verse

45). Hadad, the next king, defeated Midian in the country of Moab (verse

46). When Hadad died Samlah from Masrekah became king in his place

(verse 47). Shaul from Rehoboth succeeded Samlah (verse 48). When Shaul

died, Baal-Hanan took his place on the throne (verse 49). Hadad would

succeed him as king and rule in the city of Pau. Verses 51-54 give us the

names of the chief officers of Edom during this time period.

For Consideration:

While many people have a hard time reading through the list

of names mentioned in these first chapters of 1 Chronicles,

how do these names show us that what we are reading is

solidly based in historical fact? What confidence does this

give you in reading the rest of the book?

We read here about the various nations that originated from

Noah and Abraham's descendants. God seemed to have a

particular purpose for each of their children and their family

lines. How has God been working spiritually in your family

line?

Notice how Esau and Jacob had the same father, but Esau

would become the father of the Edomites while Jacob would

become the father of Israel, whom God chose to be His own.

What does this teach us about the sovereign purposes of

God?

For Prayer:

Thank the Lord for the fact that His word can be absolutely

trusted.

Are there evidences of God's working in your family line?

Thank the Lord for this. Is there evidence of your family

wandering from God and the truth of His word? Take a

moment to pray that God would break that trend and bring

your family back to Himself.

2 - FROM JUDAH TO

DAVID

Read 1 Chronicles 2:1-55

n the previous chapter we saw how the author traced the line of God's

people from Adam to Esau and the Edomites. Here in chapter 2 he

will trace the descendants of Jacob (Israel), the other son of Isaac.

Jacob, who became known as Israel (see Genesis 32:28), had twelve sons

(Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin,

Naphtali, Gad and Asher). The concern of the author is to trace the line of

Judah, Jacob's son. God had a very specific purpose and plan for this son

and his descendants.

Three sons were born to Judah through the daughter of Shua, a Canaanite

woman (see Genesis 38:1-5). Their names were Er, Onan and Shelah. Of

these three sons, both Er and Onan were wicked before the Lord and the

Lord struck them so that they died (see Genesis 38:7-10). Judah also had

twin sons through his daughter-in-law Tamar (see Genesis 38:11-29). The

names of these twins were Perez and Zerah.

Notice here that Judah had five sons. Three of these sons were from a union

with a Canaanite woman. God had forbidden marriage between Israel and

the pagan nations. The other two sons were from his daughter-in-law with

whom he slept thinking she was a prostitute. Obviously, the Lord’s blessing

on Judah was purely by grace.

Perez, the illegitimate son of Judah, is recorded to have had two sons in

verse 5 (Hezron and Hamul). We will return to Perez in a moment.

In verses 6-8 the author takes a small detour to show the readers the

descendants of Perez's twin brother Zerah. Verse 6 tells us that Zerah had

five sons (Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol and Darda). Of particular interest is

a descendant called Achar. Many commentators believe that "Achar" is

Achan, whose story is recorded for us in Joshua 7. This seems quite clear

by the reference in verse 7 to the fact that he had violated the ban by taking

devoted things. "Achar" literally means "trouble." It is possible that his

name was changed from Achan to Achar to reflect the trouble he had

caused for Israel. Achar was a descendant of Judah. According to Joshua

7:1 Achar would have been the great great grandson of Zerah through his

son Zimri:

"But the Israelites acted unfaithfully in regard to the devoted

things; Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah,

of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the LORD's anger

burned against Israel."

This again shows us how the descendants of Judah were not perfect. Achan

in particular caused tremendous problems for the nation as a whole.

After this small detour we return to Perez the son of Judah through his

daughter-in-law Tamar. We have already seen from verse 5 that Perez had

two sons (Hezron and Hamul). The author traces the line of Hezron for us.

Hezron, Perez's son, had three sons born to him (Jerahmeel, Ram and

Caleb). We begin with the descendants of Ram.

Ram’s Descendants

Ram had a son by the name of Amminadab. Amminadab was the father of

Nahshon who would become a leader in Judah (verse 10). Nahshon in turn

had a son by the name of Salmon (verse 11). Salmon was the father of Boaz

(of whom we read in the book of Ruth). Boaz was the father of Obed who

would become the father of Jesse. Verses 13-15 list seven sons of Jesse

ending with David, who would become king in Judah. Also mentioned in

verses 16 and 17 are two sisters (Zeruiah and Abigail). Zeruiah had three

sons (Abishai, Joab and Asahel). Abigail was the mother of Amasa. These

men had important positions in the time of David.

Caleb’s Descendants

Perez's son Hezron also had a son by the name of Caleb. Caleb had three

sons through his wife Azubah. Their names were Jesher, Shobab and Ardon

(verse 18). When his wife Azubah died, Caleb married Ephrath who bore

him a son by the name of Hur. Hur became the father of Uri. Uri was the

father of Bezalel. Bezalel was the man God gifted as a craftsman to do the

work on the tabernacle in the days of Moses (see Exodus 31:1-7).

Hezron would later have another son through the daughter of Makir. He was

sixty years old when he married her. She bore him a son by the name of

Segub (verse 21).

Segub, Hezron's son, was the father of Jair (verse 22). Jair became famous

as a warrior who captured a number of towns (verse 23).

After Hezron died, his wife Abijah bore him a son, by the name of Asshur,

who would become the father of the region of Tekoa (verse 24).

1 Chronicles 2:9 mentions three sons of Hezron. We have traced the line of

Ram and Caleb. The third son of Hezron was Jerahmeel. The author now

traces his line.

Jerahmeel’s Descendants

Jerahmeel was the firstborn of Hezron (verse 25). Verse 25 lists five sons

born to him (Ram, Bunah, Oren, Ozem and Ahijah). Jerahmeel had another

son through Atarah, a second wife. His name was Onam (verse 26). The

author traces the lines of two of Jerahmeel's sons here in this chapter (Ram

and Onam).

Ram, the firstborn of Jerahmeel, had three sons (Maaz, Jamin and Eker).

Onam, Jerahmeel's son through his second wife Atarah, had two sons

(Shemmai and Jada).

Notice here how the author is very selective in how he traces these lines.

Onam's son Shemmai had two sons (Nadab and Abishur). Abishur married

a woman by the name of Abihail who bore him two sons (Ahban and

Molid). Nadab also had two sons (Seled and Appaim). Seled would die

without children (verse 30).

Nadab's son Appaim had a son by the name of Ishi. He would become the

father of Sheshan. Sheshan's descendant was Ahlai (verse 31). From verse

34 we understand that Sheshan only had daughters so we must assume that

Ahlai was his daughter.

Jerahmeel's son Jada (brother of Shammai) had two sons (Jether and

Jonathan). Jether died without children (verse 32). Jonathan, however, had

two children by the names of Peleth and Zaza (verse 33).

In verse 34 the author tells us about Sheshan who had no sons. Sheshan

gave his daughter to Jarha his servant. She bore him a son by the name of

Attai (verse 35). Attai would become the father of Nathan. Nathan's son

was Zabad (verse 36). Verses 37-41 lists the descendants of Zabad down to

Elishama. Some commentators believe that Elishama lived around the time

of David.

Verse 42 returns to Caleb son of Hezron and brother to Ram and Jerahmeel.

Caleb's son Mesha was the father of Ziph. His other son, Maresha, was the

father of Hebron. Four sons were given to Hebron. The lineage of Hebron's

son Shema is traced for us in verses 44-45.

Caleb's concubine Ephah was the mother of three sons (verse 46). His

concubine Maacah gave birth to Sheber, Tirhanah, Shaaph and Sheva

(verses 47-48). The sons of Caleb through Ephrathah were Shobal (who

would become the founder or father of the region of Kiriath Jearim), Salma

the founder of Bethlehem and Hereph the founder of Beth Gader (verse 50-

51).

From these descendants of Caleb came the Manahathites, the clans of

Kiriath Jearim, the Ithrites, Puthites, Shumathites and Mishraites, Zorathites

and Eshtaolites (verses 52-53).

Verses 54 and 55 give us a list of the various peoples that descended from

Caleb through his son Salma.

For Consideration:

Chapter 2 traces the lineage from Jacob to David. From one

man God raised up a great multitude of people. From them,

many nations were born. Following this line can be

confusing, but God's purposes were being worked out

perfectly. How does this encourage you today?

Some of the descendants of Jacob (Israel) were very evil. Still

God used them in this line to accomplish His purposes. What

can stand in God's way? Is there anything that can hinder

Him from accomplishing His purposes?

How does this chapter help us to see the bigger picture of

what God is doing? Is it possible for us to get focused on the

small things and miss the larger picture of what God is

doing?

For Prayer:

Take a moment to thank the Lord that He is able to

accomplish His purposes through you even when things

appear to be confusing or evil. Thank Him that He is bigger

than our failures and shortcomings.

Take a moment to consider the generations that will come

through you. Pray that God would reach out to your

descendants and keep them in His path.

Thank the Lord that the names listed here in this chapter are

more than just names. They are all people that God knew and

cared for. Thank Him that He cares for you and has a

particular purpose for your life as well.

3 - DAVID'S

DESCENDANTS

Read 1 Chronicles 3:1-24

hapter 3 of Chronicles gives us a list of the names of David's

descendants. David is a central figure in 1 Chronicles.

In verses 1-4 we have the list of the sons born to David in Hebron where he

lived prior to becoming king in Jerusalem. He reigned in Hebron for seven

years and six months (verse 4). It should be noted that each of the six sons

listed here had a different mother.

From Hebron, David moved to Jerusalem, which he established as the

capital of the nation. He reigned as king in Jerusalem for thirty-three years

(verse 4). Verses 5-9 give us a list of sons born to him in Jerusalem. The

sons born to David through his wife Bathsheba, with whom he committed

adultery, are listed separately from the other children born to him. This is

likely because Bathsheba's story was well known and her son Solomon

would become the next king of Israel. Bathsheba gave David four sons

(verse 5). Nine other sons born to David through his wives in Jerusalem are

mentioned in verses 6-8. The sons David had through his various

concubines were not listed by name. Of special note in verse 9 is the

mention of Tamar, David's daughter. The story of how her brother Ammon

raped her is recorded in 2 Samuel 13.

Solomon was to become king of Israel after his father David. Solomon's

descendants are recorded in the remainder of the chapter. Verses 10-14

record the descendants of David and Solomon down to the reign of Josiah.

Josiah was a good king who repaired the temple and restored the worship of

the Lord God in Judah. His story is told in 2 Kings 22.

Of the four sons of Josiah, the author traces the line of Jehoiakim, his

second son. Jehoiakim was put on the throne by the Pharaoh Neco, who

changed his name from Eliakim to Jehoiakim (see 2 Kings 23:34).

Jehoiakim's son Jehoiachin succeeded him on the throne of Judah, but was

taken captive and sent to Babylon. The king of Babylon would place

Jehoiachin's uncle Mattaniah on the throne and change his name to

Zedekiah (see 2 Kings 24:17).

The descendants of Jehoiachin, who had been taken into captivity, are listed

in verses 17-18. Seven sons are listed in these verses. Of particular note is

his son Pedaiah who had two sons (Zerubbabel and Shimei).

Eight names are listed as descendants of Zerubbabel in verses 19-20. Of

these descendants, Zerubbabel's son Hananiah's line is traced in verse 21.

Of Hananiah's descendant Shecaniah, six names are listed in verse 22

(Shemaiah and his five sons). Of Shemaiah's sons, Neariah's line is traced in

verse 23. Three of his sons are listed. Seven sons of Elioenai, Neariah's son

are named in verse 24.

The names in this list trace the descendants of David to the time that Judah

went into exile in Babylon. Much took place during that time. God's people

had gone from prosperity during the reigns of David and Solomon to losing

everything and being held as captives in the land of their exile. The people

in this list struggled deeply. They lost all they had and ended up as

foreigners in a strange land.

For Consideration:

As we begin this chapter we trace the line of David. How

difficult would it have been for David and his sons to imagine

that their descendants would know nothing of the prosperity

they enjoyed? What impact do our actions today have on

future generations?

Some of the names on this list are of people who had an

important impact on the life of their nation and those around

them. Would your name be among those who had an impact

for good on your neighbourhood and nation?

For Prayer:

Take a moment to thank the Lord for the blessings He has

given to you today.

Ask the Lord to make you useful in the expansion of His

kingdom. Ask Him to show you how you can make an impact

for good on your society.

Take a moment to pray for your children. Ask God to open

their heart to Him and His ways. Ask Him to help them to

represent Him well to the next generation.

4 - NOTABLE

DESCENDANTS OF

JUDAH AND SIMEON

Read 1 Chronicles 4:1-43

hapter 4 is a list of notable men and women from the line of

Judah. The attempt of the author is not to trace the line of Judah

so much as it is to give us some high points in this line. We are

introduced here to some key and notable individuals who came through the

line of Judah.

We begin in verse 1 with the mention of five of Judah’s descendants (Perez,

Hezron, Carmi, Hur and Shobal). Perez was Judah's son but Hezron was his

grandson. Carmi was the father of Achan who lived in the days of Joshua.

Hur was the grandfather of Bezalel who worked with Moses on the

construction of the tabernacle. These were men of distinction who had a

role to play in the history of God's people.

Judah's descendant Shobal's line is traced in verse 2. His descendants would

form the clans of the Zorathites (verse 2).

Etam seems to be quite unknown but there is a town bearing his name (see

Judges 15:8; 1 Chronicles 4:32; 2 Chronicles 11:6). His descendants are

listed in verses 3-4.

Next the descendants of Hur are listed. His descendants were the founders

of the city Bethlehem (verse 4).

According to verse 5 Ashhur was the father or founder of the town of

Tekoa. His family line is listed in verses 5-8.

Verses 9-10 mention a man by the name of Jabez. He is described as being

more honourable than his brothers. His mother gave him the name Jabez

because she had given birth to him in pain (verse 9). "Jabez" sounds like the

Hebrew word for pain. While he had a rough beginning, Jabez proved to be

more honourable than his brothers because of his prayer to the Lord. He

prayed that God would bless him and enlarge his territory. He also asked

that God's hand would be on him to keep him from harm so that he would

be free from pain. God granted him this request.

These verses need to be examined in more detail. The fact that his name

meant "pain" was an indication of the pain his mother felt in giving him

birth. Obviously his birth was a difficult birth. The fact that Jabez asks God

to be free from pain may also be significant. He may not have been a

healthy person himself. He may have been sickly due to complications

during the pregnancy and birth. If this is the case, he is crying out to God as

a person who suffered. While he may have been physically unwell, he

trusted in God. He had a keen desire to see God enlarge his territory despite

these handicaps. Jabez did not trust his own strength (which may have been

little). He trusted in the Lord God. God's hand was moved by the prayer of

Jabez and He granted his request. God released him from pain and

expanded his territory. He may have been singled out here because of his

disabilities. God accomplished more through him than through others who

had not experienced his pain.

The descendants of Kelub, listed in verses 11-12, would become known as

the men of Recah. We know very little of these men. Suffice it to say that

they were known in that day.

The descendants of Kenaz in verses 13-14 were craftsmen. Also of note is

the mention of the name Othniel, in this line, who was Israel's first judge

(see Joshua 15:17).

Caleb (verse 15) lived in the days of Joshua. His family would become the

founders of the Kenezites, descendants of Kenaz.

Jahallelel is next on the list. Four of his descendants are listed in verse 16.

Of note in Ezrah's descendants, in verses 17-18, is the fact that his son

Mered married Bithiah, the daughter of the pharaoh of Egypt (verse 18).

Mered's descendants through both his Judean wife and his Egyptian wife

are listed in these verses. While it was not God's purpose that His children

marry foreign wives, the names of these descendants are still noted here

with the notable people of the nation.

Hodiah's descendants are traced down to the Garmites and the Maacathites

in verse 19. Reference is made to the descendants of Shimon and Ishi in

verses 20-21.

The descendants of Shelah, Judah’s son, were known as linen workers

(verse 21). Among them were rulers in the regions of Moab and Jashubi

Lehem (verse 22). Shelah's descendants were also potters who lived in the

region of Netaim and Gederah and worked for their king (verse 23).

In verses 1-23 the author made mention of notable descendants of Judah. In

the remainder of the chapter he turns his attention to Simeon, another of

Jacob sons.

In verse 24 he begins by listing five descendants of Simeon (Nemuel,

Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, Shaul). He then traces the line of Shaul in verses 25-32.

These descendants are tracked down to Shimei who had sixteen sons and

six daughters (verse 27). Shimei's brothers did not have many children, so

the clan of Simeon did not become as numerous as the clan of Judah (verse

27).

The descendants of Simeon lived in the towns of Beersheba, Moladah,

Hazar Shual, Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, Beth

Marcaboth, Hazar Susim, Beth Biri and Shaaraim. These towns belonged to

Simeon's descendants until the reign of David (verse 31).

Verses 32-33 list some surrounding villages where Simeon's descendants

also lived. Some people believe that they had to move into the surrounding

towns because of overpopulation. This is confirmed for us in verses 38

where the author tells us that the families of Simeon "increased greatly."

Verses 34-37 give us the names of clan leaders. Because of their rapid

growth, various families had to leave their regions in search of pasture for

their flocks (verse 39). They eventually found rich and good pasture and

lived a quiet and peaceful existence (verse 40).

The Simeonites had to fight for more territory to live in. They attacked the

Hamites and the Meunites (verse 41). God gave them victory and they

completely destroyed them, settling in their land. Five hundred other

Simeonites led by Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah and Uzziel invaded the hill

country of Seir, killing off the Amalekites and settling in that region. God's

hand was with them and gave them victory over their enemies.

For Consideration:

Chapter 4 gives us a summary, from a genealogical point of

view, of the notable men and women of Judah and Simeon.

Many of these individuals were noted because of some

contribution they made. Would your name be remembered for

your contribution to the kingdom of God?

Jabez, despite the obstacles in his way, was used of God, not

because he was strong in himself, but because he prayed and

trusted the Lord his God. He did what others with fewer

handicaps could not do. What does this teach us about the

source of our strength and blessing?

Simeon's descendants are noted for conquering new territory.

God gave them victory and they lived peacefully in the land

they took from their enemies. What territory do you need to

take from Satan?

The people listed here in this chapter were at various places

in their spiritual walk, but they all formed a part of God’s

purpose for the nation. Does God need perfect people to

accomplish His purposes?

For Prayer:

Ask God to show you what your contribution to the kingdom

of God needs to be. Ask Him to help you to make a

difference for His glory in your generation.

Ask God to expand your territory. Ask Him to open doors for

you in your ministry and personal life.

Ask the Lord to give you courage to stand up against the

enemy and strip him of his territory.

Thank the Lord that victory does not depend on us but on His

blessing. Thank Him that He is a God who overcomes

obstacles and gives victory to His people.

5 - THE TRIBES OF

REUBEN, GAD AND

MANASSEH

Read 1 Chronicles 5:1-26

hapter 5 gives us some genealogical highlights from the tribes of

Reuben, Gad and Manasseh. We begin with the tribe of Reuben.

REUBEN

As the author begins to trace the line of Reuben, he reminds us of Reuben's

sin. While he was the firstborn and should have had special privileges,

Reuben had defiled his father's marriage bed. According to Genesis 35:22,

Reuben slept with his father's concubine. Because he did this, his rights as

firstborn were stripped from him and given to the sons of Joseph (Ephraim

and Manasseh). Verse 2 makes it clear that while Judah was the strongest of

the tribes, Joseph had the right of the firstborn. This was a right given to

him because of Reuben's sin.

Four descendants of Reuben are listed in verse 3 (Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron

and Carmi). Verse 4 mentions another descendant of Reuben by the name of

Joel. Joel's descendants are traced to a man by the name of Beerah in verse

6. Beerah was a leader among the Reubenites, who was sent into exile by

the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser.

Verses 7-8 list further descendants of Reuben who settled in the region from

Aroer to Nebo and Baal Meon. They occupied the land up to the edge of the

desert that extended to the Euphrates River. These descendants had large

quantities of livestock (verse 9). During Saul's reign, the Reubenites waged

war against the Hagrites and defeated them. They occupied their territory

east of Gilead (verse 10).

GAD

In verses 11-22, the descendants of the tribe of Gad are listed. They lived

next to the Reubenites in the region from Bashan to Salecah (verse 11). Joel

was a leader among the tribe of Gad. He was assisted by Shapham, Janai

and Shaphat (verse 12). Seven notable relatives are listed in verse 13.

Verse 14 lists another notable descendant of Gad by the name of Abihail.

His line is traced to Ahi, a leader in the clan.

We discover from verse 16 that the Gadites lived in the region of Gilead and

Bashan. They pastured flocks in this region and as far as Sharon. A record

of their genealogy was recorded during the reign of Jotham king of Judah

and Jeroboam king of Israel (verse 17).

From verse 18 we learn that the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe

of Manasseh had a combined military force of 44,760 men who could

handle the shield, sword and bow. All these men were trained for battle.

Together they waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish and Nodab

(verse 19).

It is interesting to note that while they had a good sized army, it was not

their strength and training that gave them the victory. Verse 20 tells us that

when they went out to war against the Hagrites and their allies, God gave

them victory because they cried out to Him during the battle. Their victory

was in the Lord and His strength. The forces of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh

seized the livestock of the Hagrites. There were fifty thousand camels, two

hundred fifty thousand sheep and two thousand donkeys. They also

captured one hundred thousand people. Many others fell slain on the battle

field because the Lord was with them and gave them victory (verse 22).

They would occupy the land of the Hagrites and their allies until they were

driven out at the time of their exile to Assyria.

MANASSEH

Verses 23-26 make mention of the tribe of Manasseh. The author will

further trace the line of Manasseh in 1 Chronicles 7. Mention seems to be

made of Manasseh here because of their connection with Reuben and Gad.

Manasseh was blessed with numerous descendants. They had battled

alongside Gad and Reuben and conquered the territory where they were

would settle. Manasseh lived in the land from Bashan to Baal Hermon

(verse 23). The heads of the families of Manasseh are listed in verse 24.

They were known as brave warriors but unfaithful to God. They turned

from God to the gods of the people of the land (verse 25). As a result, God

stirred up the spirit of Tiglath-Pileser, king of Assyria. He waged war on the

tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh, sending them into exile in Assyria.

They settled in the towns of Halah, Habor, Hara and by the river of Gozan

in Assyria.

For Consideration:

Because of Reuben's sin with his father's concubine, he

sacrificed his right as firstborn. To what extent does our sin

strip us of our rights? Does the forgiveness of God always

restore that right or privilege?

Notice that while the tribe of Reuben had sacrificed their

right as firstborn, God still gave them victory over their

enemies. What does this tell us about the grace and

forgiveness of God?

Verse 20 tells us that God gave the army of Reuben, Gad and

Manasseh victory because they cried out to Him in their

battle. What does this tell us about the source of our strength?

How tempting is it to trust in our own human strength?

While Joseph served the Lord with all his heart, his

descendants in the tribe of Manasseh were known to have

turned their back on God. Do we have any real guarantee that

because we serve the Lord our children and their descendants

will follow Him as well? How important is it that we pass

down our faith to the next generation?

For Prayer:

Have your past sins kept you from serving in the capacity

God has called you to serve? Take a moment to seek the

Lord's forgiveness. Ask Him to restore you.

Thank the Lord that He is willing to bless us even when we

fall short of His standard.

Ask the Lord to forgive you for trusting your own strength.

Ask Him to be your guide and strength for each day.

Take a moment to pray for your children. Ask God to help

you to pass your faith on to them. Ask Him to help your

children to make that faith their own.

6 - THE DESCENDANTS

OF LEVI

Read 1 Chronicles 6:1-81

hapter 6 traces the tribe of Levi. It should be remembered that the

tribe of Levi was given the responsibility of being priests and

temple servants. We will take a moment here to examine the

general flow of this chapter and what it tells us about the descendants of

this tribe.

Levi had three sons (Gershon, Kohath and Merari). The author mentions

Kohath first. Of his four sons (Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel), Amram's

line is followed from verse 3. Of significance here is that Amram's children

were Aaron, Moses and Miriam (verse 3). These three individuals would

play an important role in the spiritual purposes of God for the nation.

Aaron would become the High Priest of God's people. His priestly line is

traced from verse 3. Four sons of Aaron are listed in verse 3. Of these four

sons, Nadab and Abihu died because they offered unauthorized fire before

the Lord (see Leviticus 10:1-2). Aaron's line, therefore, is traced through his

third son Eleazar.

Eleazar's descendants are listed down to the days of Nebuchadnezzar who

took God's people into exile (verses 4-15). Of special note in verse 10 is

Azariah who served as priest in the temple Solomon built in Jerusalem.

Eleazar's descendant Jehozadak was deported into exile in the days of

Nebuchadnezzar (verse 15).

From verses 16-19 the author give us a brief summary of the descendants of

Levi. Verse 16 again lists the names of his three sons (Kohath, Gershon and

Merari). Gershon's sons were Libni and Shimei (verse 17). The sons of

Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel (verse 18). Merari's sons

were Mahli and Mushi (verse 19).

From this brief summary, in verses 16-19, the author moves on to a more

detailed list of the Levite clans traced according to their fathers. In verses

20-21 he traces the clans of Gershon. The clans of Kohath are traced in

verses 22-28. A list of the clans of Merari is found in verses 29-30.

Levi's sons each had different responsibilities in the work of the tabernacle.

The Gershonites were responsible for the care of the coverings, curtains and

ropes used on the exterior of the tent (see Numbers 3:25-26). The

Kohathites were given the task of caring for the articles in the sanctuary,

including the Ark of the Covenant, the lampstands and other articles used in

ministering (see Numbers 3:27-31). Finally the Merarites took care of the

frames, posts and crossbars used to hold up the tabernacle (see Numbers

3:35-37).

David put various individuals from each of these clans in charge of music

(verses 31-32). Verses 33-48 appear to be a list of the men who served with

their sons in the ministry of music in the tabernacle and later in the temple

in the days of Solomon. It should be noted that the author traces the names

of the musicians from the three clans back to Levi. In verse 33-38 he traces

the Kohathites from Heman the musician back to Levi. Verses 39-43 trace

the Gershonites involved in the musical ministry of the tabernacle and

temple from Asaph, associate of Heman the Kohathite, back to Levi.

Finally the line of the Merarite musicians is traced from Ethan back to Levi

in verses 44-47.

We understand from verse 49 that the duty of presenting the offerings

before the Lord was assigned to Aaron and his descendants only. Aaron was

a Kohathite. Verses 50-53 trace the descendants of Aaron.

Verses 54-81 give us a list of the cities and locations that were given to the

descendants of Levi as their inheritance. It should be remembered that Levi

was not given a plot of land like the other tribes. Instead, his descendants

were spread throughout Israel so that they could offer their priestly services

to each tribe.

Verses 54-60 give us the list of cities and locations that were allotted to

Aaron's direct descendants. These cities were given to them from two tribes

of Israel. Judah gave the descendants of Aaron the cities of Hebron, Libnah,

Jattir, Eshtemoa, Hilen, Debir, Ashan, Juttah and Beth Shemesh with their

pastureland (verse 57-59). The tribe of Benjamin gave the descendants of

Aaron Gibeon, Geba, Alemeth and Anathoth with their pastureland. The

descendants of Aaron received thirteen cities in all as their inheritance in

Judah and Benjamin. The fields and villages around the city of Hebron were

allotted to Caleb who lived in the days of Joshua (verse 55).

The rest of the Kohathite clan (those not direct descendants of Aaron) was

allotted ten towns from the tribe of Manasseh (verse 61). The Gershonites

received thirteen towns from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and

Manasseh (verse 62). The Merarites were allotted twelve towns from the

tribes of Reuben, Gad and Zebulun (verse 63). Verses 64-81 give us a list of

all the cities given to the tribe of Levi by the various tribes of Israel.

Each tribe was expected to provide land for the Levites. In return, these

Levites would be their spiritual representatives before God.

For Consideration:

We see here how each Levite clan had a different

responsibility before God. God's purpose was not the same

for every person. What role has God given you to play?

Notice the role of music in the worship of the Lord. Various

individuals were set aside to function as musicians in the

worship of God. What role does music play in the worship of

God today? Why do you suppose music is important in

worship?

We learn from this passage that the Levites had to sacrifice

their privilege to have their own tribal territory to serve God's

people. What sacrifices do servants of God have to make

today?

Notice that the various tribes of Israel had to be willing to

sacrifice towns for the Levitical priests. What sacrifices do

you make for God's servants today?

For Prayer:

Ask God to help you to know what He has called you to do.

Ask Him to help you to be faithful to that call.

Thank the Lord for the role music has played in your worship

of God.

If you are a minister of the Gospel today, ask the Lord to help

you to be willing to make the sacrifices necessary for His

kingdom.

Ask the Lord to show you what sacrifices you can make for

His servants in the gospel.

7 - THE DESCENDANTS

OF ISSACHAR,

BENJAMIN, NAPHTALI,

MANASSEH, EPHRAIM,

ASHER

Read 1 Chronicles 7:1-8:40

n chapter 7 the author briefly examines the line of six tribes of Israel.

Chapter 8 traces the descendants of Benjamin in greater detail.

Issachar's Descendants (7:1-5)

The author begins in chapter 7 with the tribe of Issachar (7:1-5). Four sons

of Issachar are listed in verse 1 (Tola, Puah, Jashub and Shimron). The line

of Issachar's son Tola is traced in verse 2. During David's reign, Tola's

descendants were listed as having a total of 22,600 fighting men.

Verse 3 traces the line of another important person in the line of Issachar by

the name of Uzzi. Uzzi's son Izrahiah had five sons who were chiefs. The

descendants of Uzzi had 36,000 men ready for battle (verse 4).

The descendants of Tola and Uzzi were obviously the largest and most

significant of all the families of Issachar. They were not the only families,

however. While the combined total of fighting men from Tola and Uzzi's

descendants was 58,600, verse five tells us that the tribe of Issachar listed

87,000 men ready to do battle.

Benjamin's Descendants (7:6-12)

Benjamin is next on the list of tribes. Three sons are listed in verse 6 for

Benjamin (Bela, Beker and Jadiael). The author traces the line of each of

these sons briefly in chapter 7 but will go into greater detail in chapter 8.

Bela's descendants are listed in verse 7. Their records indicated that they

had 22,034 fighting men. Beker's descendants are listed in verse 8. They

had a total of 20,200 men ready for battle. Jadiael's family line counted

17,200 men ready to go to war (verse 10).

Verse 12 tells us that from Benjamin also came the Shuppites and Huppites,

descendants of Ir, and the Hushites, descendants of Aher. Genesis 46:21

makes reference to Huppim as being a descendant of Benjamin. Numbers

26:38-39 list Hupham and Shupham as his descendants.

Naphtali's Descendants (7:13)

Naphtali's descendants are listed next in verse 13. Only four of Naphtali’s

descendants are listed in this genealogy. Of special note is the fact they are

said to be the descendants of Bilhah, Jacob's concubine (see Genesis 30:3-

8).

Manasseh's Descendants (7:14-19)

The descendants of Manasseh are recorded in verses 14-19. Two

descendants are given for Manasseh. Both of them appear to be sons

through his Aramean concubine. Their names were Asriel and Makir. Makir

would become the father of Gilead. He had two sons, through his wife

Maacah, by the names of Peresh and Sheresh (verse 16). This line is traced

in verses 16-19.

Ephraim's Descendants (7:20-29)

Ephraim's line is recorded in verse 20-29. Ezer and Elead were killed by

men of Gath when they went down to seize their livestock. Ephraim

mourned many days for them. Verse 22 tells us that his relatives came to

comfort him in his loss. His wife became pregnant and gave birth to a son

they named Beriah, which sounds like the Hebrew word for "misfortune"

(verse 23). This was an indication of how tragic this event was for Ephraim.

Verse 24 tells us that Ephraim's daughter Sheerah built Lower and Upper

Beth Horon as well as Uzzen Sheerah. Note here that Ephraim's

descendants are traced to Joshua (verse 27). A list of their settlements is

recorded for us in verses 28-29.

Asher's Descendants (7:30-40)

Finally, the line of Asher is traced in verses 30-40. Four sons of Asher are

recorded in verse 30 (Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi and Beriah). We also have the

name of his daughter Serah.

Some notable descendants are mentioned in the remainder of the chapter.

We have a list of the descendants of Beriah in verse 31-34. Helem's

descendants are noted in verse 35-36. Jether's line can be found in verse 38

and the line of Ulla in verse 39.

The descendants of Asher were noted as being brave warriors and

outstanding leaders. They had 26,000 men ready to do battle (verse 40).

More About Benjamin's Descendants (8:1-40)

In chapter 8 the author further traces the line of Benjamin. 1 Chronicles

8:28 tells us that this list is of the family heads and chiefs of Benjamin.

Verse 1 lists five sons of Benjamin (Bela, Ashbel, Aharah, Nohah and

Rapha). Bela's descendants are listed in verses 3-5.

The second family head was Ehud. His descendants lived in the region of

Geba and were among those who were deported to Manahath. Manahath is

a region in Judah. The details of this deportation are unclear. The

descendants of Ehud, who were heads of families, are listed in verse 7.

The third family leader from the tribe of Benjamin is Shaharaim. Shaharaim

divorced his wives Hushim and Baara. He moved to the country of Moab

for a time and had sons through his wife Hodesh. The names of these sons

are listed in verse 9-10. The sons Shaharaim had through his divorced wife

Hushim were named Abitub and Elpaal (verse 11).

Elpaal's descendants are in verses 12-16. Three of his sons were credited

with building the city of Ono, Lod and the surrounding villages (verse 12).

Beriah and Shema lived in Aijalon and drove out the inhabitants of Gath

(verse 13). Obviously these were powerful leaders and heads of families.

Beriah's descendants are recorded in verses 14-16.

The next family leader to be recognized is Shimei (verse 21). His family

line is found in verses 17-21. The family line of Shashak is recorded in

verses 22-25. Jeroham's descendants are named in verse 26-27.

Jeiel, the father of Gibeon lived in the region of Gibeon (verse 29). His wife

was Maacah. Ten of his sons are listed in verses 30-32.

In verses 33-38 the author takes time to trace the line of Ner because of its

importance in the nation of Israel. Ner was the father of Kish who would

become the father of Saul, the first king of Israel. Four of Saul's sons are

listed in verse 33 (Jonathan, Malki-Shua, Abinadab and Esh-Baal). The line

of Jonathan is traced in verses 34-38.

The final family leader mentioned in chapter 8 is Eshek (verse 39). His

descendants were known as brave warriors who could handle the bow.

Three sons are listed in verse 39. Altogether he had 150 sons and grandsons

recorded in this family but not listed in this passage.

We catch a glimpse here of the incredible way in which God had been

blessing His people. They were growing in number, establishing cities and

conquering nations. They enjoyed seeing their children and grandchildren

grow up. God was working in their midst.

For Consideration:

Many of the tribes traced here have a record of the number of

men ready to do battle. While the battle we have to do today

is not necessarily a physical battle, we are called to a spiritual

battle. How many people in your spiritual family are ready to

do spiritual battle with the enemy? Do you have men and

women you can call on in times of spiritual battle?

The author notes the descendants of the concubines of

various families. These children were not ignored even

though they were not always considered to have the same

standing as those born to wives. What does this tell us about

the importance of every child?

In the midst of all the lists of names in this chapter we read

how Ephraim grieved deeply over the death of his two sons.

What does the fact that this is noted here in this genealogy

tell us about the personal nature of this list of names? The

author has time to record the grief and pain of one man over

his sons. How important are people to the author here?

Note that Ephraim's daughter Sheerah built Lower and Upper

Beth-Horon as well as Uzzen Sheerah. What does this tell us

about the freedom given to women who had strong leadership

skills in the Old Testament?

For Prayer:

Ask the Lord to help you to be ready to do battle with the

enemy. Ask Him to raise up men and women in our

generation who can battle Satan and his demons.

Thank the Lord that each person is important in His eyes.

Ask Him to help you to see people as He sees them.

Thank the Lord for the way His blessing is obvious on His

people in these chapters. Take a moment to thank the Lord for

His blessing on your family.

8- THOSE WHO

RESETTLED IN ISRAEL

AFTER THE EXILE

Read 1 Chronicles 9:1-44

hapter 9 gives us a list of those who resettled in the land of Israel

after Israel’s captivity in Babylon had come to an end. We

understand this from the explanation in verses 1 and 2.

Notice in verse 1 that the people of Judah were taken captive into Babylon

because of their unfaithfulness to the Lord. It was not because Babylon was

more powerful than Israel that they went into captivity. It was because the

Lord was teaching them a lesson. God's people had often conquered people

more powerful than them. The cause of their exile was because they had

turned from the Lord.

The list that follows is a list of the first people to resettle in the towns of

Israel after they returned from their captivity. Notice that the first people to

return were priests, Levites and the temple servants. This is significant. God

was giving these religious leaders the opportunity to prepare the land for

others who would return after them. These priests and Levites, being the

first to return, could repair the temple and restore worship in preparation for

those who followed. God wanted to be first in the lives of the returning

exiles.

Verses 4-6 give us a list of some key individuals who returned to the land of

Israel from the tribe of Judah. Numbers 26:20 is helpful in our

understanding of verses 4-6:

The descendants of Judah by their clans were:

through Shelah, the Shelanite clan;

through Perez, the Perezite clan;

through Zerah, the Zerahite clan."

Representatives from each of these sons of Judah returned home from exile.

Uthai, a descendant of Perez (verse 4), the Shilonites, descendants of

Shelah (verse 5) and the Zarahites, descendants of Zerah were all among the

first to return from exile. In total there were 690 people from Judah returned

from exile.

The next list contains names of those who returned from exile from the tribe

of Benjamin (verses 7-9). Four key families are listed here. Sallu (verse 7),

Ibneiah, Elah and Meshullam (verse 8). These men were heads of families.

The total number of people from the tribe of Benjamin who returned in this

first group was 956 (verse 9).

Verses 10-13 give us the names of the priests who returned from exile.

There are five names given in verses 10-13 (Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, Jakin,

Azariah and Adaiah). Notice in the case of Azariah (verse 9) that the author

traces his line to the priest Ahitub who was in charge of the house of God.

Ahitub was the grandson of Eli the priest who served in the days of King

Saul. Adaiah's line is traced back to Immer the priest who likely served in

the days of King David. It would have been very important for the line of

these men to be traced back to Aaron because the role of priest was given

only to his descendants. The priests listed were also heads of families in

Israel. The total number from the priestly families who returned with this

first group was 1,760 (verse 13).

Next is the list of Levites who were among the first to return from exile

(verses 14-34). The Levites served in the temple, but because they were not

descendants of Aaron, were unable to offer sacrifices to the Lord. This list

takes special note of the Levites who served as gatekeepers and musicians.

It is interesting that the gatekeepers and musicians were among the first to

return from exile. Again it shows us that God was interested not only in the

administration of the work at the temple but also in the music and worship

that would take place there.

Verses 14-16 list seven Levitical heads of families. These names include

Shemaiah (verse 14), Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, Mattaniah (verse 15),

Obadiah and Berekiah (verse 16). A brief genealogy is included for some of

these men.

Verses 17-32 gives the names of the Levitical gatekeepers and tells us

something of their responsibilities. Verse 17 begins with the names of the

principle gatekeepers (Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman and their

brothers). Shallum was the chief of the gatekeepers. All of these men

belonged to the tribe of Levi (verse 18).

Shallum was from the family of the Korahites. He and his family were

responsible for guarding the thresholds of the Tabernacle. This

responsibility had been passed on to them from their fathers (verse 19). This

was an important position. In earlier times in Israel Phinehas, the son of

Eleazar, had been in charge of the gatekeepers. In the days of David,

Zechariah, son of Meshelemiah, was also a gatekeeper (see 1 Chronicles

26:1).

The gatekeepers numbered 212. They had been assigned to their positions

by David and Samuel the prophet (verse 22). They were to guard the gates

of the house of the Lord, keeping out anything that would defile the temple.

They would serve over a seven-day period (verse 25). Their responsibility

was not an easy one as they would have to be constantly looking for

anything that would defile the temple. This would mean turning people

away or forbidding them to take certain objects into the temple.

We need "gatekeepers" in our day as well. These individuals will not look

or function in the same way today but their role is still as important. The

gatekeepers of our day are those with discernment and wisdom who warn

the church about things that have entered to defile it. They warn us of

worldly ways and philosophies that often creep into our churches. They

draw our attention to sin and evil that clings to us and hinders the work of

God. These individuals are not always well accepted, but play a vital role in

keeping the church healthy.

Verse 26 tells us that the four principle gatekeepers were also entrusted with

the responsibility for keeping the rooms and treasuries of the house of God.

Notice in verse 27 that these individuals would spend the night stationed

around the house of God. They would lock the doors at night and open them

in the morning. Twenty-four hours a day the temple was guarded by these

gatekeepers. They were always watching for anything that would defile

God's house. The enemy was always seeking an opportunity to defile the

temple. They were to be always on guard.

Other gatekeepers were in charge of various articles used in the temple

service (verse 28). These individuals counted these articles every time they

were brought in or taken out. They assured that nothing was missing. Still

others were in charge of the furnishings of the temple and sanctuary as well

as the flour, wine, oil, spices and incense used in the services of the temple

(verse 29). They were not permitted to mix these spices. This was the

responsibility of the priests alone (verse 30).

A Levite named Mattithiah was entrusted with the responsibility of baking

the offering bread (verses 31). Some of his brothers were given the

responsibility of setting the bread out on the table every Sabbath (verse 32).

All these responsibilities were taken very seriously. It was of utmost

importance that the worship of God be guarded. Nothing impure was

permitted to enter God’s presence in the temple. Every article and piece of

furniture used in the worship of God was kept pure and accounted for.

Verses 33-34 make mention of another responsibility given to the Levites.

The musicians had a very important role to play in the worship of the Lord

God. They stayed in the various rooms of the temple and were exempt from

other duties (verse 33). This shows us the importance of the role of

musician. They were to give all their time to focus on the ministry of music

and were not to be distracted by other duties.

Chapter 9 concludes by tracing the line of Saul and Jonathan. The author

begins with a man by the name of Jeiel. Jeiel's ten sons are listed in verses

35-37.

Jeiel

Jeiel lived in Gibeon. His wife's name was Maacah, (9:36). He had ten sons,

listed for us in 1 Chronicles 9:36-37. Of these ten sons the line of two are

briefly traced in verses 38-43.

Jeiel's son Mikloth was the father of Shimeam. He is mentioned in verse 38.

They lived near their relatives in Jerusalem.

Jeiel's son Ner is of particular interest to the writer. In verse 39 he traces

Ner's descendants to Saul and Jonathan. Also in verse 39 he tells us the

names of three of Jonathan's sons (Milki-Shua, Abinadab and Esh-Baal). It

is believed that Esh-Baal was also known as Ish-Bosheth.

Verse 40 speaks about Jonathan’s son Merib-Baal (also known as

Mephibosheth) to whom David showed kindness for the sake of his father

Jonathan (see 2 Samuel 9:6-7). The line of Merib-Baal (Mephibosheth) is

then traced in verses 40-44.

For Consideration:

Why is it significant that the priests and Levites were the first

to return from exile? How was God showing His people that

He wanted to be first in their lives when they returned from

their captivity? Is God first in our society or in your personal

life? Are there any areas of your life where God is not first?

What was the responsibility of the gatekeeper? Who are the

"gatekeepers" of our day? From what does the church need to

be protected today? What things creep into the church of our

day?

God gave to each of the Levites a particular responsibility.

Some of those responsibilities may seem small in our day but

they were nonetheless very important. What responsibility

has God given you?

The musicians were not given any other duties in the work of

the Lord. What does this tell us about the importance of

music in the worship of God?

For Prayer:

Ask God to show you any area of your life where He is not

first.

Thank God for the "gatekeepers" of our day who have God-

given discernment and wisdom to warn us of dangers or

defilements in the church today. Ask God to help you to be

more discerning.

Ask the Lord to show you anything that has crept into your

life that has defiled your relationship with Him.

Ask God to show you what responsibility He has given you.

Ask Him to give you grace to be faithful in that task.

Thank the Lord for the role of music in worship. Ask God to

bless those in your church who are involved in this important

ministry.

9 - DEFEAT OR VICTORY

IN DISGUISE?

Read 1 Chronicles 10:1-14

Chronicles is really the story of David and his reign. Chapter 10

introduces the reign of David by telling us about the death of Saul

and the heirs to his throne. While Saul had been chosen king, his

disobedience to the Lord brought his downfall. God rejected Saul and

handed the leadership of the nation to David, whom Saul had been trying to

kill.

In verse 1 we find Saul and his sons fighting against the Philistine army.

The Philistines were pressing hard against the Israelites. Verse 12 tells us

that many men of Israel died in the battle on Mount Gilboa. Many more fled

from the battle. Israel suffered serious casualties.

Notice in verse 2 that the Philistines pressed hard after Saul and his sons.

Saul's three sons (Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua) died in the battle.

Verse 3 tells us that the battle grew fierce around Saul. He was the primary

target of the Philistine army. The Philistine archers eventually overtook

Saul and wounded him.

Saul knew that if the Philistines were to capture him, things would not go

well for him. He believed that they would torture and abuse him. He

preferred to die rather than to be humiliated and tortured at the hands of his

enemies. In verse 4 he pleaded with his armour-bearer to draw his sword

and kill him before he fell into the hands of the Philistines. Saul's armour-

bearer was not willing to kill Saul, so Saul fell on his own sword. Seeing

what had happened to his master, the armour-bearer fell on his sword and

died. On that day Saul and his three sons all died (verse 6). This left Israel

with no king or heir to the throne. God was making it clear that He had

another king for His people.

