II Chronicles 29:1 "Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. V2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done."
We will notice first that Hezekiah is the son of a very bad king named Ahaz. Next we see that his mother is mentioned, her name was Abijah. It is the grace of God that Hezekiah was such a good king after the example he had but his mother must have surely taught him for many years before he was king.
A lot is written about Hezekiah and it takes several chapters to tell his story. So much so that some have mistakenly said that there is a book of the Bible called Hezekiah. Indeed more is written of him by the prophet Isaiah as noted in chapter 32 verse 32. See Isaiah chapters 36-39.
v3 "He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the LORD, and repaired them."
The Levites are called in to prepare themselves to do service in the house of the LORD. Hezekiah recounts the wrongs that have been done and encourages them to do the work.
v15 "And they gathered their brethren and sanctified themselves, and came, according to the commandment of the king, by the words of the LORD, to cleanse the house of the LORD."
It took them eight days to sanctify the house of the LORD. v17 They went to work on the vessels and got everything in order.
v20 "Then Hezekiah the king, rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD.
So the brought sacrifices and sprinkled the blood on the altar. They brought forth goats for the sin offering and made reconciliation with their blood on the altar. v23-24. All Israel was included in these offerings. v24. It was Hezekiah's intention to bring all Israel together at the house of the LORD.
With the house of the LORD prepared, they began the worship service.
v28 "And all the congregation worshipped and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded: and all this continued until the burnt offering was finished."
Much was done that day. They sang the songs of David and Asaph and offered the offerings as in Leviticus 7:12, the thank offerings.
v35b "...So the service of the house of the LORD was set in order."
v36 "And Hezekiah rejoiced and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly."
So, Hezekiah started to rebuild Judah and reached out to Israel by first getting the house of the LORD in order and the hearts of the people turned toward God again. The faith of the people was centered on the house of the LORD and when it was in disarray so was their faith.
Next we continue with Hezekiah in chapter 30. What did he do next?
Psalm 34:11 "Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Hezekiah, a good king of Judah, starts to rebuild.
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Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Ahaz II Chronicles 28
II Chronicles 28:1 "Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he DID NOT that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father; v2 For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim."
Ahaz reigned between the times of two good kings. His father Jotham did pretty well but was hampered by the legacy of his father who was a bad king. Following Ahaz is Hezekiah who is a very good king of Judah.
Ahaz reigned sixteen years and crammed a lot of wrong doing into those sixteen years. He immediately turned to worshipping idols. He dishonored the house of the LORD and even went so far as to burn his children.
v3 "Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel."
He further brought back the high places and spread them as far as he could.
v4 "He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree."
It is as if he was daring God to do something about it. He was delivered into the hands of the Syrians and others went about Judah slaying the people. Even Israel carried people away to make them servants or slaves. A group of the leaders of Israel arose to stop this though. They said we have sinned enough without this.
v13 "And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither; for whereas we have offended against the LORD already, ye intend to add more to our sins and to our trespass; for our trespass is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel."
The people held captive were freed. They were given clothing, food and drink and returned as far as Jericho.
Ahaz tried to buy some help but after taking his the money he stole from the house of the LORD they did not help him. v21
Ahaz did not repent and was buried in Jerusalem instead of with the kings.
v24 "And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem."
I know that must have been a terrible sixteen years for Judah but they survived and a new king, actually the son of Ahaz, came to power and tried his best to turn the people back to God. We should note that his mother was not mentioned.
Psalm 4:3 "But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call unto him."
Ahaz, a bad king who turned to idols.
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Ahaz reigned between the times of two good kings. His father Jotham did pretty well but was hampered by the legacy of his father who was a bad king. Following Ahaz is Hezekiah who is a very good king of Judah.
Ahaz reigned sixteen years and crammed a lot of wrong doing into those sixteen years. He immediately turned to worshipping idols. He dishonored the house of the LORD and even went so far as to burn his children.
v3 "Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel."
He further brought back the high places and spread them as far as he could.
v4 "He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree."
It is as if he was daring God to do something about it. He was delivered into the hands of the Syrians and others went about Judah slaying the people. Even Israel carried people away to make them servants or slaves. A group of the leaders of Israel arose to stop this though. They said we have sinned enough without this.
v13 "And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither; for whereas we have offended against the LORD already, ye intend to add more to our sins and to our trespass; for our trespass is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel."
The people held captive were freed. They were given clothing, food and drink and returned as far as Jericho.
Ahaz tried to buy some help but after taking his the money he stole from the house of the LORD they did not help him. v21
Ahaz did not repent and was buried in Jerusalem instead of with the kings.
v24 "And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem."
I know that must have been a terrible sixteen years for Judah but they survived and a new king, actually the son of Ahaz, came to power and tried his best to turn the people back to God. We should note that his mother was not mentioned.
Psalm 4:3 "But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call unto him."
Ahaz, a bad king who turned to idols.
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Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Jotham II Chronicles 27
II Chronicles 27:1 "Jotham was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok."
Jotham had been doing the kings business already in the king's house because his father had gotten leprosy and moved out into other residence.
Jotham was a good king but never went into the temple, I expect because of what happened to his father.
v2 "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly."
Jotham, too, was a builder and a warrior and was successful in both. He fought the king of the Ammonites and took tribute from them.
v6 "So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God."
