HOW THE PRESENT POINTS TO THE FUTURE - PART 2.
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This is based on the N.I.V. translation of
Second Chronicles written about 252 B.C. or 34
lifetimes ago.
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Because the Lord was with him and made him
exceedingly great, Solomon established himself
firmly over his kingdom.
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He spoke to all Israel, commanders of 1000s,
100s, judges, leaders and family heads, taking
them to the High Place at Gibeon where God's
Tent of Meeting was. He went up to the bronze
altar before the Tent and offered 1000 burnt
offerings and with the assembly, enquired of the
Lord.
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God appeared to Solomon that night and said "Ask
whatever you want me to give you."
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He answered, "You've shown great kindness to my
father and made me king, please confirm your
promise to him because I'm king of countless
people. Give me wisdom and knowledge to govern
them."
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God replied, "This being your heart's desire and
not wealth, riches, honour, your enemies' death,
or a long life, I'll give you wisdom and
knowledge and also wealth, riches and honour
such as no king before or after will have."
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Solomon returned to Jerusalem and accumulated
1400 chariots and 1200 horses, which he kept in
Jerusalem and 12 chariot cities. He made silver
and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, cedar
as plentiful as sycamore - fig trees. He
imported horses from Egypt and exported them
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north east to Hittites and Arameans. One
imported chariot cost 7 kilograms of silver and
a horse 1.7 kilograms of silver.
(Chapter 1)
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Solomon gave orders to build the Temple for the
Name of the Lord and a palace for himself. He
conscripted 70,000 carriers, 80,000 stonecutters
and 3,600 foremen.
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He asked the king of Tyre (on the coast about
100 miles north of Jerusalem) for cedar logs
explaining the Temple was to be for:
-Burning fragrant incense.
-Setting out consecrated bread.
-Making burnt offerings morning and evening,
on Sabbaths, new moons and appointed feasts,
a lasting Ordinance for Israel.
He said, "It will be a great Temple because our
God is greater than all gods. But the highest
heavens can't contain Him so it's just a place
to burn sacrifices before Him. So send me a man
skilled in gold, silver, bronze and iron work,
in purple, crimson and blue yarn and in
engraving to work in Judah and Jerusalem with my
skilled craftsmen. Send cedar, pine and algum
logs from Lebanon. My woodsmen will work with
yours to provide plenty of timber because the
Temple must be large and magnificent. I'll pay
for this with 4,400 kilolitres of ground wheat
and the same quantity of barley, wine and olive
oil."
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Hiram, king of Tyre, replied, "The Lord loves
His people so He's made you king. Praise be to
the Lord, the God of Israel, who made heaven and
earth! He has given you wisdom, intelligence and
discernment to build the Temple and palace. I'm
sending Hiram-Abi a greatly skilled man, trained
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in gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone and wood
work, purple, blue and crimson yarn and fine
linen and engraving. He'll work with your
craftsmen. Send the wheat, barley, olive oil and
wine as promised and we'll cut the logs and
float them in rafts to Joppa" (about 30 miles
north west of Jerusalem).
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Solomon took a census of all aliens in Israel
and there were 153,600. He assigned 70,000 as
carriers, 80,000 as stone cutters and 3,600 as
foremen.
(Chapter 2)
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Solomon built the Temple of the Lord in
Jerusalem on Mount Moriah on the threshing floor
of Araunah. Its foundation was 27 metres long
and 9 metres wide. The portico was 9 metres long
and 9 metres wide.
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He overlaid the inside with pure gold, panelled
the main hall with pine, covered it with fine
gold and decorated it with palm tree and chain
designs. He adorned the Temple with precious
stones, overlaid ceiling beams, door frames,
walls and doors with gold and carved cherubim on
the walls.
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He built the most Holy Place 9 metres long and 9
metres wide, overlaying inside and upper parts
with 21 metric tons of gold. Gold nails used
weighed .6 kilogram. He made a pair of
sculptured cherubim and overlaid them with gold,
with a total wingspan of 9 metres. One wing of
the first cherub touched the Temple wall and its
other touched the other's wing in the middle of
the room. And the same for the second so their
wings stretched right across the room. They
stood on their feet facing the main hall.
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He made the curtain of blue, purple and crimson
yarn and fine linen, with cherubim worked into
it.
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In front he made two pillars, together being
about 16 metres long with capitals measuring
2.29 metres. Interwoven chains with 100
pomegranates were attached and the pillars were
erected in front of the Temple, one to the south
named Jachin, one to the north named Boaz.
(Chapter 3)
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Solomon made a bronze altar 9 metres long, 9
metres wide and 4.5 metres high. He made a Sea
of circular cast metal 4.5 metres from rim to
rim and 2.25 metres high. Below the rim it was
encircled by bulls 10 to each .5 of a metre cast
in two rows in one piece with the Sea. It stood
on 12 bulls, 3 facing north, 3 west, 3 south and
3 north, with their hindquarters toward the
centre. It was about 8 cms thick, its rim like a
lily blossom and it held 66 kilolitres or 17,500
gallons. It was used by priests for washing.
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He made 10 basins and placed 5 on the south side
and 5 on the north, things used for burnt
offerings being rinsed in them.
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He made 10 gold lampstands and put 5 on the
south side and 5 on the north, also 100 gold
sprinkling bowls.
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He made the priests' courtyard, the large court
and the court doors overlaid with bronze and
placed the Sea at the south east corner. He also
made pots, shovels and sprinkling bowls. Hiram's
work, all of polished bronze comprised:
-2 pillars with bowl shaped capitals on top
decorated with 2 sets of network with 400
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pomegranates in two rows.
-Stands and basins.
-Sea and 12 bulls under it.
-Pots, shovels, meat forks and related
articles.
They were cast in clay moulds in the Plain of
Jordan between Succoth and Zarethan (about 30
miles north east of Jerusalem). The amount of
bronze used was too much to weigh.
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Solomon made all the furnishings in the Temple,
the:
-Golden altar.
-Tables for the Bread of the Presence.
-Gold lampstands to burn in front of the inner
sanctuary.
-Gold floral work, lamps and tongs.
-Pure gold wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls,
dishes, censers, gold temple inner doors to
the Most Holy Place and doors of the main
hall.
(Chapter 4)
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When all Solomon's work for the Temple was
finished he brought in silver, gold and
furnishings his father had dedicated and placed
them in God's temple treasuries.
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He summoned to Jerusalem Israel's elders, tribal
heads, family chiefs and all Israel's men to
bring the Ark from Zion, David's City, at the
time of the Feast of Tabernacles.
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With elders there, Levitical priests took the
Ark, Tent of Meeting and sacred furnishings and
carried them up. Solomon and all Israel gathered
about him before the Ark, sacrificing countless
sheep and cattle.
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Priests brought the Ark of the Lord's Covenant
to its place beneath the cherubims' wings in the
Most Holy Place. The Ark's carrying poles' ends
could be seen from in front of the inner
sanctuary but not from outside the Holy Place.
Inside the Ark were the two tablets of stone
Moses had placed in it at Mt Sinai where the
Lord made a covenant with Israel.
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Then the priests withdrew from the Holy Place,
all had consecrated themselves regardless of
their divisions. Musician Levites stood east of
the altar dressed in fine linen playing cymbals,
harps and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests
sounding trumpets. Trumpeters and singers joined
in unison with cymbals and other instruments
raising their voices in praise to the Lord
saying:
"He is good;
His love endures forever."
Then the Temple of the Lord was filled with
cloud and priests couldn't perform their service
because THE GLORY OF THE LORD FILLED THE TEMPLE
OF GOD.
(Chapter 5)
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Then Solomon said,"The Lord said He'd dwell in a
dark cloud, I have built a magnificent Temple
for you where you can dwell forever."
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With all Israel standing there, Solomon turned
and blessed them saying:
-Praise the Lord, Israel's God.
-With His hand He's fulfilled what He promised
to David, my father.
-For He said,
"Since I brought my people out of Egypt,
I've not chosen a Temple, city, or a leader
over Israel.
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But now I've chosen Jerusalem and David.
-David had it in his heart to build a Temple.
-The Lord commended him but said Solomon would
do it.
-The Lord's kept His promise.
-I've built this Temple for the Name of the
Lord, the God of Israel, where I've placed
the Ark in which is the Covenant of the Lord
with His people Israel."
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Solomon made a bronze platform 2.3 metres long
and wide and 1.3 metres high, placed it in the
centre of the outer court, stood there before
the Lord's altar before all Israel, knelt down,
spread out his hands toward heaven and said:
-"O Lord God of Israel there's no God like you
in heaven or earth.
-You keep your covenant of love with your
servants who continue wholeheartedly in your
way.
-You've kept the promises of your mouth to
David and fulfilled it to-day.
-Now Lord God of Israel keep your promise to
David that 'If your sons carefully walk
before me according to my law you'll never
fail to have a man sit on Israel's throne.'
-The heavens can't contain you, much less this
Temple, but listen to my prayer and plea for
mercy, O Lord my God.
-May your eyes be on this Temple day and
night.
-May you hear my prayer and Israel's prayers
toward this place - and forgive when they
turn back and confess your name after:
-Defeat by an enemy due to sin against you
and bring them back to the law you gave
their fathers.
-Drought because of sin against you. Teach
them the right way and send rain.
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-Famine, plague, blight, mildew, locusts,
grasshoppers, enemy siege, or any
disaster or disease.
-Deal with each man according to his actions
because you know his heart, so they will
have awesome respect for you and walk in
your ways while they live in the land you
gave their forefathers.
-Deal with foreigners who come and pray
toward this Temple as if they were
Israelites so ALL PEOPLE OF THE EARTH MAY
KNOW YOUR NAME AND FEAR YOU as Israel does
and may know this house bears your name.
-When Israel sins against you - and
everybody does, and in anger you give them
captive to their enemies in a distant
land, and they have a change of heart
there and repent and plead saying 'We've
sinned, done wrong and acted wickedly' and
turn back with all their heart and soul
and pray toward this land, city and
Temple, then from heaven hear their prayer
and pleas and forgive.
-May your eyes and ears be open and ears
attentive to the prayers offered in this
place.
-Arise O Lord and come to your resting
place.