When the people of Israel saw that Saul and his sons had died, they fled the

battle leaving their towns to the Philistines who came and occupied them

(verse 7). The next day, while the Philistines went through the region

stripping the dead of any valuables they discovered Saul and his sons on

Mount Gilboa. They stripped Saul of his valuables, and took his head and

his armour. They sent messengers throughout the region to proclaim the

news of Saul's death (verse 9). They put Saul's armour in their temple and

hung his head in the temple of Dagon their god (verse 10).

That day, the Philistines rejoiced over their victory. They had defeated

Israel and killed their king. In the presence of their idols and their god

Dagon, they proclaimed victory over Israel and their God.

We need to take a moment to look at these events from the perspective of

God. The picture before us is one of a defeated Israel who had lost their

king, their towns and their pride. Their land was now occupied by Philistine

warriors. These warriors were rejoicing in the presence of their idols and

gods. They were celebrating their seeming victory over the God of Israel

and His people. This is how the picture looked from a human perspective.

From God's perspective, however, things were very different. Saul had

turned his back on God, choosing to live in rebellion and disobedience. He

had led the people of Israel into rebellion against God, stripping them of

His blessings. For many years, Saul had been trying to kill David, the man

God had chosen to be the next king over His people. David would restore

God's people and lead them into a time of prosperity and blessing like they

had never seen before. By allowing the Philistines to conquer His people

and wipe out the family of Saul, God was preparing His people for

something better. By this means, God humbled His people and prepared

them to receive their new king who would lead them into a time of victory

and prosperity under the blessing of God. Saul stood in the way of that

blessing. While the enemies rejoiced over their victory, God saw beyond

this to the accomplishing of His greater purposes for them as a nation.

Sometimes what appears to be defeat is really the beginning of tremendous

victory. Sometimes God has to strip us before He can clothe us with richer

blessing. Sometimes He has to kill our visions and pride in order to give us

greater vision and purpose. What appeared to be defeat was great victory

for God's people. Have you been experiencing "defeat" in your life?

Remember that God is able to use this "defeat" to accomplish His great

victory in you.

When the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard that Saul had been killed and

that the enemy had beheaded him, they came with their valiant men and

took Saul's body and the bodies of his sons and brought them back to

Jabesh. There they gave them a proper burial (verses 11, 12). It should be

noted that in 1 Samuel 11 one of Saul's first activities as king was to come

to the rescue of Jabesh Gilead when Nahash the Ammonite threatened to

destroy them. Obviously, the people of Jabesh Gilead never forgot Saul's

kindness to them.

As he concludes this chapter, the author makes it clear that Saul died

because he had been unfaithful to the Lord and did not keep His Word.

Instead of consulting the Lord God, Saul consulted mediums for guidance

(verse 13). Because of these things, God put Saul to death and handed the

kingdom over to David (verse 14). In all this the purposes of the Lord were

being accomplished.

For Consideration:

Saul was stripped of his position and died because he refused

to seek the Lord and live in obedience. What does this teach

us about the importance of seeking God in our personal lives

and ministries? How tempting is it to do what is right in our

own eyes instead of seeking God and His will?

We see in this chapter how the enemy declared victory over

the people of God. What appeared to be victory for the

enemy, however, was in reality the beginning of something

great for God's people. What "defeats" have you experienced

in life? How has God used them to accomplish good?

God sees things from a very different perspective. What does

this teach us about how we need to seek Him and His purpose

rather than trusting in our own wisdom and insight?

God needed to strip Israel of her king and her pride before

clothing them in His greater blessing. What does God need

to strip from you to prepare you for His greater purpose?

For Prayer:

Ask God to give you grace to trust Him more when things

don't seem to be going as they should.

Ask God to help you to seek Him and His purpose for your

life. Ask Him to forgive you for not listening to Him or

seeking His direction.

Thank the Lord that He is able to take what appears to be

defeat and accomplish His purpose through it.

Ask the Lord to strip you of anything that would keep you

from experiencing His deeper blessing in your life and

ministry.

Take some time this week to spend with the Lord asking Him

to show you if you are where He wants you to be and doing

what He wants you to do.

10 - DAVID'S REIGN

ESTABLISHED

Read 1 Chronicles 11:1-47

n the previous chapter we saw how God stripped Saul of his kingship

so that it could be handed over to David. This process of becoming

king had taken quite a long time for David. He had been chased by

Saul and lived in different places in an attempt to escape with his life. In

God's time, David would become king. David waited patiently for the

promise of God to be fulfilled. He did not force the door open but waited

for God's timing. We would do well to learn this lesson.

When Saul was killed, all Israel came to David at Hebron. They reminded

him and each other that during the time that Saul had been king, David led

Israel on their military campaigns. He had proven to be a capable leader.

They also reminded him that God had called him to be a shepherd of His

people (verse 2). They knew David was qualified to be king, not only

because of his ability, but also because of his calling from God. Both of

these are required if we are to engage in any ministry. Ability is not enough.

We also must be called of God. It is quite possible for us to do things

skilfully but do them outside of the will and calling of God for our lives.

That day the elders of Israel came to Hebron, made an agreement with

David and crowned him as king over the whole land. This was in fulfilment

of the promise God had given David through Samuel the prophet (verse 3).

Verses 4-9 tell us how David captured the city of Jerusalem and made it his

place of residence. Jerusalem was, at that point, called Jebus, and its

inhabitants were the Jebusites (verse 4). The city was well defended (it is

described in verse 5 as a fortress).

David told his men that whoever led an attack on the Jubusites would

become his commander-in-chief. Joab, son of Zeruiah, went up first and

David gave him the position of commander-in-chief. David was successful

in capturing the city (verse 5).

David lived in the fortress at Jerusalem, which would eventually become

known as the City of David (verse 7). He built up the city and fortified it

even more. Under the blessing of the Lord, David would become a

powerful king (verse 9).

God blessed David with mighty men. Many of these men were

extraordinary in bravery and skill. The remainder of chapter 11 speaks

about the mighty men God gave to David as warriors. These men supported

David in his kingship and were instrumental in expanding his territory and

strengthening his reign. While these men, for the most part are relatively

unknown, they were a vital part of David's army.

The fact of the matter is that we all need people to stand with us. Many of

these individuals are unnamed and work behind the scenes, but they are all

important. Personally, I could not do the ministry God has called me to do

by myself. God has raised up a team of translators, proof readers, as well as

financial and prayer supporters to stand with me as I work on these books.

Like David, we need to be thankful for the people who stand with us and

support our efforts. Maybe God is calling you to be a supporter of someone

else's ministry.

Of David's mighty men there were some that stood above the others in

bravery and strength. Three men in particular are mentioned in verses 11-

21.

Jashobeam was the chief of the officers. He killed three hundred men in one

encounter (verse 11).

Eleazar was another mighty warrior. He was with David at Pas Dammim

when the Philistines gathered for battle. David's men fled from the

Philistines but Eleazar and his friends stood their place in a field of barley,

defending it against the Philistines. God blessed their efforts and gave them

victory (verses 13-14).

In verses 15 we read of an encounter between David and the Philistines.

The Philistines had camped in the Valley of Rephaim. A Philistine garrison

was also in the city of Bethlehem (verse 16). David and his men were weary

in battle. In verse 17 David longed for water from the well near the gate of

Bethlehem. When the three mighty warriors heard of David's desire they

broke through the enemy lines, drew water from the well at the Bethlehem

gate and brought it back to David (verse 18). They willingly risked their

lives for David.

When David realized what these men had done, he refused to drink the

water saying:

God forbid that I should do this! Should I drink the blood of

these men who went at the risk of their lives? (verse 19)

This water had cost too much. David's men had risked their lives for this

water. David poured it out as a thanksgiving offering to the Lord.

Abishai was another mighty warrior. He was chief of David's three mighty

warriors although he was not included in their number. He fought against

three hundred men and killed them (verse 20). He was as famous for his

exploits as the three mighty warriors.

Benaiah was also a valiant warrior of note. He struck down two of Moab's

best men. He also demonstrated his bravery by going down into a pit on a

snowy day to kill a lion (verse 22). In verse 23 we read how he struck down

a seven and a half foot Egyptian (2.3 meters) who had a spear the size of a

weaver's rod. All he had to fight this Egyptian was a club. Benaiah snatched

the Philistine giant's spear, turned it against him and killed him (verse 23).

Understandably, David put Benaiah in charge of his bodyguard (verse 25).

Notice in verse 25 the reference to the Thirty. It appears that while those

men did not measure up to the same standard as the Three they were also

famous for their brave deeds.

Verses 26-47 give us the names of David's mighty men. In these verses the

names of over 46 warriors from various regions are listed. All of these men

distinguished themselves in support of David and his kingship. God

surrounded David with mighty men so that through him, he could conquer

the enemy on all sides.

For Consideration:

Not only did David prove that he had the ability to be king

but he also had a call from God. Is it possible to have ability

but not be called of God to a particular ministry or task? Why

is a calling important?

David and his men conquered the city of Jerusalem and

established it as their home base. This city was not easy to

conquer but God gave them victory. What strongholds in

your life need to be conquered? What encouragement do you

take from what David and his men did here?

David was successful not only because God was with him but

also because God had given him mighty warriors to stand

with him. Who has God given to stand with you in life and

ministry?

David's mighty men refused to give up. They stood their

ground and fought against the enemy. Do you have the same

courage today? What has God given you to defend? Have

you been faithful?

For Prayer:

Ask the Lord to give you the assurance of your calling.

Thank Him that He wants to use you in the work of His

kingdom.

Ask God to show you any strongholds in your life that need

to be broken down. Ask Him for courage to stand against

those strongholds.

Ask God to give you courage to stand your ground and not

give in, even when things become difficult. Thank the Lord

that He is able to keep you in these times.

Take a moment to thank the Lord for the friends and

supporters He has given you, who stand with you in your

time of need.

11 - DAVID'S ARMY

Read 1 Chronicles 12:1-40

od had been preparing David to be king. Part of the calling

involved giving him favour and support. While David was called

to be the leader, he needed a team with him if he was going to

complete the task given to him by God. The same is true for us today.

Personally, I could not do the work I have to do were it not for the team of

financial supporters, prayer warriors, counsellors, editors and proof readers,

to name just a few. God has not called us to work alone. He has designed

things in such a way that we are dependent on each other for support, skills

and encouragement. When God calls us to a work, He also calls men and

women to stand with us in that work.

God began the process of building up a team before David was anointed

king. While David was at Ziklag in Philistia, banished from the presence of

Saul (see 1 Samuel 27), God brought mighty men to stand with him and

help him in battle. Verse 2 tells us that these men were armed with bows

and able to shoot arrows or sling stones either with their right hand or their

left. Many of those who came to David at Ziklag were from the tribe of

Benjamin. Verses 3-7 give us a list of these men. We can only imagine the

encouragement that this would have been to David. Maybe God has raised

up a team of men and women to stand with you in your need.

During David’s time in the desert running from Saul, men of Gad left Saul

and came to support David. These men risked their lives for David. They

left the comfort of their homes to live in the desert because they believed in

David and his leadership. Again we must see the hand of God in this. We

can only imagine how encouraged David would have been to see the

dedication of these men to him in a time when he was running to save his

life.

The men of Gad who defected to David in the desert were brave and swift

warriors ready for battle (verse 8). Verses 9-13 give us the names of eleven

of their commanders. Verse 14 tells us that the least of these commanders

was a match for a hundred and the greatest was a match for a thousand.

They proved their worth by crossing the Jordan when it was overflowing its

banks and putting to flight those living in the valleys to the east and the

west (verse 15). They were valiant and brave warriors and a welcome

addition to the fighting men of David.

We have already seen from verses 1-7 that the men who joined David in

Ziklag were mainly from the tribe of Benjamin. In verse 16 we read that

more men from Benjamin came to David in his desert stronghold. They

were accompanied by men from Judah. David came out to meet them, but

was somewhat suspicious. He questioned whether they had come to join

him or to infiltrate his men in order to defeat him (verse 17). He told them

that if they were sincere he was more than willing to have them join his

men but warned them that if they betrayed him, the Lord God would be

their judge.

At that point the Spirit of God came on one of the men present. His name

was Amasai, who was chief of the group of mighty men known as "The

Thirty." He spoke from the Spirit and said:

We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse!

Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for

your God will help you (verse 18).

Obviously, the Lord used these words in a powerful way to confirm to

David that the men of Benjamin and Judah were sincere. God confirmed to

David that it was safe to allow these men into his camp. David received

them and made them leaders of his raiding bands (verse 18).

Men from the tribe of Manasseh also defected from Saul and came to

David. The men of Manasseh came to him when David was going to wage

war against Saul with the Philistines (verse 19). God did not allow David to

fight Saul. The story of this incident is recorded for us in 1 Samuel 29:1-11.

Verse 20 gives us a list of seven leaders from Manasseh who came to David

when he was living in Ziklag among the Philistines. These leaders helped

David against raiding bands. They were all brave warriors (verse 21).

Day after day men came to help David (verse 22). God built his military

force by this means until he had a very powerful army. His army is

described in verse 22 as being like the "army of God." It was indeed an

army from God for David. The hand of God was on David at this time

preparing him for the day he would be Israel’s king.

After the death of Saul, David was anointed king over Judah, in Hebron.

The rest of Israel chose to be faithful to Saul's line and put Ish-Bosheth, his

son, on the throne. The kingdom was divided. God again met David at this

time. He sent men to him at Hebron to strengthen his army (verse 23). A list

of those who came to David at this time is recorded for us in the remaining

verses of this chapter. Notice that men from every tribe in Israel stood

behind David and his leadership. God was clearly giving him favour in the

eyes of the entire nation.

In the verses that follow we have a list of men who turned to David at this

time. Verses 24-37 can be summarized in the following chart:

TRIBE Men who came to David Verse

Judah 6,800 men 24

Simeon 7,100 men 25

Levi

4,600 men

3,770 descendants of Aaron

22 from family of Zadok

26-28

Benjamin 3,000 men 29

Ephraim 20,800 men 30

Manasseh 18,000 men 31

Issachar 200 wise chiefs 32

Zebulun 50,000 men 33

Naphtali 37,000 men

1,000 officers 34

Dan 28,600 men 35

Asher 40,000 36

Reuben

Gad

Manasseh (east)

120,000 men 37

Those listed here in these verses number over 300,000. God's blessing was

beyond anything David could have imagined. God surrounded him with

support and encouragement in this time of his life.

All these men who came to David before he was anointed king over all of

Israel were powerful fighting men. Notice in verse 38 that these men

volunteered to serve. David did not have to go looking for men to serve in

his army—they came to him. They were of one mind to make David king.

They believed in him and his leadership and stood firmly behind him.

Again we must see the hand of God in this, preparing David for the work

He had for him.

On the day they came to anoint David king, the families of these men

supplied them with enough food and drink for three days. They celebrated

and rejoiced together for those three days (verse 39). People came from far

away tribes, bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules and oxen. They were

amply supplied with food and there was great joy in Israel.

Notice that not only does God supply the men necessary for the battle, but

he also provides for their material needs. When God calls, He also equips

and provides. What an encouragement this is for us as we step out in

obedience to the call of the Lord on our lives. If we step out in obedience,

God will supply all that is necessary to accomplish what He has called us to

do.

For Consideration:

What has God called you to do? Who has He raised up to

stand with you in this vision?

Has God brought people to you in your time of need to

encourage and lift you up? Who are these people?

Has God called you to be an encouragement and support to

someone else? Who is it? How have you been supporting and

encouraging them? What more could you do?

Some of David's men had to make significant sacrifices to

stand with him. What sacrifices have others made for you and

your ministry? What sacrifices have you made for others?

How did God provide for the material needs of the men who

came to crown David king? Will God also supply us with all

we need for the work to which He has called us?

For Prayer:

Take a moment to thank the Lord for particular individuals

who have stood behind you in your life and ministry.

Ask the Lord to help you to see how you can be a greater

encouragement to someone in ministry today.

Ask the Lord to increase the number of people who stand

with you in your life and ministry so that you can be more

effective.

Ask the Lord if there are any sacrifices you need to make for

someone else.

12 - DAVID AND THE ARK

OF GOD

Read 1 Chronicles 13:1-14

eople from all Israel came to anoint David as king. This was a very

joyous celebration. In verse 1 David asked his officers and

commanders if they would join him in bringing the Ark of the

Covenant to Jerusalem. Verse 3 tells us that the reason for this was that they

had not consulted the ark at all during the reign of Saul.

It is important that we understand that in Old Testament times, God chose to

speak to His people from the cover of the ark between the two cherubim

(Exodus 25:21-22). Saul had been rejected as king because he did not listen

to the Lord or obey His commands. He chose to trust his own wisdom. Saul

had not consulted the Lord’s presence over the Ark of the Covenant. David

did not want to make this same mistake. He wanted his reign to be founded

on the will and purpose of the Lord. He wanted to have the Ark of the

Covenant near him so he could seek the will of the Lord in matters that

pertained to his leadership. This desire of David shows us that his reign

would be very different from Saul's. It would be founded on the Lord's will

and purpose. David saw it as a priority to seek the will of the Lord in his

decisions.

Notice from verse 2 that David wanted this event to be a big event. He

wanted to invite all the people of Israel to join him as he brought the ark

into Jerusalem. This was not a small thing for David. Because the Lord

revealed Himself from the ark, David knew that by bringing the ark into

Jerusalem, he was in reality bringing the presence of God into the city. This

was something to be celebrated.

The leaders and commanders agreed with David to bring the ark back. The

invitations went out and the Israelites gathered at Kiriath Jearim where the

ark was located (verses 5-6).

Verse 7 tells us that the ark was located at the house of Abinadab. A new

cart was brought and the ark placed on that cart to be transported.

Abinadab's two sons, Uzzah and Ahio (2 Samuel 6:3), were chosen to guide

the cart (verse 7). Israel left Kiriath Jearim with great celebration. They

celebrated with songs, harps, lyres, tambourines, cymbals and trumpets

(verse 8). The people were happy.

There is an important detail we need to see here. The Ark of the Covenant

was made with poles that were to be used to carry it. According to

Deuteronomy 10:8, the ark was to be carried by the Levites. This is not

what is happening in this passage. Instead of God's chosen leaders carrying

the ark, it was put on a cart and carried by oxen. This was in direct violation

of the will of God.

It is interesting to note that the practice of putting the ark on a new cart was

of Philistine origin. At one point in its history, the ark of God was captured

by the Philistines and taken from Israel. The ark was a curse to them as long

as they kept it and many people died wherever the ark stayed in Philistia.

The Philistines decided, therefore, to send the ark back to Israel. They

consulted their spiritual leaders about how to send it back and were told to

put it on a new cart drawn by two cows (see 1 Samuel 6:1-12). This is now

how God's people transported the ark in this passage. It was not the will of

God that it be carried this way. They had learned this from the pagan

Philistines. How easy it is for us to incorporate worldly practices into our

faith. This will only lead to problems.

As the ark of God was moving past the threshing floor of Kidon, the oxen

stumbled. This put the ark of God at risk. Uzzah reached out his hand to

steady the ark so that it would not fall (verse 9). Because he touched the

ark, God struck him down so that he died (verse 10). It should be

understood that this would not have happened if the ark had been carried by

Levites as God had required. It is also a reminder to the people of that day

of the holiness of God. He is not a God to be treated lightly. This was a

powerful reminder to David and his people of the awesome holiness of

God. Even to touch the ark was to perish.

The people that day celebrated a good God. They looked forward to His

blessings. They rejoiced that God desired to bless them. God reminded

them by this incident, however, that He was also a God of tremendous

holiness who demanded obedience. If they wanted to continue to experience

the blessing of God, they would have to live in obedience to His word and

do things His way.

David's response to this situation is somewhat surprising. Verse 11 tells us

that he became angry with God because He killed Uzzah. He called that

place Perez Uzzah which literally means, "Outbreak against Uzzah."

Because of what he saw that day, David was afraid to take the ark back to

Jerusalem. The celebration ended at Perez Uzzah. Instead, he decided to

take it to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite (verse 13).

It is one thing to follow a God who blesses. It is another thing to follow a

God who demands obedience, honour and respect. David's fear was that the

holy and glorious God he saw that day would consume them. He celebrated

a God of blessing but feared the God of holiness. So great was his fear of

this God revealed in the ark that he chose to abandon his mission to take it

back to Jerusalem.

There are many people today who are in the same situation. They want a

God who blesses but they are not sure they want a God who demands

obedience and respect. God cannot be divided up in this way. Holiness and

justice are as much part of His character as love and blessing. When we

come to God, we must live in the tension between blessing and obedience,

love and holiness. God introduced David to His holiness. David's

understanding of God and His character was stretched that day. God

showed David and all Israel that that they needed to live in the fear of God

if they were to expect to enjoy His blessings. For some people, the cost of

living in the fear of God is too great. They walk away from God and His

blessings because they are not willing to pay the price of obedience. God

allowed David and all Israel to walk away that day.

Notice, however, that the family of Obed-Edom, where the ark rested for

three months, was richly blessed (verse 14). The blessings of God are

available to us but God demands that we live in obedience and respect

toward His name. We dare not take Him lightly. He is a God of wonderful

love and blessing but He is also a God of holiness and justice whose will

demands respect and honour. All who come to Him for blessings must be

willing to respect and obey Him.

For Consideration:

This chapter reminds us of how Saul had not sought the Lord

through the Ark of the Covenant. He was rejected because he

did not obey the Lord. How important is it that we seek the

will and purpose of the Lord in all we do?

What does David's celebration of the return of the ark show

us about his deep love for his God? How is your love for God

demonstrated?

How did David and Israel violate the will of God in the

transportation of the ark to Jerusalem?

What is the possible origin of the practice of carrying the ark

on an ox cart? How does the world influence the church

today? Are there worldly practices the church has adopted in

our day? What are they?

God is a God of loving blessing but He demands respect and

honour. Can we truly worship Him if we do not accept Him

as both loving and holy?

For Prayer:

Ask God to help you to seek His will and purpose each day.

Ask Him to forgive you for the times you have failed to seek

Him and His will.

Ask God to show you if there is anywhere in your life or

practice that you are not living in obedience to His will.

Thank God that He is both holy and loving. Ask Him to help

you to worship and honour Him for both these wonderful

characteristics.

Do you know someone who, like David and Israel, walked

away from the blessing of the Lord because they had a hard

time accepting His holiness and justice? Ask God to give

them grace to accept Him as He is.

13 - PHILISTINE

PROBLEMS

Read 1 Chronicles 14:1-17

fter David was crowned king of all Israel, the king of Tyre sent

messengers to him to congratulate him and offer his best wishes.

The fact that Hiram, king of Tyre, sent his messengers to

congratulate him showed David that he was not only recognized by his own

people as king but also by the surrounding nations.

Notice in verse 1 that the king of Tyre also sent cedar logs, stonemasons

and carpenters to David to build a palace for him. David had made

Jerusalem his headquarters and there was no palace in that city at that time.

By sending David these supplies King Hiram was establishing a good

relationship with Israel and confirming him as king.

From verse 3 we understand that, while he lived in Jerusalem, David took

more wives and had many more sons and daughters. Verses 4-7 give the

names of 13 sons and daughters born to David while he was living in

Jerusalem. These were apart from the other children born to him before he

came to live in this city.

David's reign would not always be peaceful. Before he became king, he

spent much of his life running from Saul. Now as king, David would have

many battles to fight. In verse 8 we read that when the Philistines heard that

David had been anointed king over Israel, they gathered their forces and

attacked him. David gathered his army to meet them. The conflict between

the two armies began when the Philistines raided the Valley of Rephaim

(verse 9).

It is important to notice in verse 10 that before David responded to the

attack of the Philistines, he asked God if he was to attack the Philistines and

whether He would give them victory. It would have been easy for David to

be logical about this matter. Consider the logic for a moment. God had

called David to be king. As king it was his responsibility to care for and

protect the nation. The enemies had attacked Israel and were a threat them.

Was it not his responsibility to protect his people? It was only logical that

David defend his nation against the Philistine attack. What is interesting

here is that David still inquired of the Lord. This is important.

God's ways are not always our ways (see Isaiah 55:8-9). While things may

appear to be logical to us, we cannot be always governed by human logic.

God does not see things the way we do. What appears to be totally logical

to us may, in fact, be contrary to the will and purpose of God. How often

have decisions been made in our church on the basis of human wisdom and

logic? Human logic must never replace seeking the will and purpose of

God.

The Lord answered David and told him that he was to fight the Philistines.

He also told him that He would hand the Philistines over to him (verse 10).

With this word from the Lord, David took his men to Baal Perazim and

attacked. God gave him victory (verse 11). The victory God gave His

people against the Philistines is compared in verse 11 to water breaking out.

It was as if a great dam burst and the water of David's army came in and

swept away the Philistine army. It is of interest to know that the name Baal

Perazim literally means "the lord who breaks out." This is exactly what

happened that day. God broke out against His enemies and destroyed them.

Notice from verse 12 that the Philistines were a religious people. They

carried their gods with them into battle. Those gods were no match for the

God of Israel. When the Philistines fled before Israel they abandoned their

gods. David gave orders to gather them up and burn them. In doing so,

David declared the victory of the Lord over the Philistine gods. He also

removed the temptation his people might have to bow down to these gods.

The Philistines did not take their defeat lightly. Once more they raided the

valley (verse 13). Notice again how David inquired of the Lord. While he

knew that the Lord had told him to attack previously, David sought the Lord

again for this new situation. Each situation in life gives us cause to seek the

Lord afresh. We cannot assume that because God led us in a certain way

one time He will lead us in the same way the next time. David brought this

new situation to the Lord again.

Notice in verse 14 that this time the Lord told David exactly how he was to

go about defeating the Philistines. God told David that he was not to go

straight up against them but to circle around behind them. He also told

David where he was to attack the Philistines. In verse 14 God told him to

attack them in front of the balsam trees. Notice further in verse 15 that God

also told David the exact moment he was to attack the Philistines. He was to

wait until he heard the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees.

When he heard that sound, he was to move his army out into battle because

God had gone before him to strike down the Philistines.

We see that God led David in verse 14 in a very specific way. He showed

him the method, the location and the timing of his battle. The method was

to circle behind the army. The location was in front of the balsam trees. The

timing was when he heard the sound of marching in the trees. It was of

utmost importance that David follow God's instruction in these three things

if he was to have the victory.

Verse 16 tells us that David did exactly as the Lord commanded and the

Philistine army was struck down. This army was struck down, not because

David's army was stronger, but because he was obedient to God. David's

fame spread throughout the nations. He was feared because of his God who

was powerful and mighty to save. Verse 17 tells us that the Lord made all

the nations fear David.

Do you want to have victory over your enemies? Do you want to know the

power of God working through you? Learn to seek the will of the Lord and

surrendering to Him. This will require spending time with God seeking His

will for each situation He brings our way. He has a very specific purpose.

David learned to commit each problem to the Lord and wait for His leading.

The secret to his victory was in his willingness to seek God and obey. This

will be the secret to our victory as well.

For Consideration:

God gave David favour in the eyes of the nations. Has God

given you favour in the eyes of your neighbours and friends?

How important is the favour of the Lord?

What is the role of human logic in the Christian life? How

can human logic stand in the way of hearing from God and

knowing His leading?

Are you doing your ministry in the way God wants it to be

done? What needs to change?

Does God still lead His people today? How can we know His

leading and direction?

What is the difference between doing what is logical and

doing what God calls us to do?

For Prayer:

Ask God to give you greater favour so that your ministry will

not be hindered.

Ask God to show you if you are ministering the way He

wants you to minister, in the place He wants you to minister,

and in His timing.

Ask the Lord to teach you how to hear Him and know His

direction in your daily routine.

Ask the Lord to forgive you for times you have chosen to

walk away from His leading to do things in your own way.

Ask Him to forgive you for the times you have failed to seek

His will.

14 - A LESSON LEARNED

Read 1 Chronicles 15:1-29

n the last chapter we saw how the Lord showed David how he was to

defeat the Philistines. God gave him victory because he obeyed His

voice and followed His way. David did not always seek the Lord and

His will. In chapter 13 we saw how he determined to bring the ark of the

Lord to Jerusalem but he did not seek the Lord about how to transport it.

Instead of having the Levites carry the ark as was required by law, David

had it put on an ox cart to be transported. That proved to be fatal as Uzzah

died trying to stabilize the ark when the ox stumbled.

After the death of Uzzah, David decided to leave the ark with the family of

Obed-Edom. From 1 Chronicles 15:1 we learn that it was still the desire of

David to bring the ark of the Lord to Jerusalem. This time, however, things

were going to be done in God's way.

From verse 1 we see that after David had prepared buildings for himself and

his families, he also prepared a tent for the ark of the Lord. We are not told

anything about this tent but we know that throughout the time in the

wilderness the ark of the Lord was always housed in a tent.

Verse 2 is very important. David recognized that no one but the Levites

could carry the ark of God. In saying this, David was confessing that they

had been wrong to attempt to transport the ark of the Lord on an ox cart.

This was the reason for God's angry outburst against Uzzah and his sudden

death.

Having learned his lesson and confessed his sin, David called together the

descendants of Aaron and the Levites at Jerusalem (verse 4). About 862

Levites from six different families came to Jerusalem at David's request

(verse 5-10).

When the Levites gathered in Jerusalem, David summoned two priests,

Zadok and Abiathar and six Levites (Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel

and Amminadab). When they presented themselves before him, David

commanded them to consecrate themselves and their fellow Levites. He

then ordered them to bring up the ark of the Lord to the place he had

prepared for it (verse 12). The consecration of a priest or Levite is described

in Exodus 29:1-37 and involved sacrifices and ceremonial washing. David

wanted to be sure that the Levites were ceremonially pure before carrying

the ark of the Lord to Jerusalem.

David reminded the Levites in verse 13 that they had sinned against God

the first time because the Levites had not carried the ark. David makes it

very clear from verse 13 that this was the reason the anger of the Lord had

broken out against them so that Uzzah died.

Notice what David says in verse 13: "We did not inquire of Him about how

to do it in the prescribed way." In his excitement to bring up the ark of the

Lord to Jerusalem, David had failed to consult the Lord about how he

should transport the ark. God has a way of doing things that is often

different from ours. It is quite possible for us to do the right thing in the

wrong way. This is what happened to David when he first tried to transport

the ark. This only led to problems. There is an important lesson for us in

this. Not only do we need to seek God about what He wants us to do, we

also need to seek Him about how He wants us to do it as well.

There may be those who say, "What difference does it make how the job is

done as long as we get it done?" This passage challenges this view. God is

interested in the method as well. If we do things in God's way we can be

sure of His blessing. How often do we fail to take the time to seek the Lord

about how He wants us to minister? We get so excited about advancing the

kingdom that we run ahead of God and do things in our own way without

ever consulting Him about how He wants us to do the job. Often we end up

hindering the work because we are not in tune with God and His ways. All

this requires a close relationship with God. If we want to be effective in our

service, we must be in close communion with Him. We must be constantly

seeking His will, His method and His timing. You can be very busy in

ministry, but you cannot be truly effective if you are not constantly seeking

God's heart. David had learned this lesson and he was making sure now that

he did not fall into this error a second time.

At David's request, the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark

of the Lord to Jerusalem (verse 14). Verse 15 tells us that they carried the

ark of God with the poles on their shoulders as Moses had commanded

them in the law.

David also commanded the Levites to appoint certain brothers to

accompany the ark with music and singing (verse 16). Verses 17-24 give us

a general list of the men chosen, with the responsibilities given to each man.

Heman, Asaph and Ethan were given the responsibility of sounding the

bronze cymbals (verse 19). Eight Levites were chosen in verse 20 to play

the lyres. Notice that they were to play it according to "alamoth". It is

uncertain what this term "alamoth" means. It is very likely a musical term

that was understood by the musicians and told them how they were to play

the lyre. The harps were assigned to six other Levites who were to play

according to "sheminith." Again this is a musical term that told the

musicians how they were to play their harps. Notice that the lyre was to be

played different from the harp. Kenaniah was given the responsibility to

direct the singing. Verse 22 tells us that he was gifted in directing singing.

Seven Levites were also chosen to blow the trumpet (verse 24).

Two doorkeepers were chosen for the ark (verse 23). It is not specified what

their responsibilities were. As doorkeepers they may have been given the

responsibility to make sure that everything was being done in accordance

with the law of God and that nothing impure would come to defile the ark

or the priests who carried it.

The ark of God was brought to Jerusalem by the Levites in the prescribed

way. It was accompanied with music from the cymbals, lyres, harps and

trumpets. David and the elders of Israel along with commanders of units of

a thousand went with the Levites to bring the ark to Jerusalem. There was

great celebration and joy as they travelled to Jerusalem (verse 25).

While there was great celebration and rejoicing, this time, there was also

tremendous fear of God. The Levites understood that God was a holy and

awesome God. They took their responsibility seriously, knowing that God

could strike them if they did not honour Him. Verse 26 tells us that because

God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark, seven bulls and seven

rams were sacrificed as a thanksgiving offering to the Lord.

Notice in verse 27 that David was clothed in a robe of linen. David also

wore a linen ephod. The ephod was worn by the priest. From this we are led

to understand that David had a priestly function though he did not have the

office of a priest according to the law. As king of Israel, David certainly did

much to encourage the worship of God. As king before God, he also had a

priestly function to fulfil. He was recognized for his spiritual role in Israel.

As the ark entered the city, David expressed his worship before God with

great excitement. He held nothing back. He danced and celebrated before

the Lord with all his heart. His wife Michal saw David celebrating that day.

Verse 29 tells us that when she saw him celebrate in this way she despised

David in her heart. It is important that we take a closer look at this verse.

The relationship between David and Michal his wife was a strained

relationship. According to 1 Samuel 25:44, Saul, her father, had given her

to another man despite the fact that she was married to David. In 2 Samuel

3:13-16, David demanded that she be taken from her second husband and

returned to him. It may be that Michal was bitter about this matter and

wondered how David could worship God in this way when he had taken her

by force from her husband. It appears, however, from verse 29 that Michal

was angry with David because of how he expressed himself in public

worship. The words used here are very powerful. Verse 29 tells us that she

"despised" David in her heart.

Michal obviously had a very different understanding of what worship

should look like than David. She felt that David was making a fool of

himself in his worship (see also 2 Samuel 6:20). Obviously, for Michal, the

worship of God was to be more subdued and quiet with less physical

expression. David and Michal clashed when it came to what they believed

was acceptable worship. It is not our purpose to discuss what is appropriate

in worship. Suffice it to say that there are significant differences between

believers over this matter. These differences are not new. We have a clear

example of this in this chapter.

What is important for us to notice is how Michal responded to her

difference with David. Michal despised David in her heart. She allowed her

difference to grow into bitterness and anger. The same thing happens in the

church of our day. Maybe you have seen evidence of this in your own place

of worship. Something as simple as how we express our worship to God

can cause such a division in the church today that believers can no longer

associate with each other. Michal's sin was to allow her difference to

produce bitterness and anger.

This passage warns us about allowing differences such as worship style to

come between us as believers. Admittedly, there are different personalities

in the church today. Each personality seeks God in its own way. The

passage does not condemn David for his enthusiastic worship style, nor

does it condemn Michal for her more subdued style. It does warn us,

however, about how differences between believers can be a means for Satan

to cause division. It is not our responsibility to judge the preferences of

another believer who acts in sincerity before God. It is our responsibility,

however, to deal with any bitterness or anger that comes into our heart

when we experience these differences.

For Consideration:

What do we learn about David's humility and his willingness

to confess that he had been wrong in not seeking the will of

the Lord in how to bring the ark to Jerusalem? Are you able

to admit when you are wrong?

What do we learn in this passage about the importance of

doing things in God's way? Have you developed the habit of

seeking God for the things you do?

What do we learn about David's style of worship? Are there

people around you who have a different preference?

How can a difference of opinion affect relationships between

believers?

While we cannot always change people, we can deal with our

attitudes. Have you ever felt a bitter attitude toward a brother

or sister who sees things differently from you? Explain.

For Prayer:

Ask the Lord to give you grace to be willing to admit you are

wrong. Ask Him for grace to make things right.

Thank the Lord that He is not limited to our preferences.

Thank Him for the variety of preferences in the body of

Christ.

Have you ever harboured bitterness in your heart toward a

brother or sister because they did things differently from you?

Ask the Lord to remove that bitterness. Ask Him to show you

how to deal with these differences in a way that will honour

Him.

15 - A PSALM OF

THANKSGIVING

Read 1 Chronicles 16:1-43

e have seen in the previous chapter how David brought the

Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. David had the ark placed in

a special tent he had made for it. Throughout the wanderings

of the people of God in the wilderness, the Ark of the Covenant had been

housed in the tabernacle which was a portable sanctuary. When the temple

was built in Jerusalem, the ark would have a more permanent structure but

for now it would remain in this special tent.

When the ark was placed in the tent that David had made for it, the priests

presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings in worship and

thanksgiving to the Lord God for His worth and goodness toward them

(verse 1).

Notice in verse 2 that when David had finished offering his sacrifices to the

Lord, he blessed the people and gave them each a loaf of bread, a cake of

dates and a cake of raisins. We need to see this in the context of what had

been happening as the people worshiped before the Lord. Worship in

Scripture, while always directed to God, does not benefit Him alone. Listen

to the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 25:40:

The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for

one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

When David reached out to his hungry people in the name of the Lord, this

was part of his worship that day. By ministering to his people in their need,

he was ministering to the Lord and honouring Him. When we reach out to

others, we worship the Lord. David's worship that day consisted in part of

burnt offerings, singing and praise, but it was completed in his act of

service toward the people of God in need. A truly worshiping people are a

people of praise and service.

In verse 4 David appointed Levites to minister before the ark of God. What

is important for us to note is the three-fold responsibility that was given to

these Levites who ministered before the ark.

The first responsibility was to make petition. To make petition had to do

with seeking the Lord on behalf of His people. It involved seeking the

favour of the Lord for the nation. This was their first responsibility.

The second responsibility of the Levites who ministered before the ark was

to give thanks. When God did pour out His favour and blessing on His

people, the Levites were to be sure that He was properly thanked. How

often has God blessed us and not been thanked. For David it was so

important that God receive thanks for His wonderful favour and kindness

that he gave this responsibility to the Levites who ministered before the ark.

Finally, the Levites who ministered before the ark were to praise the Lord.

This was their ministry and obligation before the people. They were to seek

out reasons to praise and worship the Lord. They were to remind the people

of His worth and challenge them to lift up His name in praise and worship.

This three-fold ministry of petitioning God for His favour, thanking God

and worshiping God was an important ministry. It would do us well in the

church of our day to have men and women devoted to this task.

Those responsible for this ministry are named in verses 5 and 6. Asaph was

the chief of this group. Many of his psalms are recorded in the book of

Psalms. He was assisted by a number of other men whose names are

recorded in verse 5-6. These men played the lyres and harps. Asaph played

the cymbals. Benaiah and Jahaziel played trumpets. These instruments were

to be used in the praise and worship of God.

David gave Asaph and his associates a psalm of thanksgiving that he likely

wrote himself. While not clearly stated in the text, the context would

indicate that these musicians were to sing this psalm to the people who had

gathered that day in celebration of the ark coming to Jerusalem.

The psalm itself is a challenge to the people of God to celebrate, worship

and honour the Lord God of Israel. We will break it down and examine its

various parts.

As David begins the psalm he challenges all of God's people to give thanks

to the Lord (verse 8). This is something we have often failed to do in our

spiritual walk. David believed that giving thanks was of utmost importance

for the believer. We have already seen how he commissioned Levites with

the responsibility of giving thanks. David calls on all his people to

remember to give thanks to the Lord for His deeds. The Lord has been

showing me over the last months how often I have forgotten to thank Him

for the many things He has done. There is cause every day to give Him

thanks. We would do well to open our eyes to the many blessings we

receive and remember to give our Lord thanks.

The second challenge of verse 8 is for God's people to call on His name. To

call on the name of the Lord has to do with recognizing His power and

worth. We call out to a God who is able to help. He is a God who is worthy

of our attention. To call out to God in this sense is to recognize Him as an

all-powerful and worthy God. It is to put our trust in Him. It is to bring Him

into our daily routine and the decisions we make on an ongoing basis.

When we need to do a task we should call out to Him. When we need to

make a decision we ought to reach out to Him. How things would change if

we were to bring God into our decisions and activities.

Notice also in verse 8 that the psalmist challenges his readers to make

known what the Lord has done among the nations. We are not to keep the

goodness of God to ourselves. We are to proclaim to all we meet the worth

and generosity of our wonderful God. We are to proclaim His goodness and

kindness toward us. We are to share His blessings with all who will listen so

that they will know the goodness of our great God. Notice that this

goodness of God is to be shared among the nations. Even those who do not

know our God are to hear of His wonderful kindness.

The challenge of verse 9 is for God's people to praise Him through song.

They are to tell of all His wonderful acts through song. God enjoys the

creative talents of His people, especially when they are done for Him and

His honour. Our song of praise and thanksgiving warms the heart of God.

Verse 10 begins with a call for God's people to glory in His holy name. To

glory in something is to praise, boast about or celebrate. Notice particularly

what God's people were to praise and celebrate in verse 10. They were to

glory in the holy name of the Lord. God's holiness separates Him from sin

and evil of all kinds. He can never be accused of wrongdoing. Everything

He does is holy and honourable. His holiness means that He will judge sin

and evil in this world. Our hope lies in the fact that God is a holy God who

will always do what is right. In this we need to be truly thankful. We need

to celebrate the fact that God is a holy God whose good and just purposes

will triumph.

Verse 10 is a prayer that the hearts of those who seek God rejoice. This does

not mean that those who seek God will never have to face difficulty or trial.

Even in this difficulty and trial, however, there is cause for God's people to

rejoice. Their God is holy and will not allow evil to triumph. Their God is

righteous and will always do what is right. Their God is sovereign and will

turn everything the enemy does against them to good. Notice, however, that

it is only those who seek God who rejoice. To seek Him is to trust Him and

His purposes. Those whose desire is to seek God and live in His purposes

will have cause for rejoicing.

Verse 11 challenges God's people to look to the Lord's strength. This

implies that we will need His strength. It also implies that our own strength

is insufficient. God will supply all the strength we need to face whatever

trial we face in life. His strength will be equal to and greater than any trial

we are called to face.

We are also, according to verse 11, to seek God's face always. There are a

number of things in this life that can distract us and turn our eyes from the

Lord. He is worthy of our full attention. To seek implies an effort. To seek

implies that there will be times when God's face seems hidden. Trials,

worldly pleasures and other such distractions will come our way but God is

calling us to keep our eyes fully on Him. Notice that the verse tells us to

seek His face always. That means that we are not to let anything keep us

from seeking God and His purposes. When trials and temptations come,

turn your eyes even more to Him.

Verses 12-22 encourage the believer to remember the deeds of the Lord

God. There are several things the psalmist calls his people to remember

about God.

First, in verse 12, the believer is to remember the wonders and miracles

God has done. These wonders and miracles are acts of God that

demonstrate His power over nature and circumstances. Each of us has seen

evidence of God's miraculous deeds. We are to remember those wonders

and miracles. When Satan tempts us to doubt we are to remember that our

God defies nature and circumstances and does the impossible.

Secondly, in verses 12-13 the psalmist tells us to remember the judgments

the Lord has pronounced. To remember His judgments is to remember His

law. It is to remember how He has disciplined and punished those who have

turned from His law. It is to remember His warning against turning away. It

is to fear God and honour His purposes. Notice from verse 14 that His

judgments are in all the earth. There is no where we can go where God's

judgments cannot find us. We cannot hide from God. We are to live every

moment as in His presence, seeking to walk in His ways and recognizing

that we will give an account for our lives and actions.

The third thing God's people were to remember was His covenant. A

covenant is like a marriage. By means of His covenant God commits

Himself to and enters into a special and intimate relationship with His

people. Verse 15 tells us that God remembers His covenant forever. That is

to say, when God enters a relationship with us it is forever. He will not

forget the promises He made to us or His commitment to us. The covenant

God made with Abraham and swore to Isaac, He confirmed to Jacob his

descendant (verse 16-17). God remembered His covenant from generation

to generation. Verse 17 describes this covenant as an everlasting covenant.

An everlasting covenant is a covenant that has no end. This is the promise

of God to His people. He will be their God forever. He will not abandon

them or forsake them. His blessing was on them in giving them the land of

Canaan (verses 18-20). He protected them like a loving husband, not

allowing the nations to harm them because they belonged to Him (verses

21-22). God's people were to remember the wonderful and intimate

relationship they had with Him. They were to rejoice in the security they

had in knowing His care and delight in them. They were to surrender to

Him and walk with Him in faithfulness. Nothing was to take them from

their God.

In verse 23, God again calls His people to sing. We have already seen the

many reasons why God's people were to sing praise to God. His wonders,

His judgments and His covenant were cause for rejoicing and singing.

Notice, however, that it was not only God's people who were to sing praise

to Him but "all the earth." God's goodness and blessing is not limited to His

people, although they enjoy His special favour. All the earth experiences

His life and blessing. For this reason, the whole earth is called to sing praise

to their Creator and Provider. This is the reason why we are to be involved

in missions. A true missionary is one whose great desire is that all people

will come to recognize the worth of their Creator and sing praise to His

worthy name.

Notice also the call for God's salvation to be proclaimed "day after day." We

should not see the word "salvation" here to be a reference to the salvation

we understand in this New Testament period, although we certainly ought to

proclaim this salvation as well. The salvation spoken of here is to be seen in

a much broader sense. It is the ongoing deliverance of God from our

enemies or the circumstances that come against us. Notice that God's

deliverance, in this sense, is to be proclaimed day after day. Our experience

of God’s deliverance will be a daily experience. We are to look for evidence

of God's protection and deliverance on a daily basis. We are to take time to

give Him thanks for this deliverance. We are to recognize the deliverance of

God every day and make sure to praise and thank Him for that deliverance.