He reigned 16 years. Ahaz, his son, took over then.
Psalm 95:3 "For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
Jotham reigns as king.
Jotham had been doing the kings business already in the king's house because his father had gotten leprosy and moved out into other residence.
Jotham was a good king but never went into the temple, I expect because of what happened to his father.
v2 "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly."
Jotham, too, was a builder and a warrior and was successful in both. He fought the king of the Ammonites and took tribute from them.
v6 "So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God."
He reigned 16 years. Ahaz, his son, took over then.
Psalm 95:3 "For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
Jotham reigns as king.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Pass the Word
Perhaps there is someone who is not at home where they have access to scripture. There are many verses in these studies that might be a blessing to someone in a foreign country or in the military. Maybe they don't have a Bible with them right now. I'd be pleased if you told them about this study.
Uzziah II Chronicles 26
II Chronicles 26:1 "Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah." "He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers." v2
It almost seemed like the author was opening and closing king Uzziah's life in two verses but he goes on in verse 3.
We are going through what I would describe some minor kings of Judah with some peaks here and there after David and Solomon. They are drifting toward the captivity. Israel has already turned to idols but Judah has been preserved because of God's promise to David that he would not let his kingly line fail.
v3 "Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. v4 "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did."
It should be noted that the Bible is particular about pointing out the mother of these kings. I believe we will find that the line of David was preserved through the mothers. We will have to study further on that.
v5 "And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding int he visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper."
'As long as he sought the LORD' is a good phrase to remember. It has been the key phrase in the nation Israels problems from the beginning. When they turned from the LORD, the enemy was victorious. When they were true to the LORD, the kingdom prospered.
Uzziah made war and was successful. He was a builder also and was successful in that. But he had a bit of an ego problem them.
v16 "But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense."
He was quickly reproved by the priest who told him it was not for him to burn incense but for the priest of Aaron. v17-18. It made Uzziah mad when the priest told him that and he raised a hand toward the priest with a censor in it.
v19 "Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar."
Uzziah was run out of the house of the LORD because of the leprosy and dwelt in another house instead of the king's house. Neither could he enter the house of the LORD. His son Jotham took care of his business at the king's house and Uzziah never recovered and died a leper king. So after he died Jotham ruled in his place.
It is not good to be lifted up in our own eyes.
Proverbs 4:23 "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
Uzziah, a good king, is brought down by his own ego.
It almost seemed like the author was opening and closing king Uzziah's life in two verses but he goes on in verse 3.
We are going through what I would describe some minor kings of Judah with some peaks here and there after David and Solomon. They are drifting toward the captivity. Israel has already turned to idols but Judah has been preserved because of God's promise to David that he would not let his kingly line fail.
v3 "Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. v4 "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did."
It should be noted that the Bible is particular about pointing out the mother of these kings. I believe we will find that the line of David was preserved through the mothers. We will have to study further on that.
v5 "And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding int he visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper."
'As long as he sought the LORD' is a good phrase to remember. It has been the key phrase in the nation Israels problems from the beginning. When they turned from the LORD, the enemy was victorious. When they were true to the LORD, the kingdom prospered.
Uzziah made war and was successful. He was a builder also and was successful in that. But he had a bit of an ego problem them.
v16 "But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense."
He was quickly reproved by the priest who told him it was not for him to burn incense but for the priest of Aaron. v17-18. It made Uzziah mad when the priest told him that and he raised a hand toward the priest with a censor in it.
v19 "Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar."
Uzziah was run out of the house of the LORD because of the leprosy and dwelt in another house instead of the king's house. Neither could he enter the house of the LORD. His son Jotham took care of his business at the king's house and Uzziah never recovered and died a leper king. So after he died Jotham ruled in his place.
It is not good to be lifted up in our own eyes.
Proverbs 4:23 "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
Uzziah, a good king, is brought down by his own ego.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Amaziah II Chronicles 25
II Chronicles 25:1 "Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. v2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart."
It gets a little confusing with the names. Some families go with 'A' and others with 'J', and so on. I expect it reflects the time and events. The list goes like this: Ahaziah, Joash, Amaziah...
The difference in the first and last is the letter 'h' is replaced with the letter 'm'. You will also notice that sons with the same name were written about in later places. It is important to get the whole picture and know how the name fits in history.
v3 "Now it came to pass, when the kingdom was established to him, that he slew his servants that had killed the king his father."
He went by the letter of the law but I am not sure he was justified in killing the servants, although not killing the children was what the law said. Joash was in rebellion against God.
Amaziah numbered the fighting men of Judah and also hired some from Israel which he was rebuked for because Israel was in rebellion.
v7 "But there came a man of God to him, saying O King, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim."
So Amaziah sent those he had hired home. They were not happy with him and attacked some cities on their way home taking spoil. Meanwhile Amaziah went out to battle.
v14 "Now it came to pass after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them."
We know from our studies that this brings the wrath of God on him. It is hard to understand how these people could be so prone to worship idols after all the judgments brought on them for doing so. But modern man is no different in that they tend to go back to the same sin they were brought out of previously.
v22 "And Judah was put to the worse before Israel and they fled every man to his tent. v23 "And Joash the king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, at Bethshemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits. v24 And he took all the gold and the silver..."