-Clothe your priests with salvation and may
your saints rejoice in your goodness.
-Don't reject your anointed one and remember
the great love promised to David your
servant."
(Chapter 6)
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Finishing the prayer, fire from heaven consumed
burnt offerings and sacrifices and the glory of
the Lord filled the Temple. Priests couldn't
minister and Israelites knelt on the pavement
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face to ground, worshipping and giving thanks to
God saying,
"He is good;
His love endures forever."
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Then king and people offered sacrifices. Solomon
offered 22,000 head of cattle and 120,000 sheep
and goats. Thus the Temple was dedicated.
Priests and Levites with the Lord's musical
instruments took their places. Priests blew
their trumpets and all Israel stood.
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Solomon consecrated the middle courtyard in
front of the Temple and offered burnt and
fellowship offerings, for the bronze altar
couldn't hold the offerings.
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Solomon and all Israel observed the festival 7
days. A vast assembly from Egypt's Wadi to Lebo
Hamath (some 300 miles north to south - as big
as Israel ever was). After 8 days, he sent the
people home JOYFUL AND GLAD IN HEART FOR THE
GOOD THINGS THE LORD HAD DONE FOR DAVID, SOLOMON
AND HIS PEOPLE ISRAEL.
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Then the Lord appeared to Solomon at night and
said:
-"I've heard your prayer and chosen this place
for myself.
-When I bring drought, locusts or plague and
my people, called by my name HUMBLE
THEMSELVES, PRAY, SEEK MY FACE AND TURN FROM
THEIR WICKED WAYS, THEN WILL I HEAR FROM
HEAVEN AND FORGIVE THEIR SIN AND HEAL THEIR
LAND.
-My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to
the prayers offered in this place.
-I've chosen and consecrated this Temple so my
name may be here forever.
-My eyes and heart will always be there.
-If you walk before me, do all I command and
observe my decrees and laws I'll establish
your royal throne as I covenanted with
David.
-But if you don't and go off to serve and
worship other gods then I'll:
-Uproot Israel.
-Reject this Temple making it a byword and
object of ridicule among all peoples. All
who pass by this Temple now so imposing
will be appalled and ask, 'Why has the
Lord done such a thing to this land and
people?' The answer will be 'Because they
have forsaken the Lord, the God of their
fathers who brought them out of Egypt and
embraced other gods worshipping and
serving them - this is why he brought all
this disaster on them.'"
(Chapter 7)
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At the end of 20 years building the Temple and
his own palace, Solomon:
-Rebuilt and resettled with Israelites, the
villages Hiram (Tyre's king) had given him
(about 60 miles north of Jerusalem).
-Captured Hamath Zobah (about 130 miles north
east of Jerusalem) and built some cities.
-Built up Tadmor in the desert (about 200
miles north east of Jerusalem).
-Rebuilt upper, lower Beth Horon (about 15
miles north west of Jerusalem) and Baalath
as fortified cities.
-Built store cities, cities for chariots and
horses - whatever he desired to build in
Jerusalem, Lebanon and in all the territory
he ruled.
-Conscripted descendants of Hittites,
Amorites, Hivites and Jebusites living in
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Israel as slave labourers.
-Didn't make slaves of Israelites. They were
his fighting men, commanders or captains
of chariots and charioteers, and 250 chief
supervisory officials.
-Brought his wife, Pharaoh's daughter to the
palace he built for her. She couldn't live
in David's palace because places where the
Ark had entered were holy.
-Sacrificed burnt offerings on the altar of
the Lord in front of the portico, as
required daily, for Sabbaths, New Moons,
Feast of Unleavened Bread, Weeks, and
Tabernacles according to Moses' commands.
-Appointed divisions of priests for their
duties and Levites to lead the praise to
assist the priests as required daily.
-Appointed gatekeepers by divisions. They
obeyed David's command as did priests and
Levites, including that of the treasuries.
-Went to Ezion Geber and Elath (at the top of
the Gulf of Aqabah). Hiram sent ships and
captains. These with Solomon's men sailed to
Ophir and returned with 16 metric tons of
gold for Solomon.
(Chapter 8)
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The Queen of Sheba came with a very great
caravan, camels carrying spices, large amounts
of gold and precious stones to test Solomon with
hard questions. His answers, palace, food at his
table, officials' seating, robed attendants and
cupbearers, and burnt offerings at the Temple,
overwhelmed her.
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She said, "I heard about you, but didn't believe
'til I saw for myself, but I wasn't told even
the half of your greatness. How happy your men
and officials who hear you continually must be.
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PRAISE BE TO THE LORD YOUR GOD WHO HAS DELIGHTED
IN YOU AND PLACED YOU ON HIS THRONE TO RULE FOR
THE LORD YOUR GOD. BECAUSE YOUR GOD LOVES ISRAEL
AND DESIRES TO UPHOLD THEM FOREVER HE'S MADE YOU
KING TO MAINTAIN JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS."
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She gave him 4 metric tons of gold, large
quantities of spices and precious stones.
Hiram and Solomon's men brought gold from Ophir,
algum-wood and precious stones. The algum-wood
was used for Temple and palace steps and to make
harps and lyres.
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Solomon gave Sheba's queen all she desired and
asked for, giving her more than she brought.
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He received 23 metric tons of gold annually,
excluding traders' and merchants' revenues.
Arabian kings and Israel's governors also
brought gold and silver to Solomon.
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He made 200 large gold shields each with 3.5
kilograms of gold in it. Also 300 smaller ones
containing 1.7 kilograms of gold. They were put
in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.
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He made a great throne inlaid with ivory and
overlaid with pure gold. It had 6 steps, a gold
footstool attached, armrests with a lion
standing beside each, and 12 lions on the 6
steps, one at each end. No other king ever had
such a throne.
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His goblets and palace household articles were
pure gold. Silver wasn't used, it was considered
to be of little value.His fleet of trading ships
manned by Hiram's men returned each 3 years
carrying gold, silver, ivory, apes and baboons.
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He had greater riches of wisdom than all the
other kings of the earth. They came to hear the
wisdom God put in his heart bringing gifts of
silver, gold, robes, weapons and spices, horses
and mules.
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He had 4000 horse and chariot stalls, 12000
horses kept in chariot cities and at Jerusalem.
He ruled from the river of Egypt (about 100
miles south west of Jerusalem) to the Euphrates
(about 400 miles to the north east). He made
silver as common as stones in Jerusalem and
cedar as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees. He
imported horses from Egypt and other countries.
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He reigned 40 years, died, was buried in
Jerusalem and son Rehoboam succeeded him.
(Chapter 9)
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Rehoboam went to Shechem (about 30 miles north
of Jerusalem) to be made king. When Jeroboam
(Israel's first king) who had fled to Egypt from
Solomon, heard this, he and all Israel went and
said to Rehoboam, "Lighten the harsh labour and
heavy yoke your father put on us and we'll serve
you."
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Rehoboam:
-Told them to come back in 3 days.
-Consulted the elders who served his father,
Who said, "Do as they ask and they'll be your
servants."
-Rejected this advice.
-Asked young men he'd grown up with, now
serving him.
-They said to make the yoke heavier.
-That's what he told Jeroboam and the people
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when they returned.
-Didn't listen to the people FOR THIS TURN OF
EVENTS WAS FROM GOD, fulfilling His word to
Jeroboam through Ahijah (I Kings 11:29).
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When all Israel saw the king refused to listen
they answered the king, "What are you to us? To
your tents O Israel! Look after your own house O
David."
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So the Israelites went home and Rehoboam ruled
over Judah's towns. He sent Adoniram out who was
in charge of forced labour but he was stoned to
death. Rehoboam escaped by chariot to Jerusalem.
So Israel has rebelled against David's house to
this day.
(Chapter 10)
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Arriving at Jerusalem, Rehoboam mustered from
Judah and Benjamin, 180,000 fighting men to
fight Israel and regain the kingdom.
But God's word came to Shemaiah the man of God,
"Tell Rehoboam and all in Benjamin and Judah,
Don't fight your brothers, go home, this is my
doing." They obeyed.
Priests and Levites throughout Israel sided with
Rehoboam, even abandoning pastures and
properties to come to Judah and Jerusalem.
Jeroboam had rejected them and appointed his own
priests for the high places and goat and calf
idols he'd made.
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Those from all Israel's tribes who set their
hearts on seeking the Lord,Israel's God,followed
the Levites to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the
Lord their fathers' God. They strengthened
Judah's kingdom and supported Rehoboam.
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He married Mahalath who bore him sons Jeush,
Shemariah and Zaham. He also married Maacah, who
he loved more than other wives and concubines.
She bore him sons Abijah, Ziza and Shelomith. He
had 18 wives, 68 concubines, 28 sons and 60
daughters.
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He made Abijah chief prince, acted wisely
dispensing sons throughout districts of Judah
and Benjamin and all fortified cities, giving
them abundant provisions and took many wives for
them.
(Chapter 11)
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With kingship established and position secure
Rehoboam and all Israel abandoned the Lord's law
and were unfaithful to Him. Because of this
Egypt's King Shishak attacked Jerusalem with
1200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen and innumerable
troops, capturing the fortified cities and
reaching Jerusalem.
Prophet Shemaiah said to Rehoboam and leaders in
Jerusalem in fear of Shishak, "The Lord says
'You've abandoned me so I abandon you.'"
King and leaders humbled themselves saying, "The
Lord is just."
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When the Lord saw this, this word of the Lord
came to Shemaiah, "Since they've humbled
themselves, I won't destroy them, but will
deliver them. I won't pour out my wrath on
Jerusalem through Shishak, but they'll become
subject to him. They'll learn the difference
between serving me and kings of other lands."
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When Shishak attacked Jerusalem he carried
Temple and palace treasures off, including
Solomon's gold shields. Rehoboam replaced them
with bronze shields assigning them to guard
commanders at the palace entrance. When the king
went to the Lord's Temple, guards accompanied
him bearing shields and returned them to the
guardroom.
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Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord's
anger turned from him and he wasn't totally
destroyed. There was some good in Judah.
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He reigned 17 years in Jerusalem, God's chosen
city where He put His name. He did evil because
he didn't set his heart on seeking the Lord.