We are also to testify to what He has been doing. We do this so that He

receives the glory and the whole world recognizes His goodness.

Notice in verse 24 that God's people are to declare His glory among the

nations. God's glory refers to His splendour, His dignity, His beauty and His

honour. There is no God like our God in character, nor is there a God like

Him in deeds. Both His character and His deeds are to be proclaimed

among the nations. It is the heart of God that the whole earth knows who

He is and what He has done.

The gods of the other nations were idols made of wood or stone. They had

no power or ability. The God of Israel, however, was a God who created the

heavens and the earth. He was a God of splendour and majesty. He was to

be honoured above all the gods of the nations.

Notice from verse 27 that splendour and majesty were before the Lord. He

is an awesome God whose presence inspires fear. To see His splendour and

majesty was to fall before Him in terror. Notice, however, that strength and

joy were His dwelling place. In other words, where God dwelt, there was

strength and joy. While His splendour causes us to fall flat on or faces in

worship and terror, His strength picks us up and gives us life. His joy

refreshes us and gives us hope.

In verse 29 God's people were to ascribe glory and strength to Him. To

ascribe is to recognize. God's people were to recognize God's glory, beauty

and majesty. They were also to recognize and live in the reality of His

strength and power. These two aspects of God's character have a direct

impact on our lives. When we recognize that God is a glorious God we fall

down in worship of His name. When we recognize Him as an all-powerful

God, we rise up in His enabling to conquer, knowing that nothing can

overcome us or defeat His purpose.

To ascribe glory and strength to the Lord is to refuse to take any credit for it

ourselves. It is to recognize Him as the source of all things. It is to give Him

all the glory and attribute all strength to Him.

God’s people were to bring Him an offering and come before Him (verse

29). They were to worship in the midst of His splendour and holiness. Of

particular importance here is the fact that God's people were to approach the

splendour and holiness of God with an offering. That offering was an

offering for sin. No one could approach a holy and glorious God without

their sins first being forgiven and cleansed. There is no fear for those whose

sins are forgiven. They may enter freely and respectfully into the presence

of this awesome and glorious God. The picture is not only of God’s holiness

but also one of His grace. It is His grace that allows us to enter His

presence.

We do not approach God lightly. We come into the presence of His holiness

with trembling (verse 30). While we come with trembling we still come.

The whole earth is called, in verse 30, to tremble before the Lord. This is a

God who established the earth so that it could not be moved. The Creator

God of Israel is an awesome and majestic God to whom no other god could

be compared. He is a God who inspires fear and trembling.

Verses 31-33 call the whole earth to respond to their Creator God. The

heavens are called to rejoice and the earth is to be glad, proclaiming that the

Lord reigns (verse 31). The sea was to resound with all that is in it and the

fields were to be jubilant (verse 32). The trees are invited to sing for joy

before the Lord because He came to judge the earth and deal with sin (verse

33).

In verse 34, the psalmist called his people to give thanks to the Lord for His

goodness and love. Because the Lord was good and loving, they could call

out to Him for salvation in their hour of need (verse 35). He challenges

them to seek the salvation and deliverance of the Lord so that they would

have cause to give thanks to His holy name. Every act of God on our behalf

and every blessing from His hand is cause to honour Him and lift up His

name.

When the psalm was shared with his people, David left Asaph and his

associates to minister before the Ark of the Covenant (verse 37). Asaph

ministered with Obed-Edom and sixty-eight associates (verse 38).

David also left Zadok the priest to minister in the tabernacle of the Lord

which was in Gibeon (verse 39). We understand from this that the ark and

the tabernacle were in two separate places. While Asaph was responsible

for worship, praise and thanksgiving, Zadok and his associates were in

charge of the offerings. These offerings they brought before the Lord day

and night as prescribed by the Law of Moses (verse 40). Serving with

Zadok were Heman and Jeduthun, who were to give thanks to the Lord and

praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet, cymbals and other instruments

(verses 41-42).

After the Ark of the Covenant had been placed in the tent made particularly

for it and the worship was ended, David and all the people of God returned

from Jerusalem to their homes to bless their families (verse 43).

For Consideration:

What is the connection between worshiping God and

practically serving His people? Can we truly worship God if

we do not minister to the needs of those around us?

Consider the three-fold ministry of the Levites in this chapter:

to petition God, to thank God and to praise God. How does

your life and ministry fall in line with this three-fold

responsibility of the Levites? Where are you weak?

The psalmist challenges his people to look to the Lord and

seek His face always. Are you presently looking to the Lord's

strength and seeking His face?

What encouragement do you take from the fact that the Lord

is a covenant-keeping God?

We read here that where God dwells there is strength and joy.

Has this been your experience?

For Prayer:

Ask the Lord to open your heart to the needs around you. Ask

Him to show you how you can honour Him by reaching out

to others in their need.

Ask God to give you a heart of thanksgiving and praise. Take

a moment now to thank the Lord for His deliverance and

salvation. Thank Him also for the blessing this day has

brought you from His hand.

Thank the Lord that He is a covenant-keeping God. Thank

Him particularly for the commitment He has made to you.

Recommit yourself to Him today to honour and live for Him.

Ask God give you a greater understanding of His holiness

and majesty.

Ask God to fill you with His strength and joy to face the

difficulties this life brings.

16 - GOD'S PROMISE TO

DAVID

Read 1 Chronicles 17:1-27

avid had brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem where he

placed it in a special tent. During this time David was living in

the palace he had built for himself and his family. In the mind of

David, there was a strange inconsistency in this. He was living in a

wonderful palace while the ark was in a tent. He believed that God deserved

much more than a tent.

In verse 1 David approached Nathan the prophet to speak to him about his

desire to build a temple for the Ark of the Covenant. By approaching

Nathan the prophet, David is seeking the Lord's approval on this project.

While this is something that David wanted to do for the Lord, he still

believed that he needed to hear from the Lord about it.

Nathan's initial response to David is found in verse 2. "Whatever you have

in mind, do it, for God is with you." There is no record of Nathan seeking

the will and purpose of the Lord in this matter. He knew David and believed

him to be a man of God. He believed David's desire to be legitimate but that

was his personal opinion and not necessarily the will and purpose of the

Lord.

When Nathan went home that night the Lord spoke to him (verse 3). God

told Nathan to return to David and tell him that he was not the one to build

a temple. Obviously this came as a surprise to Nathan and he had to humble

himself and go to David, telling him that he had been wrong to encourage

him.

This would also have been a powerful lesson for Nathan. He had assumed

that it would be acceptable for David to build a temple. His assumption,

however, was wrong. He had jumped to a conclusion without going to the

Lord and seeking His heart. How easy it is for us to do this. There are many

good things we can do for the Lord that are not in His plan for us. How

important it is for us to seek the will of the Lord in all things.

God told Nathan to remind David that He had not dwelt in a temple from

the time He had brought His people up out of Egypt (verse 5). The Ark of

the Covenant had moved from one place to another in the wilderness. Never

once in all that time had God told the leaders of Israel to build Him a house

of cedar (verse 6). David wanted to do something for God that God had not

asked him to do.

We have a limited understanding of God and His purposes. God's ways are

different from our ways. His purposes do not always make sense to us. As

believers, we need to understand our limitations and make it our goal to

seek the Lord in all things. It is easy for us to make decisions that seem

perfectly sensible to us but are contrary to the purpose of God for our lives.

That night God reminded David of how He had taken him from the pasture

where he cared for his sheep and called him to be a leader of His people

(verse 7). Nathan was to remind David of how God had been with him

wherever he went, cutting off all his enemies and giving him victory. God

now promised to make David one of the greatest men on the earth (verse 8).

Not only would God make David one of the greatest men on the earth but

He would also provide a home for His people (verse 9). God promised to

plant them in their land so that no one could disturb them or take their land

from them. He would give His people peace as David ruled over them. All

Israel's enemies would be subdued. The only house God wanted David to

build was a house for His people Israel where they could live in peace and

security. The house David was to build was the nation of Israel.

David had a desire to build a house of worship. God's desire for him was to

build a nation. David was going to have to adjust his priorities and his ideas

of what his ministry would look like. There are times when we need to do

the same. Sometimes we come into a ministry with our own ideas of what

we want to accomplish but this is not the will of God for us. Sometimes our

life does not take the turns we would like it to take. In times like this we can

begin to grumble and complain. Some even turn their back on God because

He is not giving them the ministry or the life they wanted. God has a

purpose for each of us. We need to seek Him about that purpose and

surrender to it.

Nathan the prophet was to tell David that the day would come when a

temple would be built for God in Jerusalem, but David was not to be the

one to build it. God would raise up one of David's sons to build this temple

(verses 11-12). God would be a father to this son and He would never take

His love from him like He had taken it from Saul (verse 13). God would

establish David's line on the throne of Israel forever (verse 14).

Notice David's response to the words of God through Nathan the prophet in

verse 16-27. His response in these verses was first one of humility. Notice

in verse 16 that David said, "Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my

family, that you have brought me this far?" David did not see himself as

being greater than he really was. He remembered that he was a lowly

shepherd that God had called. He was no better than anyone else in Israel.

The blessing of God on him and his family was undeserved and unmerited.

He was blessed because God had honoured him and his family. David

marvelled at the fact that God had placed His hand on him and his future

descendants but it perplexed him that God would treat him and his family in

such a way (verse 17). David's response to God's blessing was one of

humility.

In verses 18-19 we see that David's response was also one of acceptance.

What more can David say to you for honouring your servant?

For you know your servant, O LORD (verse 18).

Notice that God knew His servant. That means that God knew David's

humble beginnings. He knew him to be a mere shepherd. He also knew

David's weaknesses and shortcomings. God had just promised, through

Nathan, to use David to build the nation and bring it peace and security.

This was not a task to be taken lightly nor would it be an easy task. David

knew that the God who promised these things to him and his family was

also able to enable him to do what He had called him to do. His only

legitimate response was to agree with God and accept His purpose for his

life and mission. Notice in verse 19 that David recognized that it was

according to God's will that He had done this great thing and made these

promises through Nathan to him and his family. David accepts the words of

God through His prophet as being the will and purpose of God. This meant

that he had to willingly die to his idea of building a temple and set his heart

instead on building the nation. David's response to the will of God was one

of acceptance.

The third response of David to the word of God through Nathan the prophet

was one of praise and thanksgiving. It is one thing to recognize God's call

on our life and accept this call and quite another to learn to praise God for it

when it is different from what we would have chosen.

In verse 20 David lifts up his voice in response to the words of Nathan and

says:

"There is no one like you, O LORD, and there is no God but

you, as we have heard with our own ears."

This is a response of praise. David does not complain that God does not

accept his plan to build a temple. He does not grumble because God had

another purpose for his life. Instead, he lifts up his voice and says, "There is

no one like you, O Lord." Can you do this when your plans and goals for

your life are shattered? Can you look up to God when things do not turn out

the way you want them to turn out and say, "O God there is no one like

you?" This is the response of a thankful and surrendered heart.

Notice also in verse 21 that David praised God not only for who He was but

also for the people He had called him to serve. "Who is like your people

Israel," he said. God had redeemed this people and set them aside. God had

performed awesome wonders in the midst of this people by driving out the

nations before them and delivering them from the power of Egypt (verse

21). God had made this people His very own. It was a privilege to serve this

nation. David's heart rejoiced and praised God not only for who He was but

also for the ministry to which He had called him. He rejoiced in this call,

and praised God for the people to whom He had been called.

There is no bitterness in David's heart because God had denied him his

desire. His response is one of humility, acceptance and praise.

Before we conclude this meditation we need to see two more responses of

David to the word of God through Nathan the prophet. In verses 23-24

David asked God to be faithful to His promise. In calling on God to be

faithful to His promises, David is recognizing the source of his strength. He

realized that God was his strength. If his reign was going to be established,

it would not be by David's strength and natural ability but because of the

promise of God (verse 24). David's response was a response of dependence.

His confidence was in God and His promises. David knew that the words of

Nathan would be fulfilled only because God was faithful to His promises.

How easy it would have been for David, the experienced man of war, to

trust in his own ability to make things happen. How easy it would have

been for him to trust in his own wisdom to make his nation great for God.

In this passage, David cries out to God to do what He had promised. This

was God's work, not his. He would be an instrument but it would be God

who gave the victory. He depended entirely on God for the fulfilment of

these promises and the establishment of the nation.

Finally in verses 25-27 we see that David also responded in faith. Verse 27

makes this particularly clear when David said, "Now you have been pleased

to bless the house of your servant ... it will be blessed forever." God had

revealed to David, through Nathan, that He would build the nation (verse

25). This revelation gave David courage. His faith was stirred. God gave

David greater boldness in prayer concerning this ministry. David had

confidence now that what God had promised, He would do. He stepped out

in confidence and faith that the God who had promised great things would

be faithful.

For Consideration:

What does this passage teach us about the difference between

God's will and our will? Why is it important that we seek the

will and purpose of the Lord in everything?

Are you doing what God has called you to do? Have you

accepted God's purpose for your life and ministry?

David's response to God's purpose for his life was one of

humility, acceptance, praise, dependence and faith. Take a

look at your own life and the things that God has allowed in

your life. Is your response the same as David's? What area do

you need to work on?

Is it possible to do good things that are not in tune with the

will and purpose of God?

For Prayer:

Take a moment to ask the Lord about His purpose for your

life and ministry. Ask Him to show you if you are where He

wants you to be.

Surrender your life and ministry to the Lord. Ask Him to give

you grace to accept what He has brought into your life.

Ask the Lord to give you the humility to see your need to

seek Him in all that you do.

17 - DAVID'S MILITARY

SUCCESS

Read 1 Chronicles 18:1-17

n the last chapter we saw how David wanted to build a temple for the

Lord. Through Nathan the prophet, the Lord told David that this was

not His will for him. Instead, David was to build a nation. God would

bless him and make him a great leader of a great nation. David graciously

accepted God's purpose and stepped out in faith and dependence on God.

Here in chapter 18 we see how God wonderfully blessed David's

willingness to be His instrument to build the nation. We need to understand

that accepting God's purpose meant that David had to die to his own idea of

building a temple. His efforts were to be focused on the nation. God

honoured David's decision to obey and blessed him abundantly in his

battles. God will honour those who willingly surrender their own plans to

be obedient to His desire for their lives and ministries.

The Philistines had always been a problem for Israel. In the course of time,

however, David defeated the Philistines and brought them into submission.

He took Gath, one of their principle cities. It is important for us to take note

of the phrase "in the course of time" in verse 1. The phrase "in the course of

time" tells us that victory over the Philistines was not a quick victory. It

took time for David to bring the Philistines into submission.

This did not mean that the blessing of God was any less in David’s life.

Some battles take time. Sometimes we will only fully experience the

victory of the Lord through perseverance and hard work. You may not

experience instant victory but that does not mean that you will not have

victory. Don't lose heart. Keep persevering. Victory will come “in the

course of time.”

In verse 2 we read that David also defeated the Moabites. They were

subject to him and brought him tribute. We read nothing in this verse about

the nature of that battle with the Moabites. We read only of the victory.

Verses 3-8 tells us about the battle David had with Hadadezer of Zobah.

David fought Hadadezer when he went to establish control along the

Euphrates River (verse 3). Hadadezer's army was a large army but David

was successful in capturing one thousand chariots, seven thousand

charioteers and twenty thousand foot soldiers. In order to assure that there

was no further threat from Hadadezer, David hamstrung all but one hundred

of their chariot horses (verse 4).

When the Arameans heard of David's battle with Hadadezer, they sent their

army to join him against David. God's blessing was evidently on David and

He gave him victory over the Arameans as well. Verse 5 tells us that David

struck down twenty-two thousand Aramean soldiers. He placed garrisons in

the Aramean kingdom of Damascus and they were held in subjection to

David (verse 6). This was typical of what was happening in those days. God

was giving David victory over his enemies everywhere he went.

This battle with Hadadezer and the Arameans obviously required a lot of

effort on David's part. While the victory came from the Lord, it required a

great deal of energy on the part of David and his men. We have seen from

the example of David's battle with the Philistines that victory sometimes

takes time. We see here that other battles require a great deal of work and

effort on the part of God's people. It would be wonderful if all our battles

came without the expense of hard work and effort but a great deal of

victories will only come after much discipline on our part. This does not

make them any less God's victories.

Notice from verses 7-8 that David's hard work was rewarded. God give him

much plunder. Verse 7 tells us that he carried off the gold shields used by

Hadadezer's military officials. He bought those shields to Jerusalem. He

also took great quantities of bronze from the cities of Hadadezer. This

bronze would be used by Solomon.

In verse 9, when King Tou of Hamath heard that David had defeated the

army of Hadadezer, he sent his son Hadoram to David to greet him and

congratulate him on his victory (verse 10). Tou had been at war with

Hadadezer but had not had victory over him.

Hadoram brought David articles of gold, silver and bronze as a gift. David

dedicated these articles to the Lord as he had done with all the articles taken

from the nations (verse 11).

Victory over Hamath came without a fight. Their king willingly

surrendered. There are times when God gives us victories like this.

Sometimes there is no fight. Deliverance comes instantly and without

struggle. While it would be wonderful if all our victories came this way this

is not the case. Sometimes God allows struggle to strength us and give us

greater perseverance.

In verse 12, Abishai, one of David's men, attacked the Edomites and struck

down eighteen thousand in the Valley of Salt. He put garrisons in Edom and

the Edomites became subject to David. This victory for David came for him

though one of his men. God blessed David with men who shared the same

vision as he did. They stood with him and fought on his behalf.

David served his people with justice and righteousness (verse 14). Joab and

Zeruiah were over his army. Jehoshaphat was a recorder (verse 15). Zadok

and Abiathar were priests. Shavsha was secretary (verse 16). Benaiah and

David's sons served as officials by David's side (verse 17). All these men

served David and were a vital part of the victories God was giving him.

David's victories came as God provided him with a team of capable men

who stood faithfully with him.

As we examine this chapter we see that God gave David wonderful victory

over his enemies. What is particularly interesting is how God brought those

victories. Sometimes the victories took time. Sometimes they required a

significant expense of energy and effort. Sometimes they came without any

effort. Sometimes they came through the team God raised up to support

David. God’s victories came to David in a number of ways. We should not

expect that God will always give us victory in our spiritual life in the same

way. He can use any method He chooses to bring us the victory we need.

What is important is that we walk in obedience and faithfulness.

For Consideration:

Have you ever found yourself wrestling with a particular

matter for a long time? Why do you suppose God does not

always give us instant victory?

Has God ever instantly given you victory over a particular sin

or attitude? Has this always been the case for you?

Some battles God calls us to face require significant effort

and expense of energy. Are you facing one of those battles

right now? What encouragement does this chapter bring you?

How important are our brothers and sisters in the battle

before us?

For Prayer:

Have you been wrestling with a particular sin or attitude for a

long time? Ask the Lord for patience and faith as you

persevere in this battle. Thank Him that He does give victory

in His time.

Ask God for strength and discipline as you face the battle

before you.

Ask the Lord to give you brothers and sisters who will stand

with you in your spiritual walk. Thank Him for individuals

who have supported and encouraged you in your spiritual

walk.

18 - A MISUNDERSTOOD

ACT OF KINDNESS

Read 1 Chronicles 19:1-19

od was blessing David by giving him victory over his enemies.

This is not to say that David had no compassion on those of other

nations. In chapter 19 we see that when Nahash king of Ammon

died, David decided to send messengers to his son Hanun to express his

sympathy. Verse 2 tells us that Nahash had enjoyed a good relationship with

David and had been very kind to him.

When David's men came to Hanun to express their sympathy they were

viewed with suspicion. The Ammonite nobles spoke to Hanun about the

presence of David's men and told him that David was likely taking

advantage of his father's death to send men into their country to spy out the

land. David's honest intentions were misunderstood. In part this may have

been because David had a reputation of being a mighty warrior.

Hanun listened to his nobles. He seized David's men and cut off their robes

at the buttocks, shaved half their beards and sent them away. The purpose of

this was to humiliate them.

We need to consider Hanun's action for a moment. The nobles jumped to a

faulty conclusion. They saw David's men in their country and assumed the

worst. Hanun made a decision to humiliate David's men without checking

into the accusations that were being made.

Hanun also acted without considering the implications of his actions. Hanun

and his nobles likely had a good laugh at David's messengers leaving the

palace with their buttocks exposed but they failed to realize that their

actions would have serious consequences. This moment of laughter would

bring the downfall of their kingdom.

Let me take a moment to underline what this passage is teaching us. These

verses warn us about the danger of jumping to conclusions without

verifying facts. How often have problems between believers occurred

because we took the word of someone who jumped to a false conclusion?

How many false stories have been spread by people who truly believed the

falsehood they heard from another believer without verifying the facts?

Hanun could have questioned the men about their intentions but we have no

record of this taking place. He listened to his nobles and believed their

conclusions.

This passage also warns us about making decisions without considering the

results. Countless men and women have ruined their marriages, families

and ministries because of foolish decisions. A moment of pleasure can lead

to a lifetime of agony.

When David heard what had happened to his messengers, he had

compassion on them because they had been humiliated. In verse 5 he told

them to stay in Jericho until their beards had grown in and then return to

him. By giving them this time off, David is showing kindness to his men.

David cared for and respected them. He did not want them to experience

any more shame.

It is interesting to note in verse 6 that when Hanun realized what he had

done and how he had become a stench in David's nostrils, he hired soldiers

from Aram and Zobah (verse 6). In total he hired thirty-two thousand

chariots and charioteers (verse 7). With this great army under his command

Hanun moved out for battle.

What is most striking about this is that the initiative for the battle does not

seem to come from David. Hanun assumes that David was going to attack

him because of this insult. Notice that we have no record of Hanun

consulting David or seeking his forgiveness for the insult. Could a battle

have been avoided if Hanun had apologized to David and recognized his

foolishness?

How often have we, too, prepared ourselves for battle when a simple

apology would have solved all our problems? Instead of recognizing our

fault we stand our ground and choose to consider the person we offended as

our enemy. We do this because we are often too proud to admit our error.

Here in this passage, one foolish decision led to another. War is declared

and many lives would be lost. It all began when some Ammonite nobles

looked with suspicion on David's men and jumped to a wrong conclusion.

Satan, I am sure, was dancing with delight at how all this was working out.

What began as a simple misunderstanding between two people now

involved the nation of Ammon and thirty-two thousand hired soldiers from

several other nations.

When David heard that Hanun had gathered such a large force against him,

he sent his military commander Joab to face them (verse 8). As the two

nations prepared for battle, the Ammonites set up their battle formation at

the entrance to their city while the commanders of the other nations

gathered in the open country (verse 9).

When Joab saw how the enemy had set up their battle lines, he selected his

best troops and deployed them against the Arameans in the open country

(verse 10). The rest of his men were put under the charge of Abishai, his

brother. Abishai’s division was sent against the Ammonites who had

gathered at the entrance of the city (verse 11). The agreement was that if the

Arameans in the open country were too strong for Joab’s division then

Abishai was to come to his rescue. If the Ammonites at the city entrance

were too strong for Abishai's division, Joab would come to his rescue (verse

12). After encouraging the men and reminding them that the Lord would do

what was right, Joab sent them into battle (verse 13).

Joab attacked the Arameans in the open country and God gave him victory.

The hired soldiers fled before him (verse 14). When the Ammonites at the

city entrance saw that the Arameans were fleeing, they lost courage and fled

as well, allowing Abishai to enter and capture the city (verse 15).

The Arameans sent messengers to their brothers beyond the Euphrates

River calling for support. Reinforcements came under the leadership of

Shophach, a commander of the army of Hadadezer (verse 16).

David heard that the Arameans had called for reinforcements and gathered

his army to face them (verse 17). Again the Arameans fled before Israel and

David killed seven thousand charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers.

He also killed their commander Shophach (verse 18). The Aramean defeat

was very great.

When they saw that they had been defeated, the Arameans made peace with

David and became subject to him (verse 19). Notice from verse 19 that

there was a break in the relationship between the Arameans and the

Ammonites. Verse 19 tells us that the Arameans were unwilling to help the

Ammonites anymore.

What was intended to be an act of kindness was so misinterpreted that tens

of thousands of men died. Whole nations were impacted and brought into

subjection to David because the foolish nobles of Ammon jumped to a

wrong conclusion. There is a very important lesson for us here.

For Consideration:

Have you ever jumped to the wrong conclusion? Give an

example of a time when you misinterpreted someone’s

intentions. How could you have avoided the problems that

resulted from that faulty conclusion?

Why is it important that we confirm facts before acting on

them?

What do we learn in this passage about considering the future

implications of our decisions?

How do you think things could have turned out in this

passage had King Hanun chosen to approach David and

apologize for his foolish actions? What does this teach us

about the importance of humbling ourselves and apologizing

to those we have offended?

Instead of apologizing and recognizing his fault, King Hanun

decided to consider David as his enemy and hired soldiers to

fight him. Rather than humble himself, he chose to defend his

foolishness. Have you ever found yourself in this situation?

How could you have acted differently?

For Prayer:

Ask the Lord to forgive you for the times when you have

accepted what you heard and acted on it without confirming

the facts.

Ask the Lord to give you courage to admit when you are

wrong and seek forgiveness and reconciliation.

Are there people you have offended? Ask the Lord to give

you courage to seek forgiveness. Take a moment to pray for a

restored relationship.

Ask God to give you greater wisdom in the decisions you

make each day, especially those decisions that affect other

people in your life.

19 - DAVID'S CENSUS

Read 1 Chronicles 20:1-21:30

ver the course of the last few chapters we have seen how God has

been blessing David and giving him tremendous victories over

his enemies. No nation was able to stand against David.

Everywhere David went, God gave him victory. Chapter 20 gives us further

examples of this wonderful blessing of God in David's life.

1 Chronicles 20:1 tells us that in the spring, when kings generally went to

war, Joab, David's military commander, attacked the Ammonites. As usual,

God gave him victory and he captured the city of Rabbah, leaving it in

ruins. While David did not take part in this battle, God's hand was on his

army to give them victory.

David obtained much plunder from his battles. The nation of Israel was

enriched as the Lord gave one victory after another. On this particular

occasion, David took the crown from the head of the king of Rabbah. This

crown was made from a talent of gold (75 pounds or 34 kilograms) and was

set with precious stones. The people of Rabbah were taken captive and

placed into forced labour with saws, picks and axes. 1 Chronicles 20:3 tells

us that Rabbah was not the only Ammonite town to be captured and treated

in this manner. David did this to all the Ammonite towns he captured.

The Philistines seemed to be a thorn in David's side. 1 Chronicles 20:4-8

shows us, however, that God consistently gave David victory over them. In

verse 4 we read about a battle that broke out in Gezer. Sibbecai, one of

David's mighty men (see 1 Chronicles 11:29) led Israel into victory and the

Philistines were brought into submission.

In a second battle with the Philistines, another of David's warriors killed

Lahmi the brother of Goliath. Lahmi's spear had a shaft the size of a

weaver’s rod (verse 5).

In yet another battle at Gath, Jonathan son of Shimea, killed a huge

Philistine with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot.

What we see from this chapter is that David had some very powerful

enemies. These enemies fell before David and his men because God was

with them.

It is in this context that we come to 1 Chronicles 21. The context is one of

God's blessing on David and his consistent victory over enemies who were

humanly more powerful than him. Consistent victory can be a dangerous

thing. It is very easy for one who has had consistent victory to become

proud and careless. David would find out just how easy it was to fall.

In 1 Chronicles 21:1 Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a

census. This census was a military census designed to count the number of

men available to fight battles. Notice that it was Satan who incited David to

take this census. We need to understand what is going on here between

Satan and David.

Satan was fully aware of the tremendous victories David was having over

all his enemies. He knew that he could not rise up an army that could

oppose David because the blessing of God was on him. Satan decided,

therefore, to attack David in a different way. He chose to use David's

victories as a weapon against him. He began to have David think about how

powerful a force he and his army really were. He reminded him that there

was no army on the earth who could defeat them. As David reflected on

these things, Satan suggested that he count how many men he had available

to him. There was a reason for this. Satan wanted David to turn his eyes

from God to his army. He wanted David to believe that he was defeating his

enemies because of the size and strength of his army. It was the desire of

Satan to get David to turn his eyes from God for victory to himself and his

military strength. Ultimately he wanted David to believe that he did not

need God because his army could give him victory.

The temptation was for David to turn from God to trusting in his own

strength and experience. This is a temptation for all of us. The more

experience and education we have, the less we feel we need to trust God.

Anything that keeps us from trusting in God alone for victory will be a

hindrance to us. Satan does not fear our human strength, wisdom, education

and experience. What he does fear, however, is the person whose trust is in

the Lord alone and who walks in obedience to Him.

David fell for the temptation of Satan. He commanded Joab and his military

commanders to count the Israelites and bring him back a report so he would

know how many men he had at his disposal to fight his enemies (verse 2).

In commanding this census, David turned his eyes from God as the source

of his victories.

In verse 3 Joab warned David about his decision to take a census. He told

David that by counting his men in this way, he would bring guilt on the

entire nation. David overruled him and Joab was forced to take his men

throughout all of Israel to do this census (verse 4).

Joab brought back a report to David of the number of fighting men at his

disposal. In verse 5 Joab told David that he had one million one hundred

thousand men in Israel who could handle the sword. He had another four

hundred and seventy thousand men in Judah.

Notice from verse 6 that this census did not include a number from the tribe

of Levi or Benjamin. Joab did not cooperate with David in this matter

because he found it repulsive and believed it to be contrary to the purpose

of God.

When David heard the result of the census, he was convicted in his heart.

Maybe for the first time he saw what he was doing. He realized that he was

trusting in his huge army for victory and not in the Lord. When he

recognized what had done, David cried out to God:

I have sinned greatly by doing this. Now, I beg you, take away

the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing (verse

8).

While David often fell into sin, he also confessed that sin and was restored

in his relationship with God.

While God accepted the confession of David and forgave his sin, He

demanded that this sin be punished. Forgiveness does not mean that we do

not have to pay for our sin. Justice demands that sin be punished. There are

those who believe that if we forgive someone they should not have to suffer

the consequences of their actions. This is not necessarily the case. God

forgave David but also punished him.

In verse 9 God told the prophet Gad to offer David a choice of punishment.

He gave David three options. The first option was three years of famine.

The second option was three months of being defeated by his enemies. The

final option was three days with the angel of the Lord ravaging the land

(verse 12).

David was deeply distressed at the news Gad brought him. He chose the

third option saying that it was better to fall into the hands of the Lord than

into the hands of his enemies (verse 13). David knew that there was mercy

and compassion in God but he did not trust his enemies.

God struck the land of Israel with a plague (verse 14). In the course of those

three days, seventy thousand men died. As the angel of the Lord

approached the city of Jerusalem, God's heart broke with compassion for

His people. He saw the terrible devastation that had taken place and heard

the cries of the people. "Enough! Withdraw your hand," the Lord told the

angel. The angel of the LORD was standing at the threshing floor of

Araunah the Jebusite when God gave this command (verse 15).

Verse 16 tells us that David saw the angel of the Lord with a drawn sword.

He was standing between heaven and the earth. David noticed that his

sword was extended over Jerusalem. He knew what this meant and that

Jerusalem would shortly be struck with this terrible plague. When he saw

this angel, David and the elders, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell on their

faces and pleaded with God for mercy (verse 16).

David told God that it was he who had ordered the fighting men be counted.

He told God that he was the one who had sinned and not the people. "O

LORD my God, let your hand fall upon me and my family, but do not let

this plague remain on your people" David prayed in verse 17. David's heart

was broken for his people. He compared them to innocent sheep. They had

done nothing wrong but they were perishing because of his sin. David asked

God to withdraw His hand from His people and let it fall entirely on him

and his family. We see the shepherd heart of David and his deep concern for

the people. We are left wondering if the prayer of David that day was what

caused God to command the angel to withdraw his hand.

The angel of the Lord ordered Gad the prophet to tell David that he was to

build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah (verse 18).

David was then to offer a sacrifice to the Lord for his sin.

Araunah was threshing wheat with his four sons when he noticed the angel

of the Lord with his drawn sword (verse 20). His sons were afraid and ran

away but Araunah remained. Just at that time David approached the

threshing floor to make his offering. When Araunah saw his king

approaching, he bowed down before him with his face to the ground (verse

21).

David asked Araunah to let him have the site of his threshing floor so he

could build an altar to stop the plague that had been ravaging the land

(verse 22). David offered to pay full price for the land. Araunah told him he

could have the floor as a gift (verse 23). He also offered his oxen for a

sacrifice, his threshing sledges for wood and wheat and grain for a grain

offering. Araunah offered these things freely to David.

David refused to take the land from Araunah for free. In verse 24 he

insisted in paying full price for all that he gave him. "I will not take for the

LORD what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing,"

David told him. David gave him six hundred shekels of gold (15 pounds or

7 kilograms) for the site (verse 25). David knew that it was his sin that had

caused the plague. He also knew that he was the one who would have to

pay the price. He was not going to let someone else pay for his sin.

How tempting it is for us to offer sacrifices to the Lord that cost us nothing.

We offer God what we have as extra. We offer Him what we no longer

need. David wanted what he offered to God to cost him something. He

wanted to make a sacrifice for God out of love for him. David also needed

this offering to be personalized. This was not Araunah's offering, it was

David's. Satan was offering David a way out but David refused to take it.

David needed to pay the price personally. By paying full price for the

offering, David was telling everyone present that he alone was responsible

and needed to make the sacrifice.

In verse 26 David built an altar at the threshing floor of Araunah and

offered burnt and fellowship offerings to God. He called on the Lord and

the Lord answered him with fire from heaven. We are not told how that fire

descended but it was clearly in answer to David's prayer. It confirmed to

David and those present that God had heard and accepted David's offering.

The Lord spoke to the angel and he put his sword back in his sheath (verse

27). David knew then that God had answered his prayer (verse 28).

Verse 30 tells us that David could not go to Gibeon where the tabernacle

was because he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the Lord. The Lord

commanded David to make his sacrifice at the threshing floor of Araunah

rather than at the tabernacle of Gibeon. From 1 Chronicles 22:1 we

understand that the temple that Solomon would build would be located on

this very land. The Lord's blessing is seen in this. Unknown to David at the

time, the Lord had just led him through this terrible ordeal to purchase the

land where the temple would eventually be built.

David's sin of pride had terrible implications for the land. David was a man

after God's own heart (see 1 Samuel 13:14) but his lessons sometimes came

at terrible cost. God broke David's pride but it cost the whole nation plenty.

This would be a lesson David would not soon forget.

For Consideration:

How did David's ongoing victories cause him to become

proud and lose his focus?

What tempts you to take your eyes off the Lord? On what do

you depend today for victory in your spiritual life and

ministry? What does this chapter have to teach us?

Does forgiveness mean that we never have to face the

consequences of our sin? What does God's dealing with

David teach us about the consequences of sin?

How does David's paying full price for the threshing floor of

Araunah show us that he accepted full blame for his actions?

How is David's shepherd heart evident in this chapter?

How does God use this incident to advance David's desire to

see a temple for the Lord in Jerusalem?

For Prayer:

Take a moment to thank the Lord for the ongoing victories

He has given you.

Ask the Lord to protect you from pride. Ask Him to help you

to keep your eyes focused on Him, His strength and wisdom.

Ask God to help you to accept full responsibility for your

actions. Ask Him to forgive you for the times you failed to

accept your responsibility.

Thank the Lord that while we must pay the consequences for

our sin, He is also able to use these consequences to advance

His cause.

Thank the Lord for His mercy even in punishing us for our

sin.

20 - DAVID PREPARES

FOR THE TEMPLE

Read 1 Chronicles 22:1-19

hile it was not the will of the Lord that David build a temple, it

was clearly one of David's greatest desires to see a temple

built in Jerusalem for the glory of God. David was a mighty

warrior but he was also a mighty worshiper of the Lord God. The book of

Psalms is a clear indication of his heart for praise and worship. He did more

for creative worship than anyone in the Old Testament period. It was

David's desire that the Lord be praised in creative ways. He encouraged the

writing of new psalms. He encouraged the creative expression of worship

through music and dance. There seems to be a real contrast in the life of

David. On the one hand, he was a mighty warrior and on the other a mighty

man of praise.

In the last chapter we saw how David bought the threshing floor of Araunah

and offered a sacrifice on behalf of his people to stop the plague that was

devastating the land because of the census he had taken. Here in verse 1

David determined that the land he had bought from Araunah would become

the location of the temple of God. David could think of no better place for

the temple than the place to which he had been called to offer a sacrifice for

the forgiveness of his sin. He had seen the angel of the Lord with sword in

hand in this place. He had seen the fire of God descend on his altar

confirming that He had heard his prayer and was pleased with his sacrifice.

This location was a location of sacrifice, forgiveness and deliverance. It was

a holy place of intercession for God's people. Most of all, this was a place

where David had met with God. There could be no better location for a

temple.

In verses 2-4 we read how David gave orders to assemble the foreigners

living in Israel and appoint them as stonecutters to prepare dressed stones

for the temple. It is easy to read this quickly and not see the immensity of

this task. The task of preparing these stones would have been a large one.

Moving the stones, carving them to size and storing them required a large

number of men and expenditure of money. The land that David had

purchased from Araunah would be transformed from a simple threshing

floor to a large work site as stones and materials were cut and stored for the

eventual construction of the temple.

David also provided great quantities of iron and bronze. The iron and

bronze would be used for making nails for the doors of the gateways and

other fittings. This too would have required a significant amount of work.

Verse 3 tells us that David provided so much bronze that it could not be

measured.

David also provided more cedar logs than could be counted (verse 4). These

logs were purchased from the lands of Tyre and Sidon.

While David was not permitted to build the temple, he did a tremendous

amount of work gathering materials and preparing for its construction.

Verse 5 tells us that the reason for this was that he saw his son Solomon as

being young and inexperienced. He wanted the house of God to be a

magnificent structure. He did not want to leave the work to someone who

was not experienced, lest the quality be inferior. In the mind of David, God

deserved the very best. He wanted to personally assure that Solomon had

the very best materials and workers available to him for its eventual

construction.

David realized that a necessary part of preparing for the construction of the

temple was to prepare his son Solomon. In verse 6-13 David charged

Solomon with the responsibility of building the temple and being king in

his place when he died. David's advice to Solomon at this time is advice

that all who are in a ministry need to heed. David has a three-fold charge for

his son Solomon in these verses. Let's examine this three-fold charge to

Solomon.

Know Your Calling

The first challenge David brought to Solomon was to know his God-given

calling in life. In verses 7-10 David told Solomon that he had it on his heart

to build this house for the Lord, but God would not permit him to do so

because he had shed too much blood. David told his son Solomon that God

had made it clear to him that he would build this temple and have rest from

his enemies on all sides (verse 9).

Solomon had a call on his life. David wanted him to understand that calling

and be faithful to it. In verse 11 David blessed Solomon by calling on God

to be faithful to His promise and to give his son success in the construction

of the temple. If Solomon was going to be successful in his ministry, the

first thing he needed to do was to be sure of that calling. It is possible to

take on ministry that has not been given to us by God. The ministry that

God will bless is the ministry He has called us to do. We cannot expect

great blessing if we are not doing what God has called us to do. We are not

to allow ourselves to be distracted from the calling of God on our lives. We

should not be quick to take on anything that comes our way without first

seeking to know if this is the purpose and call of God for us. If we want to

be successful in our ministry, we need first to be sure that we are doing

what God has called us to do.

Discretion And Understanding To Obey

Notice, secondly, that David reminded his son that if he was going to

succeed in his calling, he would need discretion and understanding to obey

the law of the Lord (verse 12). David was reminding his son that there was

nothing that would destroy his ministry quicker than disobedience to God's

law. The success of his reign depended on his obedience to the laws of the

Lord (verse 13).

Notice that Solomon would need discretion and understanding in order to

be obedient. How do we gain understanding? Is it not by spending time in

the Word of God? Discretion and understanding to obey the law of God

would come as Solomon took the time to study and seek God for the

application of the law of God to each new situation. If Solomon was going

to be successful, he was going to have to do things God's way. He was not

to trust his own understanding, but seek God's heart in everything he did. If

he wanted the blessing of God on his life and ministry he would need to

commit himself to absolute obedience to God's law and God's way.

Courage And Strength

Knowing and accepting God's call and living in obedience to His law were

absolutely essential if Solomon was to be successful, but there was

something else Solomon needed if his reign was to succeed. In verse 13,

David told his son that he was going to have to be strong and courageous.

It would not always be easy to walk in obedience and follow the call of God

on his life. God's calling will sometimes lead us through deep and lonely

valleys. Sometimes it would mean making enemies. Solomon would be

challenged and tried often in his reign as he sought to live out God's

purpose for his life. In these difficult times, Solomon needed to be

courageous and not give in to discouragement. Perseverance was of utmost

importance. If Solomon's reign was to be a success he needed to keep going

even when things got difficult. He was not to let the enemy discourage him.

Instead, he was to draw from the Lord's strength, lift up his head and

persevere. No ministry can succeed without perseverance. We will certainly

have times when we feel discouraged. Discouragement must not stop us.

The One who has called us is faithful and He will keep us.

David's advice to his son Solomon is good advice for all who serve the

Lord. We would do well to apply this advice to our own spiritual walk and

ministry.

In verse 14 David reminded Solomon that he had gone through great pains

to provide him with all that he needed for the accomplishment of his

calling. Notice what David set aside for the temple. David provided a

hundred thousand talents of gold (3,750 tons) a million talents of silver

(37,500 tons) and quantities of bronze and iron that could not be numbered.

The value of these articles was immense. Beyond this, David also provided

workmen, stonecutters, masons, carpenters and men skilled in working with

gold, silver, bronze and iron. Verse 16 tells us that the number of these

skilled workmen was beyond number. All that was necessary for the temple

was provided by David at tremendous cost to himself. Solomon would have

the very best materials and workmen for the task ahead. He would lack

nothing.

In verse 17-19 David called the leaders of Israel to himself and ordered

them to help Solomon in this great task. He reminded them that God was

with them and had promised rest on every side. Through David, God had

subdued the nations and brought them into subjection so that the work of

the temple would be unhindered (verse 18). David challenged the leaders to

devote themselves heart and soul to seeking the Lord and building this

sanctuary (verse 19). They were to stand with Solomon in this important

work.

While David was not to build the temple, he played a vital role in preparing

for this great task. He stirred up a vision in the lives of his people. He

purchased the land, materials and hired the workers. God also used him to

bring peace to the land so that this temple could be built without distraction.

This was David's calling. Solomon was to build but David was to prepare

everything for the construction. While he would never see this temple, he

certainly deserved much credit.

For Consideration:

We see from this passage that David was not only a mighty

warrior but a great man of praise and worship. Do you

demonstrate these two qualities in your spiritual life?

Why was Araunah's threshing floor an ideal place for the

temple of God to be built?

How important was the temple of God to David? How much

did David invest in this temple according to this chapter?

Do you know what God's calling is on your life? Have you

been faithful to that calling?

How important is obedience to the Word of God in ministry

and the spiritual walk? How can a ministry be destroyed

because of disobedience?

How important is perseverance in ministry? Can a ministry

succeed without perseverance?

How important is it that we pursue a vision God has put on

our heart even though we may never see it come to pass?

For Prayer:

Ask God to help you to be mighty in both battle and worship.

Ask God to show you His calling on your life. Ask him to

help you to be faithful to that calling.

Ask God to give you time to study and wisdom to apply His

truth to your life and ministry.

Thank God that while troubles may come our way, His grace

is sufficient. Ask Him to give you courage and strength to

persevere.

Take a moment to thank the Lord for the people He has

brought into your life to support and help you accomplish the

purposes of God.

21 - A RESTRUCTURING

OF THE LEVITICAL

MINISTRY

Read 1 Chronicles 23:1-24:31

avid is nearing the end of his life. It was time for him to put his

son Solomon on the throne as king over the nation. While David

had been a mighty warrior and had brought great victory to his

people, he was also a man with a deep concern for the worship and praise of

the Lord God of Israel. We have seen in this book that David went to great

lengths to prepare for the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. He had

already amassed large quantities of supplies for this purpose. Here in 1

Chronicles 23-24 David's concern is to prepare the priests and Levites for

the new responsibilities they would have in this temple his son would build.

To help us understand this passage let me begin with some historical

background. Of the twelve tribes of Israel, the tribe of Levi was chosen to

serve in the tabernacle (Numbers 1:47-53). Levi had three sons (Gershon,

Kohath and Merari). In the early days, God's people were wandering

through the wilderness. The tabernacle went with them wherever they went.

God gave Levi's sons the responsibility of transporting the tabernacle and

the various articles used in worship. See Numbers 3:21-39 for a detailed

description of the responsibilities of each son.

Levi's son Kohath had two very important descendants by the names of

Moses and Aaron. Both of these men were powerfully used of God in the

life of the nation of Israel. Of particular concern for us in this passage is

Aaron. God chose Aaron and his direct descendants for a very special role

in the tabernacle. Exodus 40:13-15 tell us that Aaron and his sons were to

be priests. They were given the role of offering the sacrifices required by

the law of God for the people of Israel. The remaining Levites were temple

helpers. We will notice here a distinction made between the priests and the

Levites.

One of the responsibilities of the Levites had to do with the transporting of

the tabernacle from place to place as God's people wandered through the

wilderness. With the building of a temple in Jerusalem there would no

longer be any need for transporting the articles used in worship. These

articles would remain in the temple in Jerusalem. It was David's concern

that these Levites understood their new role in the temple his son Solomon

would build.