Amaziah's kingdom was ruined. Notice that Joash of Israel had the same name as Joash (father of Amaziah) in Judah.
Next chapter King Uzziah.
Ecclesiastes 9:15 "Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man."
Amaziah turns from God to idols.
It gets a little confusing with the names. Some families go with 'A' and others with 'J', and so on. I expect it reflects the time and events. The list goes like this: Ahaziah, Joash, Amaziah...
The difference in the first and last is the letter 'h' is replaced with the letter 'm'. You will also notice that sons with the same name were written about in later places. It is important to get the whole picture and know how the name fits in history.
v3 "Now it came to pass, when the kingdom was established to him, that he slew his servants that had killed the king his father."
He went by the letter of the law but I am not sure he was justified in killing the servants, although not killing the children was what the law said. Joash was in rebellion against God.
Amaziah numbered the fighting men of Judah and also hired some from Israel which he was rebuked for because Israel was in rebellion.
v7 "But there came a man of God to him, saying O King, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim."
So Amaziah sent those he had hired home. They were not happy with him and attacked some cities on their way home taking spoil. Meanwhile Amaziah went out to battle.
v14 "Now it came to pass after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them."
We know from our studies that this brings the wrath of God on him. It is hard to understand how these people could be so prone to worship idols after all the judgments brought on them for doing so. But modern man is no different in that they tend to go back to the same sin they were brought out of previously.
v22 "And Judah was put to the worse before Israel and they fled every man to his tent. v23 "And Joash the king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, at Bethshemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits. v24 And he took all the gold and the silver..."
Amaziah's kingdom was ruined. Notice that Joash of Israel had the same name as Joash (father of Amaziah) in Judah.
Next chapter King Uzziah.
Ecclesiastes 9:15 "Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man."
Amaziah turns from God to idols.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Joash Repairs Temple II Chronicles 24
II Chronicles 24:2 and 4 "And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest. And it came to pass after this that Joash was minded to repair the house of the LORD."
The sons of Athaliah v7 have ransacked the House of the LORD. It is in bad need of repair. First Joash puts the matter in the hands of the Levites to collect from the people and do the repairs but that did not work well v6 so they put a chest in the House of the LORD for donations. This money was counted and went directly to the workers who returned the unused portion.
v15 "But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died. v16 And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house."
Jehoiada is one of the least talked about characters in the Bible who served the LORD well. Perhaps is is because his name is difficult to pronounce. His name is appropriate for it means 'whom Jehovah knows'. II Kings 11:4,9,15.17 He rescued Joash at the peril of his own life when Athaliah took over the kingdom.
Joash was a good king so long as Jehoiada lived. He then turned against God. It seems Joash had no heart for the LORD but relied on Jehoiada for his spiritual well-being. It is a caution to us that we must have a personal relationship of our own with the LORD. We are not so right with the LORD just because we are under the shadow of a powerful spiritual leader. We must know the Savior for ourselves.
v17 "Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them. v18 And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers and served groves and idols; and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass." See Deut 16:21 Judges 3:7.
A prophet was sent to them to tell them of their sin but they stoned him bringing to mind a statement in the New Testament where the people were told that they had stoned the prophets. Acts 7:52 when Stephen was stoned.
Zechariah the son of Jehoiada. v21 "And they conspired against him and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD."
Syria brought a small band and attacked and defeated Judah as a judgment from God. They carried away the treasures back to Damascus.
Joash died a diseased man at the hand of the servants of Jehoiada. He turned away from the LORD to worship idols. II Kings 12:19-21 also.
Psalm 36:1 "The transgression of the wicked saith, within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes."
Joash turns away from the LORD. Jehoiada dies at 130 years old.
The sons of Athaliah v7 have ransacked the House of the LORD. It is in bad need of repair. First Joash puts the matter in the hands of the Levites to collect from the people and do the repairs but that did not work well v6 so they put a chest in the House of the LORD for donations. This money was counted and went directly to the workers who returned the unused portion.
v15 "But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died. v16 And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house."
Jehoiada is one of the least talked about characters in the Bible who served the LORD well. Perhaps is is because his name is difficult to pronounce. His name is appropriate for it means 'whom Jehovah knows'. II Kings 11:4,9,15.17 He rescued Joash at the peril of his own life when Athaliah took over the kingdom.
Joash was a good king so long as Jehoiada lived. He then turned against God. It seems Joash had no heart for the LORD but relied on Jehoiada for his spiritual well-being. It is a caution to us that we must have a personal relationship of our own with the LORD. We are not so right with the LORD just because we are under the shadow of a powerful spiritual leader. We must know the Savior for ourselves.
v17 "Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them. v18 And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers and served groves and idols; and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass." See Deut 16:21 Judges 3:7.
A prophet was sent to them to tell them of their sin but they stoned him bringing to mind a statement in the New Testament where the people were told that they had stoned the prophets. Acts 7:52 when Stephen was stoned.
Zechariah the son of Jehoiada. v21 "And they conspired against him and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD."
Syria brought a small band and attacked and defeated Judah as a judgment from God. They carried away the treasures back to Damascus.
Joash died a diseased man at the hand of the servants of Jehoiada. He turned away from the LORD to worship idols. II Kings 12:19-21 also.