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Warfare between him and Jeroboam was continual,
so Rehoboam died and was buried in Jerusalem
being succeeded by Abijah.
(Chapter 12)
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Abijah reigned 3 years. He went to fight having
400,000 soldiers and Jeroboam 800,000. He stood
on Mount Zemaraim about 20 miles north of
Jerusalem and said:
-"Jeroboam and all Israel listen.
-Don't you know the Lord, the God of Israel,
has given the kingship of Israel to David
and his descendants forever by a covenant?
-Yet Jeroboam, son of one of Solomon's
officials rebelled, gathered some worthless
scoundrels and opposed young and indecisive
King Rehoboam.
-Now you plan to resist the kingdom of the
Lord which is in the hands of David's
descendants.
-You've got a vast army and have Jeroboam's
golden calves to be your gods.
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-But you drove out the Lord's priests and
Levites making your own priests as peoples
of other lands do with a young bull and 7
rams.
-But the Lord is our God, we've not forsaken
Him.
-Our priests are sons of Aaron assisted by
Levites.
-Morning and evening they make burnt offerings
and fragrant incense to the Lord.
-They set out bread on the ceremonially clean
table and light lamps on the gold lampstand
every evening.
-WE ARE OBSERVING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LORD
OUR GOD.
-BUT YOU HAVE FORSAKEN HIM.
-GOD IS WITH US. HE IS OUR LEADER.
-His priests with their trumpets will sound
the battle cry against you.
-Israel don't fight against the Lord, the God
of your fathers, you won't succeed."
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Jeroboam had sent troops to the rear. He was in
front and the ambush behind.
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Judah, seeing they were being attacked from
front and rear, cried out to the Lord. Priests
blew trumpets and Judah raised the battle cry.
Then God routed Jeroboam and all Israel. There
were 500,000 casualties among Israel's men.
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Judah was victorious because they relied on the
Lord, the God of their fathers.
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Abijah took Israel's towns of Bethel, Jeshanah
and Ephron (to the north east of Jerusalem as
far as about 15 miles) and their surrounding
villages.
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The Lord struck Jeroboam dead but Abijah grew in
strength. He had 14 wives, 22 sons and 16
daughters.
(chapter 13)
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Abijah died, was buried in Jerusalem and son Asa
succeeded him. He did good and right in the eyes
of the Lord his God. He:
-Removed foreign altars and high places.
-Smashed sacred stones.
-Cut down Asherah poles.
-Commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of
their fathers, and obey His laws and
commands.
-Removed the high places and incense altars in
every town in Judah.
-Had a kingdom at peace under him for the Lord
gave him rest.
-Built up fortified cities of Judah. He said,
"The land is still ours, because we sought
the Lord our God and He has given rest." So
they built and prospered.
-Had an army of 300,000 brave fighting men
from Judah with large shields and spears and
280,000 from Benjamin with small shields and
bows.
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A vast army of Egyptians with 300 chariots
marched out against them. Asa met them in the
Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah (about 25
miles south west of Jerusalem).
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Asa called to the Lord his God and said,
-"Lord, there's no one like you to help the
powerless against the mighty.
-Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you,
and in your name we've come against this
vast army.
-O Lord God; let not man prevail AGAINST YOU."
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The Lord struck down the Cushites. Asa pursued
them as far as Gerar (about 50 miles south west
of Jerusalem). So many fell the Cushites
couldn't recover, they were crushed before the
Lord and His forces. Judah carried off a great
amount of plunder and destroyed all the villages
around Gerar for the terror of the Lord had
fallen on them. They also attacked herdsmen's
camps and carried off droves of sheep and goats.
Then they returned to Jerusalem.
(Chapter 14)
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God's Spirit came upon Azariah. He met Asa and
said, "Listen Asa, Judah and Benjamin:
-The Lord is with you when you are with Him.
-Seek Him and you'll find Him.
-Forsake Him and He'll forsake you.
-Israel was without the true God, the law or
priest to teach it.
-In their distress they turned to the Lord the
God of Israel, sought Him and He was found
by them.
-Then it wasn't safe to travel, for all the
inhabitants of the land were in great
turmoil, because the Lord was troubling them
with every kind of distress.
-But you, be strong, don't give up, for your
work will be rewarded."
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Hearing this, Asa took courage and he:
-Removed the detestable idols from the whole
land of Benjamin and Judah and from towns
captured in Ephraim's hills.
-Repaired the Lord's altar in front of the
portico of the Lord's Temple.
-Assembled at Jerusalem all Judah, Benjamin
and people from Ephraim, Manasseh and Simeon
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who had come and settled because they saw
the Lord his God was with him. They:
-Sacrificed to the Lord 700 cattle and 7000
sheep and goats from the plunder they'd
brought back.
-Entered into a covenant to seek the Lord,
God of their fathers, with all their heart
& soul,any who wouldn't were put to death.
-Took an oath to the Lord with loud
acclamation, shouting, trumpets and horns.
-All Judah rejoiced because they'd sworn it
wholeheartedly.
-Sought God eagerly and found Him.
-SO THE LORD GAVE THEM REST ON EVERY SIDE.
-Deposed his grandmother Maacah because she
made a repulsive Asherah pole.
-Cut the pole down, broke it up and burned it
in the Kidron Valley.
-Brought into the Temple silver and gold
articles his father had dedicated.
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Though he didn't remove the high places from
Israel, his heart was fully committed to the
Lord all his life.
(Chapter 15)
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Israel's King Baasha went up against Judah and
fortified Ramah (about 10 miles north of
Jerusalem) to stop anyone entering or leaving
Asa's territory.
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So Asa took silver and gold out of Temple and
palace treasuries, sent it to Aram's king at
Damascus, asked for a treaty and for him to
break his treaty with Baasha.
@
He did and sent forces against Israel capturing
Ijon, Dan, Abel Maim and all Napthali's store
cities (north west of the Sea of Galilee for
about 20 miles).
@
Hearing this, Baasha stopped building Ramah and
Asa took Judah's men, carried the stones and
timber from Ramah and used them to build up
nearby Geba and Mizpah.
@
Hanai the seer came to Asa and said:
-"Because you relied on Aram's king and not
the Lord your God, Aram's army has escaped.
-The Cushites (Egyptians) and Libyans attacked
with a mighty army, with great numbers of
chariots and horsemen, yet WHEN YOU RELIED
ON THE LORD, HE DELIVERED THEM INTO YOUR
HANDS. FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD RANGE
THROUGHOUT THE EARTH TO STRENGTHEN THOSE
WHOSE HEARTS ARE FULLY COMMITTED TO HIM.
-You've done a foolish thing and from now on
you'll be at war."
-Asa was angry and put Hanai in prison, at the
same time Asa brutally oppressed some of the
people.
@
In the 39th year of his reign, Asa's feet were
diseased. Though severely ill he didn't seek the
Lord's help, but only the physician's help. He
died in the 41st year of his reign and was
buried in Jerusalem and a huge fire was made in
his honour.
(Chapter 16)
@
His son Jehoshaphat succeeded him as king, He:
-Strengthened himself against Israel,
stationing troops in all fortified cities
and putting garrisons in Judah and in
Ephraim's towns.
-Had the Lord with him because he walked in
his father David's ways.
-Didn't consult Baals.
@
-Sought the God of his father and followed his
commands rather than Israel's practices.
-Saw the Lord establish his kingdom so that
all Judah brought gifts giving him great
wealth and honour.
-Had a heart devoted to the ways of the Lord.
-Removed the high places and Asherah poles
from Judah.
-Sent officials and Levites to teach the Book
of the Law of the Lord to all the towns of
Judah.
-Became increasingly powerful, building forts
and store cities in Judah, had large
supplies in Judah's towns and kept
experienced fighting men in Jerusalem. Their
family enrolments are listed, 1,161,000 in
all. These men served the king besides those
he stationed in cities throughout Judah.
(Chapter 17)
@
Jehoshaphat had great wealth and honour and he
allied himself with Israael's King Ahab by
marriage. He went to visit Ahab in Samaria.Ahab
slaughtered many cattle and sheep and urged him
to join him in attacking Ramoth Gilead (about 75
miles north east of Jerusalem).
@
Jehoshaphat agreed but said, "First seek the
Lord's counsel."
@
So Ahab brought together 400 of his prophets who
all said, "Go for it!"
@
But Jehoshaphat said, "Isn't there a prophet of
the Lord we can inquire of?"
@
Israel's king replied, "There's still one man
but I hate him because he never prophesies
anything good about me."
@
Jehoshaphat replied, "You shouldn't say that."
@
So Israel's king said, "Bring Micaiah."
The kings, in royal robes, sat on thrones by the
gate of Samaria. Prophet Zedekiah made iron
horns and said, "The Lord says, 'I'll gore the
Arameans with these horns.'" All the other
prophets agreed.
@
The messenger summoning Micaiah advised he do
the same. But he replied "AS SURELY AS THE LORD
LIVES, I CAN TELL HIM ONLY WHAT MY GOD SAYS."
@
Arriving, the king asked "War or not?"
@
"Attack and win," he replied.
@
The king said, "How often must I make you swear
to tell me nothing but the truth in the Lord's
name?"
@
Micaiah answered, "I saw Israel scattered on the
hillsides like shepherdless sheep and the Lord
said 'They have no master, let them go home in
peace.'"
@
Israel's king said to Jehoshaphat, "I told you
he never prophesies anything good about me."
@
Micaiah continued:
-"I saw the Lord on His throne, with heaven's
hosts standing to left and right.
-The Lord said, 'Who'll lure Israel's Ahab
into attacking Ramoth Gilead and being
killed?' Various suggestions were made.
Finally a spirit came forward and said 'I'll
@
lure him.' 'How?' the Lord asked. 'I'll go
and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all
his prophets.' The Lord said, 'You'll
succeed, go and do it.'
-The Lord's put a lying spirit in these
prophets' mouths and decreed disaster for
you."
Zedekiah slapped Micaiah's face and said "When
did the Lord's Spirit leave me to speak to you?"
"You'll find out when you go into an inner room
to hide" was the reply.
Israel's king then ordered Micaiah be put in
prison on bread and water rations, "Until I
safely return."