David called the Levites together to clarify the new role they would have in

the temple (23:2). David and his men counted thirty-eight thousand Levites

thirty years old and over (23:3). David divided these 38,000 Levites into

four ministry groups. Twenty-four thousand were to supervise the work of

the temple (23:3). Six thousand were to be officials and judges (23:4). Four

thousand were to be gatekeepers and the last four thousand were to play the

musical instruments David had provided for worship.

In 1 Chronicles 23:6-24 we have the genealogical records of the three sons

of Levi (Gershon, Kohath and Merari). The record of their descendants is

recorded by family.

GERSHON AND HIS DESCENDANTS

Verses 7-11 list the descendants of Levi's son Gershon. Gershon's two sons

Ladan and Shimei are recorded in verse 7. Verses 8-9 trace the descendants

of Ladan. The Shimei listed in verse 9 is not Ladan's brother but a

descendant by the same name. This is clear from verse 9 where it

specifically mentions that he was of the family of Ladan.

The line of Gershon's second son Shimei is traced in verses 10-11. Of

special note is the fact that his sons Jeush and Beriah did not have many

sons so they were counted as one family with one assignment in the work of

the Lord (verse 11).

KOHATH AND HIS DESCENDANTS

The line of Levi's second son Kohath is found in 1 Chronicles 23:12-20.

Kohath had four sons (verse 12). Of special note here is his son Amram

whose sons were the most famous of all the Levites. These sons were Aaron

and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart to offer sacrifices

before the Lord God. They were also to pronounce blessings on the people

of God (verse 13). Moses’ line is traced for several generations in verse 14-

20.

MERARI AND HIS DESCENDANTS

The third son of Levi was Merari. His descendants are recorded in verses

21-23.

The heads of these families were counted and recorded individually. Notice

in verse 25 that the reason David had the Levites counted was because they

no longer had to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles for the service of

the Lord. The list that David drew up would serve as a tool for dividing up

the new responsibilities of the Levites in the temple of the Lord in

Jerusalem. The names of the Levites from twenty years of age and up were

recorded for this purpose (verse 27).

In 1 Chronicles 23:28-32 we have a general description of the duties and

responsibilities of the Levites. The Levites were to help Aaron and his

descendants in their service. This was done in several ways.

First, they were in charge of the courtyards and side rooms in the temple

(verse 28). While not specifically stated here, these responsibilities would

include such things as cleaning and maintenance.

Second, the Levites helped in the purification of the sacred objects used for

worship (verse 28). This was done in accordance with the Law of Moses.

Third, they were in charge of the bread that was set out every day on the

table of the Lord, preparing the flour and grain offerings, unleavened wafers

and baking, mixing and measuring quantities of ingredients as prescribed by

God to Moses (verse 29).

Finally, the Levites were responsible to stand each morning and evening to

thank and praise the Lord whenever an offering was made. They were also

to do this at special festivals and feasts (verse 31). This would likely be

done in music and song.

Chapter 24 focuses on the priestly descendants of Aaron. Verse 1 tells us

that Aaron had four descendants. Two of his sons died when they offered

strange incense to the Lord. This incense was not prepared as God had told

Moses to prepare it. For this, God struck Nadab and Abihu (see Leviticus

10:1-3). Aaron's sons Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests (verse 2).

David set up ministry divisions with the help of Zadok (a descendant of

Eleazar) and Ahimelech. Eleazar's descendants outnumbered the

descendants of Ithamar. There were sixteen heads of families in Eleazar’s

line while there were only eight heads in Ithamar’s (verse 4). Ministry

divisions were divided up impartially by drawing lots.

It is important that we understand that in the mind of those who drew the

lots, this decision was not being left to chance. The Israelite mind did not

accept the concept of chance or luck. The Israelite believed in a sovereign

God whose purposes were being worked out in all things. Proverbs 16:33

tells us, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the

LORD."

When David, Eleazar and Ithamar drew lots, it was with the understanding

that the Lord God was very much involved in that process. They accepted

the decision of the lot as being God's decision. They took all human

preference and involvement out of the process of selecting the ministry

divisions.

As the lots were drawn, Shemaiah, a Levitical scribe recorded the names of

those chosen by lot. Notice in 1 Chronicles 24:6 that this was done in the

presence of the king, Zadok and Ahimelech the priests, and the Levites.

Everything was done is order.

Verses 7-18 give us the names of the family heads chosen by lot. Notice that

there were twenty-four ministry divisions. Each division would be

responsible for about two weeks each year. The list also gave the order in

which each of these divisions would serve (verse 19).

1 Chronicles 24:20-30 tells us that there were other Levites were not

included in the list mentioned above. These Levites were also given a roll to

play. Their ministry responsibilities were chosen for them by the casting of

lots (verse 31).

We see from this that the work at the temple involved a large number of

people. With this number of people involved in the ministry, it was

important that there be some order and structure to what was happening to

avoid confusion. Each person had a role to play. Their work schedule would

be laid out for them.

For Consideration:

What does David's concern to see the restructuring of the

roles of the Levites in the temple tell us about his concern for

the temple worship?

Why was it necessary that the ministry of the Levites be

restructured? What differences would a temple in Jerusalem

bring to the ministry of the Levites?

What was the difference between the roll of Aaron's direct

descendants and the roll of the rest of the Levites?

What do we learn here about how Israel saw the drawing of

lots? Why did they use this as a means of making important

decisions?

How important is order in the established church of our day?

For Prayer:

Ask the Lord to show you your role and responsibility in the

work of the Kingdom.

Thank the Lord that He has called us all to minister on His

behalf in this world. Ask Him to help you to be a faithful

representative.

Ask the Lord to forgive you for the times you did not take

His will for your life into consideration.

22 - MUSICIANS,

GATEKEEPERS,

TREASURERS, JUDGES

AND ADMINISTRATORS

Read 1 Chronicles 25:1-26:32

n chapters 23 and 24 we saw how David divided the Levites and

priests into ministry divisions, giving them particular responsibilities

and providing them with a work schedule. Here in the next two

chapters we see a further division of labour among the Levitical musicians

and gatekeepers. It is David's concern to see order in the worship of the

Lord God.

In 1 Chronicles 25 David set apart the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun

for the ministry of prophesying. Notice specifically that the prophesying

was accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals. It is uncertain how this

prophecy unfolded. Some believe that as the music played, the prophets

were inspired to speak from the Lord and offer Him praise. We see various

examples in Scripture of prophets calling for musicians to play while they

sought the Lord on a particular matter (see 1 Samuel 10:5; 2 Kings 3:15-

16).

Others see the use of music as a means of the Lord speaking to His people.

If this was the case, psalms or hymns were composed with a message and

sung in the presence of God and the listeners. It is quite possible that both

of these suggestions were the case.

While we are not completely sure how all this took place, we see from this

verse that both music and spoken word were interconnected and played an

important role in the worship of the temple. Four of Asaph's sons

prophesied under the supervision of the king (verse 2). Six sons of Jeduthun

prophesied using the harp to thank and praise the Lord (verse 3). They were

under the supervision of their father. Heman's sons played the harp, lyre and

cymbal under the supervision of their father (verse 6). Verse 5 tells us that

these sons had been given to Heman through a promise of God to exalt him.

What is important to note here is that each person responsible for the work

of the temple was supervised or accountable to someone else. Asaph's sons

were supervised or responsible to the king. Jeduthun's and Heman's sons

were responsible to their fathers. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were

responsible to the king (verse 6). There is an important principle for us to

follow in this. We should all be accountable to someone in ministry. This

keeps us from falling or wandering from the path God has given us to

follow. We should beware of those who refuse to answer to anyone else.

1 Chronicles 25:7 tells us that there were 288 trained and skilled musicians

who served in the temple. Again this shows us the importance of music in

the worship of God.

Verse 8 shows us that the duties of the musicians and prophets were chosen

by lot. This removed any human involvement in the choice of who served.

As the lots were cast the decision was seen to be the decision of the Lord

and each person accepted this as God's will. The lot determined their order

and ministry teams and God determined how the lot would fall. Verse 8

makes is clear that the young and old alike, teacher as well as student cast

their lot. Everyone was treated the same. Experience, age or education were

not involved in the decision. All that mattered was the will of God as

revealed through the lot. Twenty-four lots were cast for the ministry teams

who would serve throughout the year. With twenty-four teams each team

could minister for about two weeks each year. The names of the ministry

teams are listed in verses 9-31. It appears that there were twelve people on

each team.

In 1 Chronicles 26:1-19 we read about the ministry divisions of the

gatekeepers. The role of the gatekeeper was a practical role in the temple.

They guarded and were involved in various practical duties in the

maintenance and upkeep of the temple. Verses 1-11 give us the names of

four key families involved in this ministry.

Verses 1-3 give us the names of seven sons of Meshelemiah the son of Kore

who served as gatekeepers. The family of Obed-Edom is mentioned in

verse 4-8. It should be mentioned here that Obed-Edom had taken care of

the ark of the Lord for a time. 1 Chronicles 13:13-14 tells us that God richly

blessed him. This is evident when verse 8 tells us that there were sixty-two

descendants of Obed-Edom who served the Lord as gatekeepers. Obed-

Edom's sons and grandsons are recorded for us in verses 4-8.

Another important family of gatekeepers was the family of Meshelemiah.

He had eighteen sons and relatives serving in this capacity (verse 9).

Finally Hosah's family is noted in verse 10. He contributed thirteen sons

and relatives to this work (verse 11).

As was the case for the musicians, the gatekeepers were divided into

ministry teams. These teams were chosen by lots. Notice that no account

was taken of the age and experience of these men. The decision was left

with the Lord (verse 13).

Each ministry division was given responsibility for a certain gate. The lot

fell on Shelemiah to watch and care for the East Gate (verse 14). Zechariah

was given charge of the North Gate (verse 14). The South Gate was under

the care of Obed-Edom and the storehouses fell to his sons (verse 15). This

may have been the gate the king would use. Obed-Edom and his sons were

again being blessed by God by receiving this important position. The West

Gate fell and the Shalleketh Gate fell to Shuppim and Hosah (verse 16).

From verses 17-18 we see the number of men who were to work each day at

these various gates. Six Levites were to be stationed on the East Gate. Four

were to work at the North Gate. Four Levites were to guard the South Gate

and another two were to work in the storehouses. Finally at the West Gate

four Levites were to be stationed at the road and two were to remain in the

court.

1 Chronicles 26:20-28 speaks about the treasurers who were responsible for

receiving the offerings received from God's people as well as any plunder

taken from enemies and dedicated to the Lord (verse 20). A number of

families were involved as treasurers. The sons of Ladan serving as

treasurers are listed in verses 21-22. Verses 23-25 give us the names of

those from the families of the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites and

the Uzzielites. Of particular note here is Shelomith who, along with his

relatives, were in charge of the things dedicated by King David and his

commanders (verse 26). This included the plunder they took from battles.

Shelomith and his relatives were responsible for the care of everything

dedicated by Samuel the prophet, Saul the former king, and those articles

dedicated to the temple by the military commanders Abner and Joab (verse

28).

Finally in 1 Chronicles 26:29-32 David appointed judges and

administrators. These men likely moved from place to place in Israel

judging matters among the people according to the Law of God. Official

judges were assigned in verse 29. They were from the family of the

Izharites.

Traveling administrators were also assigned in verses 30-32. Seventeen

hundred men were chosen from the family of the Hebronites to serve west

of the Jordan (verse 30). Twenty-seven hundred others from the family of

Jeriah the Hebronite were put in charge of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and

Manasseh. They were responsible to carry out the affairs of the king in

these various regions of Israel (verse 32).

The administration of the temple would take a large team of servants. Each

person needed to know his responsibility. They needed to know when they

were scheduled to work and what their task involved if the work of the

temple was to be carried out. All this was done to the glory of God.

For Consideration:

What is the connection between prophecy and music in this

passage? Can music be prophetic in nature? In other words,

can music express God's heart for His people?

We see in this passage how God's servants were supervised or

accountable to each other. How important is it that we be

accountable to each other in the church today? What

problems would this resolve?

In the selection of musicians and gatekeepers, age,

experience and education were not taken into account when

they were put in their various ministry teams. How important

is education and experience in ministry? Should God’s

leading take priority over experience and education?

Notice the various roles in the temple. What particular role

has the Lord given you to play in your local fellowship?

For Prayer:

Take a moment to thank the Lord for the role of music in

worship. Thank Him for the hymns and choruses that reflect

the heart of God for His people. Ask Him to raise up more

men and women to write music that will speak prophetically

to your culture.

Ask the Lord to help you to be willing to be accountable to

others in the body of Christ.

Thank the Lord that He is not limited to using only those who

are educated and experienced.

Ask the Lord to show you clearly what His role for you is in

the body of Christ.

23 - DAVID'S OFFICERS

Read 1 Chronicles 27:1-34

avid did not govern Israel alone. He worked with a larger number

of capable men who helped him administer the land God had

given him. Only rarely does God ever call us to work on our

own. More often He calls us to work with others to accomplish His

purposes. When God calls, He also provides us with team workers to work

alongside us. Some people on that team provide the financial resources,

other help in practical ways and still others encourage, counsel or pray. We

should never underestimate the importance of this team.

What is significant in this chapter is that the names of those who were on

David's team are mentioned. This chapter is dedicated to the faithful

workers in David's administration who made his reign a success. It should

be noted that space does not permit the writer to list all the names of those

who were on David's team. Those mentioned here were leaders and family

heads.

We begin with a list of the commanders of David's army by division. From

the verses that follow we understand that David's army was divided into

twelve divisions with one division on duty each month. Each of these

divisions consisted of 24,000 men (verse 1). The divisions comprised

groups of hundreds and thousands with their leaders. A list of the division

heads and significant leaders in these divisions is found in verses 2-15.

Jashobeam was in charge of the first division. His division served the first

month of the year (verses 2-3). Dodai was in charge of the division that

served the second month. Mikoloth was a significant leader in Dodai's

division (verse 4). Benaiah and his division worked the third month. His

father was Jehoiada the priest. Benaiah was a valiant warrior and was part

of an elite group of soldiers known as the "Thirty." His son Ammizabad was

a leader in his division (verses 5-6). Asahel served with his division on the

fourth month. He was succeeded by his son Zebadiah (verse 7). Shamhuth

and his men were responsible for the fifth month (verse 8). Ira's division

worked the sixth month (verse 9). Helez the Ephraimite served on the

seventh month (verse 10). The eighth month was given to Shibbecai and his

men (verse 11). Abiezer's division was responsible for the ninth month

(verse 12). On the tenth month Maharai and his division were in charge

(verse 13). Benaiah the Pirathonite of Ephraim and his division served the

eleventh month (verse 14). Heldai was responsible for the twelfth and final

month of the year (verse 15).

The next list is found in verses 16-22. Here in these verses we have the list

of tribal chiefs. These were leaders in their various tribes. No mention is

made of the tribes of Asher and Gad. There is no reason given for this in the

text. These verses are summarized in the following chart:

Tribe Tribal Chief Verse

Reuben Eliezer Verse 16

Simeon Shephataih Verse 16

Levi Hashabiah Verse 17

Levi (from Aaron) Zadok Verse 17

Judah Elihu Verse 18

Issachar Omri Verse 18

Zebulun Ishmaiah Verse 19

Naphtali Jerimoth Verse 19

Ephraim Hoshea Verse 20

Manasseh Joel and Iddo Verse 21

Benjamin Jaasiel Verses 21-22

Dan Azarel Verse 22

It is interesting to note in verses 23-24 that David did not count the number

of men in his service. He did not do this because God had promised to make

Israel as numerous as the stars of the sky (verse 23). In 1 Chronicles 21

David took a census of the men in his army. In doing so David turned his

eyes from the Lord to his own military strength. God convicted him of his

sin and punished him by sending a severe plague on the land. David does

not count the number of men in his land this time. Instead, he chose to put

his confidence in the Lord. It really did not matter now to him how many

men he had in his army. God could deliver him and give him victory with a

small number as well as a large number. What was important was not how

many men he had but that the Lord was with him.

While David refused to count the number of men in his army, Joab his

military commander began to count them but did not finish. According to

verse 24 God's wrath fell on Israel because of Joab's action and the number

was never recorded. The lesson for us is an important one. How often do we

get caught up in numbers? We count the number of people who attend our

church. We count how many people have come to the Lord through our

ministries. My tendency is to count how many books I have written. What

does all this have to do with the kingdom of God? Numbers do not advance

the kingdom, only the Spirit of God can do this. Numbers are not an

indication of a healthy church. You can have all kinds of people attending

your church and your church can be far from God. We want to feel like we

have done something great and we measure success in ministry by numbers.

David learned that numbers were of no real significance in the kingdom of

God. May God deliver us from the pride of statistics and numbers.

Verses 25-34 conclude this chapter with a list of officers in charge of

various responsibilities in the kingdom. Azmaveth was in charge of the

royal storehouses. Jonathan took care of the storehouses in the outlying

districts, villages and watchtowers (verse 25). Ezra was head of the field

workers who farmed the land (verse 26). Shimei was responsible for the

vineyards. He was assisted by Zabdi who took care of the produce used for

making wine (verse 27). Baal-Hanan was over the work of the olive trees

and sycamore-fig trees in the western foothills. He was assisted by Joah

who was in charge of the supplies of olive oil produced from these trees

(verse 28). Shitrai was over the herds grazing in Sharon while Shaphat was

responsible for the herds that grazed in the valleys (verse 29). Obil was over

the camels and Jehdeiah was in charge of the donkeys (verse 30). Jaziz

cared for the flocks (verse 31).

David also had counsellors to advise him in matters of the court. Jonathan,

David's uncle, was not only his counsellor but also a scribe. Jehiel took care

of the king's sons (verse 32). Ahithophel was a counsellor to the king and

Hushai was a close friend whose advice David also sought (verse 33).

Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada. Joab was David's military

commander who advised David in matters of battle (verse 34).

What we need to understand here is that David did not work alone. In this

team that God provided him were men who were very capable. David

depended on them and sought their advice. While David's confidence and

trust was in the Lord his God, he knew that God would use each of the

members of his team to advance his kingdom. Who has God given to

comfort, advise, encourage or support in the work He has called you to do?

For Consideration:

God places us in teams and gives us others to help in our

walk and ministry. Take a moment to consider those God has

given to help you accomplish His purposes for your life.

How important is it that we learn how to work with others to

advance the kingdom of God?

Have you ever gotten caught up in numbers and statistics?

While there are times when numbers and statistics can be

helpful, what is our temptation? Why did David refuse to

number his men?

David's team consisted of men in various roles and capacities.

What role do you play in the kingdom of God?

David listened to the advice of different counsellors. Do you

have people you can go to for advice? How easy is it for you

to listen to advice of a brother or sister in Christ? How

important is it that we listen to advice?

For Prayer:

Take a moment to thank the Lord for the people He has given

you to help accomplish His purpose for your life.

Ask God to help you to work more willingly with those He

has given you. Ask Him to help you to have a deeper

appreciation for those He had called to stand with you.

Ask God to help you not to get caught up in numbers and

statistics. Ask Him instead to help you to put your trust fully

in Him.

Ask God to give you greater willingness to listen to the

advice of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

24 - DAVID PREPARES

SOLOMON AND HIS

OFFICIALS

Read 1 Chronicles 28:1-21

avid was getting old. His time to reign over Israel was coming to

an end. His final effort was to prepare his people for his death

and the reign of his son Solomon. David's great desire was that

his people continue to serve and worship the Lord with their whole heart.

As chapter 28 begins, David summons the officials of Israel. We examined

these officials in chapter 27. When the officials came to David, he shared

with them his heart for the construction of a temple in Jerusalem. In verse 2

he reminded them how he had a desire in his heart to build this temple but

God had a different plan because he had shed too much blood (verse 3).

David told his leaders, however, that while God would not permit him to

build this temple, He had given this task to his son Solomon (verses 4-5).

God also promised David that He would be with Solomon. God would be a

father to him and Solomon would be his dearly loved son (verse 6). God

would establish his kingdom forever as long as he obeyed Him and

followed His laws and decrees (verse 7).

With this assurance from God concerning his son and the future of the

nation, David challenged his officials in the sight of the people and in the

presence of God to be careful to follow all the commands of the Lord. As

long as they followed the commands of the Lord and honoured Him, they

would possess the land and pass on a rich inheritance to their children

(verse 8). Obedience and faithfulness to God would bring great blessing on

their land and families. They would prosper as they obeyed and faithfully

served the Lord.

Having challenged his officials to obey and serve the Lord faithfully, David

turned to his son Solomon. In verses 9-10 David speaks directly to him. His

challenge to Solomon is two-fold. David's first challenge to Solomon was to

wholehearted devotion to the Lord. Notice what this wholehearted devotion

included.

In verse 9 David told his son that he was to acknowledge God. To

acknowledge God in this sense is to take Him into all our plans. We cannot

serve with wholehearted devotion if we do not take God into our plans.

Sometimes we take God into some areas of our life and not into others. We

consult Him in serious matters but not in the little things. The challenge of

David to Solomon was to acknowledge God in all things. If we are to be

wholehearted in our devotion we must seek God’s heart, not just for some

things but for everything. Wholehearted devotion involves bringing God

into every decision, attitude and action.

The second ingredient in wholehearted devotion, according to David, is a

willing heart. If we are to be wholehearted, we cannot be divided in our

heart. You can give on the outside but have a heart that is unwilling or

resentful on the inside. You can serve with a wrong attitude. Wholehearted

devotion involves the mind. If we are to serve with wholehearted devotion

we must have a willing and sincere attitude. We must desire to serve God

and not just make a pretence of it. God sees the attitude of our heart. He

knows whether we are sincere in our hearts and minds. If you want to serve

with wholehearted devotion you must have a willing mind to go with your

actions. Your motives and thoughts must also be right before God.

Finally, wholehearted devotion also involves seeking. David reminded his

son Solomon that if he sought God, he would find Him, but if he forsook

Him, he would be rejected. If we want to serve God with wholehearted

devotion, we must actively seek Him. He must become a passion in life.

There is no room for laziness in wholehearted devotion. Those who have

wholehearted devotion for God are actively seeking Him and His purpose.

Their love and devotion for God creates a hunger and thirst in their lives for

His presence and His purposes. They are driven and passionate in their

pursuit of God. They must know Him. They will risk everything to find

Him and His purpose for their lives. There can be no wholehearted devotion

without actively seeking God. David’s first challenge to Solomon was to

actively seek God with a whole hearted and sincere hunger to know Him

and His will in all things. We can only imagine what impact that attitude

would have on Solomon’s reign as king.

David also challenged Solomon to be strong and do the work (verse 10).

Solomon had a lot of work to do if he was to accomplish the purpose of

God for his life and ministry. David challenged his son to work hard. There

can be no success in ministry if we are not willing to work hard and

persevere in the tough times. Serving the Lord will not be easy. Serving the

Lord will require discipline and effort. It would be easy for Solomon to sit

back and let everyone serve him. David challenged him to work hard and

be strong in the face of the difficulties and obstacles that would come his

way.

In verse 11 David handed over the plans for the construction of the temple

to his son Solomon. Those plans included the details for the construction of

the temple porch, building, storerooms and inner rooms. It is important to

note verse 12 which tells us that these plans were not of David's design. In

verse 12 we see that these plans were the plans the “Spirit had put in his

mind.” What David handed over to Solomon that day were God’s plans for

the construction of the temple.

David also gave his son the instruction for the divisions of the priests and

Levites in the work of the temple. We examined these divisions in 1

Chronicles 23-26.

In verse 14 David designated the gold and silver to be used in the articles

crafted for the temple worship. David gave Solomon the weight in gold and

silver for the lampstands, lamps (verse 15), tables (verse 16), forks,

sprinkling bowls, pitchers, dishes (verse 17), as well as the weight in gold

of the altar of incense and the crafted cherubim that spread their wings over

the ark of the covenant (verse 18).

All the details of the construction of the temple were meticulously laid out

for Solomon, down to the weight of each fork and bowl used in worship.

Notice that these plans and their details were not from David's own mind:

"All this, I have in writing from the hand of the LORD upon me,

and He gave me understanding in all the details of the plan"

(verse 19).

It is quite clear from this that David was directed by the Spirit of God in the

details he received for the construction of this temple. He is trying to

impress on his son that the task he was about to undertake was given to him

by God and not just David's idea.

Having given Solomon the detailed plans for the temple, David again

challenged him in the task. In verse 20 he told him to be strong and

courageous. He was not to be afraid or discouraged because the Lord would

be with him. God would not fail or forsake him until he had completed the

work He had called him to do. There would be difficulties. There would be

times when Solomon would be discouraged. Solomon was to be courageous

and remember that God would be with him all the way. It is important that

we understand that even when God is with us, we will still have to face

difficulties and struggles.

What a comfort it is to know that the God who calls us will go with us. He

will never leave us until we have completed the task He has called us to do.

We can step out with confidence. We can face the opposition of the enemy

because God is with us and will never forsake us.

Not only would Solomon know the presence of God and His blessing on his

ministry but God would provide him with a team of helpers to complete the

task. David reminds Solomon in verse 21 that the priests and Levites were

ready for all the work in the temple. God had also provided him with

willing men skilled in many different crafts. The officials and all the people

would help him and obey his every command.

What a comfort these words would have been to Solomon. Not only was

God going to be with him but He had also provided him with all that was

necessary to accomplish the task. The gold and silver were in place, the

craftsmen, priests, Levites and officials were standing with him in support.

There was nothing missing. All Solomon had to do was to be faithful to the

Lord and do the work. The same is true for us today. God has provided all

that is necessary for us to accomplish the work. Nothing is missing but our

wholehearted devotion to Him and to the work he has called us to do.

For Consideration:

What is the connection between obedience and blessing in

this passage? To what extent would obedience insure God's

blessing in Solomon's reign?

What does David tell us are the ingredients in wholehearted

devotion to God?

David challenges his son Solomon to be strong and do the

work. Has this been your experience in ministry? Have you

been strong? Have you been doing what God has called you

to do?

What comfort does David give to his son Solomon in light of

the difficulties he would encounter in his work?

David shows Solomon that everything was in place for the

success of his mission. All that was required was that he be

faithful to the call of God and to live in obedience and

wholehearted devotion to Him. Is this true for you and your

calling today?

For Prayer:

Ask the Lord to help you to live more fully in absolute

obedience to Him. Ask Him to show you if there is anything

standing between you and your relationship with Him.

Ask the Lord to show you any way in which you have fallen

short of wholehearted devotion to Him.

Ask God to give you strength and diligence to work hard to

accomplish His purpose for your life. Ask Him to give you

greater courage in following His will.

Thank the Lord that He has provided all that we need for the

accomplishing of His purposes for our lives and ministries.

Thank Him that all that is now required is faithfulness and

obedience.

25 - ISRAEL COMMITS TO

BUILDING THE TEMPLE

Read 1 Chronicles 29:1-30

n the last chapter, David, preparing for his death, challenged Solomon

to wholehearted devotion to the Lord and to building a temple in

Jerusalem for His worship and praise.

As we begin chapter 29, David speaks to the whole assembly of Israel. His

desire was to challenge them to devote themselves to the work of the

temple.

In verse 1, David reminded the people that his son Solomon was young and

inexperienced in the work God had called him to do. The task of building

the temple was a huge one that would require tremendous skill and expense.

He reminded them that this temple was not for man but for God, so it was

important that they give their best. In the mind of David, the Lord deserved

the very best. He challenged the people to give sacrificially because they

were serving the Lord in this endeavour.

David reminded the people that he had given of his own resources to see

this temple completed. He had given gold, silver, iron, wood, bronze, and

precious stones in large quantities (verse 2). Besides all these things David

was now giving three thousand talents of gold (110 tons) and seven

thousand talents of silver (260 tons) from his personal treasures for the

work of the temple (verses 3-5).

In verse 5 David issued a challenge to the people. "Now, who is willing to

consecrate himself today to the LORD?" he asked. David could ask this of

his people because he himself had first set an example. He was not asking

them to do anything that he would not do. David gave sacrificially to the

work of the Lord. He was now asking the people to join him in this.

In verse 6, the leaders of families and the officers in David's administration

took on David's challenge and gave willingly to the work of the temple.

Together they gave five thousand talents (190 tons) and ten thousand darics

(185 pounds or 84 kilograms) of gold, ten thousand talents of silver (185

tons), eighteen thousand talents of bronze (675 tons) and a hundred

thousand talents (3,750 tons) of iron along with precious stones (verses 7-

8).

When the people saw how willingly their leaders gave, they rejoiced and

gave freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord for the work of the temple.

When David saw this he was very happy (verse 9).

Notice in verse 10 the response of David to the moving of God among His

people. David praised the Lord in the presence of the people. We have a

record of David's prayer on that occasion in verses 10-19. Let us take a brief

look at this prayer.

David begins his prayer with praise and thanksgiving. Notice in verse 10

that he addressed the Lord and God of his father Israel. As Lord and God,

He was over the nation. It was to Him that all praise and worship were due.

David recognized God to be "from everlasting to everlasting." That is to

say, His God had no beginning and no end. He was an eternal God.

In verse 11 David confesses that greatness, power, glory, majesty and

splendour all belong to the Lord. They served an awesome and powerful

God. Everything on the earth belonged to God. There was nothing that was

not to be in submission to Him. He was king and Lord over the kingdoms of

this world. He reigned as an exalted head over all. All kings and all

authorities were under Him and His sovereign rule.

All wealth and honour came from God. There is nothing we have that does

not come from him. We are dependent on Him for everything (verse 12). In

the hands of this God were strength and power. He gives strength to all.

Without His enabling we would be powerless. It is interesting that David,

who was the most powerful king on the earth at the time, recognized his

need of God and His enabling. David praised the Lord for the offerings that

His people were able to make toward the temple but recognized that

everything they had given that day was already the Lord's. Everything they

gave had come from His hands and rightfully belonged to Him anyway.

They had no cause to be proud. They only gave back to God what was

already His (verses 13-16).

How easy it is for us to think we have done a great service to God by giving

Him back what is already rightfully His. God does not look so much at the

amount we give but at the attitude of our heart in giving. In verse 17 David

reminds God that they were giving to Him out of a willing heart. There

were no false motives or intentions in their offerings. They gave to the Lord

with a joyful heart that sought His glory alone (verse 17). David was

pleased to see an honest and wholehearted devotion in the lives of the

people that day. In verse 18 he prayed that the Lord would keep this desire

in their hearts.

In verse 19 David prays that God would also keep his son Solomon and

give him wholehearted devotion to keep His commandments and to carry

out his responsibility for the work of the temple. A devoted heart is not of

human origin, it is from God. While God will give us this kind of heart, it is

up to us to receive it and live in obedience to Him. In the history of the

church, we have met individuals who believed that they could have a pure

and holy heart by human effort. No amount of sacrifice or discipline will

create a holy and contrite heart. You can pluck out your eyes and still find

lust in your heart. You can plug your ears and still find evil thoughts

entering your mind. God alone can cleanse our heart and make it pure. Our

responsibility is to let Him do His work in us and walk in obedience.

As David finished offering his praise to the Lord he invited the people to

offer up their own praise to Him. In verse 20 the people bowed to the

ground and worshipped the Lord for His goodness. The next day they

offered sacrifices to the Lord. One thousand bulls, one thousand rams and a

thousand male lambs were sacrificed to the Lord along with numerous drink

offerings and other sacrifices (verse 21). God's people celebrated His

goodness not only by falling down on their faces and offering Him

sacrifices but also by eating and drinking with great joy in His presence

(verse 22).

I would like to take a moment here to consider verse 22 in greater detail.

Worshiping God is both a sombre and joyous thing. There is a seriousness

to worship. This is found in how the people bowed to the ground or in how

they offered their sacrifices to Him. Verse 22 reminds us, however, that

worship is also a joyous experience. As they worshipped God, they ate and

drank with joy in their hearts. Israel enjoyed the blessing of God as they ate

and drank in His presence. They blessed the heart of God as they rejoiced

and enjoyed His blessings.

In verse 22 the people anointed Solomon as king. Solomon would sit on the

throne of Israel in the place of his father David (verse 23). As God

promised David, His blessing was on Solomon. David's officers pledged

their submission to Solomon (verse 24). God exalted Solomon in the sight

of the people and blessed him as he had never blessed any other king (verse

25).

As for David, he died at a "good old age" after forty years of ruling as king

in Israel and Judah (verse 26-28). The events of David's reign are recorded

from beginning to end in the records of Samuel as well as the records of

Gad the prophet (verses 29-30).

For Consideration:

David believed that the Lord deserved the best he had. Have

you given the Lord the best you have?

As a leader, David was willing to make great sacrifices for

the work of the Lord. He did not ask his people to give

anything he himself would not give. Have you demonstrated

by your life what you expect from others?

What does David's prayer teach us about God?

We cannot give God what He does not already own. How

does this statement keep us from pride in what we give?

Can human effort create a pure heart? Who alone can give us

a pure heart?

How is enjoying the blessings of God an act of thanksgiving

and praise?

For Prayer:

Ask God to give you grace to be an example to those around

you.

Ask God to give you a heart of wholehearted devotion to

Him. Thank Him that He is willing to give this kind of heart

to all who will obey and surrender to Him.

Take a moment to thank the Lord for the specific blessings

He has given you.

Ask God to keep you from pride in your service or worship.

Thank Him that all you do or give comes from Him.

26 - SOLOMON BEGINS

THE WORK

Read 2 Chronicles 1:1-2:18

olomon was now king in Israel. God's blessing was on Solomon

just as He had promised David. Verse 1 tells us that God made

Solomon "exceedingly great."

One of Solomon's first acts was to call his commanders, judges and leaders

of Israel to go with him to Gibeon where the tabernacle of the Lord was

located (verse 3). While David had brought the Ark of the Covenant to

Jerusalem, the tabernacle was located in Gibeon. Solomon and his leaders

went to the tabernacle to seek the Lord (verse 5). While Solomon could

have inquired of the Lord in Jerusalem before the Ark of the Covenant, it is

likely that he went to the altar at Gibeon because he wanted to make a

number of sacrifices to the Lord. Verse 6 tells us that he offered a thousand

burnt offerings on the bronze alter in Gibeon.

That night the Lord God appeared to Solomon and asked him what He

could give him. God told him that He would give him whatever he asked

(verse 7). Solomon praised God for the fact that He had made him king over

a people who were as numerous as the dust of the earth (verses 8-9). While

this was a tremendous honour, Solomon also felt unprepared to deal with

such a task. In verse 10 Solomon asked God for wisdom and knowledge

that he might lead His people. His desire was to do the work God had called

him to do well. He was aware of his need of God's wisdom to do the work

he had been called to do.

Solomon makes a distinction here between his calling and his empowering.

Solomon knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he had been called of God

to the task of leading His people. He also knew, however, that if he was to

do this task well he needed to be empowered by God. Not everyone

understands this distinction. Calling and empowering are two separate

things. You can be called of God to a particular ministry and serve in that

ministry in human strength. There are many servants of God who are trying

to minister in their own strength. They are doing the right thing but they are

not doing it in the power of God or by His leading. Solomon was aware that

a calling was not enough. He understood that he also needed to be

empowered by God in a special way if he was going to accomplish what

God wanted him to accomplish. We would do well to recognize our own

need of God's special enabling in our ministry.

God was pleased with Solomon's request. Solomon could have asked for

wealth, honour, riches, long life or for the death of his enemies but he

didn't. His concern was not for himself but for God and His honour. That

day God promised to grant Solomon’s request for wisdom and knowledge.

God also promised to bless him with wealth, riches and honour as no king

before or after him would ever experience (verse 12). Because Solomon put

God first in his life, God blessed him abundantly.

Evidence of that blessing was clear. Solomon accumulated chariots and

horses in great number. Verse 14 tells us that he had one thousand four

hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses which he kept with him in

Jerusalem. He also made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones.

Cedar was as plentiful as the common sycamore-fig tree (verse 15).

Solomon imported his horses from Egypt (verse 16). He imported a chariot

from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver (15 pounds or 7 kilograms) and

a horse for one hundred and fifty shekels of silver (3 3/4 pounds or 1.7

kilograms). He also exported horses and chariots to the Hittites and the

Arameans (verse 17).

In 2 Chronicles 2:1 Solomon gave orders to build the temple and a royal

palace for himself. He conscripted seventy thousand men as carriers to

transport supplies. He also had eighty thousand stonecutters with three

thousand six hundred foremen over them (verse 2).

Solomon sent a message to Hiram, king of Tyre, requesting supplies. He

required cedar logs to help in the construction of his palace (verse 3). He

also told Hiram that he was going to build a great temple for the Lord his

God (verse 4-5). Because there was no other God like the God of Israel,

Solomon would spare no expense on the construction of this temple (verse

5). Solomon knew that the God of Israel could not be contained in an

earthly temple. He was bigger than the world itself. This temple was not

built as a house for God but as a place where offerings and sacrifices could

be made to Him (verse 6).

Solomon asked Hiram to send him skilled men who could work in gold,

silver, bronze, and purple, crimson and blue yarn. He also requested those

who were experienced in engraving. These men would work with his

skilled craftsmen (verse 7).

Solomon also asked Hiram to send him cedar, pine and algum logs from

Lebanon. He knew that Hiram's men were very skilled in cutting timber

(verse 8). Solomon needed plenty of timber because the temple he was

going to build was going to be large and magnificent (verse 9). In verse 10

Solomon promised Hiram that he would provide his servants with twenty

thousand cors of ground wheat (125,000 bushels or 4,400 kilolitres), twenty

thousand cors of barley (125,000 bushels or 4,400 kilolitres), twenty

thousand baths of wine (115,000 gallons or 440 kilolitres) and twenty

thousand baths of olive oil (115,000 gallons or 440 kilolitres).

Hiram received Solomon's request and responded in verse 11, "Because the

LORD loves His people, He has made you their king." Hiram praised

Solomon for his wisdom and discernment (verse 12) and promised to send a

servant by the name of Huram-Abi, who was a man of great skill in

working with gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone and wood (verses 13-14). He

was also trained in working with purple, blue and crimson yarn as well as

fine linen. He also had experience in engraving and Hiram had every

confidence that Huram-Abi could engrave any design given to him.

Hiram asked Solomon to send him the wheat, barley, wine and olive oil he

had promised and he would cut all the logs he wanted in Lebanon and float

them to Jerusalem in rafts (verses 15-16).

The task of constructing the temple was much bigger than Israel could

handle. Solomon used 153,600 foreigners to help in the construction

project. He assigned 70,000 to be carriers of supplies, 80,000 to be

stonecutters in the hills and 3,600 as foremen to oversee the workers (verse

18).

David's dream of a temple in Jerusalem was about to realized. Everything

was now in place and the work was about to begin.

For Consideration:

What is significant about the fact that one of Solomon's first

acts was to make an offering to the Lord and inquire of Him?

What does this tell us about Solomon's heart?

What is the difference between a calling and being

empowered? Is it possible for us to exercise our calling

without trusting in God's empowering?

When God asked Solomon what He could give him,

Solomon's first thoughts were for the glory of God. He

wanted to serve Him well and so he asked for the tools

necessary to do so. What does this tell us about Solomon's

priority in life? What do you need from God to serve Him

well?

Solomon wanted the best for the Lord. Is this your heart?

For Prayer:

Ask God to help you to see your need for His empowering in

your ministry. Ask Him to help you to walk in His

empowering and not in your own strength.

Ask God to give you His priorities. Ask Him to give you a

greater passion to serve Him well.

Ask God to forgive you for the times you have not given Him

your best.

Take a moment to seek the Lord for the things you need to

serve Him well.

27 - THE TEMPLE AND ITS

FURNISHINGS

Read 2 Chronicles 3:1-4:22

t was on the second day of the second month of the fourth year of

Solomon's reign that he began the construction of the temple (3:2). We

have already seen that David had made great preparations for the

construction of the temple. Solomon also was preparing the material and the

men to begin the construction. It took well over four years to prepare

everything for the construction of the temple. This ought to give us a better

idea of the size of this project.

The temple was built on Mount Moriah at the threshing floor of Araunah

(3:1). It was here also that Abraham was asked to offer his son Isaac as a

sacrifice to the Lord God. This is where David had met the Lord after a

great plague threatened to wipe out much of his nation when he took a

census of his military men (see 1 Chronicles 21:18-30).

Verse 3 tells us that the foundation Solomon laid for the temple was sixty

cubits long (90 feet or 27 meters) and twenty cubits wide (30 feet or 9

meters). There was a porch on the front of the temple. The porch extended

the full width of the temple and was built 20 cubits (30 feet or 9 meters)

high. It was overlaid on the inside with pure gold (3:4).

The main hall of the temple was made with pine and covered with fine gold.

It was decorated with carvings of palm trees and chains (3:5). The inside of

the temple was adorned with precious stones and gold (3:6). The ceiling

beams, doorframes, walls and the doors were covered with gold. Solomon

had cherubim carved on the walls (3:7).

The Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant would remain,

extended the entire width of the temple and was twenty cubits wide (30 feet

or 9 meters). Solomon overlaid the Most Holy Place with six hundred

talents of fine gold (23 tons or 21 metric tons). Gold nails weighing 1 1/4

pounds or .6 kilograms were used in the construction of the Most Holy

Place. No expense was spared in this part of the temple. This was where the

presence of the Lord would be manifested. Solomon wanted it to be a very

special place.

A pair of sculptured angels were overlaid with gold and placed inside the

Most Holy Place. Their wings were five cubits long (7 1/2 feet or 2.3

meters). One wing of the cherubim touched the temple wall while the other

touched the wing of the other cherub. The cherubim stood on their feet

facing the main hall. Their wings reached out the full width of the temple

(3:13). Curtains separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the temple.

These curtains were made of blue, purple and crimson yarn and fine linen.

Cherubim were embroidered into these curtains (3:14).

There were two pillars in the front of the temple. These pillars were thirty-

five cubits high (52 feet or 16 meters). On top of each pillar was a

decorative piece measuring five cubits (7 feet or 2.13 meters). Solomon had

interwoven chains made and placed on top of the pillars. These chains had

one hundred carved pomegranates attached to them (3:16). One pillar was

erected on the north and the second on the south. The pillar to the south was

called Jakin meaning "he establishes." The pillar to the north was called

Boaz meaning "he strengthens." They served as a reminder to the people of

God of their need for God to establish and strengthen them on an ongoing

basis.

In chapter 4 we read how Solomon had a bronze altar twenty cubits long

(30 feet or 9 meters), twenty cubits wide and ten cubits high (15 feet or 4.5

meters) placed in the temple. Sacrifices would be offered on this altar.

A circular metal sea or basin was also placed inside the temple. It was ten

cubits from rim to rim (15 feet or 4.5 meters) and five cubits high (7.5 feet

or 2.25 meters). It was thirty cubits (45 feet or 12.5 meters) around the

outside edge. All around the basin were carved bulls in two rows attached

to the basin itself (4:3). There were twelve bulls in total, three facing in

each direction (4:4). This basin could hold three thousand baths (17,500

gallons of 66 kilolitres) of water (4:5).

Solomon had ten small washing basins made. He put five on the south side

of the temple and the other five he placed on the north side of the temple.

These basins were used by the priests to wash the objects used for the

offerings (4:6).

Ten lamp stands were placed in the temple, five in the north and five in the

south (4:7). He also placed ten tables and a hundred sprinkling bowls placed

in the temple for the priest's use (4:8).

In the courtyard there was a large door overlaid with bronze. The big basin

was located in the southeast corner of the courtyard of the priests (4:9). He

also made pots, shovels and sprinkling bowls for the priests to use in their

regular worship (4:11).

Much of the fine work done in the temple was done by Huram whom the

king of Tyre sent to Solomon for this purpose (see 2 Chronicles 2:13).

Verses 12-16 give us a list of all the articles Huram prepared for Solomon.

All these articles were of polished bronze. The weight of the bronze used

was not determined as it was too much to count (4:18).

Beyond the bronze articles made by Huram were many articles of gold that

Solomon had placed in the temple. A list of these articles is found in verses

19-22.

Our purpose here is not to understand the layout of the temple but to

understand the amount of work and expense that went into it. Solomon

spared no expense in the construction of the temple and its furnishings. This

temple was to be worthy of the Lord his God. As God had promised to

David, Solomon would complete the work of the temple. God was faithful

to His promise.

For Consideration:

What does the amount of time required to prepare for the

construction of the temple tell us about the size of this

project?

What kind of investment was required for the work of the

temple? What kind of investment is required for the work of

the kingdom of God today? What investment have you made

for the sake of the kingdom of God?

What were the names of the pillars that Solomon placed at

the front of the temple? What did those names mean? What

was the significance of these names for the ministry of the

temple?

Notice that even the shovels and bowls were made of fine

gold. Solomon gave his very best even in the small things.

What does this teach us about the importance of doing our

best in small things?

For Prayer:

Ask the Lord to show you what kind of investment He wants

you to make for the sake of the kingdom.

Take a moment to thank the Lord that He establishes and

strengthens those who honour Him.

Ask the Lord to help you to serve Him faithfully even in the

small things. Ask Him to forgive you for the times you failed

to do your best in these small things.

28 - THE ARK IS

BROUGHT TO THE

TEMPLE

Read 2 Chronicles 5:1-6:42

he work on the temple was completed. During the construction of

the temple, the Ark of the Covenant was in a tent in Jerusalem.

After the dedication of the temple furnishings, Solomon called for

the Ark of the Covenant to be brought into the temple where it would be

placed in the Most Holy Place. God's presence would be revealed above the

Ark of the Covenant between the wings of the cherubim (see Exodus

25:22).

Bringing the Ark of the Covenant to the temple was not a small thing. With

the ark came the presence of God. Solomon summoned the elders and the

heads of the tribes to bring up the ark to the temple. The day the Ark of the

Covenant was brought to Jerusalem was a festival day (5:3). In the seventh

month of the year, the Feast of Tabernacles was celebrated. This celebration

commemorated the time the Israelites wandered in the desert.