Psalm 36:1 "The transgression of the wicked saith, within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes."
Joash turns away from the LORD. Jehoiada dies at 130 years old.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Joash-Seven Year Old King II Chronicles 23
Ii Chronicles 23:1 "And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael, the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed and Manseiah the sonof Adaiah, and Elishaphat, the son of Zichri, into covenant with him."
When Ahaziah died, his mother Athaliah cleaned house by trying to kill all the seed royal. That is those who could claim the throne. One escaped with the help of his sister who was also the wife of a priest named Jehoiada. The child named Joash was hidden for six years then made king. He was instructed by Jehoiada.
So under heavy guard he was brought forward. Athaliah, who had ruled during this time was caught off-guard.
v12-13 "Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of the LORD: And she looked and behold the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king; and ll the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason."
She was arrested and taken out by the horse gate where she was executed.
Joash did quite well as long as Jehoiada was alive. See also II Kings 11: 17-20. There was a revival in Judah during this time.
v16 "And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king that they should be the LORD's people."
The story of Joash is continued in the next chapter.
Psalm 1:1 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."
The boy who was king of Judah. Jehoiada the, the priest who supported him.
When Ahaziah died, his mother Athaliah cleaned house by trying to kill all the seed royal. That is those who could claim the throne. One escaped with the help of his sister who was also the wife of a priest named Jehoiada. The child named Joash was hidden for six years then made king. He was instructed by Jehoiada.
So under heavy guard he was brought forward. Athaliah, who had ruled during this time was caught off-guard.
v12-13 "Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of the LORD: And she looked and behold the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king; and ll the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason."
She was arrested and taken out by the horse gate where she was executed.
Joash did quite well as long as Jehoiada was alive. See also II Kings 11: 17-20. There was a revival in Judah during this time.
v16 "And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king that they should be the LORD's people."
The story of Joash is continued in the next chapter.
Psalm 1:1 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."
The boy who was king of Judah. Jehoiada the, the priest who supported him.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Ahaziah II Chronicles 22
II Chronicles 22:1 "And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest son king in his stead: for the band of men that came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned."
Again, this book of the Bible was probably written while Israel was in captivity.
There is a bit of a tangle of names in this chapter. It seems to have come about because Jehoram, king of Judah had close ties with Ahab, king of Israel.
Ahab apparently named a son after Jehoram, king of Judah. Also called Joram.
Jehoram, king of Judah also married a daughter of Ahab.
Notice:
v3 "He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counselor to do wickedly." Talking about Ahaziah.
v4 "Wherefore he did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab: for they were his counselors after the death of his father to his destruction." Following Ahab's teaching brought him to destruction.
v5 "He walked also after their counsel, and went with Jehoram, the sonof Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramoth-gilead and the Syrians smote Joram." According to my Bible dictionary Joram is often used in the place of Jehoram, I expect to tell them apart. The names mean the same. One was the king of Judah and the other was the son of Ahab.
Athaliah was the mother of Ahaziah. She was of Ahab's bunch. Ahaziah got killed when he went to visit the king's family in Israel. He was caught up in the change of power in the next chapter. Athaliah ruled in his place and tried to wipe out all the 'seed royal'.
v10 "But when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal of the house of Judah."
She missed one named Joash, the youngest son of Ahaziah. His sister rescued him and hid him in a bedchamber of her husband the priest, Jehoiada. So we see that there were still righteous people in Judah. The line of David was still there.
v12 "And he was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land."
Nehemiah 13:26 seems appropriate here: "Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin."
Psalm:29:1 "O God, the heathen are come unto thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps."
Ahaziah follows after Ahab's ways, dies and his mother rules.
Again, this book of the Bible was probably written while Israel was in captivity.
There is a bit of a tangle of names in this chapter. It seems to have come about because Jehoram, king of Judah had close ties with Ahab, king of Israel.
Ahab apparently named a son after Jehoram, king of Judah. Also called Joram.
Jehoram, king of Judah also married a daughter of Ahab.
Notice:
v3 "He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counselor to do wickedly." Talking about Ahaziah.
v4 "Wherefore he did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab: for they were his counselors after the death of his father to his destruction." Following Ahab's teaching brought him to destruction.
v5 "He walked also after their counsel, and went with Jehoram, the sonof Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramoth-gilead and the Syrians smote Joram." According to my Bible dictionary Joram is often used in the place of Jehoram, I expect to tell them apart. The names mean the same. One was the king of Judah and the other was the son of Ahab.
Athaliah was the mother of Ahaziah. She was of Ahab's bunch. Ahaziah got killed when he went to visit the king's family in Israel. He was caught up in the change of power in the next chapter. Athaliah ruled in his place and tried to wipe out all the 'seed royal'.
v10 "But when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal of the house of Judah."
She missed one named Joash, the youngest son of Ahaziah. His sister rescued him and hid him in a bedchamber of her husband the priest, Jehoiada. So we see that there were still righteous people in Judah. The line of David was still there.
v12 "And he was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land."
Nehemiah 13:26 seems appropriate here: "Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin."
Psalm:29:1 "O God, the heathen are come unto thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps."