Micaiah said, "If you return safely, the Lord
hasn't spoken through me" adding "mark my words
all you people."
So the kings went to attack and Israel's king
said "I'll be in disguise but you wear your
royal robes."
Aram's king had ordered his men only to attack
Israel's king. They mistook Jehoshaphat for him
but he cried out and the Lord helped him and
drew them away.
@
But a random arrow hit Israel's king between
armour sections. He told his chariot driver to
wheel & get him out of the fighting. The battle
raged all day with the king propped in his
chariot facing the Arameans. At sunset he died.
(Chapter 18)
@
Jehoshaphat returned safely to Jerusalem, seer
@
Jehu met him and said, "You've helped the wicked
who hate the Lord, so His wrath is on you. But
there's some good in you because you rid the
land of Asherah poles and set your heart on
seeking God."
@
He went out among the people from Beersheba
(about 40 miles south west of Jerusalem) to
Ephraim's hill country (about 30 miles north of
Jerusalem) turning them back to the Lord.
Appointing judges in each fortified city he told
them to, "Consider carefully what you do because
you're judging for the Lord who is with you
whenever you give a verdict. Let the Lord's fear
be on you. Judge carefully for with the Lord
there's no injustice, partiality or bribery."
@
In Jerusalem he appointed Levites, priests and
family heads to administer law and settle
disputes, ordering them to serve faithfully,
wholeheartedly and fearing the Lord. Case
contestants were to be warned not to sin against
the Lord, otherwise, he said, "His wrath will
come on you and your brothers. Do this and you
won't sin. Chief priest Amariah will be over you
in any matter concerning the Lord, Zebadiah
concerning the king, Levites will serve as
officials. Act courageously and may the Lord be
with those who do well."
(Chapter 19)
@
A vast army of Moabites, Ammonites and Edomites
moved to Engedi (about 30 miles south east of
Jerusalem on the west bank of the Dead Sea).
@
Alarmed, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast for all
Judah, resolving to enquire of the Lord. Judah's
people came together from every town to seek the
Lord's help. Jehoshaphat stood up in the
@
assembly at the Lord's Temple in front of the
new courtyard and said:
-"O Lord God of our fathers you're in heaven.
-You rule the kingdoms of the nations.
-Power and might are in your right hand.
-No one can withstand you.
-You drove out this land's inhabitants and
gave it to Abraham's descendants.
-If calamity comes we'll stand in your
presence before this Temple and cry out in
distress and you'll hear and save us.
-This army at Engedi is from the territory you
wouldn't allow Israel to invade when they
came from Egypt. Now they repay us by coming
to drive us out of our inheritance.
-O God, won't you judge them?
-We're powerless to face this vast army.
-WE DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO BUT OUR EYES ARE ON
YOU."
-All Judah's men, wives and children stood
there before the Lord.
-Then the Lord's Spirit came on Jahaziel, a
Levite, standing in the assembly who said:
-"The Lord says,
-'Don't be afraid or discouraged because of
this vast army.
-FOR THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS BUT GOD'S.
-March against them to-morrow, they'll be
climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, you'll
find them at the end of the gorge in the
Desert of Jervel.
-YOU'LL NOT HAVE TO FIGHT THIS BATTLE.
-TAKE YOUR POSITIONS, STAND FIRM AND SEE THE
DELIVERANCE THE LORD WILL GIVE YOU.
-DON'T FEAR, DON'T BE DISCOURAGED.
-GO FACE THEM TO-MORROW
-AND THE LORD WILL BE WITH YOU.'"
-Jehoshaphat bowed his face to the ground and
@
all Judah and Jerusalem's people fell down
in worship before the Lord. Levites stood up
and praised the Lord with a very loud voice.
-Early in the morning they left for the Desert
of Tekoa (at the top of the Ascent of Ziz
about 10 miles south of Jerusalem).
-Setting out, Jehoshaphat stood and said,
"Have faith:
-In the Lord your God and you'll be upheld.
-In His prophets and you'll be successful."
-After consulting the people Jehoshaphat
appointed men to sing to and praise the Lord
for the splendour of His holiness as they
went out at the head of the army saying:
"GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HIS LOVE
ENDURES FOREVER."
-As they began to sing and praise, the Lord
set ambushes against their opponents and
defeated them. Men of Ammon and Moab
attacked the Edomites, having done that they
fought and destroyed each other.
-So when Judah's men arrived and looked toward
the vast army, they saw only dead bodies on
the ground, none had escaped.
-Jehoshaphat and his men found so much plunder
it took 3 days to collect it.
-On the 4th day they assembled in the Valley
of Beracah (at the top of the Ascent of Ziz)
where they praised the Lord. Beracah means
praise.
-Then Jehoshaphat led all Judah and
Jerusalem's men joyfully to Jerusalem, for
the Lord had given them cause to rejoice
over their enemies. They went to the Temple
with harps, flutes and trumpets.
-The fear of God came upon all kingdoms and
surrounding countries when they heard how
@
the Lord had fought Israel's enemies.
-Jehoshaphat's kingdom was at peace for his
God had given him rest on every side.
@
He reigned 25 years, doing what was right in the
Lord's eyes. But the high places weren't removed
and the people still hadn't set their hearts on
the God of their fathers.
@
He made an alliance with Israel's wicked King
Ahaziah and agreed to build a fleet of trading
ships at Ezion Geber (at the head of the Gulf of
Aqabah).
@
After being built, Eliezer prophesied against
Jehoshaphat "For allying with Ahaziah, the Lord
will destroy the ships." And He did, they were
all wrecked.
(Chapter 20)
@
He died and was buried in Jerusalem. His eldest
son Jehoram succeeded him. He had 6 brothers
whom he killed with some of Israel's princes. He
ruled 8 years doing evil in the Lord's eyes.
But, because of His covenant with David, the
Lord didn't destroy David's house.
@
Edom (about 60 miles south east of Jerusalem)
rebelled against Judah. Jehoram went with
officers and chariots, was surrounded but he
broke through by night. Edom remains in
rebellion.
@
Libnah (about 20 miles east of Jerusalem) also
revolted because Jehoram had forsaken the Lord.
He built high places on Judah's hills and caused
Jerusalem's people to prostitute themselves and
led Judah astray.
@
Elijah sent him a letter which said "The Lord,
God of your father David says:
-You've not walked in your fathers' ways or of
King Asa's.
-But you've walked in the ways of the kings of
Israel leading Judah and Jerusalem's people
to prostitute themselves.
-You've murdered your own brothers, better men
than you.
-So the Lord is about to strike your people,
sons, wives, everything of yours with a
heavy blow.
-You'll have a lingering bowel disease which
will cause them to come out."
@
The Lord aroused the hostility of Philistines
(about 40 miles south west of Jerusalem) and
Egyptians (about 140 miles to the south west of
Jerusalem). They attacked Judah and carried off
all the goods in the king's palace with his sons
and wives. Only youngest son Ahaziah was left.
@
Then the Lord afflicted Jehoram with an
incurable bowel disease, after 2 years they came
out and he died in great pain. No fire was made
in his honour, no one regretted his death and
though buried in Jerusalem he wasn't buried in
the tombs of the kings.
(Chapter 21)
@
Jerusalem's people made Jehoram's youngest son
Ahaziah king. He:
-Walked in Ahab's ways, Ahab's house being
advisers.
-Was encouraged by his mother to do wrong.
-Did evil in the Lord's eyes.
-Followed the counsel of Ahab's house and went
with Joram of Israel to fight Aram's king at
Ramoth Gilead (about 80 miles north east of
@
Jerusalem. There Joram was wounded and
returned to Jezreel (bout 60 miles north of
Jerusalem) to recover.
-Went to see Joram which was how God brought
about his downfall. Arriving, he went out
with Joram to meet Jehu whom God had
anointed to destroy Ahab's house. He found
and destroyed Judah's princes and the sons
of Ahaziah's relatives. Then he found and
killed Ahaziah in Samaria (about 40 miles
north of Jerusalem). They buried him because
he was a son of Jehoshaphat who had sought
the Lord with all his heart.
@
His mother, Athaliah then destroyed all the
royal family. But her sister Jehosheba, daughter
of King Jehoram, and wife of priest Jehoida,
stole Joash, Ahaziah's son away before he was
killed and hid him for 6 years at the Temple,
while Athaliah ruled the land.
(Chapter 22)
@
In the 7th year Jehoida showed his strength. He:
-Covenanted with commanders of 100s to go
throughout Judah and gather Levites and
family heads from all towns at Jerusalem.
The whole assembly made a covenant with the
king at the Temple.
-Said to them:
-"The king's son shall reign as the Lord
promised David's descendants.
-One third of priests and Levites going on
duty on the Sabbath are to keep door
watch.
-One third at the Foundation Gate.
-One third at the royal palace.
-All other men are to be in the Temple
courtyards.
-Only priests and Levites are to enter the
@
Temple.
-All other men are to guard what the Lord
has assigned to them.
-Levites are to surround the king with
weapons in hand, staying close wherever he
goes.
-Anyone entering the Temple must be put to
death."
-Levites and men did as Jehoida ordered.
-Men going off duty on the Sabbath weren't
dismissed so commanders had available those
coming on duty and those going off.
-Jehoida gave unit commanders David's spears
and large and small shields kept in the
Temple.
-He stationed all the men with weapons in hand
around the king, near the altar and Temple,
from the south to the north side of the
Temple.
-Jehoida and his sons brought the king's son
out and crowned him.
-They presented him with a copy of the
covenant, anointed him and shouted "Long
live the king."
-Athaliah heard people running and cheering,
went to the Temple, saw the king standing by
his pillar at the entrance, with officers
and trumpeters beside him and all the people
rejoicing, blowing trumpets and singers with
musical instruments leading the praises.
-So she tore her robes and shouted "Treason,
treason."
-Jehoida sent unit commanders of 100s in
charge of troops saying "Bring her out
between the ranks and kill anyone following
her." For he had told them not to kill her
at the Temple.
-So they seized and killed her at the entrance
of the Horse Gate on the palace grounds.
-Jehoida covenanted that he, people and king
would be the Lord's people.
-All the people tore down the temple of Baal.