When the elders of Israel arrived, the Levites took the ark and the tent with

all its furnishings and brought it to Solomon. That day, they celebrated by

offering sacrifices of sheep and cattle. 2 Chronicles 5:6 tells us that they

sacrificed so many sheep and cattle that they could not be recorded.

When the sacrifices were complete the priests placed the ark in the Most

Holy Place. The temple consisted of an outer court, the Holy Place and the

Most Holy Place. Only the priests could enter the Holy Place. The Most

Holy Place was where the Ark of the Covenant was located and from where

God revealed His presence. The poles used to carry the ark were so long

that their ends could be seen from the Holy Place but not from courtyard

(5:9). These poles reminded the priests of the presence of God over the ark.

The priests needed to be reminded of this presence for two reasons. First, so

that they would remember that they were accountable to God and live lives

that were worthy of His name. Second, so that they would be encouraged in

their calling, knowing that God had chosen them to minister on His behalf.

2 Chronicles 5:10 tells us that the ark contained the two tablets containing

the Ten Commandments God had given to Moses. It is interesting to note

that the ark had at one time contained a jar of manna (Exodus 16:32-34) and

Aaron's rod that budded (Numbers 17:10-11). No mention is made of these

articles in this passage.

It is significant that the commandments of God were contained in the ark.

God would reveal His presence over the ark that contained His

commandments. God still delights to reveal Himself to those who walk in

obedience to His commands.

When the Ark of the Covenant was put in place, the priests withdrew from

the Holy Place (5:11). The Levitical musicians stood by the altar dressed in

fine linen and played the cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied

by 120 priests playing trumpets (5:12). Singers joined in unison to praise

and thank the Lord God. Together they sang: "He is good; his love endures

forever" (5:13). It was this singing that brought the presence of the Lord to

the temple. God filled the temple with a cloud. The presence of God was so

overwhelming that the priests could no longer perform their service. People

stood in awe of God.

Solomon stood in the midst of the people and reminded them that the Lord

had told them that He would dwell in a dark cloud (6:1). We see this from

Exodus 19:9 where God hid His glory in a dark cloud so as not to consume

those who saw His glory. Solomon reminded the people that the cloud they

saw was a revelation of the awesome presence of their God.

As Solomon stood before the people that day, he blessed them (6:3). When

he had finished blessing the people he turned to God and cried out to Him.

The remainder of chapter 6 is the prayer of Solomon for the temple.

Solomon begins his prayer with a word of thanksgiving and praise to God

for His faithfulness. In verses 4-11 he thanked the Lord that He had been

faithful in fulfilling His promise to his father David in building a temple in

Jerusalem (verse 4). He also thanked the Lord that He had been faithful to

His people from the time He had brought them out of Egypt. He thanked

God that He had chosen Jerusalem to be a city from which His name would

be glorified. This was a tremendous honour for the city of Jerusalem. In this

place, God would reveal His presence and glory.

In verse 6, Solomon praised the Lord for choosing his father to be king and

ruler over this great city. He reminded God that his father David had a heart

to build a temple. He gave that task to Solomon, promising to bless his

efforts. God was faithful to His word. Solomon praised and thanked the

Lord for this faithfulness.

Solomon had a bronze platform made for this occasion. He had it placed in

the centre of the outer court. Standing on the platform, before the altar,

Solomon stretched out his hands and cried out to God in prayer.

In verses 14-15 Solomon thanked God for being faithful in keeping His

covenant with Israel. Notice, however, that God kept His covenant with

those who continued wholeheartedly in His way. There were many who had

perished and were destroyed because of their disobedience to God. God was

faithful to His word but we need to remember that part of the word He had

given was a word of judgment and condemnation to all who would turn

from Him. God requires obedience and will not hesitate to punish those

who turn from Him.

In verses 16-17 Solomon pleaded with God to continue to be faithful to His

covenant promises. God promised that as long as David's sons were faithful

and walked in obedience to their God, then they would never lack a

descendant on the throne (verse 16). Solomon prayed that this promise

would be true. In praying this, Solomon is not only praying that God would

provide a king on the throne, but also that his descendants would be sure to

follow the Lord and walk in His ways.

In verse 18, Solomon's attention turns to the temple. He realized that God

was far bigger than this temple he had built. He reminded those present that

the heavens in all their vastness could not contain God. Solomon believed,

however, that God would reveal His presence in this temple in a very

powerful way. He asked God to open His eyes to this temple and put His

Name in it. He asked him to hear the prayers of His people who cried out to

Him there (verse 20).

Verses 21-42 are Solomon's prayer for the temple. It is also a tremendous

prayer for the church of our day.

In verse 21 Solomon prayed that the temple would be a place of

supplication. He asked that God would hear the prayers of His people who

turned toward the temple where God's presence was revealed. God's people

are to be a praying people. The kingdom of God is expanded not by human

effort but in answer to the prayers of God's people. God hears the prayers of

His people and brings forgiveness, reconciliation and power.

Solomon prays in verse 22-23 that the temple would also be a place of

justice. He prayed that when a man wronged his neighbour and came to the

temple, God would judge between His servants by punishing the guilty

party and declaring the innocence of the other (verse 23). The church is to

be a place where justice prevails. It is a place where sin is exposed and truth

triumphs.

Notice also in verses 24-25 that the temple was also to be a place of

restoration. Justice is important but punishment of evil and sin was not an

end in itself. Solomon prayed that God would restore those who confess

their sin in the temple. Notice that the sins of God's people had banished

them from their land. Solomon prayed in verse 25 that God would restore

them to the land when they confessed their sin. The church is to be a place

that welcomes the sinner who has confessed his sin. Sometimes we hold the

sins of those who have offended us against them. God calls us, however, to

open our arms to receive those who confess their sin and restore them to

fellowship. The temple was to be a place of restoration.

Solomon continued in verses 26-27 to pray that the temple would be a place

of instruction. Here in these verses he prayed God would teach His people

the right way to live (verse 27). Solomon knew that there would be times

when God's people would fall into sin and rebellion. In response, God

would close up the heavens and afflict them (verse 26). The solution was

first to confess sin and second, listen to the instruction of the Lord in how to

live. The church of our day is to be a place of instruction. This instruction

has, as its goal, to show God's people how He expects them to live. As

God's people live in obedience to His instructions, the windows of heaven

open and shower down their blessing.

Solomon prayed in verses 28-31 that the temple would be a place where the

name of God was feared and reverenced. There would be times when

famine, plague, blight, mildew, locusts, grasshoppers, enemies and disease

afflicted the land. There would be times when the enemy took over their

cities. There would be problems, struggles and difficulties ahead for the

people of God. Solomon prayed, however, that when God's people prayed

from the temple, He would hear from heaven and bring healing. He asked

that those who prayed would learn to fear God and walk in His ways. To

fear God is to respect and reverence His name. In the fear of God there is

recognition of His justice and holiness. The person who fears God realizes

that God sees what is going on and will "deal with each man according to

all he does." Solomon prayed that those who looked to the temple would

fear the Lord and live in the reality of His watchful eye. Those who belong

to the body of Christ are to live with reverent fear of God on a daily basis.

We are to live in the knowledge that God will deal with us all according to

our ways. We are to live in such a way that God is honoured through our

actions, words and attitudes. We will one day have to give an account to

Him. What a different place our churches would be if each person lived in

this healthy fear of God.

Solomon prayed in verses 32-33 that the temple would also be a place of

missionary acceptance. He prayed that if the foreigner from a distant land

who did not belong to the Lord came to the temple to pray, God would hear

and do whatever he asked. This temple was not for a select few to enjoy.

The doors were to be opened to all who would come to worship. The

foreigner was to be welcomed. The sinner on the street who confessed his

sin was not to be turned away. All who came to God were to be welcomed

into the temple. Their nationality, social standing or past history was not to

be considered. The doors of the temple were open to all who would come.

The Lord is calling for the church of our day to open their doors as well. All

too many churches are not willing to open their doors to the stranger.

Remember that in the days of Solomon, the Gentile was considered to be

unclean, but Solomon prayed that God would open the hearts of His people

so that they would welcome them as fellow worshippers.

In verses 34-35 Solomon asked God to make the temple a place of victory.

He prayed that when God's people went to war and prayed in this temple,

God would "uphold their cause" (verse 35). In other words, that God would

give them the victory they needed. The church of our day is to be a place of

victory. It is to be a place where the power of God is being revealed to the

world. Satan should fear the church. There have been times when the

church has not walked in this victory. Solomon prayed that God would

uphold the cause of His people and give them the victory they needed. The

cause of God's people is nothing short of the glory of God. When the church

is victorious the Lord God is glorified.

Closely connected to the request of Solomon for victory is the request of

verses 36-39 for release from captivity. Solomon realized that the day was

coming when God's people would be taken captive by their enemies. They

would lose the territory God had given them. It is quite possible to lose the

victories God has given. Israel would be taken captive by the enemy

because they were not careful to follow the Lord and His ways. Solomon

prayed that if these captives recognized their sin and turned to the Lord in

prayer, that God would hear them and release them from their captivity.

God is quite happy to restore to us the land the enemy has taken. The

church of our day has lost much territory to the enemy. Maybe as you read

this chapter you realize that the enemy has taken much from you personally.

Maybe your walk with God is not where it should be. Maybe you have

fallen into a sin that you cannot seem to overcome. Maybe you are battling

with a relationship or a sinful attitude that is holding you captive. God is

willing to release you from that captivity and restore you to fellowship. The

church of our day ought to be a place where the captives are released and

restored to fellowship.

In verses 40-42 Solomon concludes his prayer by asking the Lord God to

open His eyes to the temple and His ears to his prayer concerning that

temple. He asked Him to come to the temple and to His place above the ark

(verse 41). He prayed that the priests would be clothed with salvation and

rejoice in His goodness.

Solomon concluded his prayer by asking God to remember His anointed

one (likely referring to himself as the king) and not to forget His promise to

David to have a man on the throne forever. In praying that God would not

forget him, Solomon is praying for enabling and wisdom to lead his people

in the way God required.

For Consideration:

Why was the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into the

temple such an important matter? What did the ark represent?

What would the temple have been like without the Ark of the

Covenant and the presence of God? What does this teach the

church today? Is the presence of God evident in your church?

While the priests who entered the Holy Place could not see

the ark they did see the poles that were used to carry the ark.

This was a reminder of the presence of the Lord. How has

God reminded you of His presence?

The glory of the Lord was revealed over the ark which

contained the commandments of God. What does this teach

us about the importance of obedience in the Christian life?

How has God proven His faithfulness to you personally?

What does 2 Chronicles 6:26-27 teach us about the

importance of instruction? What is the principle goal of

instruction according to these verses?

What is the fear of the Lord? Why is it important for every

believer?

Are the doors of your church open to the "foreigner" or

stranger? Who are these foreigners in your community?

For Prayer:

Thank the Lord that He delights to reveal His presence in our

lives and in the life of His church. Ask Him to make His

presence more real.

Thank the Lord for some specific reminders of His presence

in your life and ministry.

Ask God to help your church to be less dependent on human

effort and more on God's answering the prayers of His

people.

Ask God to expose hypocrisy and restore relationships in

your church.

Are there areas of your life were you are not experiencing the

victory of the Lord? Ask God to show you those areas and to

give you victory.

29 - GOD ANSWERS

SOLOMON'S PRAYER

2 Chronicles 7:1-22

he work on the temple was completed. Solomon was now

dedicating this temple to the honour of the Lord. He had just

prayed that the Lord God would come to the temple and bless it.

His prayer was a powerful prayer and there was an immediate answer. Verse

1 tells us that as soon as Solomon finished praying fire came from heaven

and consumed the burnt offering and sacrifices on the altar. The glory of

God filled the temple in answer to the request of Solomon. If the temple

was glorious in structure, what took place that day when the Lord God

descended was even more awesome. The temple was filled with gold, silver

and bronze. Carving and beautiful tapestries filled the rooms. While it was a

wonderful building to behold, the priests had no problems entering the

temple to serve the Lord. When the glory of the Lord fell that day, however,

the priests could not even enter the temple.

Verse 3 tells us that when the Israelites saw the fire of God descending and

the glory of God above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their

faces to the ground and worshipped God saying: "He is good; His love

endures forever." What is particularly striking in this passage is that the

Israelites worshipped God not for His holiness and glory but for His

goodness and love. They knew that the glory and holiness of God would

consume them but His love and goodness preserved them. They were

grateful to God that He was loving and good. This was their security and

comfort in the midst of such holiness and glory. Along with the awesome

presence of God came an equally overwhelming sense of His love and

goodness.

That day the king and all the people offered sacrifices to the Lord God.

Twenty-two thousand head of cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand

sheep and goats were sacrificed to the Lord. We can only imagine how

much time it would have taken to offer this quantity of sacrifices. These

sacrifices were all part of the dedication of the temple to the Lord.

On this occasion the priests and Levites took their musical instruments and

praised the Lord. As they did, they cried out, "His love endures forever"

(verse 6). The priests blew their trumpets, offering up praise and

thanksgiving to the Lord. Solomon consecrated the temple courtyard. The

bronze altar could not hold the quantity of burnt offerings being offered

(verse 7). From verse 9 we understand that this dedication service took

place over a seven day period.

During this time, the people of God observed the Festival of Tabernacles.

This commemorated the protection and provision of God during the time

Israel wandered in the wilderness. The festival took place for seven days

and on the eighth day a great assembly was held. God's people had now

been celebrating for fourteen days (seven days for the dedication of the

temple and seven days for the Feast of Tabernacles). After this great

assembly, on the eighth day of the festival, the people of God returned to

their homes with great joy and gladness of heart (verse 10). They were

overwhelmed with the goodness of God. Their celebrations had been a rich

blessing.

After Solomon completed the work of the temple, the Lord appeared to him

at night. The Lord told him that He had heard his prayer for the temple and

had chosen it as a place for Himself. God would accept the sacrifices

offered in the temple and reveal His presence there. What a blessing this

would have been for Solomon. The temple was nothing if the presence of

God did not come to it.

God also had a word for Solomon regarding His people. He told Solomon

that there would be times when He would shut up the heavens so that there

was no rain. There would also be times when He would command the

locusts to devour the land or send a plague among His people. This would

happen because of sin (verse 13). When it happened, however, if God's

people humbled themselves, prayed, sought His face and turned from their

wicked ways He would heal the land and forgive their sin (verse 14). God

would not abandon His people if they returned to Him. While they would

experience His discipline, and His blessing would be stripped from them,

He would always be willing to restore them if they repented. What a

wonderful blessing it is for us to know that even when we fall, God is

willing to restore us to fellowship.

Verse 14 is a very important verse that needs further consideration. It comes

in the context of sin and rebellion. God's people do not always serve Him as

they should. Sometimes we fall away and get distracted by sin and the

world. In these times, the blessing of God is stripped from us. The land

groans under this withdrawal of God's blessing. Our hearts become as dry

as the desert and God seems far removed.

While God's blessing is stripped from us, He does not abandon us. His heart

is still open to us if we will return to Him. Verse 14 tells us what we need to

do when we find ourselves in sin.

First, we are to humble ourselves. To humble ourselves means to recognize

our error. It is not always easy to realize that we have fallen short of God's

standard. It is humbling to come to the realization that we have not been

what we should be. It is humbling to recognize that we have hurt God and

grieved His heart. Before any reconciliation can be made between ourselves

and God we must first recognize that we have sinned against Him. We

cannot find a solution to a problem we refuse to admit we have. The first

step to being restored is to recognize that we need to be restored. This

requires that we see things as God sees them.

The second step to reconciliation with God is prayer. The prayer spoken of

here comes in the context of humbling oneself. This is prayer of confession

and repentance. It is a prayer for mercy and pardon. Humbling ourselves to

accept and see things as God sees them is not enough. You can know that

you are wrong and do nothing about it. Part of humbling oneself has to do

with approaching the one we have offended. This is the type of prayer that

God is referring to here. By prayer we approach the God we have offended,

seeking His pardon and forgiveness. By prayer we confess our sin and

failures and seek His grace and mercy. This prayer is a prayer for

reconciliation with God. It is the prayer of a humble heart to be restored to a

right relationship with God.

We need to recognize our sins and come to God with them seeking His

forgiveness. This requires that we personally speak to God about our sin.

He delights to forgive but we must come to Him for that forgiveness.

Maybe you have had the experience of offending a brother or sister in

Christ. Your relationship with them will always be strained if you avoid

speaking to them about the offense. Only when you have spoken to your

brother or sister and confessed your offense can the relationship be restored.

This is the same with God. All too many people assume that God will

forgive their sins automatically. Confession is a vital part of reconciliation.

God expects us to confess our sins. He expects us to admit our

wrongdoings. He expects us to come to Him and speak to Him directly

about our offenses. He is willing to forgive but we must be willing to

confess.

The third step in reconciliation, according to verse 14, is seeking God's

face. Sin has to do with turning our faces from God to the world and sin.

God tells us that the next step to reconciliation with Him has to do with

taking our eyes away from sin and getting them back on God. This requires

a change in attitude and heart. It means that we will have to make a

conscious and heartfelt decision to be finished with our sin. It requires that

we turn our faces and hearts from our evil ways and the sinful attractions of

this world. When a man marries a woman, he promises to resist all other

women and keep himself faithful to her alone. His eyes will be for her

alone. This is what God requires. He requires a heartfelt commitment on

our part to seek Him and His face alone. It means that we must make a

conscious decision to resist the world and its attractions. It means that we

must offer ourselves to God alone.

The final step to reconciliation with God has to do with turning from our

wicked ways. This is a natural outflow of our commitment to seek His face.

Those who set their hearts to seek God's face must now demonstrate that

commitment by deeds. This means that we will need to take practical steps

to break the power of evil in our lives. It means that we will have to throw

out our gods. It means that we will have to stop going to the places where

we are tempted to sin. It means that we will have to replace those sinful

activities with godly activities. The sincerity of our commitment is

measured in terms of practical actions. If we are serious about our

commitments this will be clear in how we act and speak.

We have the promise that when we humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face

and turn from our wicked ways, God will respond favourably toward us.

Verse 14 tells us that He will not only forgive us but also heal our land. It is

one thing to be forgiven but quite another to be healed. The land is healed

of its curse. The hurt is mended. We are restored to wholeness.

In verse 15 God promised Solomon that He would listen to the prayers

offered from the temple. He told him that His eyes and His heart would

always be there (verse 16). If Solomon walked with God as his father David

did and observed His laws and decrees, then God would establish his throne

so that there would always be a descendent of David’s family ruling over

Israel (verse 18). If Solomon turned from God, however, He would uproot

Israel from their land (verse 20). He would, also, reject the temple and

make it an object of ridicule among the nations (verse 20-21). Nations

would ask why the Lord had done such a thing to His people. The answer

would be given:

Because they have forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers,

who brought them out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods,

worshiping and serving them—that is why he brought all this

disaster on them (verse 22).

We see from this chapter that the Lord God is a glorious and awesome God,

filled with love and goodness. He is also a holy God whose presence

inspires awe. He delights to forgive and bless His people but He will not

hesitate to strip away blessing if His people turn from Him. He is a jealous

God who expects that we will seek Him alone. When we do, He delights to

shower His abundant blessing on us.

For Consideration:

God revealed His presence in the temple by fire. What does

this tell us about the character of God?

What was the temple apart from the presence of God? What

evidence is there in your church of the presence of God?

What are the four steps to reconciliation with God according

to verse 14?

What does this chapter teach us about the justice of God? To

what extent are God's blessings withheld from us because of

sin?

For Prayer:

Thank the Lord that He will always deal with sin and

rebellion. Thank Him for His justice.

Thank the Lord that He delights in revealing His presence in

us. Ask Him to make His presence more evident in your life

and in the life of your church.

Is there an area in your life that needs healing? Take a

moment to ask God to bring healing to that part of your life.

Ask God to show you any areas of your life where you are

not walking in obedience to Him and His purposes. Pray that

He would give you grace to walk in obedience.

30 - SOLOMON'S WEALTH

AND PROSPERITY

Read 2 Chronicles 8:1-9:31

hapters 8 and 9 of 2 Chronicles tell us about the incredible wealth

of Solomon and the blessing of God on him and the nation during

his reign. This was in fulfilment of the promise God made to his

father David.

Chapter 8 begins with the construction projects of Solomon. Verse 1 tells us

that the construction of the temple and Solomon's palace took twenty years.

This was a significant investment of time and effort. 2 Chronicles 9:30 tells

us that Solomon reigned for forty years in Israel. For half of that reign

Solomon was building the temple and his palace. During this time as well,

Solomon was involved in building up the nation through other construction

projects. We read in verse 2 that he built up the villages that Hiram king of

Tyre had given him and settled Israelites in them. He captured the city of

Hamath Zobah (verse 3) and built up the cities of Tadmor, the store cities of

Hamath (verse 4), Upper and Lower Beth Horon (verse 5), and Baalath as

well as other store cities of that region (verse 6). Solomon built whatever he

wanted throughout all his territory. Money was no obstacle to him.

Solomon used slaves from a variety of nations to work on his various

projects. Among his slaves were Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and

Jebusites (verses 7-8). While Solomon did not make slaves of the Israelites,

they did serve him as fighting men, commanders and captains of his

chariots and charioteers (verse 9). He had two hundred and fifty chief

officials in charge of supervising his men (verse 10).

It is interesting to note that Solomon married the Pharaoh of Egypt's

daughter. This was not in accordance with the Law of God which forbade

the intermarrying of Israelites with foreign wives. Solomon understood this

and decided to build a separate palace for his Egyptian wife. He did this

because he did not feel it was appropriate for her to live in the palace of

David because the places where the ark had entered were holy (verse 11).

Solomon did not want his Egyptian wife, who did not follow the ways of

the Lord, to be near the ark of God. While he was not living in obedience in

marrying this wife, he at least had enough fear of God to keep her from the

holy things.

Maybe as you read this you find yourself in the same situation as Solomon.

There are things in your life that you know do not honour the Lord God and

you feel the need to hide them. This is a challenge for us to deal quickly

with these matters. Solomon's foreign wives would eventually be his

downfall. He built a palace for this wife and separated her from the holy

things of his life. He wanted to honour his wife and his God at the same

time, but ultimately he could not do both. May God give us grace to deal

with those areas of our life that do not honour His name. May God keep us

from building them palaces like Solomon did. May He give us grace

instead, to get rid of all hindrances to His glory in our lives.

Solomon provided for the sacrifices that were made to the Lord on a daily

basis as well as for the special feasts and festivals each year (verses 12-13).

He appointed divisions of priests to lead in worship and to assist the priests

in their daily responsibilities. These priests faithfully carried out their duties

as the king commanded (verse 14-15).

Solomon sent his men to Ezion Geber and Elath on the coast of Edom. King

Hiram sent Solomon ships and skilled officers who knew the sea to

command those ships. Along with Solomon's men, they sailed to Ophir and

brought back four hundred and fifty talents (17 tons or 16 metric tons) of

gold which they delivered to Solomon. Again this was an indication of the

blessing of God on Solomon and Israel at that time.

The news of the blessing of God on Solomon and his people spread from

nation to nation. All the surrounding nations understood that God was with

Israel. News of Solomon's wisdom also spread. In 2 Chronicles 9:1 the

Queen of Sheba came to Jerusalem to see for herself if what she had been

hearing about the nation was true. She came to test Solomon with hard

questions to see if he was as wise as reports indicated.

When the Queen of Sheba arrived, she brought with her a great caravan

with camels carrying spices, gold and precious stones (9:1). When she met

Solomon she talked with him about all that was on her mind. Solomon

answered all of her questions. Verse 2 tells us that nothing she asked him

was too hard for him to answer.

When the Queen of Sheba saw Solomon's palace, the food he ate, how his

servants were dressed and the quantity of burnt offerings he made, she was

overwhelmed (verses 3-4). She had never seen such luxury and wealth. In

verses 5-6 she told Solomon:

The report I heard in my own country about your achievements

and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe what they said

until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half

the greatness of your wisdom was told me; you have far

exceeded the report I heard.

As the Queen of Sheba looked around her at the blessing of God in Israel,

she was moved to praise and thank the Lord God of Israel. She saw that the

Lord God delighted in His people. She did not attribute this wealth and

blessing to Solomon but to his God. In verse 8 she told Solomon that it was

because the Lord God loved Israel that He had made him king over them to

lead them into such blessing and prosperity.

The Queen of Sheba gave Solomon 120 talents of gold (4 1/2 tons or 4

metric tons). We can only imagine the number of camels it would have

taken to carry this amount of gold to Solomon. She also gave him large

quantities of spices. In return, Solomon gave the Queen of Sheba all she

wanted. Solomon gave her more than she had given him (verse 12).

The Queen of Sheba was moved deeply by the relationship Solomon had

with his God. She saw clear evidence of His blessing in the lives of His

people. We are left to wonder what unbelievers see in our relationship with

God. Do they see clear evidence of His hand on us? Does our relationship

with God leave them in awe?

2 Chronicles 9:10 tells us that not only did Solomon bring back gold from

Ophir but he also brought back algumwood and precious stones. Solomon

used this algumwood to make the steps for the temple and the royal palace.

It was also used to make harps and lyres for the musicians (verse 11).

Each year Solomon received 666 talents of gold (25 tons or 23 metric tons).

This did not include what was received from merchants and traders. The

kings of Arabia brought gold and silver to Solomon on a regular basis

(verse 14)

From the gold he received, Solomon constructed two hundred large shields.

Verse 15 tells us that six hundred bekas of gold were used for each shield (7

1/2 pounds or 3.5 kilograms). He also made three hundred small shields

with three hundred bekas of gold in each shield (3 3/4 pounds or 1.7

kilograms). The shields were stored in his palace in the Forest of Lebanon.

Solomon's throne was inlaid with ivory and overlaid with pure gold (verse

17). A foot stool was attached to it. It had six steps leading to the throne. A

carved lion stood beside each armrest of the seat. Twelve more carved lions

stood on the six steps that led to the seat (two on each step). Nothing like

this throne had ever been made.

Solomon's goblets for drinking were made of gold as were all the household

articles in his palace (verse 20). Nothing was made from silver because it

was considered to be of little value in Solomon's day.

Solomon also had a fleet of trading ships manned by sailors from Tyre.

Every three years it returned carrying gold, silver, ivory, apes and baboons

(verse 21).

There was no one on earth richer than Solomon (verse 22). He was so well

respected for his wisdom that the kings of the earth wanted to speak to him

just to hear the wisdom God had put on his heart (verse 23). Year after year

people would come to Israel and bring gifts of silver, gold, robes, weapons,

spices, horses and mules. God gave Solomon tremendous favour with the

surrounding nations. He ruled peacefully over the kings from the Euphrates

River to the land of the Philistines and as far away as Egypt (verse 26).

During his reign, silver was as common as stones and cedar was as plentiful

as the common sycamore-fig trees of the foothills (verse 27). He also

imported great quantities of horses from Egypt (verse 28).

King Solomon reigned for forty years. The events of his reign were

recorded in the records of Nathan the prophet, in the prophecy of Ahijah the

Shilonite and the visions of Iddo the seer (verse 29). We also have this

Biblical record of his reign.

The day came, however, when Solomon died. He was buried with his

fathers and his son Rehoboam became king in his place. All his wealth

could not extend his life. He would have to face his Creator like everyone

else in his kingdom. His life, however, was a testimony to the goodness of

God and His rich blessing.

For Consideration:

What evidence is there of the blessing of God in your life?

Are all God’s blessings financial? What other blessings does

God give?

Why did Solomon not want his wife to live in his palace? Are

there things in your life you feel you need to hide? What are

they?

Solomon's life was a powerful testimony of the grace and

goodness of God. To what extent is your life a similar

testimony to God's goodness?

What does this chapter teach us about the desire of God to

bless His people? Why are we not experiencing the fullness

of God’s blessing?

For Prayer:

Take a moment to thank the Lord for some specific blessings

in your life.

Ask God to search your heart to see if there are things that

you have tried to hide from Him. Ask Him to give you grace

to deal with these things.

Ask God to let your life be a shining testimony of His

blessings and goodness.

Thank the Lord that He delights to shower His blessings on

us as His children. Ask Him to show you anything that

hinders the fullness of His blessing in your life today.

31 - ISRAEL IS DIVIDED

Read 2 Chronicles 10:1-11:23

fter the death of Solomon, his son Rehoboam became king over

Israel. Rehoboam was not gifted in wisdom and discernment as

was his father. His reign would be very different.

In 2 Chronicles 10:1 we read that when Jeroboam heard that Rehoboam had

become king, he returned from Egypt to Jerusalem to speak with him. 1

Kings 11:26-40 tell us that Jeroboam had rebelled against Solomon. During

the time of his rebellion Ahijah the prophet approached him with a word

from the Lord. Ahijah told Jeroboam that God would take ten tribes from

David's family and give them to him to rule as king. It may have been as a

result of this prophetic word that Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam.

Jeroboam escaped to Egypt to save his life. Now that Solomon was dead, he

returned to see what the Lord had in store for him in Jerusalem.

When Jeroboam returned from Egypt, he called for a meeting with

Rehoboam (verse 3). Jeroboam reminded Rehoboam how his father

Solomon had imposed a heavy burden on his people, forcing them to serve

in his many projects (verse 4). Jeroboam requested that Rehoboam lighten

this load to make their lives easier.

Rehoboam decided to consult the elders of the land who had served his

father before giving his response to Jeroboam. When he asked for their

advice, they responded by telling Rehoboam that if he was kind to his

people, they would always be his servants (verse 7). They suggested that he

lighten the load his father Solomon had put on the people.

Rehoboam listened to the advice of his father's elders but was not happy

with it. He decided to seek the advice of his friends who had grown up with

him (verse 8). The advice of his friends was very different. They advised

him to make the people's burden even greater than his father had done.

They advised him to tell the people, "My little finger is thicker than my

father’s waist." In other words, their burden would be even greater under

Rehoboam. The idea of Rehoboam's friends was that he was to take control

of the people lest they rebel against him.

The advice of his friends pleased Rehoboam so three days later he gave his

answer to Jeroboam and the people. He told them that he would make their

load heavier than his father. His father had scourged them with whips but he

would scourge them with scorpions (verse 14). Rehoboam did not know

that when he gave that answer to his people this would be the very thing

God would use to fulfil His prophecy to give Jeroboam ten tribes of Israel

(verse 15).

The response of Israel to Rehoboam that day was not what he expected. The

people rebelled against him saying, "What share do we have in David, what

part in Jesse's son?" (verse 16). In other words, they wanted nothing to do

with his reign over them. They refused to acknowledge him as king. Only

the tribe of Judah remained faithful to Rehoboam and acknowledged him as

king (verse 17). The remainder of the tribes would side with Jeroboam and

make him king. The nation would be divided.

Rehoboam sent out his officer in charge of forced labour to try to settle this

dispute but the Israelites stoned him to death. Rehoboam, who was

obviously with him at the time, managed to get into his chariot and escaped

to the safety of Jerusalem (verse 18).

When Rehoboam returned to Jerusalem after this incident, he called for his

army comprised of men from Judah and Benjamin, a hundred and eighty

thousand in total. It was his intention to make war with the rest of the tribes

of Israel to force them into submission to his reign (11:1). While he was

making these plans, however, Shemaiah the man of God came to him with a

word from the Lord. Shemaiah told Rehoboam that it was not God's will

that he fight his brothers (verse 4). Rehoboam listened to the word of the

Lord and returned home.

It now fell on Rehoboam to build up the defences of the towns of Judah.

Their enemies were their own brothers and sisters. Rehoboam possibly

feared an attack. Verses 6-10 give us a list of some of the towns that

Rehoboam built up. In building up these towns he strengthened their

defences, put military commanders in them, provided them with supplies of

food, oil and wine, and armed them with shields and spears (verses 11-12).

This shows us his fear of an attack. The peaceful land his father Solomon

had ruled was no longer. Rehoboam ruled over a fearful and weakened

nation.

In 2 Chronicles 11:13 we read that the priests and Levites from the various

regions of Israel sided with Rehoboam. Some of them abandoned their

pasturelands and properties in order to move to Judah to be with Rehoboam

(verse 14). This was a significant sacrifice for many of these Levites. Verse

14 explains why these Levites were so willing to make this sacrifice.

Jeroboam had rejected the priests of the Lord and appointed his own priests.

He abandoned the worship of the Lord God and chose to worship two calf

idols he had made and set up in the land. Jeroboam no longer had any need

for the Levitical priests, for he had abandoned the Lord God.

Jeroboam's decision to abandon the Lord God was not accepted by

everyone. People from various tribes whose hearts were set on following

the Lord God and worshiping Him followed the Levites back to Judah

(verse 16). This served to strengthen the kingdom of Judah. What is

important for us to note is that Rehoboam had made an unwise decision. He

had determined to follow the advice of his friends rather than the wise

counsel of his father's elders. He paid the price for that decision. God had

not abandoned him however. This incident served to purify Judah. Those

whose hearts were not set on the Lord God left and only those who were

serious about the Lord God and His honour remained or joined him. God

can use even our failures and weaknesses to accomplish His greater

purposes. In this we should be thankful.

God's further blessing was evident on Rehoboam's life in that He blessed

him with many children. Verse 21 tells us that Rehoboam had twenty-eight

sons and sixty daughters. He also had eighteen wives and sixty concubines.

Of all these sons, Rehoboam appointed his son Abijah, the son of his wife

Maacah, to be chief prince who would inherit the throne at his death (verse

22). Overall, Rehoboam proved to be a good king in Judah. Verse 23 tells us

that he acted wisely. It is quite likely that his first unwise decision taught

him a powerful lesson. Here again is evidence that God can use the

circumstances we face in life for our good. While he made a very unwise

decision at the beginning of his reign, Rehoboam proved to be a wise king

in the end. If we are willing to learn from our mistakes, God can use them

to equip us for greater service. This appears to be what happened in the life

of Rehoboam.

Rehoboam dispersed some of his sons as rulers throughout the various

districts of Judah. He provided them with provisions and wives (verse 23).

God was not finished with Judah. His blessing on Rehoboam's life was

quite clear. God was willing to forgive Rehoboam and used his unwise

decision to accomplish greater good for the nation of Judah.

For Consideration:

What does this section teach us about the importance of

kindness? What can be accomplished through kindness that

cannot be accomplished through harshness?

How does God use the unwise decision of Rehoboam to fulfil

the prophecy he made to Jeroboam?

How does God use what appears to be tragedy to accomplish

His greater purposes for the nation of Judah? What tragedies

have you faced? How has God used them for good in your

life?

What does this passage teach us about listening to the counsel

of those who have more experience in life?

The priests and those who wanted to be faithful to God in this

section had to leave their lands and properties to return to

Judah. Would you be willing to leave everything to be

faithful to the Lord God?

Rehoboam's reign is characterized as being a wise reign. It

did not start out this way but God taught him through his

mistakes. Have you learned from your mistakes in life? What

lessons has God taught you in the last while?

For Prayer:

Ask God to help you to demonstrate greater kindness in your

dealings with people around you.

Thank the Lord that He can use our weaknesses and failures

to accomplish His greater good in our lives.

Ask the Lord to give you courage to be willing to leave

everything to be faithful to Him. Thank Him for the example

of the priests in this section.

Ask God to give you greater humility so that you are able to

learn from your mistakes like Rehoboam.

32 - REHOBOAM'S REIGN

IN JERUSALEM

Read 2 Chronicles 12:1-16

n chapters 10-11 we saw how Rehoboam's foolish decision to ignore

the counsel of the elders led to the division of the nations of Israel and

Judah. While Rehoboam saw the consequences of his bad decision he

did not completely learn his lesson. Here in chapter 12 we see that

Rehoboam's heart was not like the heart of David and Solomon. His was a

wandering heart that was prone to turn from his God.

In verse 1 we see how that when Rehoboam was established as king and

became strong he abandoned the law of the Lord. This leads us to believe

that it was his strength and power that made him turn his back on the Lord

God. What we need to understand is that this strength and power were

blessings from the Lord. God had been blessing Rehoboam by giving him

favour. It was this very favour that ultimately caused him to turn his back

on God. He began to love the favour of God more than he loved God. His

heart enjoyed the riches and the power. Slowly his eyes turned from God to

His blessings. This transfer of allegiance is very subtle but a temptation for

all of us. God may bless us with spiritual gifts and fruitful ministry. Soon

we begin to enjoy the fruit and glory in our gifts. Before we know it, we

have forgotten God and raised up our ministries to take His place. We no

longer live for God but for our ministry. We no longer seek to glorify God

but ourselves though the gifts He has given. Prosperity is a wonderful

blessing from the Lord. We need to be careful, however, lest it take the

place of God in our lives.

While speaking in Cuba some years ago, I had the opportunity to sit down

with a Cuban pastor. He said, Wayne, people come from North America and

say: "We see how much you struggle and are amazed at the fact that you

still love the Lord." As I listened to this pastor, he went on to say: "I don't

see it like this. In fact, I look at North Americans who come to my country

and I say, "I see how much you have and I am amazed that you still love the

Lord."' Here was a pastor who understood the pull of materialism and its

powerful influence to draw us away from God.

Rehoboam forgot God in the midst of his blessings. The more he was

blessed the more he loved the blessings and forgot God.

God has a way of showing us our sin. Here in verse 2 He brought an enemy

against Rehoboam that threatened to strip him of all his blessings. In the

fifth year of Rehoboam, Shishak, king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem. He

came with twelve hundred chariots and sixty thousand horsemen.

Accompanying him was an innumerable force of Libyan, Sukkite and

Cushite soldiers (verse 3). This was a force Rehoboam could not overcome.

Shishak captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem

with his army. It was clear to Rehoboam that he was in danger of losing

everything he had. In an instant, all his power and possessions could be

stripped from him. It was no coincidence that God allowed this great army

to come up against Rehoboam. It was not because God did not love

Rehoboam that He allowed Shishak to attack; it was because He loved him

too much to lose him to his fascination with power and possessions.

The leaders of the nation realized the seriousness of the situation. They

gathered in Jerusalem. They were terrified of Shishak and knew what he

could do to them. God called a prophet by the name of Shemaiah to go to

Jerusalem to speak to these leaders. Shemaiah reminded the leaders of how

they had abandoned the Lord God. He told them that because they had

abandoned the Lord, He would now abandon them to Shishak (verse 5).

When the leaders heard what the prophet Shemaiah said, they humbled

themselves before the Lord (verse 6). Notice in particular in verse 6 that

they said: "The LORD is just." They realized that God was fair in His

dealings with them. They were receiving a just punishment for their sin of

rebellion against God.

Obviously, the repentance of the leaders was sincere. God heard their cry

and saw how they had humbled themselves. When the Lord saw their

repentance, He sent Shemaiah back to them with another word (verse 7).

God told the leaders that because they had humbled themselves, He would

spare their lives and deliver them from their enemy. The city of Jerusalem

would also be spared.

Notice that while God would spare them from the wrath of Shishak, He

would require that they be subject to him so that they would understand the

difference between serving God and serving the kings of other lands (verse

8). God was willing to forgive but these leaders had sinned against Him and

needed to learn a lesson. Their sin of rebellion against God and His law was

going to be punished.

We need to realize that our sins have consequences. Forgiveness does not

mean that we will never have to face the consequences of our sinful ways.

Because of their rebellion against God, Rehoboam and his leaders would

have to live in subjection to Shishak. While things would change for them,

they could still walk in the forgiveness of God. This principle is both an

encouragement and warning to us.

Our sins have consequences. Sometimes we will have to live with those

consequences. Foolish decisions can follow us for the rest of our lives and

radically change the course of our lives. A young girl that gets pregnant

outside of marriage finds her life radically changed. Things will never be

the same for her. A drunk driver who hits and kills a child will always have

to live with the consequences of his foolish decision. While these lives will

be forever changed, they can still walk in the awareness of the forgiveness

of their God. Forgiveness will not erase the effects of sin. By forgiving us,

however, God removes the penalty of our guilt. We can walk in the

assurance that we are in a right relationship with Him.

In verse 9 we see that Shishak attacked Jerusalem and carried off the

treasures of the temple of the LORD and the royal palace. We are told that

he took everything, including the gold shields Solomon had made.

Rehoboam replaced the gold shields with bronze shields (verse 10).

Whenever King Rehoboam went to the temple, guards would go with him

bearing these bronze shields. When he left, they would return them to the

guardroom. The bronze shields were not as glorious as the gold shields.

They were a constant reminder to the people of their diminished glory

because of sin. This was part of the consequences of their rebellion against

God.

While Rehoboam had to live with the consequences of his rebellion against

the Lord God, he also knew God's gracious hand on his life. Verse 12 tells

us that because Rehoboam humbled himself, God turned His anger from

him so that he was not totally destroyed.

Beyond this however, King Rehoboam was able to establish himself firmly

in Jerusalem and continued to be king. He served for seventeen years in

Jerusalem. Verse 14 characterized Rehoboam as an evil king who did not

completely set his heart of seeking the Lord his God. The events of his

reign were recorded from beginning to end in the records of Shemaiah the

prophet and Iddo the seer (verse 15). During the reign of Rehoboam there

was constant warfare with King Jeroboam of Israel. At his death, his son

Abijah became king in his place (verse 16).

Rehoboam's story is a story of a king who did not follow completely the

ways of his fathers, David and Solomon. While he made some wise

decisions and seemed to allow God to humble him, he also suffered the

consequences of his sin. Constant warfare and the loss of God's full blessing

were evident consequences of his sinfulness. His life is a reminder to us that

while forgiveness is possible we do have to bear the consequences of our

actions in our lives.

For Consideration:

What was the consequence of Rehoboam's decision to ignore

the counsel of the elders of the land?

How did his prosperity and blessing affect Rehoboam's

relationship with God?

Have your blessings ever come between you and your God?

Explain.

Has God ever had to strip you of your blessings? How did

this help you to refocus your spiritual life? What did this

stripping away of your blessings teach you?

What is the difference between forgiveness and suffering the

consequences for our sin? Can we be forgiven and still suffer

the consequences of our sinful ways?

For Prayer:

Thank the Lord that He is willing to forgive you when you

come to Him in repentance.

Ask God to protect you from the snare of wealth and

prosperity. Ask Him to help you to keep your heart focused

on Him.

Take a moment to thank the Lord for a time when He stripped

you of blessing. Thank Him for the lessons He taught you at

that time.

What are the consequences of sin in your life? Do you know

God's forgiveness in these areas of your life? Ask God to help

you to know complete forgiveness.

Ask the Lord to help you to live in the fullness of His

blessing. Ask Him to give you a holy discontent with sin.

33 - ABIJAH, KING OF

JUDAH

Read 2 Chronicles 13:1-22

fter the death of Rehoboam, his son Abijah became king in

Judah. Jeroboam, king of Israel, was in his eighteenth year when

Abijah became king in Judah (verse 1). Abijah would reign for

three years in Judah (verse 2). During the reign of Abijah, Israel and Judah

were at war with each other. We have, in this chapter, an example of one of

the battles that took place between Israel and Judah during the reign of

Abijah.

From verse 3 we learn that Abijah went into battle against King Jeroboam

of Israel. Abijah had a force of four hundred thousand fighting men. While

this was a considerable amount of fighting men, the forces of Jeroboam

were twice as large. He drew up a battle line against Abijah with eight

hundred thousand men. Abijah was seriously outnumbered. To all

appearances, he had no chance against the much superior force of

Jeroboam.

While Abijah was seriously outnumbered, he did not lose courage. He was

not counting on his fighting men to give him the victory. Notice in verse 4

that he stood on Mount Zemaraim in the hill country of Ephraim and called

out to Jeroboam. In verses 5-12 Abijah spoke boldly to Jeroboam. Let’s

examine briefly what King Abijah of Judah had to say to King Jeroboam

that day.

In verse 5 Abijah reminded Jeroboam that the Lord God had chosen to give

the kingship of His people to David and his descendants forever by a

covenant of salt. According to Leviticus 2:13 offerings made to the Lord

God were seasoned with salt. While the significance of salt is somewhat

obscure, we do understand that salt preserves and purifies. This may be its

significance here. In Leviticus 18:19 we read how a "covenant of salt" was

an everlasting covenant. Just as salt preserves food for an indefinite period

of time, so a covenant of salt was an eternal covenant that would last

forever. This is what Abijah seems to be telling Jeroboam. He was telling

him that when God chose David to be the king over His people, it was by

means of an eternal covenant seasoned with salt. God had not changed His

mind. He had a purpose for His people under the leadership of a descendant

of David. As a descendant of David, Abijah believed God had chosen him

to be king over His people.

On the other hand, Jeroboam had been an official of Solomon who rebelled

against his master (verse 6). He and his team of worthless scoundrels

opposed Rehoboam the son of Solomon when he was young and

inexperienced. They succeeded in dividing the nation (verse 7). In contrast

to Abijah's glorious heritage, Jeroboam was a rebel who turned against

God's purposes for the family of David.

Abijah went on in verse 8 to remind Jeroboam that not only did he rebel

against the leadership God had established over His people but he also

rebelled against God. Abijah recognized that the army of Jeroboam was

vastly superior to his own (verse 8) but he reminded Jeroboam that the size

of the army was not what was important.

Jeroboam had made other gods for the people of Israel. He had set up

golden calves for them to worship. He drove out the priests of God from the

land and established his own priesthood. In doing this, he turned his back

on the Lord God of Israel and the faith He had given them.

Abijah reminded Jeroboam that the nation of Judah had not forsaken the

priesthood God had established nor had they abandoned the laws of their

God. Every morning the descendants of Aaron and the Levites presented

their offerings and incense to the Lord God. They ceremonially set out

bread on the table and lit the lamps as was commanded by the Law of

Moses (verse 11). The nation of Judah had not abandoned the faith passed

down to them. They observed all that God required.