Ahaziah follows after Ahab's ways, dies and his mother rules.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Personal
As I get older, and sicker, I find it very difficult to continue these studies everyday. I apologize for those who come everyday expecting a new chapter. I will continue as best I can, going from chapter to chapter. If I make a mistake, or use the wrong word, please forgive, it is a new cross I bear to forget words I have used for years or use the wrong word and not realize it. I have a new student that I am trying to teach to read, my last one got to the point of being able to write a short story and so he is out there someplace, I hope with a tool that can make his life better. I do not write this note in a sad state of mind. I simply write it to let you know that my posts may be sporatic at times. I can feel my former quick mind slowing to a snails pace and must work even harder to accomplish and retain complete thoughts. I am working on another book, fiction, which forces me to keep the brain cells busy. Maybe if I keep them busy, they won't crust over. Anyway, keep the faith, I am fortunate to be linked to a number of excellent blogs where the study continues with fresh perspective. As we proceed down the corridor of time, in our study, we can draw new faith from the comfort that God keeps his promises. Tell the Old Old Story. It stands the test of time. Milton
Jehoram II Chronicles 21
II Chronicles 21:1 "Now Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And Jehoram his son reigned in his stead."
Jehoram is the ultimate example of a son who rebelled against the teachings of his father. He set out to do wrong from day one. He was made king by virtue of being the firstborn. He had brothers but apparently no love for them.
v4 "Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself and slew all his brethren with the sword and divers also of the princes of Israel."
He killed his brothers, probably to prevent an rivals to the throne. He also killed many princes of the land.
Next, he rebelled against God by following the false gods of Israel. He was heavily influenced by his wife who was the daughter of Ahab.
v6 "And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife; and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD.
We will hear more from his wife later.
God had made a promise that he would carry on David's line in the kingdom. That is the only reason the entire house of Jehoram was not destroyed.
v7 "Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever." This is the coming light Jesus Christ of the seed of David after the flesh.
So war broke out all around: the Edomites, the Libnah,Arabians, Philistines.
Jehoram's action prompted a letter from Elijah who was in Israel dealing with Ahab and his crew. Elijah told Jehoram that he would become very sick and that his people would die of a plague, and so they did.
Jehoram reigned for 8 years from the time he was 32. Such is the price of rebellion. His burial reflected his disfavor with the people.
v20 "Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings."
Psalm 37:16 "A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked."
Jehoram a really bad king who died a really bad death.
Jehoram is the ultimate example of a son who rebelled against the teachings of his father. He set out to do wrong from day one. He was made king by virtue of being the firstborn. He had brothers but apparently no love for them.
v4 "Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself and slew all his brethren with the sword and divers also of the princes of Israel."
He killed his brothers, probably to prevent an rivals to the throne. He also killed many princes of the land.
Next, he rebelled against God by following the false gods of Israel. He was heavily influenced by his wife who was the daughter of Ahab.
v6 "And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife; and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD.
We will hear more from his wife later.
God had made a promise that he would carry on David's line in the kingdom. That is the only reason the entire house of Jehoram was not destroyed.
v7 "Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever." This is the coming light Jesus Christ of the seed of David after the flesh.
So war broke out all around: the Edomites, the Libnah,Arabians, Philistines.
Jehoram's action prompted a letter from Elijah who was in Israel dealing with Ahab and his crew. Elijah told Jehoram that he would become very sick and that his people would die of a plague, and so they did.
Jehoram reigned for 8 years from the time he was 32. Such is the price of rebellion. His burial reflected his disfavor with the people.
v20 "Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings."
Psalm 37:16 "A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked."
Jehoram a really bad king who died a really bad death.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Battle is God's II Chronicles 20
Jehoshaphat
II Chronicles 20:15 "And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's" Refer Ephesians 1:19, 6:10-18 Philippians 2:13
There were some people that Israel encountered while on the way to Canaan that God told them not to fight. They ended up going around them. Now these people are coming against Judah and the people are afraid.
Jehoshaphat comes before the LORD as do the people.
v3 "And Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah."
They stood at the house of the LORD before the new court. v5 The prayer he prayed was a very pleading prayer. He recalls the journey to Canaan, the inhabitants they did not fight, and the sanctuary they built for the name of the LORD.
v13 "And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children."
Then comes our text verse where the LORD answered them. He told them three things: 1) Be not afraid 2) nor dismayed 3) this battle is God's. v15
Then in verse 16 tells them where the enemy is. Verse 17 tells them what to do:
v17 "Ye shall not need to fight in this battle; set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you , O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you."
It sounds like a parent talking to a frightened child. Just go over there and stand, everything will be alright. I'll take care of things.
Everything was alright. The enemy was destroyed and Judah reaped the spoils where the enemy had carried treasures into battle.
v20 "And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper."
It took three days for Judah to haul away all the spoils. They came to Jerusalem playing music and praising God. The balance of the chapter tells of Jehoshaphat later years. He did well except when he joined himself to Ahaziah to build ships. It was his old sin Chapter 19 verse 2) , like when he joined with Ahab. The ships did not float though and so that project was a failure.
Jehoshaphat reigned a good long time (25 years starting when he was 35 years old) and slept with his fathers.
Psalm 147:1 "Praise ye the LORD; for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely."
Jehoshaphat goes to battle but God does the fighting.