They smashed altars and idols and killed
Mattan priest of Baal in front of the altar.
-He placed oversight of the Temple in the
hands of Levitical priests to present burnt
offerings according to Moses' law with
rejoicing and singing.
-He stationed doorkeepers at Temple gates so
no one unclean might enter.
-He took commanders of 100s, nobles, rulers,
and all the people of the land and brought
the king from the Lord's Temple into the
palace and seated him on the throne.
-All the people of the land rejoiced and the
city was quiet because Athaliah was dead.
(Chapter 23)
@
Joash reigned 40 years, doing right in the
Lord's eyes while Jehoida lived.
He decided to restore the Lord's Temple.
Athaliah's sons had broken in and even used
sacred objects for the Baals. He told priests
and Levites to go immediately to Judah's towns
and collect the annual dues for Temple repairs.
But they didn't. He summoned Jehoida and asked
why (no reply is recorded).
So Joash had a chest made, placed at the Temple
Gate and made a proclamation in Judah and
Jerusalem that the tax Moses required of Israel
in the desert be brought and placed in the
chest. People and officials gladly did so. When
Levites brought the chest to the king's
officials and saw that it was full, the royal
secretary and chief priests' officer emptied it
and returned it to its place. Thus a great deal
of money was collected. The king and Jehoida
gave it to the workmen, masons, carpenters, and
iron and bronze workers.
Men in charge were diligent and the Temple was
rebuilt to its original design and reinforced.
When they finished they brought the unused money
to the king and Jehoida who used it for Temple
articles, service, burnt offerings, dishes and
other gold and silver objects. While Jehoida
lived, burnt offerings were presented
continually in the Temple. He died aged 130 and
was buried with Israel's kings because of the
good he'd done in Israel.
@
But after his death Joash listened to his
officials. They abandoned the Temple and
worshipped Asherah poles and idols. So God's
anger came on Judah and Jerusalem. He sent
prophets to bring the people back to Him but
they wouldn't listen.
@
God's Spirit came on Zechariah, Jehoida's son,
who told the people, "God says, 'Why disobey the
Lord's commands? You'll not prosper. Because
you've forsaken the Lord, He's forsaken you.'"
@
So, by the king's order they stoned him to death
in the Temple courtyard. Joash forgot the
kindness of Zechariah's father Jehoida and
killed his son who said as he lay dying, "May
the Lord see this and call you to account."
@
Aram's army invaded Judah and Jerusalem, killed
leaders and people and sent all the plunder to
Damascus. The Aramean army was small and the
Lord delivered into their hands a much larger
army. Because Judah had forsaken the Lord,
judgment was executed on Joash. Withdrawing, the
Arameans left Joash severely wounded. His
officials killed him in his bed for murdering
the son of Jehoida the priest. He was buried in
the City of David but not in the tomb of the
kings. Son Amaziah succeeded him.
(Chapter 24)
@
Amaziah reigned 29 years doing right in the
Lord's eyes but not wholeheartedly. He executed
the officials who murdered his father, but not
their sons in accordance with the law of Moses
where the Lord commanded "Fathers shall not be
put to death for their children nor vice-versa,
each shall die for their own sins."
@
Amaziah organised Judah and Benjamin into army
units and placed officers in command of units of
1000 men and 100 men. Those 20 years old and
over totalled 300,000 men able to handle spear
and shield. He hired 100,000 soldiers from
Israel for 3400 kilograms of silver.
@
But a man of God came and said to him, "These
Israeli troops mustn't march with you for the
Lord is not with Israel. Even if you go and
fight courageously God will overthrow you FOR
GOD HAS POWER TO HELP OR OVERTHROW."
@
Amaziah asked, "What about all the silver I've
already paid for them?"
@
God's man replied, "The Lord can give you much
more than that."
@
So Amaziah dismissed the troops. They were
furious and went home in a great rage.
@
Amaziah then attacked Edom and killed 20,000
men.
@
Meanwhile the Israeli troops he sent home raided
Judean towns from Samaria (about 30 miles north
of Jerusalem) to Beth Horon (about 10 miles
north west from Jerusalem) killing 3000 and
taking great quantities of plunder.
After his victory over the Edomites Amaziah
brought back their gods, set them up as his own,
bowed down and worshipped them.
God's anger burned against him so He sent a
prophet who said, "Why consult this people's
gods which couldn't save them from you?"
While still speaking the king interrupted
saying, "Who made you my adviser? Stop or be
struck down."
The prophet stopped but said, "God will destroy
you because you've done this and not heeded me."
After consulting his advisers, the king
challenged Israel's King Jehoash.
Jehoash replied, "Because you defeated Edom
you're arrogant. Stay home or suffer downfall
with Judah."
Amaziah wouldn't listen for God so worked to
hand them over to Jehoash for seeking Edom's
gods.
Judah was routed at Beth Shemesh (about 10 miles
south east of Jerusalem), every man fled to his
home. Amaziah was captured, Jehoash brought him
to Jerusalem and broke down a 180 metre section
of the city wall and took all gold and silver
articles in the Temple plus articles in
Obed-Edom's care with palace treasures and
hostages and returned to Samaria (about 40 miles
north of Jerusalem).
From the time Amaziah turned from following the
Lord,they conspired against him in Jerusalem and
he fled to Lachish (about 25 miles south east of
Jerusalem). But they sent men and killed him
there. Brought back by horse, he was buried with
his fathers in Jerusalem.
(Chapter 25)
The people made 16 years old Uzziah king. He
reigned for 52 years, doing right in the Lord's
eyes. He sought God during the days of Zechariah
who instructed him in reverent respect for God.
While he sought the Lord, God gave him success.
God helped him fight Philistines (on the coastal
plain about 40 miles south west of Jerusalem),
Arabs (probably Amalekites about 50 miles to the
south of the Philistines) and Meunites (probably
Edomites about 70 miles south of Jerusalem below
the Dead Sea). He broke down the walls of
Philistine towns, Gath, Jabneh and Ashdod (about
30 miles to the south west of Jerusalem) and
rebuilt towns near Ashdod and elsewhere among
the Philistines. Ammonites (about 50 miles east
of Jerusalem) brought tribute. His fame spread
south to Egypt and he became very powerful.
He built powerful towers in Jerusalem and in the
desert and dug many cisterns for his livestock
in hills and plain. He loved the soil and had
workers for his fields and vineyards.
His well trained army was mustered by Jeiel the
secretary and Maaseiah the officer under royal
official Hananiah. Family leaders over fighting
men totalled 2600 for any army of 307,500. He
provided shields, spears, helmets, coats of
armour,bows and slingstones for the entire army.
In Jerusalem he made machines for use on towers
and corner defences to shoot arrows and hurl
large stones. His fame spread far and wide for
he was greatly helped until he became powerful.
But then pride led to downfall. Unfaithful to
the Lord his God, he entered the Lord's Temple
and burned incense on the incense altar. Priest
Azariah with 80 courageous others followed him
in, confronted him, told him only Aaron's
descendants could do it, told him to leave, that
he was unfaithful to God and that he wouldn't be
honoured by the Lord God.
With censer in hand Uzziah angrily raged at the
priests before the incense altar in the Lord's
Temple and leprosy broke out on his forehead, so
the priests hurried him out and he was eager to
leave.
Diseased 'til death, he lived in a separate
house excluded from the Lord's Temple. Son
Jotham governed the people and succeeded him. He
was buried near his fathers in a field that
belonged to the kings.
(Chapter 26)
Jotham reigned 16 years, did right in the Lord's
eyes, rebuilt the Upper Gate of the Temple,
worked on the Jerusalem wall at the Hill of
Ophel, built towns in Judean hills and forts and
towers in wooded areas. But the people continued
their corrupt practices.
He conquered the Ammonites (about 50 miles east
of Jerusalem) who paid him annually for 3 years
3.4 metric tons of silver, 2,200 kilolitres of
wheat and 2200 kilolitres of barley.
He grew powerful because he walked steadfastly
before the Lord his God. Buried in Jerusalem,
son Ahaz succeeded him.
(Chapter 27)
Ahaz reigned 16 years, doing wrong in the Lord's
eyes and walked in the ways of Israel's kings.
He cast idols for Baal worship, burned
sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom (just
south of Jerusalem's city walls), sacrificed his
sons in the fire, followed the detestable ways
of the nations the Lord had driven out before
the Israelites, offered sacrifices and burned
incense on high places, hilltops and under every
spreading tree. Therefore, because Judah had
forsaken the Lord, their fathers' God, He:
-Had Ahaz defeated by the Arameans who took
many of his people prisoner to Damascus.
-Gave him into Israel's hands who:
-Inflicted heavy casualties. In one day
Israel's Pekah killed 120,000 soldiers.
-Killed the king's son, the officer in
charge of the palace and the king's second
in command.
-Took 200,000 of Judah's wives, sons,
daughters and a great deal of plunder back
to Samaria.
But there the Lord's prophet, Oded, met Israel's
returning army and said, "The Lord your fathers'
God, angry with Judah, has allowed their defeat,
but He's seen the undue rage of your slaughter.
Do you intend to add to the guilt of your sins
by making them slaves? Send them back for the
Lord's fierce anger rests on you."
Some of Ephraim's leaders confronted those
arriving from the war with the same message.
So the soldiers gave up prisoners and plunder in
the officals' and assembly's presence.
Designated men clothed naked prisoners from the
plunder, provided clothes, sandals, food, drink,
healing balm, donkeys for the weak, returned
them to fellow countrymen at Jericho and
returned to Samaria.
The Edomites (from about 60 miles south east of
Jerusalem) attacked and took prisoners. To the
south west the Philistines raided and captured
towns and villages.
Ahaz asked Assyria's King Tiglath-Pileser for
help (about 200 miles to the north east of
Jerusalem). He came and caused trouble instead
of helping. So Ahaz took things from the Temple,
royal palace and princes and gave them to him
but that didn't help him.
All this was caused by Ahaz's promotion of
wickedness and unfaithfulness to the Lord, so He
humbled Judah.
But Ahaz became even more unfaithful. Being
defeated by the Arameans he figured worship of
their gods might give him victory too. So he
offered sacrifices to them! But they were his
downfall and all Israel's.