Abijah had every reason to expect that because they had been faithful to the

Lord God, He would be with them in battle. In verse 12 he even pleaded

with the men of Israel not to fight against the Lord by siding with

Jeroboam. He told them that there could be no success for them if they

followed the ways of Jeroboam who was leading them from the paths God

had set out for them.

It is important for us to take a moment to consider the message of Abijah.

He was outnumbered by the forces of Jeroboam but his confidence was not

in the number of men in his army. From what we can understand, his

confidence was in the Lord his God whom he had faithfully served.

Obedience to the Lord God is vital if we want to know victory in our

spiritual lives. It is hard for us to have confidence in the Lord God when we

are not walking in obedience.

In this context it may be important for us to understand that there are two

levels of obedience to God. The first level is obedience in our actions. The

problem with this level of obedience is that we can do the right things but

still not be right with God. Speaking to the people of his day, Isaiah the

prophet said in Isaiah 29:13:

The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth

and honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men."

True obedience must come from the heart. This is the second level of

obedience. We can go through the motions but if our hearts are not in tune

with God and in love with Him, we have not truly obeyed. God delights to

bless those who love His ways and obey Him from the heart. Abijah seems

to understand something of this principle. It is something we would do well

to learn afresh in our day.

The way of Jeroboam was the way of the flesh. In order to have greater

victory, he amassed more troops. He trusted in human strength to give him

victory. Abijah's way was the way of faith. His focus was on the Lord God

and living in obedience to Him. How easy it is to focus on programs and

large churches. How easy it is for us to look to experience and education.

The greatest qualification of a servant of God is one of loving obedience.

God can do more though a simple believer who walks in loving obedience

than through hundreds of educated servants who depend only on their

experience and education.

While Abijah was speaking, Jeroboam sent troops secretly around the rear

of Abijah's army (verse 13). Unknown to Abijah and his forces, they were

being surrounded by a much superior army. By the time Judah discovered

what had happened, they were being attacked from the front and the back.

This placed them in a serious situation. They were surrounded by an armed

force that was twice their size.

In verse 14 Judah called out to the Lord. The priests blew the trumpets,

calling Judah's men to war. Verse 15 tells us that at the sound of the battle

cry God routed Jeroboam and gave Abijah victory. Jeroboam and the

superior Israelite army fled before Judah (verse 16). Abijah inflicted heavy

losses on Israel. According to verse 17, there were five hundred thousand

casualties among Israel's men that day. Verse 18 makes it quite clear why

Judah defeated the superior Israelite army:

The men of Israel were subdued on that occasion, and the men

of Judah were victorious because they relied on the LORD, the

God of their fathers.

Abijah's strength was not in his forces but in his reliance on God.

Abijah pursued Jeroboam and took the towns of Bethel, Jeshanah and

Ephron from him (verse 19). Jeroboam would not regain his power during

the reign of Abijah. God would eventually strike Jeroboam down so that he

died. He was humbled by the God of Abijah.

As for Abijah, he continued to grow in strength. He married fourteen wives

and had twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters (verse 21). This was

evidence of the favour of the Lord on his reign. The events of his reign

were recorded in the annotations of the prophet Iddo.

Abijah's life is an example of victory through confidence in God and

obedience to His Word. We would do well to learn this lesson.

For Consideration:

Have you ever looked at the size of the problems you faced

and felt overwhelmed? Why is size not important?

What is a covenant of salt? What encouragement do you

receive from the fact that God's covenant promises are

eternal? What are some of those promises?

What role does obedience have in victory?

What good things can become our confidence? How can

these things take the place of God as our confidence?

What is the difference between obedience in action and

obedience from the heart?

For Prayer:

Thank the Lord that He is bigger than any problem the enemy

can bring against us.

Ask the Lord to help you to put your confidence in Him alone

for victory.

Ask the Lord to show you anything that you might be putting

your trust in apart from Him.

Thank the Lord that His promises to us are forever. Take a

moment to consider how the Lord brought you victory over

an enemy that was bigger than you. Thank Him for that

victory.

Ask the Lord to show you anywhere in your life that you may

not be living in absolute obedience. Ask Him to give you

strength to turn from sin to walk in victory.

34 - KING ASA OF JUDAH

Read 2 Chronicles 14:1-15:19

fter the death of Abijah, his son Asa became king in his place in

Judah. 2 Chronicles 14:1 tells us that there was peace during the

reign of Asa for a period of ten years. This peace was, in part,

due to the fact that Asa served the Lord and walked in obedience to His law.

2 Chronicles 14:2-6 describes some of the reforms Asa brought to the land.

Verse 3 tells us that he removed the foreign altars and the high places used

for pagan worship. He also smashed the sacred stones and the Asherah

poles dedicated to foreign gods. He commanded Judah to seek the Lord

God of their fathers and to obey His laws (verse 4). In every town where

there were high places and incense altars used for the worship of false gods,

Asa had them removed (verse 5). His heart was that the nation seek the God

of his fathers.

The Lord honoured his heart by blessing him with peace in his land (verse

6). No nation was at war with Judah during those years. This was a rich

blessing from the Lord and the direct result of Asa turning the nation to

God and His ways.

God also blessed Judah with prosperity. In 2 Chronicles 14:7 Asa built up

towns and put walls around them for defence. Again this was the direct

result of the nation turning to God and walking in His ways. Victory for the

nation of Judah was not found in their army or in their prosperity but in

obedience to the Lord God.

This is not to say that Asa did not have an army or any trouble during those

days. 2 Chronicles 14:8 tells us that Asa had an army of three hundred

thousand men from Judah and two hundred and eighty thousand from

Benjamin.

On one occasion Zerah the Cushite marched against Asa with his army and

three hundred chariots. Asa met him in the Valley of Zephathah (verse 10).

Notice in verse 11 that Asa called out to the Lord God. His dependence was

not on his army. He knew that victory was in the Lord God. Asa pleaded

with the Lord God to come to his aid. He told God that his reliance was in

Him alone. He asked God not to let this vast army of Cushite’s prevail

against him (verse 11).

God answered Asa's prayer and struck down the Cushites. They fled before

Judah (verse 12). Verse 13 tells us that such a great number of Cushites fell

that day that they could not recover. Judah carried off a large amount of

plunder. Verse 14 tells us that the Cushites feared the Lord God of Judah.

Notice that the nations were not afraid of Asa as much as they were afraid

of the Lord. It was very clear that Asa's strength did not come from his

army but from his God.

It is important that we take a moment to reflect on what is happening here.

Asa fought against the Cushites. To the outward appearance this looked like

any other battle. What is not seen, however, was what is happening on a

spiritual level. Unlike other military commanders, Asa is not putting his

trust in his men. He is looking to God. There is an important lesson for us

here. God has given us all spiritual gifts and talents. He expects us to use

those gifts and talents for His glory. There are many people, however, who

begin to put their confidence in those gifts and talents and not in the Lord. It

is easy to trust in our education, or experience of spiritual gifts. Asa's army

was a blessing from the Lord but he did not trust in his blessing. His

confidence was in the Lord God. You can have wonderful gifts from God

but fail in your ministry because you are not trusting God in the use of those

gifts. Ultimately the question we need to ask ourselves is this: "Where is my

confidence?" If you find yourself trusting your education, experience and

gifting, you need to repent. Even the most gifted people need to rely fully

on God. Gifts, experience and education alone will never bring the victory

we need. Only God can bring that victory. Asa realized that while his army

was a wonderful gift from God, it was not a substitute for God.

Asa's heart was clearly for the Lord God. His confidence was in Him alone.

God saw his heart and rejoiced in him. In 2 Chronicles 15:1 the Lord God

sent a prophet by the name of Azariah to Asa with a word.

Azariah told Asa that the Lord was with him when he was with the Lord. If

Asa sought God he would find Him. If he turned from God, then God

would forsake him. These were powerful words. In verse 3 the prophet

reminded Asa that in Israel's history the nation had gone for a period of

time without the true God and without a priest to teach the law. There was a

time when the prophets and priests of the land were not proclaiming the

truth of God. God's people no longer sought after God or followed His

ways. God's blessings were removed from the land. The hearts of His

people were empty and barren. The land was filled with ungodliness and

crime (see verses 5-6). Its inhabitants cried out in anguish under the weight

of sin and rebellion.

Verse 4 reminds us, however, that when they turned to the Lord and sought

Him again, God was more than willing to reveal Himself to His people

again. God will not force Himself on us. He wants us to seek Him and love

Him from our heart. He delights to be found but we must seek Him. God

challenged Asa to seek Him with all his heart. As long as he continued to

seek God, God would reveal Himself to him. The prophet told Asa to be

strong and never give up seeking God. If he did this, his work would be

rewarded (verse 7).

The prophecy of Azariah was a real blessing to Asa and stirred his heart to

seek after God in a deeper way. While Asa had already brought many

reforms to the land, this prophecy challenged him to seek God for even

greater reforms. He removed idols from the land of Judah and Benjamin as

well as from the towns he captured (verse 8). He also repaired the altar of

the Lord in the front porch of the Lord's temple.

In verse 9 Asa called for an assembly of God's people in Jerusalem. Large

numbers of people responded to this call. They assembled in Jerusalem in

the third month of the fifteenth year of Asa’s reign and sacrificed seven

hundred head of cattle and seven thousand sheep and goats (verses 10-11).

From verse 12 we understand that Asa called his people to enter "with all

their heart and soul" into a covenant with the Lord God of their fathers.

Those who refused to seek after the Lord God and chose to serve other gods

would to be put to death (verse 13). This revealed the seriousness of Asa's

reforms.

God's people took an oath that day to serve and honour the Lord. They did

this with loud shouting, trumpets and horns (verse 14). The nation swore an

oath of faithfulness to God with wholeheartedness. They sought God and

God revealed Himself to them (verse 15). Evidence of this was found in

how the Lord gave them rest from their enemies on all sides.

Asa's seriousness in seeking God was also seen in his willingness to remove

his grandmother from her position as queen mother because she had had

made an Asherah pole for the pagan gods. Asa cut down that pole, broke it

up and burned it in the Kidron Valley. While he did not remove all the

pagan high places from the land, Asa’s heart was committed to the Lord all

his life. As much as he had done, there was still more he could have done.

God, however, was pleased with him and his efforts.

In verse 18 Asa refurnished the temple. He restored the temple articles of

silver and gold that his father Abijah had dedicated to the Lord. Notice

again the reference to the fact that God gave Asa peace with his enemies on

all sides. There was no war in Judah until the thirty-fifth year of Asa's reign

(verse 19).

What we see here from these two chapters is how God extended and open

invitation to Asa and his nation to seek Him. He promised that He would

reveal Himself to those who sought Him with all their heart. It is of

particular interest to see that Asa, who had already brought many reforms in

chapter 14, is challenged by God to go even deeper in chapter 15. As he

does, the blessing of God is increased in the land. What a challenge this

brings us in our day as well. Maybe you have been seeking God, but He is

calling you to go deeper. Today He is extending His invitation to draw

deeper from His powerful resources. He is calling you to trust Him for even

more. The invitation is there for us all. If we seek Him and persevere in

seeking Him, He will reveal Himself to us.

For Consideration:

What evidence do we see in these two chapters of God's

blessing on the land of Judah?

Chapter 14 describes the reforms that Asa brought to the land

but God called him to deeper reforms in chapter 15. How is

God calling you to go deeper in Him today?

Asa's confidence was not in his army but in the Lord his God.

In what do we put our confidence today?

How much have you been seeking God today? What is the

connection between knowing God and seeking Him with all

your heart? What keeps you from seeking Him more?

For Prayer:

Ask God to help you to seek Him more.

Thank the Lord for His promise that He will let us find Him

if we seek Him with all our heart.

Ask God to show you anything that distracts you in your

pursuit of Him.

Ask God to help you to put your confidence in Him alone.

Ask Him to forgive you for putting your confidence in other

things.

Ask God to give you grace to see how you can seek Him for

even greater thing in your personal life and ministry.

Ask the Lord to forgive you for not being as passionate as

you should be in seeking Him and His purposes. Ask Him to

forgive you for being content with too little.

35 - ASA'S LATER YEARS

Read 2 Chronicles 16:1-14

n the last chapter, we saw how Asa was responsible for many reforms

in the land of Judah. For thirty some years he led the people of God

into peace and prosperity. He was faithful to the Lord and walked in

His ways. Those who start well, however, do not always finish well. There

are countless examples of men and women of faith who fell in their walk

with God. Asa is one of these people.

It was in the thirty-sixth year of Asa that Baasha, king of Israel, attacked

Judah. He fortified the city of Ramah and prevented anyone from leaving or

entering Judah (verse 1). This would have been a serious hardship for Asa

and the inhabitants of Judah.

In times past, Asa would have turned to the Lord for help and direction.

Verse 2 tells us, however, that instead of seeking the Lord, Asa turned to

Ben-Hadad, king of Aram who was ruling in Damascus at the time (verse

2). In order to buy his support, Asa took gold and silver from the temple

treasury. With this gold and silver Asa purchased the support of Ben-Hadad

and make a treaty with him. In order to make a treaty with Asa, verse 3 tells

us that Ben-Hadad needed to break his treaty with King Baasha of Israel.

Asa was hoping that this large sum of money would entice Ben-Hadad to

break his treaty with Baasha and force Israel to withdraw from his land.

What is obvious from this is that Asa is not putting his trust in the Lord

God. He is trusting that the greed of Ben-Hadad would be strong enough to

cause him to break his agreement with Baasha. We are left wondering what

it was that brought King Asa to this point of trusting wealth and greed

rather than in the Lord his God.

This trust in the sinfulness of the human heart is not new. From the very

beginning of time people have used the sinful nature of their fellow human

beings to their advantage. Even in our day business is done on this basis.

Greed, lust, power, glory are powerful tools in the hands of the enemy to

influence us to do his bidding. Who among us has not been tempted by our

sinful flesh to wander from the path set out for us in the Word of God? Asa

successfully manipulated Ben-Hadad by appealing to his greed.

From verse 4 we understand that Ben-Hadad agreed to accept Asa’s bribe

and sent his forces against Baasha and the towns of Israel. He conquered

several Israelite towns. When Baasha, king of Israel heard what had

happened, he abandoned the fortifying of Ramah and left the region. Asa

and his men carried off the stones and timber that Baasha had been using

and built up his own towns of Geba and Mizpah.

What we need to see is that Asa was successful in what he was attempting

to do in human strength and manipulation. Much can be accomplished

through manipulation and human strength. Asa was successful in avoiding

an attack by Baasha. It is quite possible to build up a ministry through

human wisdom and manipulation also. How many businesses have been

built up and become very successful through human strength and wisdom?

It is possible to accomplish our goals as Asa did. Success in human terms,

however, does not mean that we are walking in God's way. By trusting in

the sinful greed of Ben-Hadad, Asa was not honouring God. You can have a

successful business or ministry and be living in disobedience to God. Size

and success are not a measure of obedience.

Asa was finding a certain measure of success in walking away from God

and His purposes. How careful we need to be here. It is easy to fall into the

trap of numbers and statistics. We can easily believe that if our church or

our business is growing then we must be doing something right. The story

of Asa makes it quite clear that this is not always the case. True success for

the believer is found in obedience to God. This requires seeking Him and

His purpose for each situation we encounter. Asa failed to do this in his

encounter with Baasha.

It was not long before God sent a prophet to Asa to rebuke him for not

seeking Him in this matter. Hanani the prophet came to see King Asa and

told him that because he had relied on Aram and not on the Lord, the army

of the king of Aram had escaped from his hands. We are left wondering

what would have happened if Asa had trusted the Lord. Obviously, from

this, God was saying that He was willing not only to give Asa victory over

Baasha but also over Ben-Hadad of Aram! God's purposes were even

greater than anything Asa could have imagined. He was content to see

Baasha retreat and felt he had been victorious. God would have been

willing, however, to give him a much greater victory. God wanted to give

him total victory but Asa was content with avoiding a conflict.

Hannai the prophet reminded Asa of how God had given him victory over

the Cushites and Libyans even though they were greater in number than his

own army (verse 8). Asa knew this victory when he relied on the Lord and

trusted in His strength. Hannai told Asa that the eyes of the Lord search

throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to

Him. What an incredible promise this is for us today. Verse 9 tells us clearly

that the Lord is looking for those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

When He finds this type of people He is more than willing to strengthen

them. If we will trust God, He will strengthen us. He is looking for a man or

a woman He can strengthen. He wants to strengthen. He wants to empower.

All He requires is that we look to Him for that strength and trust in His

ways.

When Asa turned to human strength and manipulation, he forfeited the

strength of the Lord. God had a great purpose for him but Asa walked away

from that purpose by not putting his confidence in the Lord. God had

allowed this situation to come into Asa's life because He wanted to use it to

give him complete victory over Israel and Aram. Asa walked away from

that victory and contented himself with something smaller. What he did was

very foolish. From that point on, Asa and the nation of Judah would be at

war. Their years of peace had ended. Now there would be turmoil in the

land (verse 9).

Asa's response to Hannai the prophet is surprising. Instead of listening to

the words of the prophet and repenting of his sin, Asa responded in pride.

He became so enraged at the prophet that he had him cast into prison (verse

10). Not only did he have the prophet cast into prison but Asa also began to

oppress people in his nation. Notice that verse 10 tells us that this

oppression was "brutal." This tells us something about the condition of his

spiritual life. He was not only failing to listen to the Lord, he was now

fighting God and His purposes.

By the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a disease in his

feet. Verse 12 tells us that this disease was severe but Asa did not consult

the Lord God or seek help from Him for this illness. He would only seek

help from the doctors. We are left with the impression that something could

have been done about his illness had he come to the Lord, repented of his

pride and sought His healing. Asa refused to do this, however. His heart

was hardened to the things of God and he would not seek God for his

healing.

This passage is not telling us that we should not consult doctors for our

illness. What it is telling us is that we should trust in the Lord for our

healing. Doctors are often the instruments of God's healing but they are not

healers in themselves. We need to commit our illness to the Lord. How easy

it is for us to trust in science and medicine to heal us. God alone can heal

us. Science and medicine have no power in themselves. Without God,

science and medicine are powerless. Asa chose to trust his doctors but he

refused to recognize that his life and health ultimately lay in God's hands.

Asa died from his disease. Because he refused to seek the Lord, his disease

ultimately took his life (verse 13). He was buried in the City of David and

the people gave him a royal funeral but inside the grave clothes was a man

eaten by a serious illness that could likely have been healed had he sought

the Lord his God. Inside the grave clothes was a man who had turned his

back on the Lord God in the latter part of his life. He ended his life defeated

because he took his eyes from the Lord his God.

For Consideration:

Asa started his reign well but ended in rebellion against God.

Will you finish well?

Have you ever been guilty of trying to manipulate people into

doing what you want them to do? How does this demonstrate

a lack of trust in God?

Is it possible for us to make our places of worship or our

business grow in size through human wisdom and strength?

Is size and prosperity an indication of doing things God's

way? Explain.

How did Asa settle for something far less than the purpose of

God? Have you ever settled for something less than God's

purpose for your life?

This passage tells us that God is looking to strengthen people

who will trust in Him. Are you one of those people?

For Prayer:

Ask God to help you to finish your Christian life well. Ask

Him to show you how you can protect yourself from the trap

that Asa fell into.

Ask God to forgive you for the times you resorted to

manipulating people to get your own way. Ask Him to help

you to trust in Him alone.

Ask God to help you to live in obedience to Him in

everything. Thank Him that He has a wonderful purpose for

all who will place their confident trust in Him.

Ask God to give you strength to do what He has called you to

do. Thank Him that He delights to strengthen all who trust in

Him.

Ask God to show you if you are putting your trust in anything

but Him. Ask Him to forgive you.

36 - JEHOSHAPHAT'S

SECRET OF SUCCESS

Read 2 Chronicles 17:1-19

fter the death of Asa, his son Jehoshaphat became king in his

place. One of Jehoshaphat's first responsibilities was to

strengthen Judah against the threat of Israel (verse 1). Asa had

avoided a conflict with Israel by buying the support of Aram but he was not

successful in ridding Judah of this threat. In order to deal with this potential

threat, Jehoshaphat stationed troops in all Judah's fortified cities (verse 2).

Verse 3 tells us that in his early years Jehoshaphat walked with the Lord

like his father David had done. He rejected the worship of Baal, choosing

rather to follow the commands of the Lord God of his ancestors (verse 4).

The result of this obedience was that the Lord God established his kingdom

and made it strong. Jehoshaphat was honoured by his people who brought

him many gifts. Jehoshaphat became a wealthy man (verse 5).

Jehosphaphat's heart was devoted to the Lord God. He removed the high

places used in pagan worship from the land. He also removed the pagan

Asherah poles (verse 6).

In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat decided to send teachers into the

various towns of Judah to teach the ways of the Lord. Verses 7-8 give us the

names of 16 men involved in the teaching of the law throughout Judah.

Included among them were both priests and Levites. These men acted as

traveling teachers who took the Book of the Law with them as they

travelled from town to town teaching the people of God's requirements

(verse 9).

There seems to be a direct connection between this teaching of the Word of

God and the fear of the Lord that fell on the kingdoms surrounding Judah.

As the Word of God was taught and as God's people listened and obeyed,

something happened. There was an increasing awareness of the blessing

and power of God in the lives of His people. This blessing and empowering

was so obvious that even the surrounding nations began to fear Judah. They

did not dare attack her for fear of her God (verse 10). God's presence was

evident in the life of the nation. Even the Philistines, natural enemies of

God's people for many years, brought gifts of silver to Jehoshaphat. The

Arabs brought him flocks of rams and goats.

According to verse 12 Jehoshaphat became more powerful. He built forts

and store cities in Judah to store his increasing wealth. He had experienced

fighting men stationed in the city of Jerusalem to defend it. Verses 14-19

record the number of fighting men by families in Judah. Under Adnah were

300,000 fighting men (verse 14). Jehohanan commanded 280,000 soldiers

(verse 15). Amasiah volunteered to lead 200,000 warriors in verse 16. The

tribe of Benjamin also had many valiant soldiers loyal to Jehoshaphat.

Eliada commanded 200,000 men armed with bows and shields (verse 17). A

commander by the name of Jehozabad was in charge of 180,000 more

valiant soldiers. In all there were over 1.1 million soldiers available to fight

for Jehoshaphat.

Judah was well defended. God's rich blessing was on the nation because

Jehoshaphat sought the Lord and His ways. What is particularly striking is

that while Jehoshaphat did have a massive army, the nation's strength is not

attributed to this army. The powerful army was just one of many blessings

that came as a result of Jehoshaphat's obedience to the Lord. The nation's

strength was in her relationship with God. The teachers of the law were of

greater importance in the strengthening of the nation than the soldiers. As

these teachers moved from town to town teaching the Word of God, the fear

of the Lord came not only on those who heard the Word but also those who

saw the result in the lives of those who chose to obey it.

How important it is for us to see what God is doing here. God is blessing

the obedience of His people. As His people learn to walk in His way, things

happen in the nation. The doors of heaven open and the blessing of God

fills the nation. No nation dared to touch God's people for they saw clear

evidence of God's presence, power and blessing on their lives. This was not

the result of military might or skilful governing. It was the result of the

teaching of the Word of God and a determination on the part of the

leadership and people alike to live in obedience to God and His Word. We

are left to wonder what would be the result in our nations if we were to

have the same determination as Jehoshaphat and the people of his day.

For Consideration:

What connection does the author make between obedience to

the Lord God and the blessing of the nation?

What was the role of the teachers of the law in bringing

renewal to the nation of Judah? What is the role of preachers

and Bible teachers today in our nation?

While Jehoshaphat had a large army, his success was not

found in his army but in obedience to God and His law. How

easy is it for us to trust in our strengths more than in God?

For Prayer:

Ask the Lord to restore passion for the teaching of the Word

in our day. Thank Him that His Word is powerful to change

lives and nations.

Ask the Lord to help you to learn to live in greater obedience

to His Word. Ask Him to show you anything in your life that

is not in agreement to His Word.

Ask God to rise up gifted preachers and teachers for this

generation. Ask Him to open the hearts of His people to His

Word as He did in the days of Jehoshaphat.

37 - JEHOSHAPHAT'S

ALLIANCE WITH AHAB

Read 2 Chronicles 18:1-34

n the last meditation we saw how Jehoshaphat sought the Lord and

how the Lord richly blessed him and the nation of Judah. In chapter

18, however, we read how he made an alliance with the evil King

Ahab of Israel. It appears he did this by giving his son to be married to King

Ahab’s daughter (see 2 Kings 8:18).

There are a couple of things we need to note about Jehoshaphat's alliance

with Ahab through the marriage of his son to Ahab’s daughter. First, God

was not pleased with this alliance. In 2 Chronicles 19:1-2 God sent Jehu the

prophet to Jehoshaphat to speak to him about his decision. Listen to what

God said to Jehoshaphat:

When Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned safely to his palace

in Jerusalem, Jehu the seer, the son of Hanani, went out to meet

him and said to the king, "Should you help the wicked and love

those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the

LORD is upon you."

Notice what God is saying to Jehoshaphat. He is telling him that he helped

the wicked and loved those who hated the Lord. God was not pleased with

the fact that Jehoshaphat chose to ally himself with Ahab who did not love

Him or walk in His ways.

The second important detail we need to see is that Athaliah, who married

Jehoshaphat’s son Jehoram, in later years, would seek to destroy the royal

line of Judah (see 2 Chronicles 22:10). This gives us an understanding of

the type of person she really was. Her heart was not in tune with God. She

would prove to be a stumbling block for the nation of Judah and ultimately

its worst enemy. By encouraging this marriage, Jehoshaphat was putting a

stumbling block before the entire nation.

Jehoshaphat seemed to be blinded to the error of his ways. All he could see

was that there was peace between his nation and Israel. He did not look into

the future to see the consequences of his actions. Nor had he truly sought

the Lord about this union.

In verse 2 Jehoshaphat went to Israel to visit King Ahab. Ahab welcomed

him warmly and slaughtered many sheep and cattle for him. When they

met, Ahab suggested that they join forces and attack the city of Ramoth

Gilead which was in the hands of the Arameans (verse 3). Jehoshaphat was

more than happy to help Ahab fight this battle but first wanted to seek the

will of the Lord (verse 4).

It is interesting that, while Jehoshaphat was not completely living for the

Lord, he still wanted to know if the Lord would be with him in battle. At

this point in his life Jehoshaphat seems to be divided in his allegiance.

In response to Jehoshaphat's request, King Ahab brought together four

hundred prophets and asked them whether he should go to war against

Ramoth Gilead (verse 5). All the prophets were of one accord and told

Ahab that he was to go to war.

It should be understood here that these prophets were not prophets of the

Lord God. In those days, the nation of Israel had turned her back on the

Lord and His ways. In fact, 1 Kings 18:12-13 tells us that Ahab and his wife

Jezebel had been murdering the prophets of God in the land of Israel.

Jehoshaphat's comments in verse 6 make it clear that the prophets who

stood before them that day were prophets of the pagan religion of Israel at

the time:

"But Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there not a prophet of the LORD

here whom we can inquire of?"

Jehoshaphat heard the words of the four hundred prophets of Ahab but was

not comfortable with their response. He needed to hear from the Lord his

God.

Ahab did not have much use for the true prophets of God. He did know,

however, of one such prophet in his land. This prophet was a prophet by the

name of Micaiah. Ahab made it clear to Jehoshaphat that Micaiah never

prophesied anything good about him. Ahab didn't like him for this reason.

I find it interesting that Ahab judged the value of a prophet by how much

good he said about him. For Ahab, a good prophet was a prophet who spoke

good and encouraging things to him. He was willing to sacrifice the truth if,

in doing so, he could hear the prophet confirm him in his ways. There are

many people like this in our day. They really don't want to hear the truth of

the Word of God. Like Ahab they simply want to be confirmed in their own

ways. They want Bible teachers and preachers to justify their sin and evil

practices. They love preachers who tell them what they want to hear.

Despite what Ahab told him, Jehoshaphat still wanted to hear from the true

prophet of God. While Jehoshaphat was not walking completely with the

Lord, he was still willing to listen to what God had to say. Ahab ordered

that Michaiah be brought to them (verse 8).

As they waited for Michaiah to come, the kings, dressed in their royal robes

listened to the prophets. One of the prophets, a man by the name of

Zedekiah, made some iron horns and declared that Ahab would gore the

Arameans with them until they were destroyed (verse 10). When the other

prophets heard this they all prophesied the same thing and encouraged the

king to attack Ramoth Gilead. They assured him that he would be victorious

(verse 11).

When the messenger, who had gone to bring Micaiah to the kings, met the

prophet, he offered him some advice. He told him what the other prophets

had been predicting and recommended that he bring a prophecy to the king

that was the same (verse 12). He suggested that Micaiah speak favourably

to the king and tell him that he would be successful. This comment shows

that he really did not understand the nature of prophecy. The prophets of

that day were not seeking the heart of God but speaking words they

believed people wanted to hear.

Michaiah told the messenger that he would only speak what God told him

to say. The true prophet cares little about what people want to hear but

speaks God's heart.

It is interesting to note, however, that when Micaiah arrived and the king

asked him if he should go to war, he responded, "Attack and be victorious,

for they will be given into your hand" (verse 14). At first glance, Micaiah

seems to do what he said he would not do. He spoke just what the king

wanted him to speak and agreed with the prophets.

The context, however, makes it clear that Ahab knew that Micaiah was not

being truthful. In verse 15 he told Micaiah, "How many times must I make

you swear to tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?"

Obviously, Ahab had dealings with Micaiah in the past. He knew that

Micaiah was different from the other prophets. Michaiah also knew that the

king really did not want to hear the truth. He knew that Ahab was quite

content to hear the prophets confirm him and say only what he wanted them

to say. Ahab gave Micaiah permission to speak the truth.

When Michaiah was given permission to speak the truth, he told King Ahab

that he saw Israel being scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd

(verse 16). King Ahab was obviously the shepherd of his people. What

Micaiah was saying was that Israel would lose their king in this battle.

Ahab's life was at stake if he went to war with the Arameans. King Ahab

was not surprised to hear that Micaiah prophesied evil about him (verse 17).

Micaiah continued to speak the word of the Lord. He went on to describe a

scene in heaven with the Lord discussing with His heavenly hosts what He

should do about King Ahab. The Lord asked the angels what they thought

He should do to entice Ahab to attack Ramoth Gilead. It was His intention

that Ahab die in the battle (verse 19).

As the scene in heaven unfolded in Micaiah's mind, one angel suggested

one thing and another something else. Finally a spirit came forward and

said that he would entice him to go to battle. The Lord asked him how he

would do this and the spirit told the Lord that he would be a lying spirit in

the mouths of the prophets so that they would encourage him to fight (verse

21). The Lord gave the spirit permission to do what was on his mind.

According to Micaiah, the Lord had put a lying spirit in the mouths of all

Ahab's prophets so that he would be deceived and killed in battle (verse 22).

It is important that we say a few words about this prophecy of Micaiah.

First, it is important that we understand the nature of prophetic pictures in

Scripture. We should not assume that because Micaiah saw this picture that

this is exactly how things happened in heaven. God gave prophetic pictures

in Scripture to communicate a truth. These pictures were often symbolic in

nature. A quick look at the book of Revelation, for example, will show us

that John had many prophetic pictures revealed to him of terrible creatures

and beasts. These were not real beasts. They were symbols of nations or

spiritual powers at work in the world. We should not assume that God

literally sat in heaven having a conference with His angels to figure out

what He should do about Ahab. God does not need to consult angels about

what He should do. As a sovereign God, He was fully able to determine the

fate of Ahab and how that would come about.

The prophetic picture that Micaiah received was intended to communicate a

message to Ahab in a way he could understand. God is pictured as a great

military commander with His advisors gathered around Him. Together they

are planning the strategy for their attack on Ahab. In this group is one who

has been able to infiltrate the ranks of Ahab's prophetic advisors. He

suggests that he would be able to deceive them so that they mislead their

king. The war committee agrees on this strategy and sends of their spy to do

his deceptive work. Ahab could understand this prophetic picture. He had

himself been involved in many such meetings as he prepared for battle

against his enemies.

We should be very careful about drawing too much out of the prophecy of

Micaiah. God does not encourage deception and lies. This is clear from the

context of the rest of Scripture. What Micaiah saw in his vision was a

picture from God intended for King Ahab. God gave him an earthly picture

he could understand the message he was communicating. It was intended as

a warning to him. God was against him and his efforts to conquer Ramoth

Gilead, and Ahab would attack it at the cost of his life.

When Zedekiah the prophet, who had made the two iron horns, heard what

Micaiah had said to the king, he was angry with him and slapped him in the

face as a sign of contempt. He mocked Micaiah saying, "Which way did the

spirit from the LORD go when he went from me to speak to you?" (verse

24). Why did the Spirit tell me one thing and you another? In saying this he

seems to be telling Micaiah that he was clearly wrong in his prophecy.

Micaiah responded by telling Zedekiah that he would find out who was

right on the day he went to hide in an inner room (verse 24). While we do

not have the details here, it is clear that the day was coming when Zedekiah

would run and hide from a terror awaiting him. In the end, the true prophet

would be revealed.

King Ahab was also very angry with Micaiah. In verse 25 he ordered that

Micaiah be put into prison. He was not to be given any food or water until

Ahab returned safely from battle. Micaiah told the king, however, that if he

returned safely from battle then the Lord had not spoken through him (verse

27).

Despite the warning of Micaiah, Jehoshaphat and Ahab decided to go to

war against Ramoth Gilead (verse 28). What is particularly striking is that

Ahab decided not to wear his royal robes in an attempt to disguise himself

(verse 29). Four hundred prophets told him that he would be successful in

his battle. Micaiah the prophet told him that he would die. Despite how far

from God Ahab had wandered he was still plagued by the words of

Micaiah. Deep down there was an awareness that the words of Micaiah

could very well be true. He could not take a chance and so he tried to

disguise himself so the enemy would not recognize him.

The king of Aram was intent on capturing and killing Ahab. In verse 30 he

gave specific orders that his men focus their efforts on the king of Israel.

This command almost proved fatal for Jehoshaphat. When the commanders

saw Jehoshaphat in his royal robes, they assumed he was King Ahab. They

sent their forces after him. Jehoshaphat knew he was in serious trouble and

cried out to the Lord for help (verse 31). God heard his prayer and opened

the eyes of the chariot commanders to see that he was not Ahab (verses 31-

32).

While Ahab successfully disguised himself so that the army of Aram never

recognized him, he failed to realize that he could not hide from God. Verse

33 tells us that a man drew his bow and shot an arrow at random. That

random arrow flew through the air and struck Ahab between the sections of

his armour. All day long the battle raged and no one noticed the King of

Israel. All day long Ahab propped himself up in his chariot watching the

battle. By evening he was dead (verse 34). This was in direct fulfilment of

the prophecy of Micaiah.

As for Jehoshaphat, he had great cause to reflect. He had almost lost his life

in his association with Ahab and his evil ways. God heard his prayer and

saved his life, however, giving him another chance to consider his ways.

For Consideration:

Have you ever been tempted to form an alliance with those

who are not godly? What tempts us to form such alliances?

We have a picture of Jehoshaphat wandering from the Lord

God in this chapter. Despite his wandering ways, what

evidence is there of a tender heart to God?

What is the difference between the false prophets of Ahab

and Micaiah the true prophet?

What does this chapter have to teach us about the sovereignty

of God over evil?

Can we hide from God? Why is it futile for us to attempt to

hide our sins from Him?

Despite his rebellion against God, Jehoshaphat's prayer for

help is still heard. What encouragement does this bring you

today? What does this teach you about the grace and mercy

of God?

For Prayer:

Ask the Lord to help you to be true to Him.

Ask God to give you a heart that is always tender toward

Him.

Thank the Lord that He is sovereign over evil and sin.

Thank the Lord that He is a God of mercy who has

compassion on us even when we are wandering from Him

and His purposes.

38 - SINFUL ALLIANCES

Read 2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37

n the last chapter we saw how Jehoshaphat had allied himself with the

evil king Ahab. This nearly resulted in Jehoshaphat's death.

Jehoshaphat cried out to the Lord and his life was spared. This would

certainly have given him cause to reflect on his evil alliances. It was also a

very powerful warning from God.

After Jehoshaphat's safe return from battle, he went back to his palace in

Jerusalem (verse 1). God sent a prophet to him by the name of Jehu. Jehu

had a word from God for the king in verse 2:

Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the

LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you.

Jehoshaphat had made an alliance with King Ahab and chose to side with

Ahab against Aram. In doing this, he was loving those who had turned their

back on the God and assisting them in their battles. God was not pleased

with this and sent his prophet Jehu to rebuke Jehoshaphat.

According to verse 3 we understand that Jehoshaphat's heart was still tender

toward the Lord God. God commended him for getting rid of the pagan

Asherah poles in the land.

King Jehoshaphat took the words of the Lord seriously. We are left to

wonder if the time he had almost lost his life in the battle with Ahab scared

him into the realization of what he was doing. Verse 4 tells us that the result

of these words from the Lord was that Jehoshaphat went out among the

people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back

to the Lord God.

In order to restore his people to a right relationship with God, Jehoshaphat

appointed judges for each fortified city in Jerusalem (verse 5). He told these

judges that they were to judge not for man but for the Lord. In other words,

they were to do what the Lord required of them, showing no favouritism.

They were to judge fairly and in accordance with the clear teaching of the

law of God. They were to be governed by the fear of the Lord. They were to

take no bribes (verse 7).

In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat appointed Levites, priests and heads of Israelite

families to help in the administration of the law of God and settle any

dispute that would arise in the land (verse 8). To these Levites, priests and

family heads, Jehoshaphat gave this command:

You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the

LORD" (verse 9).

He told these leaders that they were to be careful in every case that came

before them to warn the people not to sin lest the wrath of God fall on them

(verse 10). He commissioned Amariah the chief priest to be over all the

Levites, priests and heads of family in matters concerning the law of God.

Zebadiah was to be over them in regards to the civil matters pertaining to

the king (verse 11).

In all this, Jehoshaphat showed his seriousness in seeking the Lord and His

ways. God had been speaking to his heart about his evil alliances and

Jehoshaphat wanted to be sure he was right with God.

Jehoshaphat's commitment to the Lord God would be tested. In chapter 20

we read how the Moabites, Ammonites and some of the Meunites came to

make war with him (verse 1). From verse 2 we understand that they formed

a massive army. Jehoshaphat was alarmed by the news of this army. Verse 3

tells us that he "resolved to inquire of the Lord and he proclaimed a fast for

all Judah." Jehoshaphat knew that the source of his strength would be in the

Lord God. The people of the nation turned their hearts to the Lord and

sought His help (verse 4).

On that occasion Jehoshaphat stood in the presence of his people at the

temple and prayed (2 Chronicles 20:5). In his prayer he confessed that the

Lord God of his fathers was God in heaven (verse 6). That is to say, He was

over all other gods. He ruled over all the kingdoms of the earth. All power

and might came from Him. There was no nation or god who could

withstand Him.

As God of all power, the God of Jehoshaphat's fathers had driven out the

inhabitants of the land they now occupied, giving it to His people in answer

to the promise He had made to Abraham. Jehoshaphat reminded God of His

promise to His people.

Jehoshaphat also reminded God that His people had built Him a sanctuary

in this nation (verse 8). When that temple was built, it had been the prayer

of Solomon that when calamity came to the nation, if God's people cried out

to Him from this temple, He would hear and answer their prayer (verse 9).

Jehoshaphat is referring here to the prayer of Solomon in 2 Chronicles 6:28-

31.

Jehoshaphat then brought the particular problem they had with Ammon,

Moab and the inhabitants of Mount Seir to the Lord (verse 10). He asked

the Lord to judge these nations. He told the Lord that they did not have the

power in themselves to face such a massive army. Their eyes were on Him

alone for victory (verse 12).

As they prayed, the Spirit of the Lord came on a Levite by the name of

Jahaziel (verse 14). God had a word to speak to the assembly through him

in response to their prayers. God told Jehoshaphat that he was not to be

discouraged because of the vast army that was coming against him. This

was not his battle but the Lord's. How many times do we take on battles that

are not ours to fight? The Lord is ready to fight those battles for us but, in

our panic, we try to fight them ourselves. God was reminding Jehoshaphat

that he would not have to fight this battle. God would fight it for him.

God also told Jehoshaphat that he was to march against the enemy. God told

him where he would find them (verse 16). God told them that while they

would not have to fight this battle they were still to take up their fighting

positions and stand firm. Instead of fighting, however, they were to watch

and see what the Lord God would do for them (verse 17).

When Jehoshaphat heard the word of the Lord, he bowed with his face to

the ground in worship. The people did the same (verse 18). Then the

Levites stood up and began to praise the Lord with a loud voice (verse 19).

The confidence of the people was in the Lord their God. They had His

promise of deliverance and were encouraged. Their despair and

discouragement was now changed to hope and confidence for they had the

promise of God for victory.

The next day, Jehoshaphat and his men went to face the enemy. As they

went, Jehoshaphat encouraged them to put their trust in the Lord and the

word given them through his prophet. He reminded them that they would be

victorious if they would keep their trust in God (verse 20).

Jehoshaphat then appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for

the splendour of his holiness. These men were to go out at the head of the

army singing:

Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever (verse

21).

These singers had an important role to play. As they sang, they reminded

the people that God was a loving God who was faithful to His promises.

The closer they came to the enemy, the more they needed to be reminded of

this. It would certainly have been easy for God's people to give in to fear.

The singing kept their minds focused on the truth of God's loving

faithfulness and gave them courage to face their enemy.

There was something else that happened that day. The Lord moved in

power when the people began to sing praises (verse 22). A great confusion

came into the enemy camp. The Ammonites and the Moabites rose up

against the men from Mount Seir and fought them. They began to fight

among themselves. The battle between these two parties was severe and

when they had slaughtered the men of Mount Seir the Ammonites and

Moabites began to fight among themselves (verse 23).

By the time that the men of Judah had come to the place where God had

told them they would meet the enemy, they found only dead bodies lying on

the ground (verse 24). The enemy had destroyed itself. No one escaped.

Jehoshaphat and his men carried off the plunder. There was so much

plunder that they could not take it all with them (verse 25). It took them

three days to collect what God gave to them that day.

On the fourth day, when all the plunder was gathered, the people assembled

in the Valley of Beracah where they held a great service of praise and

thanksgiving to the Lord (verse 26). The word "baracah" literally means

"praise."

After this great praise service, Jehoshaphat and his men returned to

Jerusalem. There was great joy and rejoicing in Jerusalem for the victory

the Lord had given them (verse 27). They entered the city and went to the

temple with the sound of harps, lutes and trumpets accompanying them.

These were days of great celebration. God had given them great victory

(verse 28).

Not only did God's people have cause to celebrate, but the nations around

them had great cause for fear. When the surrounding nations heard what the

Lord God had done for His people the fear of the Lord God came on them.

They refused to fight against Judah because they saw the power of their

God. Judah would live at peace with their neighbours (verse 30).

All together Jehoshaphat would reign in Jerusalem for twenty-five years

(verse 31). He walked in the ways of the Lord God and did not stray from

them (verse 32). While Jehoshaphat served the Lord there were still pagan

high places in the land where false gods were worshiped. There were also

people in the land who did not give their hearts completely over to the Lord

(verse 33).

Toward the end of Jehoshaphat's life, however, he made an alliance with

Ahaziah the king of Israel. Verse 35 makes it quite clear that Ahaziah was

"guilty of wickedness." Jehoshaphat agreed to construct a fleet of trading

ships with him (verse 36). When the project was completed, the Lord sent a

prophet by the name of Eliezer to Jehoshaphat to speak to him about this

evil alliance (verse 37).

Eliezer told Jehoshaphat that because he had made this alliance with the

evil king Ahaziah, the Lord would destroy the ships he had made. While we

are not told how this happened, verse 37 makes it clear that the ships were

destroyed before they could ever set sail.

In the life of Jehoshaphat we see a man whose temptation was to form

alliances with people who did evil. God had to rebuke him several times in

his life. He was not an evil king but he was tempted particularly in this area

of his life. It is unclear why he found such alliances tempting. God's heart

for the nation of Judah was that they seek Him and honour Him in every

way. Evil alliances with people whose heart and principles were ungodly

was not God's purpose for His people. Are the relationships you have ones

that honour God? Do your relationships cause you to compromise your faith

and Christian principles? If so you would do well to take seriously God's

warning to Jehoshaphat.

For Consideration:

What impact do you feel that Jehoshaphat's near death

experience in chapter 18 had on his understanding of the

dangers of sinful alliances?

How did Jehoshaphat seek to restore his people to a right

relationship with God in chapter 19?

How was Jehoshaphat's commitment to God tested in chapter

20?

God told Jehoshaphat that the battle before him was not his to

fight. How often have you been tempted to fight battles that

were not yours to fight?

What was the result of the victory of God in the minds of the

nations around Judah? Do people see evidence of God's

power and presence in your life?

Jehoshaphat's temptation was to form alliances with sinful

partners. Consider your relationships. Are there any

relationships that do not honour God?

For Prayer:

Thank God for the times He has sent people to warn you of

sin in your life.

Thank the Lord for the many times He has fought battles for

you. Thank Him for the victories He has given.

Ask God to demonstrate through you a greater measure of

His power and presence so that others will see Christ in you

to a greater measure.

Ask God to show you if there are any relationships in your

life that do not bring honour to Him. Ask Him for grace to

deal with those relationships.

39 - JEHORAM, EVIL KING

OF JUDAH

Read 2 Chronicles 21:1-20

hen Jehoshaphat died, he was buried in the City of David with

his fathers. His son Jehoram succeeded him as king in Judah

(verse 1). Jehoram had six brothers whose names are listed in

verse 2. Jehoshaphat had given these sons much wealth in silver, gold and

articles of great value. He also gave them fortified cities in Judah. Because

Jehoram was the eldest son, however, he made him king.

