Oct 19 2014

Joash Becomes King – 2 Chronicles 23

English: Jehoiada was the High priest during the reigns of Ahaziah, Athaliah, and Joash. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the seventh year after Athaliah took control, the high priest Jehoiada entered into a covenant with all of the commanders and gathered the Levites and introduced Joash as the rightful king. The covenant may have included a provision for Jehoiada to supervise the young king until he came of age. We do not know.

So the throne was restored to the Davidic line, according to God’s will. and the Levites and all of Judah did as Jehoiada commanded and prepared to crown Joash king. Jehoiada provided the captains with the spears and shields that were in the house of God, which had belonged to King David. And all the men stood watch while the king was crowned, ensuring his safety.

When Athaliah learned what was happening, she went into the house of the Lord and cried treason, tearing her clothes. Jehoiada would not let them execute her there. so they took her out to the entrance of the horse gate of the king’s house and put her to death there.

And Jehoiada made another covenant between himself and the people that they would be the Lord’s people. And they went to the house of Baal and tore it down, breaking all the images. They killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the altar. Then they offered burnt offerings to the Lord and the people returned to a time of service to God.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week

/Bob’s boy

___________________

some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please visit this site’s menu item “The Author’s Books” for info on the author’s books, website, and Facebook page.

All of my comments in this blog are solely my responsibility. When reading any commentary, you should always refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word.

Oct 12 2014

Ahaziah’s Reign in Judea – 2 Chronicles 22

English: Athalia was the queen of Judah during the reign of King Jehoram, and later became sole ruler of Judah for six years. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

At the end of chapter 21, we are told of the raid made by the Arabians, who killed all of Jehoram’s sons except for one — Jehoahaz. Now in chapter 22, we find that after Jehoram’s death, his son Ahaziah was made king. They are, of course, names for the same person. He was twenty-two when he became king. His mother, Athaliah, was the granddaughter of Omri, and she encouraged him do evil in the sight of the Lord. So it was ordained by God that when he went to visit Joram, he was captured and brought before Jehu and put to death.

Athaliah killed all of the royal family after her son’s death, but Jehoshabeath, rescued Ahaziah’s son and stole him away from danger. Athaliah made herself ruler. But Jehoshabeath, “the daughter of King Jehoram and wife of Jehoiada the priest, because she was a sister of Ahaziah,” kept the child, whose name was Joash, and hid him away from Athaliah for six years, while she reigned as self-proclaimed queen. So in this way, God kept the line of David alive for the future.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week

/Bob’s boy

___________________

some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please visit this site’s menu item “The Author’s Books” for info on the author’s books, website, and Facebook page.

All of my comments in this blog are solely my responsibility. When reading any commentary, you should always refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word.

Oct 5 2014

The Ungodly Reign of Jehoram – 2 Chronicles 21

English: Joran(Jehoram of Judah) was the king of the southern Kingdom of Judah, and the son of Jehoshaphat. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Jehoshaphat had chosen his first-born son, Jehoram to become king after his death. He did so at the age of thirty-two, and reigned for eight years. He began his reign by first killing his six brothers, and some of the princes of Israel. The chronicler said that he “walked in the ways of the kings of Israel,” and did evil in the sight of the Lord. H took Ahab’s daughter as his wife.

It was during his reign, the chronicler writes, that the people of Edom revolted and set up a king of their own. He took his forces and all of his chariots, but the Edomites surrounded him. He attacked at night, but the the revolt was still not quashed. Then Libnah revolted as well because, as the chronicler says, Jehoram had forsaken the Lord.

Then Elijah, the prophet came and told him that because of his evil, God would bring a plague upon him, his people and his wives and children. He also said that he would die of a disease in his bowels. And God stirred up the anger of the Philistines and “the Arabians who are near the Ethiopians” against him. They took his possessions, along with his wives and children from his house. And Jehoram did indeed die of the disease that Elijah had spoken of. But according to the Lord’s plan for the house of David, one son was left behind. His name was Jehoahaz.

The chronicler said that when Jehoram died, “he departed with no one’s regret.” He was buried in the City of David, but not in the tomb of the kings.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week

/Bob’s boy

___________________

some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please visit this site’s menu item “The Author’s Books” for info on the author’s books, website, and Facebook page.

All of my comments in this blog are solely my responsibility. When reading any commentary, you should always refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word.

Sep 28 2014

The Lord Fights for Judah – 2 Chronicles 20:18-37

7. King Jehoshaphat (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

After the prophet who was filled with the Spirit of the Lord had told the people in the temple that they would be victorius without having to fight. Jehoshaphat fell on his face and prayed. And the Kohathites and Korahites praised God in a loud voice. The next day, the people of Judah “went out into the wilderness of Tekoa.”