He removed Temple furnishings, shut the Temple
doors, set up altars on every street corner in
Jerusalem, built high places in every town in
Judah for burning sacrifices to other gods and
provoked the Lord, the God of his fathers, to
anger. He died and was buried in Jerusalem but
not in the tombs of Israel's kings. Son Hezekiah
succeeded him as king.
(Chapter 28)
Hezekiah reigned 29 years doing right in the
Lord's eyes. He:
-Opened and repaired the Temple doors.
-Assembled priests and Levites in the square
on the east side and said:
-Consecrate yourselves and the Lord's
Temple.
-Remove all defilement from the sanctuary.
-Our fathers were unfaithful, doing evil in
the Lord's eyes and forsaking Him.
-They turned their faces away from the
Lord's dwelling place and turned their
backs on Him.
-They shut portico doors and put out the
lamps.
-They didn't burn incense or present burnt
offerings.
-So the Lord's anger has fallen on Judah
and Jerusalem making them an object of
dread, horror and scorn, as you can see
for yourselves. That's why our fathers
have been killed and sons, daughters and
wives captured.
-I'm making a covenant with the Lord, the
God of Israel so His fierce anger will
turn away from us.
-My sons, be diligent, the Lord's chosen you
to stand before Him, minister and burn
incense.
-So, listed Levites set to work.
-When assembled and consecrated they:
-Went in to purify the Lord's Temple as
ordered by the king, following the word of
the Lord.
-They purified the sanctuary.
-They brought out in the Temple courtyard
everything unclean and took it to the
Kidron Valley (outside Jerusalem's east
wall).
-Worked for 16 days then reported to the
king that they'd purified the entire
Temple, the altar of burnt offering, its
utensils, the table for the consecrated
bread with all its articles, and the
articles Ahaz unfaithfully removed which
were placed in front of the Lord's altar.
-Early next morning Hezekiah gathered city
officials together, went up to the Temple of
the Lord and
-Brought 7 bulls, 7 rams, 7 male lambs and 7
male goats as a sin offering on the altar
of the Lord, for the kingdom, the
sanctuary and Judah. Blood of the
slaughtered bulls was sprinkled on the
altar by the priests, likewise for the
rams and lambs.
-Goats for the sin offering were brought
before king and assembly who laid hands on
them. Priests slaughtered them and
presented their blood on the altar for a
sin offering to atone for all Israel as
the king ordered.
-Stationed Levites in the Lord's Temple with
cymbals, harps and lyres as commanded by
the Lord. Levites stood ready with David's
trumpets and priests with theirs.
-Gave the order to sacrifice the burnt
offering, at the same time singing to the
Lord began, accompanied by trumpets and
David's instruments, while the whole
assembly bowed in worship. This continued
until the sacrifice of burnt offering was
completed.
Then king and everyone knelt down and
worshipped.
-With his officials, ordered the Levites to
praise the Lord with David's and Asaph the
Seer's words. So they sang praises with
gladness and bowed their heads and
worshipped.
-Ordered those dedicated to bring sacrifices
and thank offerings to the Temple. So they
did and all whose hearts were willing
brought burnt offerings. These numbered:
- 70 bulls
-100 rams
-200 male lambs
Animals consecrated as sacrifices amounted
to 600 bulls and 3000 sheep and goats.
There being too few priests to skin all
the burnt offerings, their kinsmen, the
Levites, helped them, until the task was
finished and other priests were
consecrated, because Levites had been more
conscientious in consecrating themselves
than the priests. There were abundant
burnt offerings with the fat of fellowship
offerings and drink offerings accompanying
the burnt offerings.
-Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced as the
service of the Temple was re-established and
at what God had brought about for His
people, it being done so quickly.
(Chapter 29)
Hezekiah sent messengers to all Israel and Judah
inviting them to the Lord's Temple in Jerusalem
to celebrate the Passover to the Lord, the God
of Israel. It hadn't been celebrated at the
correct time because not enough priests had
consecrated themselves in Jerusalem. The plan
seemed right to the king and the whole assembly.
It hadn't been celebrated in large numbers
according to what was written. The letter which
was sent read:
-Israel's people return to the Lord, the God
of Abraham Isaac and Israel, that He may
return to you who've escaped from Assyria's
kings.
-Don't be like your fathers and brothers who
were unfaithful to the Lord and stiffnecked
so He made them an object of horror.
-Submit to the Lord, come to the sanctuary He
consecrated forever, serve Him so His fierce
anger will turn away from you.
-Return to the Lord and your brothers and
children will be shown compassion by their
captors and come back to this land for the
Lord is gracious and compassionate. He won't
turn His face from you if you return to Him.
The messengers were scorned and ridiculed in
Ephraim, Manasseh and Zebulun but some men of
Asher, Manasseh and Zebulun humbled themselves
and went to Jerusalem. In Judah the hand of God
was on the people to give them unity of mind to
follow the word of the Lord.
So a large crowd assembled in Jerusalem to
celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread. They
removed Jerusalem's altars and cleared away
incense altars throwing them in the Kidron
Valley.
They slaughtered the Passover lamb, priests and
Levites being ashamed, consecrated themselves,
brought burnt offerings to the Lord's Temple and
took up their positions as prescribed in the Law
of Moses. Priests sprinkled blood handed them by
Levites. Many hadn't consecrated themselves, so
Levites had to kill Passover lambs for the
ceremonially unclean who couldn't consecrate
their lambs to the Lord. Most from Ephraim,
Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun hadn't purified
themselves but they ate the Passover contrary to
the Law. Hezekiah prayed for them, "May the
Lord, who is good, pardon every one whose heart
is set on seeking God - the Lord, the God of his
fathers - even if not clean according to the
sanctuary rules." THE LORD HEARD HEZEKIAH AND
HEALED THE PEOPLE.
They celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread
with great rejoicing for 7 days, Levites and
priests singing to the Lord accompanied by the
Lord's instruments of praise.
Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to all Levites who
showed good understanding of the Lord's service.
They ate their assigned portion and offered
fellowship offerings for 7 days.
The whole assembly then agreed to celebrate the
festival for 7 more days. Hezekiah provided 1000
bulls, 7000 sheep and goats and officials
provided 1000 bulls and 10,000 sheep and goats.
A great number of priests consecrated
themselves. The entire assembly of Judah,
priests, Levites and aliens rejoiced with great
joy in Jerusalem. Not since Solomon's days had
there been anything like this in Jerusalem.
Priests and Levites stood to bless the people,
and God heard them for their prayer reached
heaven, His holy dwelling place.
(Chapter 30)
When ended, Israelites went to Judah's towns,
smashed the sacred stones, cut down the Asherah
poles, destroyed high places and altars in
Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh. Then they
returned to their towns and properties.
Hezekiah assigned priests and Levites to
divisions according to their duties to offer
burnt, fellowship, peace offerings, to give
thanks and sing praise at the gates of the
Lord's dwelling.
He contributed morning, evening, Sabbath, new
moon and appointed feasts, burnt offerings
according to the Law of the Lord. He ordered
Jerusalem's people to give the portion due to
priests and Levites so they could devote
themselves to the Law of the Lord. The
Israelites generously obeyed, giving the
firstfruits of grain, new wine, oil, honey and
all the fields produced. They brought a great
amount, a tithe of everything (10%). Israel and
Judah's men living in towns for 4 months brought
10% of herds, flocks and holy things dedicated
to the Lord their God piling them in heaps. When
Hezekiah and his officials saw the heaps they
praised the Lord and blessed His people, Israel.
He asked priests and Levites about the heaps and
chief priest Azariah said, "Since people began
bringing contributions to the Temple of the Lord
we've had enough to eat and plenty to spare,
because the Lord has blessed His people and this
great amount is left over."
Hezekiah ordered Temple store rooms be prepared.
It was done. Contributions, tithes and dedicated
gifts were faithfully brought in. Levite
Conaniah was in charge of this, with helpers
listed.
Levite, Kor, keeper of the east gate, was in
charge of freewill offerings given to God,
distributing them and the consecrated gifts. He
had faithful assistants in priests' towns who
distributed to fellow priests by divisions, old
and young alike.
They distributed to males 3 years old or more
whose names were in the genealogical records -
all able to enter the Lord's Temple to perform
daily duties by responsibilities and divisions.
They distributed to priests enrolled by families
in genealogical records and the same for Levites
20 years old or more by responsibility and
divisions. They included little ones, wives,
sons and daughters of the whole community listed
in genealogical records, for they faithfully
consecrated themselves.
Priests living on farm lands, were given
distributions for every male among them as were
all recorded in the genealogies.
Hezekiah did what was good, right and faithful
before the Lord his God. In everything he
undertook in the service of God's Temple and in
obedience to His laws and commands, he sought
his God and worked wholeheartedly. So he
prospered.
(Chapter 31)
After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done,
Sennacherib, Assyria's king (from about 130
miles north east of Jerusalem) invaded Judah.
Seeing he intended to capture Jerusalem,
Hezekiah:
-Consulted with officials and military staff
and with a large force of men blocked
springs and the stream outside the city to
deprive the Assyrians of water.
-Worked hard repairing broken sections of the
city wall, building towers, another wall
outside the existing one, and reinforcing
the supporting terraces.
-Made large numbers of weapons and shields.
-Appointed military officers over the people,
assembled them in the square at the city
gate and encouraged them saying:
-Be strong and courageous.
-Don't fear or be discouraged because of
Assyria's king and his vast army, FOR
THERE IS A GREATER POWER WITH US THAN WITH
HIM. WITH HIM IS ONLY THE ARM OF FLESH BUT
WITH US IS THE LORD OUR GOD TO HELP US AND
TO FIGHT OUR BATTLES.
And the people gained confidence from his
words.
Sennacherib sieged Lachish (about 20 miles south
west of Jerusalem) and sent officers to
Jerusalem with this message for Hezekiah and the
people:
-"You're under siege, what's your confidence
based on?
-Hezekiah is deceiving you when he says 'The
Lord our God will save us.' You'll die of
hunger and thirst.
-Hezekiah himself removed this god's high
places and altars saying you must worship
before one altar and burn sacrifices on it.