When Jehoram established himself as king over Judah, he decided to put his

brothers and some other princes in the land to death (verse 4). This may

have been an attempt to assure that his reign would not be threatened.

Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king. He served as king

for eight years (verse 5). He was an evil king. Verse 6 describes him as a

king who walked in the ways of King Ahab of Israel. We also discover from

this verse that he married one of Ahab's daughters whose influence likely

led him away from the Lord.

Jehoram's evil stirred up the wrath of God. It was only because of God's

gracious promise to David that He did not destroy Jehoram and his family

(verse 7). God promised that He would maintain a lamp for David and his

descendants forever. Had it not been for this promise, Jehoram and his

descendants would have been destroyed.

While God was not willing to destroy the descendants of David because of

Jehoram's sin, He did punish him for his evil. In the days of Jehoram, Edom

rebelled against Judah. In the days of Jehoshaphat, Jehoram's father, the fear

of the Lord filled the surrounding nations so that they did not dare to attack

Judah (see 2 Chronicles 20:29-30). This was a radical change for the nation

of Judah. No longer do the nations fear to attack God's people. The

empowering presence of God is no longer evident in the nation. Sin had

stripped her of that power.

Edom rebelled against Judah (verse 8). Jehoram gathered his chariots and

military officers to attack Edom. Edom surrounded him and threatened to

overpower him but he was able to escape (verse 9). Jehoram was unable to

deal with this rebellion. The region of Libnah also revolted and Jehoram

was powerless against them. Verse 10 makes it very clear that the reason

Jehoram was powerless against these insignificant regions was because he

had forsaken the Lord.

The effect of sin in the life of the nation is obvious. At one point they were

feared and prosperous. Under Jehoram's reign, however, this was no longer

the case. The whole nation was weakened by sin.

While the effect of sin should have been obvious to the nation, verse 11 tells

us that Jehoram continued in his rebellion by building high places in the

hills of Judah. The people of Jerusalem worshiped false gods and

prostituted themselves to them. The nation was led astray from the true

God. Common sense would have shown the nation that these practices were

stripping them of the blessing they once knew. This, however, seemed to

matter little. For the pleasures of sin, the nation was willing to sacrifice all

they once knew of the blessings and presence of God.

Satan is able to blind the eyes of those who fall into his trap. Speak to the

young person who has fallen into the sin of immorality. Speak to the

business person who has become trapped in the snare of success. You will

see very quickly that earthly pleasure and success have blinded their eyes to

the things of God. They don't seem to care that their lives and the lives of

those around them are being destroyed. They are indifferent to the things of

God. This is what is happening in Judah. They have turned their hearts from

God and His presence. They are indifferent to the fact that the nation is

being destroyed. All they see is their sin and their sinful ways. This is all

they want.

In the midst of this terrible evil, a letter came from Elijah the prophet to

Jehoram. Elijah had a word from the Lord for the king. In the letter Elijah

told Jehoram that he had not been walking with God as his fathers

Jehoshaphat and Asa had walked. Instead, he was walking in the ways of

the kings of Israel who had abandoned the Lord. He was leading the nation

away from God and had murdered his brothers who were better men than

him (verse 13).

Elijah went on to tell Jehoram that the Lord was angry with him. God was

going to strike his people, his sons and his wives with a heavy blow (verse

14). God would also strike him with a lingering and painful disease of the

bowels (verse 15). God was very serious about the sin in Judah.

In verse 16 we discover that this prophecy of Elijah was fulfilled when God

aroused the Philistines and the Arabs against Jehoram. They attacked Judah

and carried off all the goods they found in the king's palace. They also took

his sons and his wives captive. The only son that was left to him was

Ahaziah, his youngest (verse 17).

A further fulfilment of the prophecy of Elijah came when Jehoram was

afflicted with an incurable disease of the bowels (verse 18). Over time

Jehoram's bowels came out because of his disease. It is unclear how this

happened but we can be sure of one thing, his disease was a violent one and

ended in a horrible death. He suffered two years from this terrible disease.

When Jehoram died there was no royal funeral. He was not treated with the

customary honour in his death. In fact, verse 20 tells us that no one

regretted his death. He was not even buried in a special tomb reserved for

kings.

What a difference we see in the reign of Jehoram. During the reign of his

father there was prosperity in the land of Judah. The nation lived at peace

with the surrounding neighbours. The nations saw the power of God and

feared Judah. This was not the case for Jehoram. His was a reign filled with

insecurity and turmoil. He murdered his brothers to assure his position. We

can only imagine the result of this news in the minds of the people in the

nation. No one dared to speak against him for fear of being killed. Under

Jehoram, the nation of Judah became weak and powerless. The Edomites

revolted and were a constant thorn in their side. The Philistines and the

Arabs stripped them of everything of value. The royal family was taken into

exile and Jehoram was struck with a horrible disease that would take his

life. After eight years of reign, the nation of Judah was powerless and poor.

God's blessing and presence was no longer evident in the land. They had

lost everything. This was the result of sin.

For Consideration:

Why do you suppose Jehoram killed his brothers when he

became king? What effect do you suppose the news of these

murders would have had on the nation as a whole?

Why did God not completely destroy the nation of Judah?

What was the result of Jehoram’s sin? What has been the

result of sin in your life?

What causes us to be indifferent or blind to the effect of sin in

our own lives and in the lives of others around us?

How seriously did God take the sins of Jehoram? What was

his punishment? Does God take sins seriously in our day?

God warned Jehoram of his sin and the consequences of

those sins through a prophet. How does God warn us today?

For Prayer:

Thank the Lord for His mercy toward us even when we sin.

Thank Him that He is gracious in His punishment.

Ask God to open your eyes to the effect of your sin on the

lives of others.

Thank God that He takes sin very seriously. Thank Him that

He is a holy God who will bring justice.

Ask God to give you grace to receive the warnings He brings

concerning your sins. Ask Him to help you to be humble

enough to accept His rebuke. Ask Him for grace and strength

to make things right.

40 - AHAZIAH AND

ATHALIAH'S EVIL REIGN

Read 2 Chronicles 22:1-23:21

he nation of Judah was severely weakened under the reign of

Jehoram. He led the nation into sin and rebellion against God. This

resulted in the Lord stirring up the Philistines and the Arabs so that

they attacked Judah. The king’s palace was stripped of all that was of value

and Jehoram's family was either taken into exile or killed. From verse 1 we

understand that Ahaziah's brothers had been killed by the Philistine and

Arab raiders who had attacked Judah in the reign of Jehoram. Ahaziah was

the only remaining descendant of Jehoram left. The people of Jerusalem

anointed him as king over them.

Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king in Jerusalem and

would only reign for one year. His mother was Athaliah a daughter of Ahab,

king of Israel (verse 2).

Ahaziah did not follow the ways of the Lord but chose instead to walk in

the pagan ways of the Israelite kings. His mother Athaliah encouraged

Ahaziah to turn from the Lord and follow the ways of her evil father Ahab,

king of Israel (verse 3). God warned His people about marrying unbelieving

wives. We see here how this would be an important factor in the nation's

fall.

Encouraged by his evil mother Athaliah, Ahaziah turned his back on the

Lord God of his ancestors. He listened to the evil counsel of his mother

(verse 4).

On the advice of his father's evil counsellors, Ahaziah joined forces with

Joram, king of Israel to fight Hazael the king of Aram. In that battle, King

Joram of Israel was wounded and returned to the city of Jezreel to recover

from his wounds (verses 5, 6).

Because Ahaziah had a good relationship with King Joram, he went down

to visit him when he was recovering from his wounds (verse 6). This visit

would be used of God to judge Ahaziah and bring about his downfall (verse

7).

There was a man in Israel at that time by that name of Jehu. God had

chosen Jehu to judge the nation of Israel for their sin. Jehu killed the

household of Ahab in Israel. As he was doing this, he found the princes of

Judah, sons and relatives of Ahaziah, in Israel attending to King Joram in

his sickness. He decided to kill them as well (verse 8).

After killing the household of Ahab and the relatives of Ahaziah, Jehu

proceeded to search for Ahaziah to kill him as well (verse 9). They found

King Ahaziah and his men hiding in Samaria. Jehu put him to death. Notice

in verse 9 that they decided to bury him because he was the son of

Jehoshaphat "who sought the Lord with all his heart." Ahaziah was treated

with some respect in his death because of his godly heritage. After the death

of Ahaziah, however, there was no one in his house powerful enough to

take control of the nation (verse 9).

When Ahaziah's mother Athaliah heard that her son was dead, she

proceeded to destroy the remainder of the royal family in Judah. She proved

to be a great enemy to the nation that had taken her in by marriage (verse

10).

As Athaliah was on her rampage killing off the royal family, Jehosheba,

wife of Jehoiada the priest, took Joash, the son of Ahaziah and stole him

away from the royal princes who were about to be murdered. She cared for

him and nursed him in her own bedroom. Because of Jehosheba, Joash was

spared from the evil intention of Athaliah. Joash would remain hidden away

from Athaliah for six years. During those six years Athaliah reigned as

uncontested queen over Judah.

In the seventh year of Joash's life, Jehoiada the priest decided it was time to

present Joash to the nation as rightful king (2 Chronicles 23:1). To do this

required that Athaliah be deposed as queen. The matter was very delicate

and required the utmost of secrecy. If Athaliah heard that Joash was alive,

she would most certainly try to kill him as she had done to the rest of the

royal family.

Jehoiada entered an arrangement with a number of military commanders.

They went throughout the land, gathered the Levites and the heads of the

Israelite families together, and brought them to Jerusalem (verse 2). When

they had assembled in Jerusalem, he made a covenant with them at the

temple of the Lord proclaiming that Joash, the rightful heir of the throne,

would rule over them as king (verse 3).

That day, Jehoiada the priest proposed a plan for making Joash king. One

third of the priests and Levites were to go on duty on the Sabbath and watch

the doors of the temple (verse 4). Another third of these priests and Levites

were to gather at the royal palace and the final third at the Fountain Gate.

Other men were to gather in the courtyards of the temple (verse 5). They

were all to assure that no one entered the temple but the priests and the

Levites who were on duty at that time (verse 6). The Levites were to station

themselves around the king, each man with his weapons in hand ready to

defend him if required. If anyone tried to enter the temple during that time,

they were to be put to death. The Levites were to stay with the king

wherever he went (verse 7).

According to verse 8, the Levites did exactly as Jehoiada the priest ordered.

Jehoiada also gave the commanders of hundreds the spears and shields that

had belonged to King David (verse 9). Armed with these weapons the men

surrounded the king (verse 10). Jehoiada was not going to take any chances.

He needed to assure the safety of the young king.

When all these precautions were in place, Jehoiada and his sons brought

Joash out and put a crown on his head. They then presented him to the

people and proclaimed him to be king. When he was anointed, the people

cried out with a loud voice "Long live the king!" (verse 11).

When Athaliah heard the noise of the people cheering, she went out to the

temple to see what was happening (verse 12). When she saw Joash standing

with the officers and trumpeters beside him, and all the singers and

musicians leading in praise she shouted: "Treason! Treason!"

Usually that cry would have been enough to bring soldiers to her side, but

not this time. Jehoiada the priest sent out the military commanders to

capture Queen Athaliah. He commanded that anyone who followed her was

to be put to death (verse 14). Following the orders of Jehoiada, the priests

and commanders seized the queen, took her to the Horse Gate and put her to

death (verse 15).

When Queen Athaliah was put to death, Jehoiada the priest made a

covenant that he and the people would be the Lord's people (verse 16). The

result was that the people of Jerusalem tore down the temple of Baal,

smashed the foreign altars and idols and killed the priests of Baal in front of

the altars (verse 17).

Jehoiada placed the oversight of the temple of the Lord in the hands of the

priests and assigned responsibilities to each of them (verse 18). He

stationed doorkeepers at the gates of the temple so that no one who was

unclean could enter (verse 19).

With the help of the military commanders, nobles and rulers, Jehoiada

brought the king from the temple to the palace where they seated him on the

royal throne (verse 20). The people of the land rejoiced at the crowning of

Joash. Notice in verse 21 that the city was quiet because Athaliah had been

slain with the sword. This leads us to believe that there was no revolt

against the crowning of Joash nor was there any particular reaction to the

death of such an evil queen.

God had not given up on His people. Jehoram, Ahaziah and Athaliah led the

nation into rebellion against God for a number of years. While God's people

had rebelled against Him, God had not forgotten them. In time, He judged

those who had rebelled. God protected a descendant of David and raised up

a priest who would be responsible to restore the nation to blessing again.

How thankful we ought to be that while evil may raise its ugly head, our

God is bigger. He does not abandon His people. Throughout this evil time,

God was preparing an escape for His people. He wanted to restore them.

They lost much because of their sin during the reigns of Jehoram, Ahaziah

and Athaliah. Their enemies were nearby causing problems. They had lost

territory they once occupied. The wealth and prosperity of David and

Solomon’s time was greatly diminished but God was willing to restore them

to fellowship and blessing again if they would return to Him.

For Consideration:

How did God protect the line of David from Jehu and

Athaliah?

King Jehoram married the evil Athaliah against the purpose

of God. She would prove to be a great enemy of Judah. What

does this teach us about forming evil alliances? Are there any

such alliances and partnerships in your life?

How does God prove to be bigger than the rebellion of the

nation of Judah in these chapters? What encouragement does

this bring you today?

What did God’s people lose because of their sin? What has

sin taken from you?

For Prayer:

Thank the Lord that He does not give up on us, even in our

rebellion.

Thank the Lord that He is a holy God who will judge sin and

evil.

Thank the Lord that He is willing to restore all who will

repent and return to Him.

Ask the Lord to help you to turn from your evil to Him.

41 - JOASH, KING OF

JUDAH

Read 2 Chronicles 24:1-27

oash was seven years old when he became king in Judah. He would

reign forty years (verse 1). Verse 2 tells us that as long as Jehoiada

was priest, Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. This is

an important statement about the king's spiritual condition. His spirituality

depended on Jehoiada. His relationship with Jehoiada was a strong

relationship. There was no one as faithful as Jehoiada the priest to Joash.

Joash had been raised in his home until the age of seven by Jehoiada's wife.

Jehoiada had been a key figure in deposing the evil queen Athaliah and

establishing Joash as king over Judah. The king obviously felt an obligation

to Jehoiada and to his God.

From verse 3 we understand that Jehoiada chose two wives for Joash. We

learn from this that Jehoiada was not only a loyal supporter and protector

for Joash but he also acted as a father to him. Joash had no father or mother.

Jehoiada and his wife were the only parents he knew. Joash had sons and

daughters through these wives (verse 3)

Joash was responsible for many reforms in Judah during the years of

Jehoiada the priest. In verse 4 he decided to restore the temple in Jerusalem.

Obviously, during the years of Athaliah's reign the temple had fallen into

disrepair. She and her followers led the people of God astray into the

worship of Baal. According to verse 7, Athaliah’s sons had even broken

into the temple and used its sacred objects for the worship of Baal. There

was much work to do so that the temple could be purified.

Joash commissioned the priests and Levites to go into the towns of Judah to

collect money from the people for the temple of God (verse 5). This tax was

required by the Law of Moses but had not likely been collected for many

years under the reign of Athaliah (see Exodus 30:14-15). Notice in verse 5

that Joash felt there was urgency in this task. "Do it now," he told them.

Verse 5 tells us that the Levites delayed in going out to collect the temple

tax. We are not told the reason for this delay. Maybe they hesitated to

collect the taxes for fear of what the people would think. This law had not

likely been enforced for many years.

The king called Jehoiada to inquire as to the reason for the delay in

collecting the money from the people (verse 6). We are not told the

response of Jehoiada. What we do have, however, is the decision of the king

to have a chest placed outside the temple (verse 8). The king then issued a

decree that the people should bring their tax to the Lord and put it in the

chest (verse 9). The response was positive. The officials and the people

came to Jerusalem and put their money in the chest. Notice here that verse

10 tells us that they did this "gladly."

Whenever the chest was filled, it was brought to the king's officials. The

royal secretary and an officer of the chief priest would take the money and

the chest would be put back in place (verse 11). Verse 11 tells us that they

collected a great sum of money this way.

The money collected was given to the men who carried out the work on the

temple (verse 12). With this money they were able to hire masons,

carpenters, iron workers and bronze workers to restore the temple. These

men were diligent and repaired the temple according to the original design

(verse 13). This leads us to believe that the damage to the temple was

significant.

The extra money was used to make articles needed for burning offerings.

Dishes and other objects were also made to serve in the worship of God in

the temple (verse 14). Remember that these articles had been stolen from

them by foreign kings because of their evil.

As long as Jehoiada was priest, burnt offerings were continually offered in

the temple of Jerusalem (verse 14). Jehoiada, however, was getting old.

Verse 15 tells us that he lived to the age of one hundred and thirty years.

When he died, he was buried with the kings of Judah because of the good

he had done for the nation (verse 16).

Jehoiada was really the leader of the people in these days. Joash depended

on him and followed his counsel. Verse 17 tells us that when Jehoiada died,

Joash listened to the advice of the officials of Judah. This would prove to be

his downfall. Following the advice of the counsellors of Judah, Joash

abandoned the temple of the Lord. Judah again worshiped the pagan

Asherah poles and idols (verse 18).

God was angry with Joash and the nation for their rebellion. He sent

prophets to warn them but the people refused to listen to those prophets

(verse 19). Finally, the Spirit of God came to Zechariah the son of Jehoiada.

He stood before the people and spoke a word from the Lord (verse 20).

Zechariah asked the people why they were disobeying the command of the

Lord. He told them that they could not prosper as a nation if they rebelled

against the Lord God. He went on to tell them that because they had

forsaken God, God had forsaken them.

The people of Judah did not receive these words from the Lord. They

plotted against the prophet. Joash himself gave the order to have Zechariah

stoned in the courtyard of the temple (verse 21). Verse 22 makes it clear that

the sin of Joash in having Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada stoned to death

was two-fold. First, he had refused to listen to the Word of the Lord.

Second, he did not remember the kindness of Jehoiada who had raised him

as a son when he had no father. He repaid Jehoiada for his kindness by

killing Zechariah his son. As Zechariah was dying, he said to Joash: "May

the LORD see this and call you to account" (verse 22).

As Zechariah had said, Judah could not prosper as long as they were living

in rebellion against God. God was now against them for their rebellion. At

the turn of the year, the army of Aram marched against Judah (verse 23).

Aram killed a number of Judah’s leaders. They took much plunder from the

city and sent it back to their king in Damascus. It is clear from verse 24 that

the Aramean army was very small and insignificant but it defeated Judah.

Joash was severely wounded in that battle against Aram, (verse 25). Joash's

own officials conspired against him and murdered him in his bed. They did

this because he had murdered Zechariah the son of Jehoiada. He would not

be buried with the kings of Judah. He would not have the honour of

Jehoiada in his death. A fuller account of his life was recorded in the

records of the kings of Judah. His son Amaziah would become king in his

place (verse 27).

The story of Joash is the story of a king who did not have the strength to

stand on his own. It is the story of a king influenced by those around him.

When he was surrounded by godly people, he lived like them but when

those people were removed from his life and ungodly people surrounded

him, he followed their advice. There are many people like Joash. Their

spiritual life is not based on personal convictions but on the influence of the

time. They are influenced by those around them and like to be popular.

They are more concerned for what people think of them then following

their convictions and doing what is right.

As for the people, they were influenced by the leader of the time. They

served God as long as Jehoiada was priest but fell like Joash when their

godly influence was taken from them. May God raise up a generation of

people who have personal convictions that are not dependant on the

influences around them.

For Consideration:

What was the relationship between Jehoiada and Joash? What

influence did Jehoiada have in the life of Joash?

What people have been influential in your life? Has this

influence been good or bad?

How did Joash change when Jehoiada died? What does this

tell us about his personal convictions?

What was the result of Judah's rebellion in the later years of

Joash? What hope do we have as a nation, a church or

personally, apart from obedience to God and His word? How

important is obedience to God?

For Prayer:

Take a moment to thank the Lord for someone who has had a

profound influence on your life for good.

Ask the Lord to give you personal convictions that are not

dependant on the influences of people around you.

Ask God to help you to see if there are any people around

you who are influencing you toward evil.

Ask God to give you grace to live in obedience to Him no

matter what others might say.

Ask God to help you to be a positive influence for God’s

glory on the people around you.

42 - KING AMAZIAH OF

JUDAH

Read 2 Chronicles 25:1-28

fter the death of Joash, his son Amaziah became king. Amaziah

was twenty-five years old at the time. He would reign in the city

of Jerusalem for twenty-nine years (verse 1). Amaziah was a

good king but he served the Lord with a divided heart (verse 2).

One of the first things Amaziah did as king of Judah was to execute the

officials who had murdered his father Joash on his sick bed (see 2

Chronicles 24:25-26). It is of interest that verse 4 tells us that Amaziah did

not put to death the sons of these men but acted according to the Law of

Moses. In particular, the reference is to Deuteronomy 24:16 which stated:

Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children

put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sins.

What is significant about this is that the practice of the time was to wipe out

entire families. We see this in the case of Jehu of Israel (2 Chronicles 22:7-

8) and Athaliah of Judah (2 Chronicles 22:10). Amaziah chose not to act in

this way. Instead, he acted in accordance with the clear teaching of the Law

of Moses. He was to be commended for this.

In verse 5 Amaziah decided to gather his armed forces. He called together

those who were twenty years of age and more and found that there were

three hundred thousand men ready for military service. To supplement this,

he hired a hundred thousand fighting men from Israel for a hundred talents

of silver. One hundred talents of silver are about three and three quarters of

a ton (3.4 metric tons).

Amaziah's decision to take soldiers from Israel did not please God. The

nation of Israel had turned from God and His Word. God did not want

Judah associating with Israel because she would only turn them from Him.

His blessing and presence had been removed from the nation of Israel. God

calls us to be careful of associations we make in His service.

God sent a prophet to speak to Amaziah about his decision to hire Israelite

troops. God told Amaziah that he was not to march with the Israelite troops

because the Lord's presence was not with them. The prophet warned

Amaziah that even if he fought courageously God would overthrow him

before his enemies if he went to battle with these Israelite soldiers.

It is important that we see here the importance of obedience to the Lord.

Any act of disobedience can hinder our blessing and victory from the Lord.

Amaziah needed to deal with all known sins so that his victory and blessing

could be assured. We are advised to do the same.

When Amaziah heard the words of the prophet, his immediate concern was

the money he was going to lose. He had just paid one hundred talents of

silver to Israel for these troops (verse 9). He would not get this money back.

The prophet told him, however, that God was able to give him much more

than the one hundred talents he would lose to Israel if he obeyed His

command.

There was a sacrifice to make for Amaziah. Obviously, he had acted

without consulting God in hiring these Israelite soldiers. He was going to

lose one hundred talents but he would know the blessing of God if he

obeyed. There are many people today who are not ready to lose what they

have invested. The prophet's words, however, are important. God is able to

give us far more. The blessings of obedience far outweigh anything we

might obtain by other means. These blessings will not always be material in

nature but we can be assured that God's rewards will be far greater than

anything this world can offer.

In obedience to the word of the Lord, Amaziah dismissed the Israelite

troops (verse 10). The troops did not appreciate being dismissed. They left

in a great rage. Verse 13 tells us that they raided Judean towns from

Samaria to Beth Horon, killing three thousand people on their rampage and

carrying off great quantities of plunder. Not only did Amaziah lose one

hundred talents of silver but he also suffered tremendous damage in the

country by these raiding Israelite soldiers. Obedience for Amaziah came at

a cost.

Amaziah led the army that remained into the Valley of Salt. God gave him

victory and he killed ten thousand men in the region of Seir (verse 11).

They also captured another ten thousand men alive, took them to the top of

a cliff and threw them down to their death (verse 12). The victory the Lord

gave Amaziah was significant. This was a direct result of his willingness to

obey the word He had given through His prophet.

Amaziah brought back some of the Edomite gods when he returned home

from his victory (verse 14). He set these gods up, bowed down to them and

burned sacrifices to them. It is unclear why Amaziah did this. Could it be

that he attributed some of his victory to the gods of Edom?

God was angry with Amaziah for worshiping the gods of the Edomites. He

sent His prophet to speak to him about this. The prophet asked the king why

he would consult the gods of the Edomites when they could not even give

their own people victory (verse 15). Amaziah did not accept the word from

this prophet. In verse 16 he said, "Have we appointed you an adviser to the

king?" He also warned him that if he continued to speak, he would strike

him down. The prophet listened to the king but, before he left, he told him

that God had determined to destroy him (verse 16).

When Amaziah returned from his defeat of Edom, he turned his attention to

the nation of Israel. The Israelite soldiers he had hired had done much

damage to his nation. It may have been that Amaziah was thinking about

this when he challenged Israel to a battle in verse 17.

King Jehoash of Israel responded to Amaziah's threat with an insult in verse

18. He told him that a thistle sent a message to a cedar requesting that he

give his daughter to his son in marriage. Before there was any response to

this, however, a wild beast came by and trampled on the thistle so that it

died. What was Jehoash trying to tell Amaziah in this story?

The thistle in this story is Amaziah. The cedar was Jehoash. By comparing

himself to a cedar and Amaziah to a thistle, Jehoash is telling Amaziah that

he saw him a being below him in dignity. He did not have any respect for

him as leader of Judah. The reference to the potential marriage is more

difficult to understand. We should not read too much into this, however.

What Jehoash seems to be saying is that even if Amaziah came to form a

friendly alliance with him by asking for his daughter for his son he would

crush him like a wild beast crushing a thistle. In the history of Amaziah's

family there had been alliances formed with Israel by marriage. Jehoash

would not consider such an alliance because he saw Amaziah as being so

inferior to him that it would be beneath his dignity to even allow his

daughter to marry his son.

Jehoash went on to tell Amaziah that he had become proud because he had

defeated the Edomites. He reminded him that he would not have the same

success with Israel. He told him to stay home lest he find himself in serious

trouble at the hands of Israel (verse 19).

These words offended Amaziah. He chose to ignore the words of the

prophet and the words of Jehoash of Israel (verse 20). In the battle that

ensued, King Jehoash of Israel attacked Amaziah. They faced each other at

Beth Shemesh in Judah (verse 21). Judah was routed by Israel and fled

before them (verse 22). King Jehoash eventually captured Amaziah and

broke down a six hundred foot long section of the wall of Jerusalem. He

took all the article of gold and silver found in the temple and brought them

back to Israel along with many hostages (verse 24).

Amaziah would live for fifteen years after the death of Jehoash (verse 25).

The events of his reign were written in the records of the kings of Judah

(verse 26).

Verse 27 tells us that from the time Amaziah turned his back on the Lord

there was a group that conspired against him in Jerusalem. Because of this

conspiracy, he was forced to leave Jerusalem and settle in Lachish. His

enemies followed him there, however, and killed him. He was brought back

to Jerusalem by horse and buried with his fathers (verse 28).

Amaziah's story is the story of a man whose heart was not fully devoted to

the Lord God. He had other loves in his life. Ultimately, what Jesus said to

his disciples in Luke 16:13 came true in the life of Amaziah:

No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and

love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the

other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

God is looking for someone who will be devoted to Him alone. God will

not share us with other lovers. We cannot serve God if our hearts are

focused on other things. Amaziah is a clear example of this.

For Consideration:

What does it mean to serve God with a divided heart? How

was Amaziah an example of this?

What good qualities did Amaziah demonstrate at the

beginning of his reign?

What do we learn about the cost of obedience? What did it

cost Amaziah to obey the word of the Lord and send the

Israelites troops home? Have you ever had to pay a price for

obedience to the Lord?

What do we learn about associating with those who are not

walking with the Lord?

What was the result of Amaziah's disobedience at the end of

his life?

For Prayer:

Ask God to give you a heart that is wholly devoted to Him.

Ask Him to reveal to you anything that would distract you in

your spiritual walk.

Ask God to make you willing to pay any price to be obedient

to Him.

Thank the Lord that He is able to reward us with far more

than this world could ever give if we walk in obedience to

Him.

43 - UZZIAH AND

JOTHAM OF JUDAH

Read 2 Chronicles 26:1-27:9

zziah was the next king of Judah. He became king at the age of

sixteen (verse 1). He reigned in Jerusalem for fifty-two years

(verse 3).

According to verse 2, he was known for his military campaigns and

construction projects. He rebuilt the city of Elath. Elath had belonged to the

Edomites who had revolted against King Joram (see 2 Kings 8:20-22).

Here, however, we see that the city was restored by Uzziah to Judah's

control and underwent a significant construction project.

Uzziah was a good king. Notice, however, that he sought the Lord during

the days of Zechariah the priest. Zechariah instructed him in the fear of the

Lord. Verse 5 is quite clear when it says that as long as Uzziah sought the

Lord, he had success.

We have many examples of the success of Uzziah in the early part of his

reign. In verse 6 he fought with the Philistines and was successful. He broke

down the walls of the Philistine cities of Gath, Jabneh and Ashdod. He built

towns near the city of Ashdod and in other regions of Philistia. God gave

Uzziah victories over the Philistines and the Arabs (verse 7).

Further evidence of the blessing of God on his life could be seen in the fact

that the Ammonites brought tribute to him. His fame spread as far as the

border of Egypt because he had become a very powerful king (verse 8).

As we have already seen, Uzziah was engaged in many construction

projects. In verse 9 he built towers in the city of Jerusalem at the Corner

Gate, at the Valley Gate and at the angle of the wall. He also was

responsible for building towers in the desert (verse 10). Uzziah dug cisterns

so his great quantities of livestock could have water to drink (verse 10). He

had many people working for him in the fields, vineyards and fertile lands.

Uzziah loved the soil (verse 10).

The blessing of God was also evident in Uzziah’s army. Verse 11 tells us

that his army was well-trained. It was well organized by divisions. Uzziah

had 2,600 leaders over his 307,500 fighting men (verse 12). Uzziah

provided these men with shields, spears, helmets, coats of armour, bows

and sling stones (verse 14). This would have been at great expense to

himself.

Uzziah designed fighting machines in Jerusalem that could be used on the

towers he had constructed. These machines were capable of shooting

arrows and hurling large stones at an approaching enemy (verse 15).

Uzziah's downfall was pride (verse 16). On one occasion he entered the

temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. Only the priest

could burn incense on this altar. Uzziah seemed to see himself as being

above the Law of Moses and decided that he was going to burn the incense

himself. Pride is a terrible sin. Scriptures warns us of its dangers and gives

us many illustrations of men and women who fell as a result of its

influence. Seventy thousand Israelites lost their lives as a result of David’s

pride when he numbered the people in his nation (2 Samuel 24). King

Nebuchadnezzar was severely judged for his pride in the book of Daniel.

God judged entire nations because they allowed themselves to become

proud (see Isaiah 10:5-19). Isaiah 14:11-15 seems to indicate that even

Satan fell as a result of pride.

Azariah the priest and eighty other "courageous" priests followed him into

the temple on that occasion and confronted him with his sin (verses 17-18).

They told Uzziah that it was not right for him to burn incense to the Lord

because he was not a priest or a descendant of Aaron. They asked him to

leave the sanctuary. They made it clear that by offering this incense Uzziah

would not honour God.

As the priests spoke, Uzziah had the censer in his hand ready to burn the

incense. What the priests had to say made him angry (verse 19). The

passage does not tell us what Uzziah had to say to the priests but as he was

expressing his rage God struck him with leprosy. This leprosy broke out on

his forehead.

When Azariah the chief priest and the other priests saw the leprosy, they

rushed him out of the temple. Uzziah put up no resistance for he knew that

the hand of God was against him (verse 20).

Uzziah would never be healed of his leprosy. This meant he would have to

live in a separate house with little contact with anyone. He was no longer

able to go to the temple because he was unclean (verse 21). His son Jotham

would govern the people in his place. When Uzziah died he would be

buried at a distance from his fathers because of his leprosy (verse 23).

The description of Jotham's reign is quite brief. He was twenty-five when

he became king. He would rule in Jerusalem for sixteen years (27:1).

Jotham, his son served the Lord and did what was right in the eyes of the

Lord. Unlike his father Uzziah he honoured God and did not enter the

temple to perform the duties of a priest (verse 2). While Jotham served the

Lord there were many people in the land who continued to follow evil.

Like his father Uzziah, Jotham was involved in many construction projects.

He rebuilt the Upper Gate of the temple and did extensive work on the wall

at the hill of Ophel (verse 3). He built towns in the Judean hills, and forts

and towers in the forests (verse 4).

Jotham had a measure of military success as king. He fought the

Ammonites and conquered them. In one year these Ammonites paid him a

hundred talents of silver (three and three quarter tons), ten thousand cors

(62,000 bushels or 2,200 kilolitres) of wheat and the same quantity of

barley (verse 5). The Ammonites paid Jotham the same amount of tribute

for three years. The secret to Jotham's success is found in 2 Chronicles

27:6:

Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the

LORD his God.

The events of King Jotham's reign were recorded in detail in the records of

the kings of Israel and Judah (verse 7). He reigned for sixteen years in

Jerusalem. When he died, his son Ahaz became king in his place (verse 9).

The reigns of Uzziah and Jotham have some important lessons for us. First,

we see that the secret to their success as kings was found in their obedience

to the Lord God. God's blessing rested on them as long as they walked in

His path and honoured Him. We are left to wonder to what extent the

blessing of God would have fallen on the nation had Uzziah continued to

honour and obey the Lord God.

In the case of Uzziah, however, we see the great danger of pride. The more

he became successful the more he was tempted to pride. Pride destroyed

Uzziah. God's judgment fell swiftly on him and he died separated from his

society as a leper.

For Consideration:

What evidence of blessing do we see in the lives of Uzziah

and Jotham when they sought the Lord?

What was the result of pride in the life of Uzziah? How did

pride bring about his downfall?

How can we resist pride in our lives? Are there any practical

steps we need to take to be sure that pride does not overtake

us?

Is it possible to become so afraid of becoming proud that we

fear to step out in faith? How does Satan use our fear of

becoming proud to keep us from becoming all that God wants

us to become?

For Prayer:

Ask God to protect you from pride. Thank Him that He is

fully able to give you grace to overcome the temptation to

become proud.

Take a moment to consider where you would be without the

Lord God, His strength and grace. Thank the Lord that all

you have has come from Him. Ask Him to help you to be

always aware of your need of Him and His grace in your life

and ministry.

Ask the Lord to show you anywhere in your life where you

are not walking in obedience to Him. Ask for forgiveness and

grace to turn from these things to seeking God’s purpose

alone.

44 - KING AHAZ OF

JUDAH

Read 2 Chronicles 28:1-27

haz became king at the age of twenty. He would reign in

Jerusalem for a period of sixteen years. He was not faithful to the

Lord (verse 1). Verse 2 tells us that he walked in the ways of the

kings of Israel. That is to say, he wandered from the true God and

worshiped foreign gods.

Ahaz burned sacrifices to pagan gods in the Valley of Ben Hinnom. He

even sacrificed his own sons in the fire to these detestable gods (verse 3).

His evil was as bad as the evil of the nations God had driven out of the land

before them. Verse 4 tells us that King Ahaz offered sacrifices and burned

incense at the high places of the land and under every spreading tree.

From this we see that the heart of King Ahaz was far from God. He was

sold out to sin and evil. He followed the ways of the evil nations around

him and had nothing to do with the Lord God of his ancestors.

It goes without saying that the Lord God was very angry with Ahaz because

of his ways. There was a serious price to pay for rebellion. God handed him

over to the king of Aram. The Arameans defeated him and took many of his

people as prisoners to Damascus (verse 5). The once great nation was being

humbled.

Not only did the Arameans prove to be a threat to Judah under King Ahaz

but Israel was a serious problem for them as well. King Pekah of Israel

attacked Judah (verse 5). Verse 6 tells us that in one day King Pekah killed

a hundred and twenty thousand soldiers in Judah. This was a significant

loss. Verse 6 tells us that the reason for this heavy loss was because Judah

had forsaken the Lord God.

Not only did Judah lose one hundred and twenty thousand soldiers but

significant leaders were also killed that day. Among them were Maaseiah,

the king's son, Azrikam the officer in charge of the palace and Elkanah,

second in command after the king.

Israel also took captives from Judah. Verse 8 tells us that they took two

hundred thousand women who were wives of the men as well as their sons

and daughters. Israel carried off a great deal of plunder from Judah. The

cost of them turning their backs on God was significant. The nation of

Judah was being destroyed because of sin. The judgment of God fell

heavily on Judah during the reign of Ahaz.

What is particularly interesting to note is the grace of God in the midst of

all this judgment. In verses 9-15 we have the story of how God dealt with

Israel for taking so many Judeans as slaves to Israel.

The Lord sent his prophet Oded to speak to the army that had returned from

Judah to Samaria, the capital of Israel. Oded told the army that the Lord

God was angry with Judah because they had wandered from the truth. It

was for this reason that he had allowed Israel's army to overpower them

(verse 9). Israel, however, had not acted respectfully to Judah. They had

slaughtered them in rage and had now made them their slaves. This angered

the God of Judah. Oded reminded the Israelites that they had been guilty of

great sins against the God of their ancestors (verse 10). God commanded

the Israelites, therefore, to send back the Judean men and women they

intended to make slaves (verse 11). Hearing this, some of Israel's leaders

confronted those returning from battle and told them that they were not to

bring these prisoners into Israel (verses 12-13). The soldiers released the

prisoners and restored some of the plunder to them (verse 14). The

prisoners were given clothes (for some of them were naked). They were

provided with sandals, food, drink and healing balm. Those who were weak

were put on donkeys and taken to Jericho (verse 15).

Israel was God's instrument to bring justice in Judah. Israel acted

inappropriately, however, by slaughtering and mistreating the people of

Judah. This angered God. We need to understand here that God is a God of

justice but He is also a God of compassion and mercy. In their judgment,

Israel forgot compassion. God does not act this way. Even in anger He

remembers mercy. God's anger is controlled. He judges righteously. In

judgment He does what is right. Israel was not motivated by the same

intentions as God.

Notice that while God had judged His people, He had compassion on them

in their need. He covered their nakedness, provided them with food, balm

for their wounds and donkeys for their weak. In judgment He was still

compassionate. We would do well to follow this example. God despises sin

but He still reaches out to the sinner in his or her need.

How often have we been like Israel in our judgment of others? I have seen

churches act with great severity in judging those who have fallen. They fail,

however, to show the same compassion as God in their judgment.

Despite the compassion of the Lord, King Ahaz refused to return to Him.

Instead of turning to God he called for the king of Assyria (verse 16).

Ahaz found himself in a very difficult situation. Not only had he been

defeated by the Arameans and the Israelites but now the Edomites revolted

against him. They, too, carried off prisoners from Judah (verse 17). The

Philistines raided what was left of the nation. They captured and occupied a

number of Judean cities (verse 18). In all this, the Lord humbled the nation

of Judah because of its sin and rebellion (verse 19).

Ahaz refused to be humbled, however. As we have already seen, instead of

turning to the Lord God for help, he turned to the Assyrians. Instead of

bringing help, however, these Assyrians brought trouble (verse 20). Ahaz

paid them by giving them articles from the temple of the Lord but the

Assyrians did not help Judah (verse 21).

God stripped Ahaz of all his support. There was no help for him in any of

the nations around him. He could have humbled himself, recognized his sin

and turned to God, but he refused. Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the

Lord. He hardened his heart to God and His ways (verse 22).

In verse 23 Ahaz decided to offer sacrifices to the gods of Damascus who

had defeated him. He believed these gods to be more powerful than the

gods of Aram. He needed all the help he could get and chose to worship

whatever god he felt would give him the most help (verse 23).

While he pursued the gods of the nations, Ahaz stripped the temple of God

in Jerusalem of its furniture and closed its doors (verse 24). In doing so, he

stopped the worship of God. This shows us how hard his heart was

becoming to the things of God.

Ahaz built altars to pagan gods and set them on every street corner in

Jerusalem (verse 24). He built high places to worship other gods in every

town in Judah. In doing this, he provoked the anger of the Lord (verse 25).

Under the reign of Ahaz, the nation of Judah was devastated. The blessing

of God was removed from the land. The worship of God stopped and the

whole nation was filled with pagan altars and high places. When Ahaz died,

he was not buried in the tombs of the kings of Judah. He was not worthy of

such an honour. His son Hezekiah succeeded him as king on the throne.

For Consideration:

What price did Ahaz pay for turning his back on the Lord

God? What price did his nation pay?

How does God demonstrate compassion on Judah in His

judgment?

How easy is it for us to forget compassion in discipline?

Have you ever seen an example of discipline exercised

without compassion? What was the result?

Does showing compassion on someone who has fallen into

sin mean that we accept their sin?

What do we learn in this passage about the hardness of

Ahaz's heart? How did God seek to break that hard heart? Is

it possible for us to harden our hearts to God and His

purposes?

For Prayer:

Ask God to soften your heart toward Him and His ways.

Thank the Lord that in His judgment He remembers

compassion.

Ask God to help you to show compassion to those who have

fallen into sin.

Thank the Lord for the blessing He gives those who walk

with Him. Ask Him to speak to your church and nation about

the sin that separates them from God's blessing.

45 - THE WORSHIP OF

GOD RESTORED

Read 2 Chronicles 29:1-30:27

t this point in the history of God’s people in Judah the worship of

the Lord God had stopped. In fact, Ahaz had closed the doors of

the temple. There were idols in every town. God's people were

worshiping foreign gods in the high places and on the street corners of the

city of Jerusalem. This resulted in the devastation of Judah. Foreign nations

had taken much of their wealth and many of their people had been captured

and taken into exile. These were difficult and barren days in the nation of

Judah. As long as they wandered from God, there was no hope of real

blessing and restoration for them.

Under the reign of King Hezekiah things would radically change in the land

of Judah. He would become king at the age of twenty-five and would reign

for twenty-nine years in Jerusalem (verse 1). Hezekiah is described in verse

2 as a good king who did just as his father David had done. This was a very

high complement to his reign. This is especially noteworthy seeing that his

father had devastated the land and encouraged the worship of pagan gods in

Jerusalem.

In verse 3 we read that Hezekiah opened the doors of the temple. Verse 3

tells us that it was the first month of the first year of his reign that he

opened the doors. This gives us an indication of what was important to

Hezekiah. One of his first a priorities was to restore the temple and the

worship of God in the land.

In order for the worship of God to be restored, Hezekiah needed to begin

with the priests. He called an assembly in the square on the east side of the

temple (verse 4). When the priests had gathered, he asked them to

consecrate themselves and the temple of the Lord God (verse 5). They were

to do this by removing all the defilements from the temple.

How easy it is for us to allow things to come into our lives and our

fellowship groups that do not honour God. For the temple to be consecrated

and the worship of God to be restored, the first thing that needed to happen

was that the people of God remove all that did not honour Him. If we want

to be right with God then we too need to examine our lives to see if there is

anything that needs to be removed so that God's glory may more fully be

revealed in us.

Hezekiah reminded the priests that their fathers had been unfaithful and had

done evil in the land. They had turned their back on the Lord God and His

temple (verse 6). During the days of their fathers the doors of the temple

had been shut and the lights had gone out. Sacrifices to the Lord and

incense had also come to an end (verse 7).

The anger of the Lord was on the nation as a whole (verse 8). This was the

inheritance of Hezekiah's generation from their fathers.

The sins of the fathers had a profound effect on the lives of Hezekiah's

descendants. They were born into a nation that was under the curse of God.

They were born into a nation who had closed its heart to God and His word.

There was no worship of God in the land and the temple was in disrepair.

As a nation they were powerless against their enemies. They were

impoverished and weak. This was their inheritance both physically and

spiritually. What will our children inherit from us? What is the spiritual

heritage we will pass on to our children? We would do well to consider this

important question.

Hezekiah was fully aware of the inheritance he had received. He was

determined that he would not pass this same inheritance on to his children.

He was not going to live under the curse of his father’s rebellion. In verse

10 he decided that he was going to make a covenant with the Lord God so

that His fierce anger would turn from the nation. He called the priests

together that day for this reason. He challenged them as those whom God

had chosen to be diligent in their responsibilities (verse 11).

The Levites took Hezekiah seriously. In verse 12 they gathered their fellow

Levites together and set to work (verse 15). The names of those who were

involved in the cleansing of the temple are recorded for us in verses 12-14.

The priests too were involved in the purifying of the temple. They went into

the temple and brought out everything they determined was unclean (verse

16). We need to understand that these unclean things should not have been

in the temple at all. This was in indication of just how bad things had

become in Judah. When the priests brought out the unclean things from the

temple, the Levites would take these articles to the Kidron Valley and dump

them there (verse 16).

Verse 17 tells us that the consecration of the temple began on the first day

of the month. By the eighth day of that month they had reached the portico.

Verse 17 goes on to tell us that they worked for yet another eight days to

clean the inner temple itself. All together it took them sixteen days to clean

out the impurities from the temple. We are not told how many people were

involved in this cleaning but we should understand here that the temple was

in serious disorder.

When the priests and Levites had completed the work of cleaning out the

defilements from the temple, they went to King Hezekiah and reported to

him (verse 18). They told him that they had also consecrated the articles

that his father King Ahaz had removed from the temple. All these articles

were now back in place (verse 19).

When everything was ready, the next morning the King gathered the city

officials and went up with them to the temple (verse 20). They brought

seven bulls, seven rams, seven male lambs and seven male goats for a sin

offering for the kingdom of Judah. Hezekiah commanded that the priests

offer these animals on the altar to the Lord. Notice that it was only after

they had removed the defilements from the temple that they came to the

Lord for forgiveness. It is all too easy for us to seek forgiveness without any

intention of doing anything about our sin. Hezekiah clearly turned his back

on the sins of his fathers and only then did he come to the Lord for

forgiveness. He sought God not only in words only but also by his deeds.