Jehoshaphat told them: “believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.” Meanwhile, God set an ambush for the Moabites and Ammonites at Mount Seir. In the end, they all began killing one another (verse 23. Then the people of Judah “came to the watchtower of the wilderness.” They saw scores of dead bodies, with none left alive. They spent three days taking the spoils for themselves, because there was so much.

On the fourth day, they assembled in the Valley of Beracah to bless the Lord. It was named Berach later, of course, and the name itself means “blessing.” The surrounding countries learned of how God had fought for them, and they were afraid and kept their distance. So the rest of Jehosphat’s reign was peaceful He reined for 25 years, and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. But the scripture adds that the high places were not taken down.

The chapter closes with the alliance that the king made with the northern king, Ahaziah, who verse 30 says acted wickedly. Together they built ships in Ezion-geber. to sail to Tarshish. Then the prophet, Eliezer, Prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying that because he had joined with Ahaziah, God will destroy what he had made. After that, the ships were wrecked and never made it to Tarshish.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week

/Bob’s boy

___________________

some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please visit this site’s menu item “The Author’s Books” for info on the author’s books, website, and Facebook page.

All of my comments in this blog are solely my responsibility. When reading any commentary, you should always refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word.

Sep 21 2014

Jehoshaphat’s Prayer – 2 Chronicles 20:1-17

English: Jerusalem and the Valley of Jehoshaphat from the Hill of Evil Counsel (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In Chapter 20, the Moabites and Ammonites mobilized to go up against Jehoshaphat’s kingdom. Some menm came to warn him about the throngs of warriors coming from Edom. They told him that they were in Hazazon-tamar, otherwise known as Engedi. Jehoshaphat became afraid, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. The people came from all over to “seek the Lord” in this matte.

Jehoshaphat came to the temple, and as king, he led them in prayer. The prayer in verses 5-12 is similar to part of Solomon’s prayer when he dedicated the temple. In the assembly, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, the son of Zechariah, and he began to speak saying”

Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s…

…Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz… You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, hand the Lord will be with you.

The familiar words “do not be afraid, and do not be dismayed,” are the same words God said through Moses in Deuteronomy 31:6-8. It is good to remind ourselves that although God never promised bad things will not happen to us, we can take comfort in prayer, do all that we can in every situation, and leave the rest to God.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week

/Bob’s boy

___________________

some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please visit this site’s menu item “The Author’s Books” for info on the author’s books, website, and Facebook page.

All of my comments in this blog are solely my responsibility. When reading any commentary, you should always refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word.

Sep 14 2014

Jehoshaphat’s Reforms – 2 Chronicles 19

Thomas Seddon – Jerusalem and the Valley of Jehoshaphat from the Hill of Evil Counsel – Google Art Project (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

After Jehoshaphat returned to Jerusalem, he was visited by Jehu, the son of Hanani the seer. Jehu rebuked him for the alliance he had made with Ahab, but said that he had found favor with the Lord because he had “destroyed the Asheroth out of the land,” and also because he had set his heart “to seek God.”

So Jehoshaphat took his responsibility as king and with the service of God personally. He went out among the people “from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim,” bringing the people back to the Lord. He appointed judges throughout Judah, and sternly admonished them to show no partiality or take bribes, but to take care to deal justly with the people.

he then appointed Levites and priests to “give judgment before the Lord, and decide disputed cases, and to do it “in the fear of the Lord, in faithfulness, and with your whole heart.” He set Amariah the chief priest and Zebadiah, the governor of the house of Judah over them to ensure that the law of the Lord was respected, and that justice was done.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week

/Bob’s boy

___________________

some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please visit this site’s menu item “The Author’s Books” for info on the author’s books, website, and Facebook page.

All of my comments in this blog are solely my responsibility. When reading any commentary, you should always refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word.

Sep 7 2014

Ahab Defeated – 2 Chronicles 18

Michelangelo’s Asa-Jehoshaphat-Joram.jpg. The man on the left is generally considered to be Jehoshaphat (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Jehoshaphat sought to make a marriage alliance with the northern king, Ahab. Ahab wanted Jehoshaphat to bring his troops and fight against the Syrians at Ramoth-gilead. Jehoshaphat wanted to inquire of the Lord first. So Ahab gathered 400 prophets who predicted success. But one named Micaiah (who Ahab despised) predicted otherwise. He said that his vision saw the Lord with His hose asking how best to entice Ahab to Ramoth-gilead so that he would fall. And it was decided to place a lying spirit in the tongues of all of his prophets.

The relating of this vision angered Ahab, and he had the prophet locked up. So Ahab and Jehoshaphat took their forces to Ramoth-gilead. There, Ahab told Jehoshaphat to remained dressed in his kingly robes, while Ahab would change into a disguise.. Jehoshaphat mysteriously seems gullible in agreeing to this – or did he just have that much faith in God? The plan worked for Ahab, as the Syrians mistook Jehoshaphat for the northern king.