-I and my fathers have destroyed the peoples of
other lands and their gods couldn't save them
so how can your god save you? Don't let
Hezekiah deceive and mislead you. Don't
believe him."
Sennacherib's officers spoke further against the
Lord and His servant Hezekiah. Sennacherib also
wrote insulting letters against the Lord, the
God of Israel, saying, "The gods of other lands
couldn't rescue their people and neither can
Hezekiah's God rescue you from me." They called
out in Hebrew to Jerusalem's people listening on
the wall to terrify them and make them afraid so
as to (easily) capture the city. They said the
God of Jerusalem was no more than the work of
men's hands, no different from the gods of other
peoples of the world.
Hezekiah and Isaiah cried out in prayer, the
Lord sent an angel who annihilated fighting men,
leaders and officers in the Assyrian king's camp
and so he withdrew to his own land in disgrace.
There his sons killed him in the temple of his
god.
So the Lord saved Hezekiah and Jerusalem from
the Assyrians and all others. He cared for them
on every side. Many brought offerings to
Jerusalem for the Lord and valuable gifts for
Hezekiah, who was from then on highly regarded
by all the nations.
Ill at death's door, Hezekiah prayed to the Lord
who gave him a miraculous sign.But a proud heart
stopped him responding to God's kindness so the
Lord's wrath was on him, Judah and Jerusalem. He
repented of a proud heart, along with
Jerusalem's people, therefore the Lord's wrath
didn't come upon them during Hezekiah's days.
God gave Hezekiah very great riches and honour
so he:
-Made treasuries for his silver, gold,
precious stones, spices, shields and
valuables.
-Made buildings to store grain, new wine and
oil harvests.
-Made stalls for various kinds of cattle and
pens for flocks.
-Built villages and acquired great numbers of
flocks and herds.
-Blocked the upper outlet of the Gihon Spring
and channelled the water down the west side
of Jerusalem.
-Succeeded in everything he undertook.
But when Babylon's rulers sent envoys to ask
about God's miraculous signs, God left him to
test him and to know everything that was in his
heart.
He was buried on the hill where the tombs of
David's descendants were and all Judah and
Jerusalem honoured him. His son Manasseh
succeeded him.
(Chapter 32)
He reigned for 55 years and did evil in the
Lord's eyes following the detestable practices
of the nations the Lord had driven out before
the Israelites. He:
-Rebuilt the high places.
-Erected altars to the Baals.
-Made Asherah poles.
-Bowed down and worshipped all the starry
hosts.
-Built altars in the Lord's Temple.
-Built altars in both Temple courts to all the
starry hosts.
-Sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley
of Ben Hinnom (outside Jerusalem's southern
city wall).
-Practised sorcery.
-Practised divination.
-Practised witchcraft.
-Consulted mediums.
-Consulted spiritists.
-Did much evil in the Lord's eyes provoking
Him to anger.
-Made a carved image and put it in God's
Temple, where God had told David and Solomon
"I'll put my name forever and not make the
Israelites leave if they carefully obey my
laws, decrees and ordinances given through
Moses."
-Led Judah and the people astray so they did
more evil than the nations the Lord had
destroyed before the Israelites.
The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people but
they paid no attention so the Lord brought
against them the king of Assyria's army who:
-Took Manasseh prisoner.
-Put a hook in his nose.
-Bound him with bronze shackles.
-Took him to Babylon.
There Manasseh sought the Lord his God's favour,
humbled himself greatly before Him and prayed.
Moved by his entreaty and listening to his
prayer, the Lord brought him back to Jerusalem
and his kingdom. THEN MANASSEH KNEW THE LORD IS
GOD. SO HE:
-Rebuilt and heightened Jerusalem's outer wall
-Stationed military commanders in all Judah's
fortified cities.
-Removed foreign gods.
-Removed the image from the Lord's Temple.
-Removed all the altars he'd built on the
temple hill and in Jerusalem and threw them
out of the city.
-Restored the altar of the Lord.
-Sacrificed fellowship and thank offerings on
it.
-Told Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel.
The people continued to sacrifice at the high
places but only to the Lord their God.
Other details of his reign, his prayer to God
and the words seers spoke to him in the Lord's
name are written in the annals of Israel's
kings.
He was buried in his palace and son Amon
succeeded him, reigned 2 years, did evil in the
Lord's eyes by worshipping and offering
sacrifices to all Manasseh's idols and didn't
humble himself before the Lord. His officials
conspired against him and assassinated him in
his palace. Then the people of the land killed
the plotters and made 8 year old Josiah king.
(Chapter 33)
He reigned 33 years, did right in the eyes of
the Lord not turning right or left from the ways
of David. When 16, he began to seek the God of
David. When 20 he:
-Began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high
places, Asherah poles, carved idols and cast
images.
-Tore down altars of the Baals.
-Cut incense altars above them to pieces.
-Smashed Asherah poles, idols and images
scattering the pieces over the graves of
those who had sacrificed to them.
-Burned bones of priests on their altars.
-Purged Judah and Jerusalem.
-In towns of Manasseh, Ephraim and Simeon as
far as Naphtali (about 90 miles north of
Jerusalem) and in surrounding ruins, tore
down altars and Asherah poles, crushed idols
to powder and cut incense altars to pieces
throughout Israel. Then he returned to
Jerusalem.
When he was 26, to purify the land and Temple he
sent Shaphan, Maaseiah and Joah to repair the
Lord's Temple. They took the money the Levitical
Temple doorkeepers had collected from the people
of Manasseh, Ephraim, the entire remnant of
Israel, Judah, Benjamin and Jerusalem and gave
it to high priest Hilkiah. It was entrusted to
men appointed to supervise repairs to the Lord's
Temple. They paid the workers, carpenters and
builders to purchase dressed stone, timber for
joists and beams for the buildings Judah's kings
had allowed to fall into ruin.
The men worked faithfully, over them were
Levites Jahath, Obadiah, Zechariah and
Meshullam. Levitical musicians supervised
labourers and all workers from job to job. Other
Levites were secretaries, scribes and
doorkeepers.
While bringing money out of the Temple priest
Hilkiah found Moses' Book of the Law. He gave it
to secretary Shaphan who read it to the king,
after reporting on the progress of Temple
repairs.
The king tore his robes and ordered Hilkiah,
Ahikam, Abdon, Shaphan and Asaiah to "Enquire of
the Lord for the remnant of Israel and Judah
about what's written in this book. The Lord's
anger is great because our fathers haven't kept
the Lord's word nor acted according to it."
So they enquired of prophetesss Huldah living in
Jerusalem. She advised, "The Lord the God of
Israel says, 'I'm going to bring disaster on
this place and its people, all the curses
written in the book, because they've forsaken
me, burned incense to other gods and provoked me
to unquenchable anger by all their hands have
made. Tell the king, because your heart was
responsive and you humbled yourself before me
and tore your robes and wept in my presence,
when you heard what I spoke against this place
and people, I have heard you. I'll gather you to
your fathers, you'll be buried in peace and
won't see all the disaster I'm going to bring.'"
So they took her answer back to the king.
He called all Judah and Jerusalem's elders, men
of Judah, people of Jerusalem, priests, Levites,
everyone from least to greatest, to the Lord's
Temple where he read in their hearing all the
words of the Book of the Covenant which had been
found. He stood by his (Temple) pillar and
renewed the covenant in the Lord's presence, to
follow the Lord, keep His commands, regulations
and decrees with all his heart and soul and to
obey the words of the covenant written in the
Book.
Then he had everyone in Jerusalem and Benjamin
do the same and pledge themselves to it.
He removed all the detestable idols from
Israelite territory and had all present in
Israel serve the Lord their God.
While he lived, they didn't fail to follow the
Lord, their fathers' God.
(Chapter 34)
Josiah celebrated the Passover in Jerusalem. He:
-Appointed priests to their duties and
encouraged them in the Lord's Temple
service.
-Told Levites, instructors of all Israel, and
consecrated to the Lord:
-To "Put the sacred Ark in Solomon's Temple.
-Not to carry it about on your shoulders.
-To serve the Lord your God and His people
Israel.
-To prepare themselves by families, in
divisions according to David's and
Solomon's directions."
Josiah provided from his own possessions for all
lay people present:
-30,000 sheep and goats for the Passover.
- 3,000 cattle.
His officials contributed voluntarily to people,
priests and Levites:
- 2,600 Passover offerings.
- 300 cattle.
Six Levites contributed:
- 5,000 Passover offerings.
- 500 cattle.
The sacrifice was arranged and:
-The priests stood in their places
-With the Levites in their divisions as the
king had ordered.
-The Passover lambs were slaughtered.
-The priests sprinkled the blood handed to
them.
-The Levites skinned the animals.
-Burnt offerings were set aside for the
subdivisions of the people to offer to the
Lord as written in the Book of Moses.
-They did the same with the cattle.
-They roasted the Passover animals as
prescribed.
-They boiled the holy offerings in pots,
cauldrons and pans and served them quickly
to the people.
-After this they made preparations for
themselves and priests because the priests
were sacrificing burnt offerings until
nightfall.
-Musicians were in their prescribed places.
-Gatekeepers did not leave their posts for
fellow Levites made preparations for them.
-The entire service of the Lord was carried
out for the celebration of the Passover
and the offering of burnt offerings on the
Lord's altar.
-The Israelites celebrated the Passover and
observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread for
7 days.
The Passover hadn't been observed like this in
Israel since the days of prophet Samuel and none
of Israel's kings ever celebrated such a
Passover.
After this, with the Temple set in order,
Egypt's King Neco went up to fight at Carchemish
on the Euphrates (River) and Josiah marched out
to fight him.
Neco sent messengers saying he had no quarrel
with Josiah. He said, "God has told me to hurry
so stop opposing God or He'll destroy you."
But Josiah wouldn't listen, he disguised himself
for battle not listening to what Neco had said
at God's command. Archers shot him, he was taken
out of his chariot, put in another and brought
to Jerusalem where he died and was buried in the
tombs of his fathers, all Judah and Jerusalem
mourning for him.
Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah and the
people of the land took Jehoahaz Josiah's son
and made him king in Jerusalem.