Note: I am by no means an authority on the scripture. As I study, I learn more and more. So if you look back on previous studies, there may be times where my comments are different from later commetns. I am learning as I go. I hope you are picking up some new insight as well.
II Chronicles 20:15 "And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's" Refer Ephesians 1:19, 6:10-18 Philippians 2:13
There were some people that Israel encountered while on the way to Canaan that God told them not to fight. They ended up going around them. Now these people are coming against Judah and the people are afraid.
Jehoshaphat comes before the LORD as do the people.
v3 "And Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah."
They stood at the house of the LORD before the new court. v5 The prayer he prayed was a very pleading prayer. He recalls the journey to Canaan, the inhabitants they did not fight, and the sanctuary they built for the name of the LORD.
v13 "And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children."
Then comes our text verse where the LORD answered them. He told them three things: 1) Be not afraid 2) nor dismayed 3) this battle is God's. v15
Then in verse 16 tells them where the enemy is. Verse 17 tells them what to do:
v17 "Ye shall not need to fight in this battle; set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you , O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you."
It sounds like a parent talking to a frightened child. Just go over there and stand, everything will be alright. I'll take care of things.
Everything was alright. The enemy was destroyed and Judah reaped the spoils where the enemy had carried treasures into battle.
v20 "And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper."
It took three days for Judah to haul away all the spoils. They came to Jerusalem playing music and praising God. The balance of the chapter tells of Jehoshaphat later years. He did well except when he joined himself to Ahaziah to build ships. It was his old sin Chapter 19 verse 2) , like when he joined with Ahab. The ships did not float though and so that project was a failure.
Jehoshaphat reigned a good long time (25 years starting when he was 35 years old) and slept with his fathers.
Psalm 147:1 "Praise ye the LORD; for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely."
Jehoshaphat goes to battle but God does the fighting.
Note: I am by no means an authority on the scripture. As I study, I learn more and more. So if you look back on previous studies, there may be times where my comments are different from later commetns. I am learning as I go. I hope you are picking up some new insight as well.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Jehoshaphat Back on Track II Chronicles 19
II Chronicles 19:2 "And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD."
In the study of the last king of Judah, Asa, we saw him make a similar mistake and was rebuked by a prophet. Asa became angry and never recovered from his anger. Jehoshaphat reacted very differently, and correctly, to the prophets words.
v3 "Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God."
His reaction:
v4 "And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem, and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers."
He further set up judges and instructed the judges on how to do their job. He told them they were not judging for man but for God. I found seven qualities of a good judge.
-v7 No iniquity
-v7 No taking gifts
-v7 No respect of person
-v9 Serve in fear of the LORD
-v9 be faithful
-v9 have a perfect heart
-v13 Be courageous
I take the perfect heart to mean the persons intentions are perfect although as human could make a mistake. Jehoshaphat set his heart to seek the LORD.
v10 "And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do and ye shall not trespass."
Psalm 50:1 "The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof."
Jehoshaphat sets up judges.
In the study of the last king of Judah, Asa, we saw him make a similar mistake and was rebuked by a prophet. Asa became angry and never recovered from his anger. Jehoshaphat reacted very differently, and correctly, to the prophets words.
v3 "Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God."
His reaction:
v4 "And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem, and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers."
He further set up judges and instructed the judges on how to do their job. He told them they were not judging for man but for God. I found seven qualities of a good judge.
-v7 No iniquity
-v7 No taking gifts
-v7 No respect of person
-v9 Serve in fear of the LORD
-v9 be faithful
-v9 have a perfect heart
-v13 Be courageous
I take the perfect heart to mean the persons intentions are perfect although as human could make a mistake. Jehoshaphat set his heart to seek the LORD.
v10 "And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do and ye shall not trespass."
Psalm 50:1 "The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof."
Jehoshaphat sets up judges.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Jehoshaphat and Ahab II Chronicles 18
II Chronicles 18:1 "Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab."
You know how it is, you come into some money and the estranged kinfolk suddenly make you a feast.
v2 "And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth-gilead."
Ahab threw him a part then took him on a little road trip. I always like to drive my own car so I can leave when I want to. I don't know if Jehoshaphat felt obligated or what but Ahab put the next step of his plan in play.
v3 "And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramoth-gilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art and my people as thy people, and we will be with thee in the war."
Jehoshaphat asked Ahab to inquire of the LORD. Ahab pretended to seek the blessings of God by calling in hundreds of prophets. They were not true prophets though and Jehoshaphat must have suspected as much.
These prophets all said to go on to war and that God was with them.
v6 "But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?"
Ahab said there was such a man but he would only bring bad tidings, nevertheless he was called and told them the truth.
At first the prophet did as he was told by Ahab's people and agreed with the false prophets but at the prompting of Jehoshaphat, he told the true prophesy.
v16 "Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountain, as sheep that have no shepherd; and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace."
Ahab had the prophet thrown in prison and went off to battle. Just in case Ahab disguised himself but let Jehoshaphat wear his kings clothes. The enemy went after the king thinking it was Ahab but turned back when they saw that it was not.
By chance, a man shot an arrow and injured Ahab. He later died. Jehoshaphat returned to his people and was reprimanded by a prophet who met him in the next chapter.
Jehoshaphat fell into a trap set by Ahab. It was a lesson hard learned.