But Jehoshaphat cried out to the Lord and he was protected. Ahab, however, was defeated and mortally wounded. He had his men take him out of the battle and they left him propped up in his chariot , facing the Syrians. He died that evening at sunset.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week

/Bob’s boy

___________________

some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please visit this site’s menu item “The Author’s Books” for info on the author’s books, website, and Facebook page.

All of my comments in this blog are solely my responsibility. When reading any commentary, you should always refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word.

Aug 31 2014

Jehoshaphat! – 2 Chronicles 17

Statues of Josaphat and Ezechias on the Monastery of El Escorial. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Not many people know much about king Asa’s son Jehoshaphat, except that the name has been used in the phrase “Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat!” There is a lot of speculation about where that phrase came from, and if you query any search engine, you will come across some very entertaining attempts to explain it. None that I have seen seem very likely, though. It is just possible that it became popular because it is phonetically pleasing as a substitute for swearing.

As king, Jehoshaphat worked hard to strengthen Judah against the northern kingdom. He set garrisons and occupied cities all over, including some that his father had captured. Unlike his father, the Lord was with him, the scripture tells us in verse 3, and did not “seek the Baals.” With God’s help, he grew strong in power and in riches.

verse 7 says that in the third year of his reign, he sent several men, including Obadiah, around to teach the Book of the Law in all the cities of Judah. Verse 10 says that all of the kingdoms around Judah feared them during his reign, and none of them bothered Judah. In fact, verse 11 says that the Philistines, of all people, “brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver for tribute, and the Arabians also brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats.”

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week

/Bob’s boy

___________________

Please visit this site’s menu item “The Author’s Books” for info on the author’s books, website, and Facebook page.

All of my comments in this blog are solely my responsibility. When reading any commentary, you should always refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word.

Aug 24 2014

Asa’s Folly – 2 Chronicles 16

English: Baasha of Israel was the third king of the northern Israelite Kingdom of Israel. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chapter 16 says that in the 36th year of Asa’s reign in Judah, Baasha (the king of Israel) went up against him and began building Ramah. Ramah was strategically located about 5 miles north of Jerusalem along the main road. Baasha’s goal in doing this was to prevent travel in and out of Jerusalem. So Asa took silver and gold from the treasury of the house of the Lord and took it to the king of Syria, Ben-hadad. He reminded him of the covenant that had been between their fathers, which extended to them; and he asked him to break his covenant with Israel.

Ben-hadad complied and sent his armies to conquer cities in Israel. When Baasha heard what was going on, he dropped work on Ramah and went to salvage the rest of the country against the Syrians. When they left, Asa and his forces disassembled all that had been built in Ramah. He took all of the stones and timber from the city and he built Geba and Mizpah. Mizpah was very close to Ramah, but now it was under Asa’s control.

Hanani the seer came to Asa and rebuked him for going to the Syrians. He reminded him that because he had previously trusted in the Lord, God had given the Ethiopians and the Lybians into his hands. Because of his foolishness in not trusting the Lord, he told him, he would always have wars. Asa became angry and put the seer into prison in stocks.

Things went downhill for Asa from there, and he eventually got some disease in his feet. Gangrene? We are not told, but he died in the 41st year of his reign.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week

/Bob’s boy

___________________

Please visit this site’s menu item “The Author’s Books” for info on the author’s books, website, and Facebook page.

All of my comments in this blog are solely my responsibility. When reading any commentary, you should always refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word.

Aug 17 2014

Azariah the Prophet Speaks to Asa – 2 Chronicles 8

English: Asa destroys the idols and forbids worship in local shrines (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Spirit of God visited Azariah the prophet so that he would go talk to the newest king, Asa. He told hi how that God would be with him as long as he was with God. But if he forsakes the Lord, God will forsake him. As soon as Asa heard this prophecy, he got rid of the idols from Judah and Benjamin, as well as from the cities that he had taken.

And he gathered the people of Judah and Benjamin together and related these things, no doubt making clear to them that things would be different now concerning God. And many others who learned that the Lord was with him, came to live under his rule as well. Asa even removed his own mother, Maacah from being queen accuse she had made an idol to Ashera. He crushed and burned her idol as well.

He did not take away the high places, however. But verse 17 says: “Nevertheless, the heart of Asa was wholly true all his days.” He showed God respect, and he brought sacred gifts into the House of God,. As a result of Asa’s actions, there was no more war until the 35th year of his reign.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week

/Bob’s boy

___________________

Please visit this site’s menu item “The Author’s Books” for info on the author’s books, website, and Facebook page.

All of my comments in this blog are solely my responsibility. When reading any commentary, you should always refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word.