In accordance with the command of the king, the priests slaughtered the

bulls and sprinkled their blood on the altar. They did the same with the rams

and the lambs (verse 22). All this was done in accordance with the Law of

Moses as recorded in Leviticus 17:6.

When they had slaughtered the bulls, rams and lambs, purifying and

consecrating the altar, the priests then took the goats for a sin offering. They

laid their hands on them confessing the sins of the nation (verse 23). The

rams were slaughtered as an offering to God for the sins of the people

(verse 24).

As this sacrifice was taking place, the Levites stationed themselves in the

temple with musical instruments. They had cymbals, harps, lyres and

trumpets (verses 25-26). As the burnt offering was being made on the altar

the Levites began to sing to the Lord accompanied by the musical

instruments (verse 27). When the singing began, the whole assembly bowed

down to worship. This continued until the sacrifice was completed (verse

28). The king bowed down to worship (verse 29). The worship continued as

the Levites sang hymns written by David and Asaph the seer. There was

gladness in the air as the people worshiped (verse 30).

After the offerings for sin and the dedication of the people and the articles

of the temple were complete, Hezekiah called for volunteer thank offerings

to be made. All whose hearts were willing brought animals to be sacrificed

to the Lord (verse 31).

The assembly brought seventy bulls, a hundred rams and two hundred male

lambs as thank offerings to the Lord (verse 32). Altogether six hundred

bulls and three thousand sheep and goats were sacrificed to the Lord during

that celebration (verse 33). In fact, there were too few priests present that

day to deal with all these sacrifices so the Levites helped the priests to skin

the animals (verse 34).

It is particularly important that we note that the reason why there were too

few priests to deal with these sacrifices was because the Levites had been

more careful to keep themselves pure than had the priests (see verse 34).

Until the priests had been consecrated fully they could not take part in the

sacrifices to the Lord. This shows us that God is interested in a people who

are clean and pure to serve Him.

It was by this means that the worship in the temple of God was restored in

the days of Hezekiah the king. There was great celebration and rejoicing in

those days (verses 35-36).

It is important, in this context, that we also examine what took place in the

days that followed the restoration of the worship in the temple. Chapter 30

gives us the story of how the celebration of the Passover was restored.

According to verse 1 of chapter 30, Hezekiah wrote letters to all the people

of Israel and Judah inviting them to come to the temple of the Lord in

Jerusalem for the celebration of the Passover. The Passover had not been

celebrated for a long time because there were not enough priests

consecrated to lead the people (verse 3).

The king’s couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the

king to come to the Passover celebration (verse 6). In that letter, the king

invited the people to return to the Lord God so that He would return to

them. He reminded them that already the king of Assyria had taken many

captives from Israel. He challenged those who remained in the land to

return to God. He warned them not to be like their fathers who had been

unfaithful to the Lord so that He had turned His back on them. It was

because they had turned their back on God that they were in their present

situation (verse 7). Hezekiah challenged the people of Israel and Judah to

submit to the Lord and to come to Jerusalem to worship Him (verse 8). He

challenged them to serve the Lord and honour Him so that His fierce anger

would be turned from them. He promised that if they returned to the Lord,

He would show mercy on them and their captors would treat them with

compassion (verse 9). God would not turn His face from them if they

returned to Him.

This was a very powerful letter. Hezekiah is very clear that the reason for

their downfall as a nation had to do with their rebellion against God and His

Word. He believed that if they returned to the Lord God, He would be

compassionate and forgiving. He issued a nationwide appeal for God's

people to return to their God. We can only imagine what it would be like for

the leaders of our various countries to make such an appeal today. We can

only imagine what the response of the inhabitants of our nations would be

to such a call.

In verse 10 we see the response of the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh and

Zebulun to Hezekiah's appeal. We are told that the people "scorned and

ridiculed" the couriers. It was not in the heart of the people to return to their

God. Nevertheless there were some who did listen to the call of God

through King Hezekiah (verse 11).

The hand of the Lord was particularly on the nation of Judah. Verse 12 tells

us that God gave them unity of mind to take up the challenge of the king.

Notice that it was God who gave them this unity of mind. The reality of the

matter is that without the work of God and His softening influence on our

lives, none of us would ever have been responsive to the call of God. How

thankful we need to be that God softens our hearts.

When the day for the Passover arrived, a very large crowd gathered in

Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread

(verse 13). In those days, the people cleared away the pagan incense altars

in the land and threw them into the Kidron Valley (verse 14). During the

Feast of Unleavened Bread the Jews would clean out their homes in

anticipation of the Passover. Here the whole nation is being cleansed.

There were some very powerful things happening in those days. On the day

of the Passover, a Passover lamb was slaughtered (verse 15). Verse 15 tells

us that the priests who had not been following the Lord were ashamed and

consecrated themselves to the Lord. God was doing a work in the hearts of

the religious leaders. These priests were being broken by God and dealing

with their sins.

The work which began in the lives of the leaders spread to the crowd that

had come that day. Many in the crowd were not right with God. Passover

lambs were sacrificed for the people who were not ceremonially clean

(verse 17).

Many of the people who came from outside Judah were not ceremonially

clean (verse 18). Israel had turned its back on the Lord as a nation. Many of

the priests of Israel were pagan priests who did not follow the ways of God.

These people had not been taught the ways of the Lord God. In their hearts,

however, they wanted to serve the Lord and honour Him. They ate the

Passover meal even though they were not clean before God.

Hezekiah prayed to God for those who ate the Passover though unclean. He

asked God to pardon them for their offense (verse 18). He reminded God

that these individuals had set their heart on seeking God. Even though they

were unclean, their hearts were set on seeking God (verse 19). The Lord

God saw the hearts of these individuals and heard the prayer of Hezekiah

and turned His anger from them (verse 20). God was willing to be merciful

to those who were unclean because He knew their hearts. This shows us

that God does not just look at the outward actions, He looks at the heart.

There are times when we don't get everything right but God is gracious

because He knows our heart. There are other times when we can do

everything exactly as God commanded but God will refuse our offerings

because our hearts are not right.

For seven days the people celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread (verse

21). During that time, there was great rejoicing in the land. The Levites and

priests sang and worshiped the Lord every day accompanied by instruments

(verse 21). Hezekiah encouraged the Levites. Further offerings were made

as the whole assembly praised and thanked the Lord.

When the seven days of the Feast were over the people did not want to go

home. They decided to stay for seven more days. Those days were filled

with joyous celebration (verse 23). Hezekiah provided a thousand bulls,

seven thousand sheep and goats for the assembly. The officials of the land

provided another thousand bulls and ten thousand sheep and goats (verse

24). These animals were sacrificed and likely provided food for the great

crowd that had gathered.

Verse 24 tells us that during those days a great number of priests

consecrated themselves. For many years these priests had failed to follow

the way of the Lord. Now God was doing a powerful work among the

spiritual leadership. The entire assembly of Judah rejoiced with the priests

and Levites. God was giving them oneness of mind and tremendous joy in

worship and celebration. Even the people of pagan Israel were being

touched by this powerful move of God (verse 25). Nothing like this had

happened in the city of Jerusalem since the days of Solomon and David

(verse 26).

God was manifesting His presence in those days. The priests and Levites

stood before the people to bless them and God heard from heaven and

answered their prayers. God reached down from His holy dwelling place in

heaven to touch the people who had gathered in Jerusalem that day (verse

27). A great revival was taking place. Under the ministry of King Hezekiah

the nation of Judah was being restored to her God. These were glorious

days.

For Consideration:

What was the condition of the land of Judah when Hezekiah

became king? What spiritual inheritance will you leave your

children?

Hezekiah did not settle for things the way they were. He

chose to do something about the sin and evil in the land.

Have you ever settled for something that was less than God's

standard for your life?

Hezekiah had the priests clean out the temple of all its

impurities. It took them sixteen days to clean it out. What

sinful habits or attitudes need to be cleansed from your life?

Can we say we are repentant if we do not turn from our sins?

What evidence was there in that day of the work of God in

Jerusalem? What evidence is there of God working in your

life?

What was the place of joy in the revival that took place in

Hezekiah's day? Do you experience a measure of this joy?

What do you suppose hinders your joy?

Not everyone who came to Jerusalem and who was part of

the revival of Hezekiah's day was ceremonially clean yet God

still accepted them. Who are the people of our day we would

consider unclean? Will God accept them?

For Prayer:

Ask God to help you to leave a godly heritage for your

children.

Ask God to give you victory over the past and the ungodly

things that have been passed down to you. Thank Him that

you do not have to settle for defeat.

Ask God to cleanse you of all impurities that stand between

Him and yourself.

Ask God to help you to accept His call to renewal and

revival. Thank Him that He accepts you as you are. Ask Him

to renew and refresh you in your spiritual walk.

46 - HEZEKIAH IS TESTED

Read 2 Chronicles 31:1-32:33

od had been doing some wonderful things in the land of Judah

under the reign of King Hezekiah. Revival was spreading. God's

people had spent over two weeks celebrating His goodness at the

Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This had been the first such

celebration since the reigns of David and Solomon. God was restoring His

people to Himself.

As the people left the celebrations in Jerusalem, they went into the various

towns of Judah smashing the sacred stones and Asherah poles used in the

worship of the pagan gods (verse 1). This was all part of what God was

doing in cleansing the land of its impurities.

Hezekiah assigned the priests and Levites to ministry teams. Each team had

a task to perform. Some were to burn offerings, others were to give thanks

and sing praises at the gates of the temple (verse 2).

In verse 3 Hezekiah gave the animals for the morning and evening burnt

offerings as well as for the offerings required on special days (Sabbath,

New Moons and other appointed feasts). He also commanded that the

people who lived in Jerusalem give a portion of their resources to the priests

and Levites so that they could devote themselves to serving the Lord

according to the Law of Moses (verse 4). The inhabitants of the city were

more than willing to contribute to the ministry of the Levites and gave

generously of the first fruits of their grain, wine, oil, honey and crops. They

also brought a tithe to the temple for the service of the Lord (verse 5). All

this was an indication that the Lord was doing a wonderful work in the lives

of His people in the days of Hezekiah.

Those living in the various towns of Judah also contributed a tithe of their

belongings to the Lord. These tithes were brought to the temple and piled in

heaps until they could be used (verse 6). When Hezekiah and his officials

saw the heaps of offerings that had been given to the work of the Lord, they

praised the Lord and blessed the people (verse 8). Hezekiah ordered that the

priests prepare storerooms in the temple to store the offering the people had

been giving (verse 11).

Not only did the priests need to prepare store rooms for the offerings the

people had been bringing but they also set Levites in charge of the tithe

offerings. In verse 12 Conaniah and Shimei were given the responsibility to

oversee the contributions and offerings. Ten other Levites assisted them in

this work. Their names are recorded in verse 13.

Another Levite by the name of Kore was given charge of the freewill

offerings. These were given on top of the tithe offerings listed above (verse

14). He was responsible to get these offerings to where they were needed.

He was assisted by six men whose names are recorded in verse 15. These

men would distribute the freewill offerings to the priests and those who

served at the temple as required (verse 15-17). These freewill offerings

were used to provide for the ministry and personal needs of the priests and

their families (verse 18).

Hezekiah made sure that those who served the Lord and their families were

well provided for. He served the Lord faithfully (verse 20). God blessed

Hezekiah for his faithful efforts and everything he did prospered (verse 21).

While God's presence was obviously with Hezekiah, he still faced obstacles

in his life. Chapter 32 shows us that even those who serve the Lord with

their whole heart can face tremendous problems.

In 2 Chronicles 32:1 we read how Sennacherib, the king of Assyria,

invaded Judah and laid siege to the fortified cities with the intention of

conquering them. When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib intended to make

war on Jerusalem, he consulted his advisers and devised a plan of action.

In verse 3 he decided to block the water from the springs outside the city.

They decided to do this so that the Assyrian army would not have water

(verse 4). In verse 5 he also decided that they needed to repair broken

sections of the wall, build other towers and walls for defence and reinforce

the supporting terraces. He had large numbers of weapons and shields made

in preparation for the Assyrian attack.

In verse 6 he appointed military officials over the people and had them

assemble before him in the square at the city gate. When the people

gathered, Hezekiah spoke to them. In his words to the people, Hezekiah

challenged them to be strong and courageous. He told them that they had no

reason to be afraid of the army of Assyria, for as big as it was, it was no

match for the power of God that was with them that day (verses 7-8).

Hezekiah's words give the people confidence (verse 8).

The day arrived when King Sennacherib sent his officers to Jerusalem with

a message for Hezekiah and the people (verse 9). In this message

Sennacherib told the people that what Hezekiah was telling them was false.

Sennacherib told them that Hezekiah's confidence in the Lord God was not

well founded. He reminded the people of how Hezekiah had removed the

pagan gods from the land and torn down their altars (verse 12). In saying

this he was telling the people that these gods would be angry with them.

Sennacherib also reminded the people he was on a very successful military

campaign and nations were falling to his army (verse 13). The gods of these

nations were unable to deliver their people from his hands. He challenged

the people to surrender and not believe Hezekiah who was telling them that

their God was able to deliver them from his hands (verse 15). This was a

serious test of faith for the inhabitants of the city of Jerusalem who had

been experiencing great renewal in their land. Would their newfound faith

be strong enough to get them through this trial?

Sennacherib's officers spoke boldly against the Lord God and His servant

Hezekiah (verse 16). Sennacherib wrote insulting letters against the Lord

God, telling them that He could not possibly deliver them from his hands

(verse 17). His officers would call out in the Hebrew language to the people

of the city in an effort to make them afraid (verses 18-19). We are led to

believe that this tactic went on for some time.

When King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah heard what the Assyrians were

doing, they cried out to the Lord God in prayer. It is interesting that in his

time of crisis the Lord provided Hezekiah with a godly man to stand with

him. Both Isaiah and Hezekiah joined together to seek the Lord.

As the two men sought the Lord, the Lord sent an angel into the Assyrian

camp. The angel went through the camp and destroyed the fighting men and

leaders (verse 21). We are not told how this happened. It may be that the

angel of the Lord caused a plague or sickness of some kind to break out in

their camp. Sennacherib was forced to withdraw in disgrace. When he

returned home and went into the temple of his gods, his own sons struck

and killed him with the sword (verse 21).

God heard the prayers of Hezekiah and Isaiah the prophet and saved them

from this serious threat. They did not have to fight this battle. Verse 22 tells

us that the Lord took care of Judah from all sides. People from various

places brought offerings to Jerusalem for the Lord their God. They also

brought valuable gifts for Hezekiah (verse 23). Because of this incident,

Hezekiah was highly regarded by all the nations. They knew that the Lord

God was with him.

An even greater test came after these events. With all the wealth and

acknowledgment that was coming his way; the heart of Hezekiah became

proud. The Lord struck him with an illness. Hezekiah was at the point of

death and cried out to the Lord. God heard his prayer and saved his life

(verse 24). Hezekiah's heart, however, was still proud. Because of the pride

of his heart, the anger of the Lord came on the nation of Judah as a whole

(verse 25).

When Hezekiah realized what his pride was doing to the nation, he

repented. Notice in verse 26 that the whole city of Jerusalem also repented

of their pride and the Lord's wrath did not come on them.

This victory over the Assyrians was a blessing from God but it was also a

test of the sincerity of the hearts of God's people as well. Hezekiah allowed

this victory to make him proud as did the people of Jerusalem. This almost

destroyed them.

Verse 27 tells us that Hezekiah had many riches. He was greatly honoured

among his people and the nations. He had great treasures of silver, gold,

precious stones, spices, shields and other valuables. He made buildings to

store his grain, wine and oil. He constructed stalls for his cattle and pens for

his flocks (verse 28). He built villages and acquired great quantities of

flocks and herds (verse 29). He blocked a spring and channelled the water

to the city. He succeeded in everything he did (verse 30).

In verse 31 a further test came from the Lord in the form of some

Babylonian envoys. They came to ask him about a miraculous sign that had

occurred in the land. This may have been a reference to how the Lord had

delivered him from Assyria. We are told that at that time "God left him to

test him and to know everything that was in his heart." In 2 Kings 20:13 we

read that Hezekiah warmly received these envoys and showed them all the

wealth of his kingdom. This act in itself was likely an act of pride and

resulted in Babylon coming back to take that wealth for themselves. God

would humble the nation for its pride.

Further details of the life of Hezekiah are written in the book of Isaiah. The

events of his life were recorded in the records of the kings of Israel and

Judah (verse 32). Hezekiah died and was buried on the hill where the tombs

of his fathers were located. The nation of Judah honoured Hezekiah in his

death. His son Manasseh succeeded him on the throne (verse 33).

What is particularly important for us to note here is that Hezekiah and the

people of Jerusalem who had been restored and renewed were put to the

test. It is relatively easy for us to follow the crowd but the true believer is

known for his sincerity in the midst of testing and trial. God was allowing

His people to be tested to see the sincerity of their newfound faith. Even the

great king Hezekiah was tested and fell. His temptation was pride. While

God was gracious to him, Hezekiah wrestled with this until his death.

Where would you stand if your faith was tested?

For Consideration:

What impact did the revival in Judah under Hezekiah have on

how the people contributed to the ministry of the Lord?

How was the sincerity of the people involved in this revival

tested? Would your faith pass such a test?

In his trial, Hezekiah was supported by Isaiah the prophet. Do

you have people who can stand with you and pray with you

in your trials?

How does God's deliverance become a stumbling block for

Hezekiah? How can our spiritual gifts, ministry success or

material possessions become a stumbling block for us today?

Have you ever been tempted to become proud? What in

particular can make you proud?

For Prayer:

Ask God to give you willingness to be generous with what

He has given you.

Ask God to give you a sincere heart that passes the tests He

allows you to go through in life.

Ask God to protect you from pride.

Take a moment to thank the Lord for those who have stood

with you in your trials. Ask Him to give you the opportunity

to stand with someone in their trial.

Thank God that He is bigger than our worst enemy. Thank

Him that there is victory for those who trust in Him.

47 - MANASSEH AND

AMON OF JUDAH

Read 2 Chronicles 33:1-25

he life of Manasseh shows us that God can radically change the

life of an evil person. When he became king in Judah, the nation

had been experiencing spiritual renewal. Manasseh's father

Hezekiah had been responsible for great things happening in the land.

Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king. He would reign for

fifty-five years (verse 1).

Initially in his reign he did not follow the ways of his father Hezekiah. He

was a very evil king. Verses 2-10 give us some examples of the evil of

Manasseh.

In verse 2 we read that Manasseh followed the "detestable practices of the

nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites." He turned from the

Lord God and followed the gods of the nations around him. This was in

direct contrast to the wonderful work God had been doing in the nation of

Judah under the reign of his father Hezekiah.

Manasseh rebuilt the high places dedicated to the foreign gods his father

had demolished (verse 3). He erected altars to Baal and made pagan

Asherah poles. He worshipped the stars. In just a short while the nation that

had been revived under King Hezekiah's reign had returned to the evil from

which God had delivered it.

Notice in verse 4 that Manasseh built foreign altars and put them in the

temple. He put these altars in the outer and inner courts. From verse 5 we

understand that these altars were for the worship of the stars. In doing this,

Manasseh showed that he had no respect for the God of his father.

From verse 6 we understand that Manasseh sacrificed his sons in the fire in

the Valley of Ben Hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination and witchcraft.

He consulted mediums and spiritists. His involvement in the occult and his

evil deeds angered the Lord God.

Manasseh took carved images he had made and put them in the temple of

God (verse 7). He showed his total disregard for the warning of the Lord

that if His people disobeyed Him, their land would be taken from them

(verse 8).

Manasseh led Judah and the people of Jerusalem away from God. In fact, he

was more evil than the surrounding nations (verse 9). Though God spoke to

him, he refused to pay attention and continued his evil practices (verse 10).

These verses show us just how far Manasseh was from God. What is so

upsetting about these verses is that just prior to this, Judah had experienced

such a wonderful revival. In such a short time they were worse than they

had ever been. The whole nation had turned their back on God and His

ways.

God was angry with Judah and brought Assyria against them. These

Assyrians took Manasseh prisoner. They put a hook in his nose, bound him

with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon (verse 11). Manasseh was

broken by this event. Verse 12 tells us that in his distress he turned to the

Lord God and sought His favour. We are told that he "humbled himself

greatly before the Lord God of his fathers" (verse 12). God was moved by

his prayer and listened to him (verse 13). In response to his prayer and

repentance, the Lord opened the door for Manasseh to return to Jerusalem

as king. When this happened Manasseh knew that the Lord was God (verse

13).

Upon his return to Jerusalem, Manasseh was a different man. Verse 14 tells

us that he rebuilt the outer wall of the city making it much higher than it

was previously (verse 14). He stationed military commanders in all the

fortified cities of Judah.

When he had assured the security of the city, Manasseh proceeded to

cleanse the nation of its pagan gods. He removed foreign gods and the

image he had put in the temple. He destroyed the altars he had built on the

temple hill and threw them outside the city (verse 15).

When he had thrown out the pagan altars, he restored the altar of the Lord

God. He offered fellowship and thank offerings on it as the Lord had

commanded (verse 16). While Manasseh had been radically changed by the

Lord, the people continued to offer sacrifices to foreign gods in the high

places (verse 17).

The events of Manasseh's life were recorded in the history of the kings of

Israel and Judah (verse 18). He was known as an evil king but one whose

prayer of repentance moved the heart of God and restored him to fellowship

(verse 19). When Manasseh died his son Amon would succeed him as king

(verse 20).

Amon became king at the age of twenty-two. He would reign in Judah for

only two years (verse 21). He was an evil king. He chose to follow the early

example of his father and led Judah away from the Lord. He worshiped the

idols his father Manasseh had made (verse 22). Unlike his father Manasseh,

however, Amon refused to repent of his evil.

Amon's officials conspired against him and assassinated him in the palace

(verse 24). That incident caused a revolt in the land. The people rose up and

killed those who had plotted against King Amon and put his son Josiah on

the throne in his place (verse 25).

There are several important lessons we need to learn from the lives of these

kings. Let me give three lessons we can learn from the lives of Manasseh

and Amon.

First, each person is accountable to God and must make up his own mind as

to what he is going to do with Him. Hezekiah was a wonderful king who

followed the way of the Lord with all his heart. His son Manasseh did not

follow his example but chose to lead Judah astray from God. He was

humbled and returned to God with all his heart. Manasseh’s son Amon

chose to wander from God and never did repent or come to the Lord. Each

generation has a decision to make. As important as it is for us to set an

example for our children, each child must individually make up his or her

mind as to whether they will follow after the Lord or not. Some, like

Manasseh, choose to wander but turn back to God at a later point in life.

Others like Amon will persist in rebellion. This is not a decision that

anyone can make for us. We must each make up our own mind about what

we will do with the Lord God.

Second, we learn from this passage that the Lord God is willing to listen to

the humble and repentant prayer of even the worst sinner. Manasseh is a

clear example of this. Here was a man who was heavily involved in the

occult. He did terrible evil in the land of Judah and led many astray. God

captured his attention, however, when He sent him into exile in Babylon.

When he humbled himself and prayed, God was willing to restore him to

fellowship. No matter how far you have wandered from the Lord God, if

you repent, there is forgiveness available to you. You can be restored to

God.

Finally, this passage shows us just how quickly revival fires can be snuffed

out by disobedience. In just a few short months, Manasseh had succeeded in

turning the nation of Judah away from God. The temple that had been

cleansed and purified was quickly defiled by foreign altars and images. The

land that had been cleansed of its pagan altars and idols found itself again

the centre of evil idolatry.

How important it is that we remain true to the Lord. How quickly we can

fall. How easy it is for the enemy to come in and defeat us. In a moment of

inattention or weakness we find ourselves far from God and His blessing.

This passage warns us that we must persevere in obedience if we are to

continue to know the blessing of God. The Christian life is one that requires

constant vigilance. The enemy is always seeking for a way to penetrate our

ranks. We must always be alert and attentive to his ways.

For Consideration:

What does this chapter teach us about the evil Manasseh did

in the beginning of his reign?

How did the invasion of Assyrian and Manasseh's ultimate

capture change the king's life? Has God ever used tragedy in

your life to change you or open your eyes?

What do we learn about how revival fires can be quickly

snuffed out? What does this teach us about the importance of

being watchful?

What do we learn about the willingness of God to accept all

who will repent of their sin and evil?

Why is it so difficult for us to learn from the mistakes of

others? Did Manasseh and Amon learn from their fathers?

For Prayer:

Take a moment to consider lessons that God has taught you

through trials and difficulties in life. Thank God that He uses

trials to teach us important lessons. Ask God to open your

heart to the lessons He wants to teach you today.

Ask God to help you to be watchful and alert in your spiritual

walk.

Thank the Lord that He is willing to forgive you for your sin.

Thank Him that He delights to restore the repentant sinner.

48 - REVIVAL UNDER

JOSIAH: THE DISCOVERY

OF THE BOOK OF THE

LAW

Read 2 Chronicles 34:1-33

osiah became king, in the place of his evil father Amon, when he was

eight years old. He would reign in Jerusalem for thirty-one years

(verse 1). Unlike his father Amon, Josiah was a good king who

walked in the ways of King David (verse 2). He served the Lord faithfully.

In the eighth year of his reign, when he was still quite young (likely about

fourteen years of age), he began to seek the Lord (verse 3). By the twelfth

year (about eighteen years old), Josiah took on the responsibility of purging

the land of its evil practices. He removed the pagan Asherah poles and idols

in Judah. Under his direction, the Baals were torn down and cut to pieces.

The incense altars used in the worship of the Baals were torn down and

smashed (verse 4). The Asherah poles were broken to pieces and scattered

on the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. He even burned the

bones of the priests who sacrificed to these gods on their pagan altars. 2

Kings 23 gives us a more detailed account of what took place in those days

of Josiah. We understand from 2 Kings 23:16 that Josiah actually emptied

tombs of their bodies to burn on these altars. All this was in direct

fulfilment of a prophecy that was given in 1 Kings 13:1-2 many years

before the birth of Josiah. In all this, Josiah was sending a very clear

message to his people. He would not tolerate the worship of any other god

in Judah.

Josiah was not content to cleanse the nation of Judah only. In verse 6 we see

how he went into the towns of the tribes of Manasseh, Ephraim, Simeon

and Naphtali (in the country of Israel) and tore down their altars as well

(verse 6). He crushed these idols and ground them to powder. He went

throughout these regions of Israel destroying their pagan altars and returned

to Jerusalem (verse 7).

By the time he was twenty-four (the eighteenth year of his reign), Josiah set

his heart to purifying the temple in Jerusalem (verse 8). He commissioned

Shaphan and Joah to clean and repair the temple. Shaphan and Joah went to

the high priest Hilkiah and gave him money the Levites had collected from

the people of Israel and Judah (verse 9). They entrusted the money to men

they appointed to supervise the repairs on the temple (verse 10). These

supervisors used the money to hire carpenters and builders and to purchase

dressed stone and timber for beams and joists for the buildings that had

fallen into ruin (verse 11). This gives us a small sense of the extent of the

damage in the temple and surrounding area. Beams and joints had to be

replaced in order to make it safe for people to use.

These men did the work of the Lord faithfully (verse 12). Verse 12 tells us

that Jahath and Obadiah (descendants of Merari) and Zechariah and

Meshullam (descendants of Kohath) directed the workers. The Levites had

an important role to play in the repairs of the temple, acting as supervisors,

secretaries and doorkeepers (verse 13). Notice in verse 12 that those who

were skilled in playing musical instruments had charge over the labourers.

While this was not their usual responsibilities, they had to be flexible in this

situation. The first responsibility was to repair and purify the temple. Their

regular responsibilities had to be put aside until this had been accomplished.

While they were cleaning out the temple, Hilkiah the priest found the Book

of the Law of the Lord. This contained the law God had given through

Moses (verse 14). It is of significance that this book had been lost. For

years no one read this book or even appeared to miss it. Again this is

evidence of the state of the nation. The Word of God had been completely

lost to the nation of Judah.

Hilkiah told Shaphat the secretary that he found the Book of the Law of the

Lord in the temple. He gave the book to Shaphan (verse 15). Shaphan took

the book to King Josiah when he went to give him a report on the progress

of the work (verses 16-17). Shaphan then read some of the book to the King

(verse 18).

When Josiah heard what Shaphan read from the Book of the Law of the

Lord, he was deeply touched. Verse 19 tells us that he tore his robes in a

sign of mourning. He gave orders that Hilkiah, Ahikam, Abdon, Shaphan

and Asaiah inquire of the Lord about what was written in the Book of the

Law (verse 20-21). Josiah learned from this book that the Lord was very

angry with His people because they had not kept His law.

It is interesting here that while these men had the Book of the Law, they

still felt the need to hear a specific word from the Lord. It was for this

reason that they called for a prophet. This is important for us to note. There

have been many people who have read the Bible but do not understand it or

see its application. It is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to help us to

understand this Word and apply it to our lives. The Spirit of God delights to

open up God’s Word to us and show us its practical application to our lives.

Sometimes He does this personally by speaking to us directly about the

Word of God. At other times He may use others to speak to us and teach us

the truth of that Word. In any case, if we are to understand the truth and

application of God's Word we must do more then read it. We must let the

Spirit of God use it to teach and instruct us in the way He would have us

live.

Josiah understood enough of the words of the Book of the Law of God to

know that he and his nation were in trouble. He now sensed the need to take

these words to the Lord and seek His direction and leading concerning what

he had just heard. We would do well to follow his example in our study of

the Word of God.

Hilkiah the priest and the men Josiah had commissioned to seek the Lord

went to the prophetess Huldah and inquired about the will of the Lord

concerning the words they had just read (verse 22). Huldah told them that

God would indeed bring disaster on Judah according to all the curses that

were written in the Book of the Law (verse 24). This would happen because

they had forsaken the Lord and served other gods, provoking Him to anger

(verse 25). God's anger would not be quenched; He would pour it out on the

nation of Judah.

Huldah also had a special word for Josiah the King. In verses 27-28 she told

him that because he had a humble and responsive heart toward God, he

would be buried in peace. His eyes would not see the disaster God was

going to bring on the nation. God put off His judgment for a time because

of the humility and responsiveness of Josiah's heart. We can only wonder

what effect our own lives play in God's timing to judge our sinful world.

Hilkiah and the other men took the word of Huldah back to Josiah. When

the king heard the word of the Lord, he gathered the elders of Judah and

Jerusalem together (verse 29). They gathered with the people of Judah and

Jerusalem at the temple. Present that day were men and women of all ages

(verse 30). Josiah read the Book of the Law to the people. The king

renewed their covenant with God. That day, the officials and the people of

Judah committed themselves to follow the commands, regulations and

decrees of the Lord God with all their heart and soul (verse 31). They

committed themselves to obey the words of the Book of the Law of the

Lord (Book of the Covenant). Everyone in Jerusalem and Benjamin made

this pledge before the Lord God (verse 32).

The words of the Book of the Law and the word of God through the

prophetess Huldah had a profound impact on the life of Josiah and the

nation of Judah as a whole. He and his nation committed themselves to

seeking God and to live in accordance with His word. Verse 33 tells us that

as long as Josiah was their king, the people did not fail to follow the Lord

God.

The story of Josiah is a story of a good king who wanted to follow the ways

of the Lord his God. It is also the story of a good man who discovered the

Word of God and was profoundly impacted by that Word. The Word of the

Lord had been hidden for many years. Josiah knew something about the

worship of the Lord God from the history that had been passed on to him,

but it was not until he discovered the Word of God that he was able to have

a firm and true footing on which to base his reforms. The Word of God gave

direction to the renewal that took place in the days of Josiah. It was also

what kept the renewal fires burning as long as Josiah lived.

For Consideration:

What evidence is there that the hand of the Lord was on

Josiah in his early years? What reforms did he bring to the

nation in his early years?

Josiah was a man who loved the Lord but did not have access

to the Book of the Law. How did the discovery of the Book

of the Law impact Josiah? How important is the Word of God

today?

How far do you think the revival under Josiah could have

gone without the Book of the Law? What role does the Word

of God have in renewal and revival today?

Why do we need the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the

interpretation and application of the Word of God?

For Prayer:

Thank the Lord that He has given us His word to be our guide

into truth.

Ask the Lord to give you a deeper appreciation of the truth of

the Word of God.

Thank the Lord that He has given us His Holy Spirit to guide

us into the truth of the Word of God. Thank Him also for men

and women He has gifted to teach and apply that Word.

49 - A PASSOVER AND

FINAL BATTLE

2 Chronicles 35:1-27

osiah's reforms had a powerful impact on the nation of Judah. Under

his leadership, the nation was cleansed of its impurities and the

worship of the Lord God restored.

One of the highlights of the reign of King Josiah was a Passover celebration

which took place in the city of Jerusalem. On that occasion, Josiah

appointed priests to do the duties required for the celebration of this

Passover. He encouraged them to take their responsibilities seriously (verse

2). This shows us that Josiah was responsible for a big part of this

movement toward God in Judah. It is the king who is encouraging the

priests to take their role seriously.

Josiah also told the Levites to bring the Ark of the Covenant into the

temple. It is unclear why the Ark of the Covenant was not in the temple. It

may be that it was moved for protection. During the reigns of former kings

of Judah, the temple was desecrated and its articles given away to foreign

lands. Josiah wanted everything to be in order. The Ark of the Covenant

belonged in the temple and now it would be restored to its rightful place.

Notice, however, that Josiah gave particular commands that this ark was not

to be carried on the shoulders of the Levites. This was important. We need

to remember that the Book of the Law of the Lord had been lost to the

people. For many years it was not consulted or followed. Josiah had

discovered the Book of the Law and had read how the Ark of the Covenant

was to be carried. There were two poles that were attached to the side of the

Ark. It was to be carried by those poles. Josiah was careful to observe the

law of God as he knew it.

Once the priests were clear on their responsibilities and the Ark of the

Covenant was in place, the priest and Levites were to slaughter the Passover

lambs, consecrate themselves first and then the people (verses 4-6). Notice

in verses 7-8 the offerings that were made that day.

Who Offered Offering

King Josiah 30,000 sheep and goats

3,000 head of cattle

King’s Officials 2,600 sheep and goats

300 head of cattle

Levites 5,000 sheep and goats

500 head of cattle

We have a record here of an offering of 37,600 lambs and goats and 3,800

cattle. All these animals were offered as a free will offering for the Passover

celebration. This was no small event.

As the events of that day unfolded, the Passover lambs were slaughtered

and the priests sprinkled the blood of these sacrifices to purify the people.

The Levites were responsible for skinning the animals (verse 11). This

would have been a big task.

When the animals were skinned and their blood sprinkled, a certain number

were set aside as a burnt offering. The same was done for the cattle (verse

12). The remainder were roasted over a fire or boiled in pots, cauldrons and

pans and served to the people (verse 13). When the people had been served,

the Levites prepared the meal for themselves and for the priests who were

busy offering sacrifices until nightfall (verse 14).

As the celebration of the Passover unfolded, the musicians were in their

places singing and playing music to the glory of God (verse 15). The

gatekeepers were at each gate assuring that nothing unclean entered the city

during these celebrations. They did not leave their posts during these

celebrations. The Passover meal was brought to them at the gate.

The celebrations lasted seven days in Jerusalem (verse 16). Verse 18 tells us

that there had not been a Passover celebrated like this since the days of

Samuel the prophet. No other king celebrated the Passover like Josiah

celebrated it that day in the eighteenth year of his reign.

When things in the temple and in his land were set in order, Josiah marched

out to meet King Neco of Egypt in battle (verse 20). It is unclear why

Josiah did this. He may have felt threatened. King Neco sent messengers to

Josiah telling him that he had no quarrel with him and that he had no

intention of attacking Judah at that time. He told Josiah that God had told

him to attack another nation. The nation referred to here is Babylon. Neco's

battle was with Babylon and not with Judah. He told Josiah that he was only

hindering the purpose of God by opposing him (verse 21). He also warned

Josiah that if he did not back off he would be destroyed.

Josiah refused to listen to Neco and the word of the Lord through him.

According to verse 22 the Lord God had actually given this command to

King Neco. In disregarding the words of King Neco, Josiah was fighting

against the Lord God.

It is quite amazing to realize that the Lord leads even pagan kings. He can

use the unbeliever to speak to us if we are willing to listen. Josiah refused to

listen to the word of the Lord through King Neco and chose to go into battle

against him. King Josiah, however, did disguise himself. His disguise did

not help. As the battle raged, an archer shot King Josiah and he was badly

wounded (verse 23). Josiah asked his officers to take him away from the

battle. They put him in another chariot and brought him to Jerusalem (verse

24). Josiah died of his wounds. He was buried in the tombs of his fathers

and the city of Jerusalem mourned for him. Even the great prophet Jeremiah

composed a lament for Josiah that would be sung by both men and women

singers in honour of this king (verse 25). Further details of the events of

Josiah's reign were recorded in the records of the kings of Israel and Judah

(verse 26-27).

What is particularly striking about the life of Josiah is that his greatest

strength seemed to be his connection to the Book of the Law of the Lord.

When he discovered this book it had a profound impact on his life. He made

sure that his priests and leaders followed the Law of God in all they did. As

long as he lived, the people followed God's Word.

Josiah, however, would die because he failed to hear the word of the Lord

through King Neco of Egypt. God leads us both by His written word and

His personal leading. As the apostles moved from one town to another, the

Holy Spirit showed them where they were to go. Jesus was led by the Spirit

in what He spoke and did. Josiah's failure had to do with his refusal to listen

to the specific leading of God in the battle against Egypt. God has always

specifically led His people through promptings and circumstances. We

would do well to open our ears not only to the authoritative written Word of

God but also to the leading of His Holy Spirit as He directs us in everyday

matters.

For Consideration:

What evidence do we have here in this passage that Josiah

was the main motivation behind the reforms that took place

in Judah? How does he stir up the people?

What does Josiah's willingness to sacrifice so much show us

about his deep desire to see God honoured? What are you

willing to give so that God would be honoured?

How did God speak to Josiah through King Neco? Why do

you suppose Josiah ignored the word of the Lord through

Neco?

God leads us both through the clear teaching of His written

Word but also through the ministry of His Holy Spirit. Will

the Spirit and the Word ever contradict each other? Why do

you suppose God has given us both the Word and the Spirit to

lead us?

Have you had times in your life where you refused to listen to

the Lord and His leading? What kept you from listening?

For Prayer:

Ask the Lord to make you willing to sacrifice whatever He

would call you to sacrifice for the sake of His kingdom?

Thank the Lord for the authority of His written Word. Thank

Him that it is a clear guide to all truth.

Thank the Lord for the ministry of the Holy Spirit who leads

us to understand the truth of the Word of God and who also

guides us specifically in everyday decisions.

Ask God to help you to love and obey His written Word and

to know and follow the leading of his Holy Spirit.

50 - THE LAST KINGS OF

JUDAH

Read 2 Chronicles 36:1-23

he final years of the nation of Judah before being sent off into exile

were years of turmoil and rebellion against God. After the death of

Josiah, Jehoahaz became king in Judah (verse 1). Jehoahaz was

twenty-three when he became king but would reign for a period of only

three months (verse 2). The king of Egypt removed him from his position

and imposed a heavy tax on the nation (verse 3). The king of Egypt

appointed Jehoahaz's brother Eliakim to be king in his place. Jehoahaz was

taken as captive into Egypt.

King Neco changed the name of Eliakim to Jehoiakim (verse 4). Jehoiakim

was twenty-five years old when he became king. He reigned in for eleven

years (verse 5). His reign, however, would be under the watchful eye of

Egypt who would prove to be a constant threat to them at this time.

Jehoiakim did not serve the Lord God (verse 5). We are not given the

details of the reign of Jehoiakim, but verse 6 tells us that the result of his

wandering from God was that Judah was attacked by Babylon and

Jehoiakim was bound and carried off in bronze shackles to Babylon as a

prisoner. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took many articles from the

temple with him into Babylon. He would put them in his temple in Babylon

(verse 7). When Jehoiakim was taken away from Judah, his son Jehoiachin

succeeded him as king on the throne (verse 8).

Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king. He reigned for a

little more than three months (verse 9). He did not serve the Lord God. In

the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar sent for him and brought him to Babylon.

At that time, Nebuchadnezzar also plundered Jerusalem and took more

articles of value from the temple (verse 10). Like his father, Jehoiachin was

sent into exile into Babylon. His uncle Zedekiah would become king in his

place.

When Zedekiah became king he was twenty-one years old. He reigned for

eleven years (verse 11). He also rebelled against the Lord God and did what

was evil in His sight. The Lord sent Jeremiah to speak to Zedekiah but he

refused to listen to what the prophet had to say (verse 12).

Zedekiah even rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar. King

Nebuchadnezzar had made Zedekiah take an oath of loyalty to him in God's

name (verse 13). In breaking this oath, not only did Zedekiah show his

contempt for Nebuchadnezzar, whom God had ordained to be his judge but

he also showed his contempt to God before whom he had taken his oath.

Throughout his life, Zedekiah refused to listen to the Lord God. In fact, he

became more and more hardened to the ways of the Lord (verse 13). The

leaders of the nation and the priests also become hardened to the things of

God and began to follow the practices of the nations around them (verse

14). In doing this, they defiled the land and the temple in which God was to

be worshipped.

God had compassion on His people in those days and He sent His word to

them through prophetic messengers (verse 15). These messengers were

mocked (verse 16). Having warned them through His prophets, God then

turned His wrath against His people. Notice in verse 16 that there was no

remedy for the people of Judah. They had so consistently rejected God and

His words that no more opportunity would be given them. They would now

suffer the consequences of their sin and evil.

In verse 17 the judgment of God came in the form of the nation of Babylon.

This nation attacked Judah with violence. The Babylonians killed the young

Judean men with the sword in the temple. They also killed the women and

the old men (verse 17). The entire nation was handed over to

Nebuchadnezzar who carried off all the articles from the temple and

brought them to his own land (verse 18). He also stripped the treasuries of

the king and his officials, leaving the nation impoverished.

When all the articles of value were taken from the temple, Nebuchadnezzar

proceeded to burn it down. He broke down the wall of the city of Jerusalem,

leaving it defenceless (verse 19). With no money left in the city, it would

not be rebuilt for many years. The king's palace was destroyed and burned

as there would no longer be a king seated on the throne.

The inhabitants of Judah, who had escaped the sword, were taken into exile

to Babylon. They would remain there as long as Babylon was in power. In

about seventy years the Persians would conquer Babylon and King Cyrus

would issue a decree permitting them to return to their homeland. For

seventy years, the land of Judah would enjoy a rest from the evil of its

inhabitants. All this was prophesied by Jeremiah the prophet who lived at

that time (verse 21). Jeremiah's prophecy about this time is recorded for us

in Jeremiah 25:1-14.

At the end of seventy years of exile, the Lord put it on the heart of King

Cyrus of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his kingdom. In that

proclamation Cyrus told his people that the Lord God of heaven had

appointed him to build him a temple in Jerusalem. He commissioned all

who were willing to return to Jerusalem to build that temple for Him.

While God's people had to pay for their sin, God had not forgotten them. He

moved Cyrus to release His people so that they could be restored. God's

discipline has restoration as its ultimate goal.

In these final years of Judah's kings there was great turmoil in the land. All

four kings were taken captive. All were powerless to defend their nation

against foreign powers. God warned them but they consistently refused His

challenge. In the end, God disciplined them. God's people lost everything,

their homes, their land, their possessions and even members of their own

family. Sin had devastated them but God would not forget them as a nation.

The day would come when He would offer them another opportunity.

Sin has devastating consequences for our nations, churches and personal

lives. A chosen nation of God’s people had been destroyed because of their

unbelief and rebellion. I can imagine that this would have been the farthest

things from their mind. Never could they have imagined that they would

lose so much. Their lives serve as a warning to us, our church and our

nations. May God help us to see that the only hope for our church and

nation is that we seek Him with all our heart.

For Consideration:

What was the effect of sin on the last few years of the nation

of Judah?

What warning do we need to take from this passage about sin

and its consequences?

What evidence was there that the blessing of God had been

removed from the land of Judah in those last days?

What happened to the temple of Jerusalem in the days of

King Zedekiah?

What was the prophecy of Jeremiah about this period of

history? How did it come true?

What do we learn about the compassion of the Lord God? Do

you have compassion on those who have offended you?

For Prayer:

Ask God to give you a heart that is responsive to His Word

and His Spirit’s leading.

Thank the Lord that He is a God of compassion who, even in

His wrath and punishment, remembers to show mercy.

Thank the Lord that He does punish sin. Thank Him that He

is a God of justice and holiness.

Take a moment to pray for the church and your nation. Ask

God to give us all a heart that is sensitive to Him and His

Word.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Light To My Path Book Distribution

Light To My Path (LTMP) is a book writing and

distribution ministry reaching out to needy

Christian workers in Asia, Latin America, and

Africa. Many Christian workers in developing

countries do not have the resources necessary to

obtain Bible training or purchase Bible study

materials for their ministries and personal

encouragement.

F. Wayne Mac Leod is a member of Action

International Ministries and has been writing

these books with a goal to distribute them to needy pastors and Christian

workers around the world. To date tens of thousands of books are being

used in preaching, teaching, evangelism and encouragement of local

believers in over sixty countries. Books have now been translated into a

number of languages. The goal is to make them available to as many

believers as possible.

The ministry of LTMP is a faith based ministry and we trust the Lord for

the resources necessary to distribute the books for the encouragement and

strengthening of believers around the world. Would you pray that the Lord

would open doors for the translation and further distribution of these books?

For more information about Light To My Path Book Distribution visit our

website at www.lighttomypath.ca