Proverbs 10:23 "It is as sport to a fool to do mischief, but a man of understanding hath wisdom."
Jehoshaphat is led astray by Ahab.
You know how it is, you come into some money and the estranged kinfolk suddenly make you a feast.
v2 "And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth-gilead."
Ahab threw him a part then took him on a little road trip. I always like to drive my own car so I can leave when I want to. I don't know if Jehoshaphat felt obligated or what but Ahab put the next step of his plan in play.
v3 "And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramoth-gilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art and my people as thy people, and we will be with thee in the war."
Jehoshaphat asked Ahab to inquire of the LORD. Ahab pretended to seek the blessings of God by calling in hundreds of prophets. They were not true prophets though and Jehoshaphat must have suspected as much.
These prophets all said to go on to war and that God was with them.
v6 "But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?"
Ahab said there was such a man but he would only bring bad tidings, nevertheless he was called and told them the truth.
At first the prophet did as he was told by Ahab's people and agreed with the false prophets but at the prompting of Jehoshaphat, he told the true prophesy.
v16 "Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountain, as sheep that have no shepherd; and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace."
Ahab had the prophet thrown in prison and went off to battle. Just in case Ahab disguised himself but let Jehoshaphat wear his kings clothes. The enemy went after the king thinking it was Ahab but turned back when they saw that it was not.
By chance, a man shot an arrow and injured Ahab. He later died. Jehoshaphat returned to his people and was reprimanded by a prophet who met him in the next chapter.
Jehoshaphat fell into a trap set by Ahab. It was a lesson hard learned.
Proverbs 10:23 "It is as sport to a fool to do mischief, but a man of understanding hath wisdom."
Jehoshaphat is led astray by Ahab.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Jehoshaphat II Chronicles 17
II Chronicles 17:3 "And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; v4 But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel."
Jehoshaphat was a good king. This chapter details how he set up his kingdom. First and foremost, he sought the LORD. He apparently knew the family history. For he picked out the good things and did those.
v6 "And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD; moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah."
v7 "...to teach in the cities of Judah." He wanted the people to know the right thing to do according to the law and not to just follow him blindly.
v11 "Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver and the Arabians brought him flocks..." You remember the Philistines, i.e. Goliath and his brothers. God gave Jehoshaphat rest from his enemies and many gifts were brought to him so that he became very rich.
I found the phrase in verse 3 very interesting where it speaks of Jehoshaphat walking in the first ways of David. We remember the zeal David had for the LORD but also his failure with Bathsheba and Uriah and numbering the people. But Jehoshaphat picked out the good in David and followed after those things. We can do the same with people. People are people. They falter sometimes but that does not discount the good they do.
You might also notice the sevens in verse 11 7,700 rams, 7,700 goats. I don't read anything into the numbers but 7 does pop up often in scripture.
v19 "These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah."
This verse comes after a list of the thousands of fighting men who came to the king an those who were placed in cities ready to defend.
Jehoshaphat was not perfect or all wise. He fell into a trap in the next chapter.
Colossians 1:14 (Speaking of Jesus) "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:"
Jehoshaphat, a good king, reigns in Judah. II Chronicles study guide.
Jehoshaphat was a good king. This chapter details how he set up his kingdom. First and foremost, he sought the LORD. He apparently knew the family history. For he picked out the good things and did those.
v6 "And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD; moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah."
v7 "...to teach in the cities of Judah." He wanted the people to know the right thing to do according to the law and not to just follow him blindly.
v11 "Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver and the Arabians brought him flocks..." You remember the Philistines, i.e. Goliath and his brothers. God gave Jehoshaphat rest from his enemies and many gifts were brought to him so that he became very rich.
I found the phrase in verse 3 very interesting where it speaks of Jehoshaphat walking in the first ways of David. We remember the zeal David had for the LORD but also his failure with Bathsheba and Uriah and numbering the people. But Jehoshaphat picked out the good in David and followed after those things. We can do the same with people. People are people. They falter sometimes but that does not discount the good they do.
You might also notice the sevens in verse 11 7,700 rams, 7,700 goats. I don't read anything into the numbers but 7 does pop up often in scripture.
v19 "These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah."
This verse comes after a list of the thousands of fighting men who came to the king an those who were placed in cities ready to defend.
Jehoshaphat was not perfect or all wise. He fell into a trap in the next chapter.
Colossians 1:14 (Speaking of Jesus) "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:"
Jehoshaphat, a good king, reigns in Judah. II Chronicles study guide.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Asa's Last Days II Chronicles 16
II Chronicles 16:1 "In the sixth and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah."
Asa is influencing the whole land, not only Judah but the ten tribes called Israel. Many are going to Jerusalem to be under Asa and true worship according to the law of Moses. Baasha now attempts to stop this migration to Jerusalem. So he built Ramah to try to block their way.
Baasha came to reign over Israel after killing the son of Jeroboam.
v2 "Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king's house and sent to Benhadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying, v3 There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and thy father, behold, I have sent thee silver and gold, go break thy league with Bassha king of Israel, that he may depart from me."
In the previous chapter, Asa brought in silver and gold and dedicated it to the LORD. Chapter 15 verse 18. Now he has used those dedicated items to buy a league with the king of Syria to help him. It displeased the LORD.
v7 "And at that time Hanani the seer, came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand."