(Chapter 35)
Jehoahaz reigned for 3 months. Egypt's King Neco
dethroned him in Jerusalem, took him to Egypt,
imposed a levy of 3.4 metric tons of silver and
34 kilograms of gold, made Eliakim, brother of
Jehoahaz king of Judah and Jerusalem and changed
his name to Jehoiakim.
He reigned for 11 years, did evil in the Lord's
eyes, was attacked by Babylon's King
Nebuchadnezzar who bound him with bronze
shackles and took him to Babylon along with
articles from the Lord's Temple which he put in
his temple there.
Jehoiakim's son Jehoiachin succeeded him,reigned
3 months and 10 days, did evil in the Lord's
eyes, was taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar,
along with articles of value from the Lord's
Temple and replaced with Jehoiachin's uncle
Zedekiah.
He reigned 11 years, did evil in the Lord's
eyes, didn't humble himself before prophet
Jeremiah who spoke the Lord's word and rebelled
against Nebuchadnezzar who had made him take an
oath in God's name. Stiffnecked and hard of
heart, he wouldn't turn to the Lord, Israel's
God. All priestly leaders and people became
increasingly unfaithful following the detestable
practices of the nations and defiling the Lord's
Temple.
The Lord, their fathers' God, warned them
repeatedly through His messengers because He had
pity on His people and dwelling place. But they
mocked and scoffed at God's messengers, despised
His words, until the Lord's wrath was aroused
against His people and there was no remedy. He
brought Babylon's king who killed their young
men in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men
and women, old men or aged.
God handed them all over to Nebuchadnezzar who
carried all large and small Temple articles and
treasures to Babylon with treasures of the king
and his officials, set fire to God's Temple,
broke down Jerusalem's wall and burned all the
palaces.
He exiled to Babylon the remnant who weren't
killed, where they became servants to the king
and his sons until Persia's kingdom came to
power. The land enjoyed Sabbath rests 'til the
70 years were completed fulfilling God's word
through Jeremiah.
In the first year of Persia's King Cyrus, to
fulfill Jeremiah's word, the Lord moved Cyrus'
heart to make a proclamation in writing, "The
Lord God of heaven has given me all the earth's
kingdoms and appointed me to build a Temple for
Him at Jerusalem. Anyone of His people among you
- may the Lord his God be with him and let him
go up."
(Chapter 36)
SOME MAIN POINTS FROM SECOND CHRONICLES.
1. Human logic says "Get in for your cut."
Which means "Dog eat dog." Which is fine
'til, inevitably, you meet a bigger dog than
you. Logic but defective and self
destructive.
God's logic (Matthew Chapter 6:33) is to do
His will - put the good of others first and,
logically, since He controls the universe's
resources, He will provide everything you
need for the best possible life He has
planned for you.
Solomon got this one right.
(Chapter 1)
2. If you get involved in some sort of a
building project for God make sure its only
a means to the end of really helping people
know God better. It must be no more than
like a pair of spectacles to a man with poor
vision. An aid so he can focus on and see
God more clearly. If you don't get this
right the devil will quickly ensure the
building becomes an end in itself with God
shut out by stained glass windows.
Solomon got this one right too.
(Chapter 2)
3. When you do something for your Lord, Jesus
Christ do it to the 100% best of your
ability.
(Chapters 3 & 4)
4. What is the "bottom line" about your Lord,
Jesus Christ? He is good, His love endures
forever.
When that truth REALLY grips you, your life
becomes a song of praise in your heart, on
your lips and in your actions.
And you'll be living life to its ultimate
exuberant fullness.
Solomon got that right too.
(Chapter 5)
5. The great thing about your Lord is that He
is a factual historical person. He said
things, people obeyed and history records
that good things happened, and vice-versa.
The history of your life will be the same.
6. And, logically, He is 100% reliable. He HAS
to keep His promises. So you can act on His
word with 100% confidence He will always
keep His part of the bargain. You'd be mad
not to, because all He says is based on love
for you.
7. Immediately you are "out of tune" with your
Lord, Jesus Christ, it's because you've
sinned. Lack of peace in your heart is a
warning bell, a warning light that sin has
to be faced and confessed. If it isn't as
sure as night follows day you're in for
trouble.
8. What is the ultimate goal of your life? That
your Lord, Jesus Christ, can live unhindered
through you so that all people of the earth
may know and give Him 100% respect.
Solomon's prayer in Chapter 6 is worth
meditating through slowly and prayerfully.
This man had it "all together" on this day
in his life.
(Chapter 6)
9. Joy and gladness of heart for the good
things your Lord, Jesus Christ, has done
should be normal for you.
10. Here's a promise for you and our land. "If
my people who are called by my name will
humble themselves and pray and seek my face
and turn from their wicked ways, then I will
hear from heaven and will forgive their sin
and will heal their land."
And if not, disaster!
Just read the history!
(Chapter 7)
11. Your mission is to live so controlled by
your Lord, Jesus Christ, that others will
want to do the same.
When you can make the impact on a non
believer that Solomon had on the Queen of
Sheba you'll be "getting it right." She
praised the Lord because she could see He
loved Israel, desiring to uphold them
forever.
(Chapter 9)
12. Taking advice of more experienced Godly
believers in your Lord, Jesus Christ is a
good thing. But no substitute for getting
everything first hand from Him.
(Chapter 10)
13. Never, ever, make a move until your Lord,
Jesus Christ, gives it the okay.
At least Rehoboam was smart enough to heed
God's warning when it came.
(Chapter 11)
@
14. Beware of complacency in your relationship
with your Lord, Jesus Christ. Make a fresh
new start with Him every morning. The devil
will try to get you to slacken off and
imperceptibly drift away from Jesus. Do that
and disaster will follow.
(Chapter 12)
@
15. Victory against "impossible" odds is
guaranteed if you rely 100% on your Lord,
Jesus Christ.
(Chapters 13 & 14)
@
16. Your Lord, Jesus Christ is logically worthy
of nothing less than a 100% commitment of
your heart and soul. After all, that was His
commitment to you as His human life ended in
the Roman Empire one Friday on a piece of
Roman execution equipment. Tough guys those
Romans. The cross deterred insurrection in
captured lands far from Rome.
@
So reader, be strong, don't give up your
work, which means your Lord's work will be
rewarded. You'll have rest on every side.
(Chapter 15)
@
17. But the devil won't give up. If you meet his
threats trusting in any resource other than
your Lord alone, you'll be "dead meat."
(Chapter 16)
@
18. Devote your heart to the ways of your Lord
and make His word and ways known to others.
(Chapter 17)
@
19. Rest hour by hour in your Lord, Jesus
Christ. If you don't, no matter how good
your past record, you can still do a dumb
thing that will cause you trouble. As we
said before, never, ever, make a move
without your Lord's okay.
(Chapter 18 and end of Chapter 20)
@
20. When the enemy against you looks totally
invincible and you haven't a clue what to
do, just tell your Lord "I don't know what
to do but my eyes are on you."
@
And the Lord will say, "Don't fear or be
discouraged. This is my battle not yours.
Go and face the enemy. Stand firm and see
me deliver you."
@
Then praise Him for the victory before it's
won. And sing victory praise on the way to
(the Lord's) battle, "Give thanks to the
Lord for His love endures forever."
@
And be encouraged - all this happened
historically AFTER the king had done a dumb
thing (Chapter 18).
(Chapter 20)
@
22. Rebellion against the Lord, Jesus Christ
brings inevitable historical disaster.
(Chapter 21)
@
23. Getting involved with the Lord's enemies
(unless trying to save them) is a recipe for
disaster.
(Chapter 22)
@
24. You might have to do quite some organising
and take decisive action against evil in the
service of your Lord, Jesus Christ.
(chapter 23)
@
25. Obeying your Lord, Jesus Christ will
@
@
inevitably expose you to the hatred of His
enemies. They may kill your body but not
your eternal life. Historically, people who
don't like the message kill the messenger.
But in your case, because your Lord, Jesus
Christ is living through you (John Chapter
14) you ARE the message.
(Chapter 24)
@
26. If you don't serve your Lord 100%
wholeheartedly you'll start making decisions
without asking the Lord first, ask advice
from the wrong people and destroy yourself.
(Chapter 25)
@
27. When you are 100% committed to your Lord,
Jesus Christ, He blesses you. This is just
when the devil will try to put the idea in
your mind that you earned these blessings.
Fall for that and pride will be your
downfall.
(Chapter 26)
@
28. Do everything the Lord's way and what really
matters goes right. This is a matter of
historical fact.
(Chapters 27 & 31)
@
29. And the opposite applies.
(Chapter 28)
@
30. Your message for people is for them to
return and submit to the Lord that He may
return to them.
@
When they do that and return to their Lord,
Jesus Christ, ALONE there is unity of mind
among them. But organise them on any other
basis, such as a denomination or church
@
activity, no matter how "religious" instead
of Christ alone and there will be disunity.
(Chapters 29 & 30)
@
31. You can have a 100% commitment to your Lord,
Jesus Christ and still find yourself
besieged by the devil. This is all about
testing your faith. He will use "logical
cons," lies and psychological warfare. But
he can do no more than that. Because you are
safe in your impregnable fortress which is
Christ your Lord.
@
So don't fear or be discouraged. There is a
greater power with you than your enemy. He
has only the arm of flesh, but you have the
Lord, who decisively defeated Satan on the
Cross to help and fight your battles.
@
Your enemy's arrogant confidence is based on
his vast army and your "little" fort.
(Sinful) human logic is on his side.
@
But he can't see the Lord's vast army of
protecting angels above your fort. You can.
That's where your confidence lies. Your Lord
cares for you ON EVERY SIDE.
(Chapter 32)
@
32. Your Lord, Jesus Christ, will always forgive
and restore anyone who genuinely humbles
himself and returns to Him.
(Chapter 33)
@
33. You must thoroughly understand the spirit or
intention of all of God's word, apply it to
all your living and make it known to others.
The alternative in this world is the law of
the jungle. (Chapter 34)
@
34. God may warn you through a non believer. Be
sensitive and obedient to His voice no
matter from what "unlikely" source it comes.
(Chapter 35)
@
35. It's divinely logical that those who turn
their back on God face a total "wipeout."