A seer was a prophet. I think the term seer was picked up in Babylon during the captivity where this book was written.
Something happened to Asa that happens to a lot of people these days. He did something wrong and was rebuked. Instead of humbling himself before God, he became angry at the messenger and I believe the LORD as well. He did not turn from his anger to the day he died. He tossed the prophet in prison and was plagued with war and disease the rest of his days. Remember in a previous study that the LORD delivered Asa from a million man army. I'd put it in the same category as a child going to a stranger for advice after parents have spent their lifetime instructing them.
v12 "And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great; yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.
So Asa died and his son Jehoshahat reigned in his place. I have not studied the burial of Asa but it seems ritualistic to me. v14 "...prepared by the apothecaries' art; and they made a very great burning for him."
Asa did some great things. His ending was a sad one but I believe the LORD will remember that his heart was perfect and that he sought the LORD.
II Thessalonians 2:17 "Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."
Asa is angry with the prophet of the LORD.
Asa is influencing the whole land, not only Judah but the ten tribes called Israel. Many are going to Jerusalem to be under Asa and true worship according to the law of Moses. Baasha now attempts to stop this migration to Jerusalem. So he built Ramah to try to block their way.
Baasha came to reign over Israel after killing the son of Jeroboam.
v2 "Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king's house and sent to Benhadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying, v3 There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and thy father, behold, I have sent thee silver and gold, go break thy league with Bassha king of Israel, that he may depart from me."
In the previous chapter, Asa brought in silver and gold and dedicated it to the LORD. Chapter 15 verse 18. Now he has used those dedicated items to buy a league with the king of Syria to help him. It displeased the LORD.
v7 "And at that time Hanani the seer, came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand."
A seer was a prophet. I think the term seer was picked up in Babylon during the captivity where this book was written.
Something happened to Asa that happens to a lot of people these days. He did something wrong and was rebuked. Instead of humbling himself before God, he became angry at the messenger and I believe the LORD as well. He did not turn from his anger to the day he died. He tossed the prophet in prison and was plagued with war and disease the rest of his days. Remember in a previous study that the LORD delivered Asa from a million man army. I'd put it in the same category as a child going to a stranger for advice after parents have spent their lifetime instructing them.
v12 "And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great; yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.
So Asa died and his son Jehoshahat reigned in his place. I have not studied the burial of Asa but it seems ritualistic to me. v14 "...prepared by the apothecaries' art; and they made a very great burning for him."
Asa did some great things. His ending was a sad one but I believe the LORD will remember that his heart was perfect and that he sought the LORD.
II Thessalonians 2:17 "Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."
Asa is angry with the prophet of the LORD.
Monday, January 05, 2009
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This book is available for download at a modest price or a printed copy may be ordered. I seldom put any advertisements on this Bible study site but I have made an exception so that I might gain a little income to offset my cost. Click here to read summaries of all my books.
_________________________________________________
Asa Reform II Chronicles 15
II Chronicles 15:8 "And when Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD."
Asa has returned from his battle with Zerah where the LORD smote the Ethiopians which out numbered Judah by almost 2 to 1. The prophet Oded came to Asa after the battle and told him that the LORD was with him so long as Asa sought the LORD. The situation is Israel is lacking though which this verse indicates.
v3 "Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law."
The king of Israel (ten tribes) had replaced the Levite priest with just about anyone who stepped forward. They ministered for false gods of idols. So Israel had pretty much forgotten the law of God given by Moses. This is a challenge for Asa and he sets out to clean things up, even to the point of unseating his own other.
v16 "And also concerning Maachah the mother of Asa the king, he removed her from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove and Asa cut down her idol, and stamped it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron."
He also removed the high places that were in Judah. He also rebuilt the treasury of the house of the LORD from the spoils of war. v18
Asa ends this chapter in his 35th year as king and it was said of him that his heart was perfect.
v17 "But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days."
Up to this point Asa trusted in the LORD fully. We will see him falter though in the next chapter as many of us humans often do.
Psalm 15: 1-2 "LORD who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness and speaketh the truth in his heart."
Asa takes down idols in Judah.
Asa has returned from his battle with Zerah where the LORD smote the Ethiopians which out numbered Judah by almost 2 to 1. The prophet Oded came to Asa after the battle and told him that the LORD was with him so long as Asa sought the LORD. The situation is Israel is lacking though which this verse indicates.
v3 "Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law."
The king of Israel (ten tribes) had replaced the Levite priest with just about anyone who stepped forward. They ministered for false gods of idols. So Israel had pretty much forgotten the law of God given by Moses. This is a challenge for Asa and he sets out to clean things up, even to the point of unseating his own other.
v16 "And also concerning Maachah the mother of Asa the king, he removed her from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove and Asa cut down her idol, and stamped it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron."
He also removed the high places that were in Judah. He also rebuilt the treasury of the house of the LORD from the spoils of war. v18
Asa ends this chapter in his 35th year as king and it was said of him that his heart was perfect.
v17 "But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days."
Up to this point Asa trusted in the LORD fully. We will see him falter though in the next chapter as many of us humans often do.
Psalm 15: 1-2 "LORD who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness and speaketh the truth in his heart."
Asa takes down idols in Judah.
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