- BIB202 Historical Books
- 1Chr 1:1-9:44 Genealogies
- 1:1-2:2 The Human Race
- 2:3-4:23 Tribe of Judah
- 4:23-5:26 Tribes of Simeon, Reuben, Gad, Manasseh
- 6:1-80 Tribe of Levi
- 7:1-40 Other tribes
- 8:1-9:1 Saul
- 9:2-34 Returned Exiles
- 9:35-44 Saul
- 1Chr 10:1-29:30 David
- 10:1-12:40 David the Warrior/King
- 10:1-14 Death of Saul
- Battle of Gilboa
- Saul fell on his own sword - no mention of death at the hand of the Amalekite
- reason for Saul's death - unfaithfulness to the Lord
- he did not keep the Word of the Lord
- he inquired of a medium for guidance
- did not inquire of the Lord
- so the Lord put him to death and give the kingdom over to David
- 11:1-3 David becomes King
- At Hebron, all Israel made him king
- 11:4-9 David Conquers Jerusalem
- David and all Israel went to Jerusalem
- David took up residence in the fortress of Zion - called the city of David
- David became more powerful because the Lord Almighty was with him
- 11:10-47 David's mighty men
- together with all Israel gave David's kingship support
- mostly list, similar to Samuel
- 12:1-40 David's army
- additional material
- many men went and placed themselves under David's leadership when David was running for his life
- In these dark times, God was strengthening him
- Interesting to read many Psalms David prayed at this time for help from his enemies
- God was answering his prayers by sending like-minded people
- mostly list, but interspersed with story of David's leadership and the armies faithfulness to David, all because God was with them
- 13:1-16:43 David the Worshipper/King
- 13:1-14 The Ark to Jerusalem - part 1
- Levites central to the whole process
- purpose is to inquire of the Lord, which was not done during Saul's reign
- moved the ark on a cart
- mentions musicians and musical instruments
- same story with Uzzah touching the ark, being killed, David being angry/afraid and the ark remaining where it was
- 14:1-7 David's house
- Hiram sent supplies to build a palace for David - proof that he was established as king
- David's family grew, more wives and sons - no evaluation given here - Chronicles highlighting good
- 14:8-17 David Defeats the Philistines
- similar to Samuel
- David inquired of the Lord
- The Lord gave the Philistines to David
- David's fame spread, God made the nations fear David
- 15:1-16:6 The Ark to Jerusalem - part 2
- David prepared a place and a tent for the ark in Jerusalem
- emphasized that no one may carry the ark but the Levites
- list of Levites and priests
- specific mention that the problem with the first time is that it was not done with Levites according to the law
- emphasis on musicians, who were Levites/ministers, not just noisemakers
- skillful/wise
- job description (v. 16:4 - to minister before the ark, to make petition, to give thanks, to praise the Lord
- Michal mentioned, but the story is not developed here
- All the elders of Israel are involved and the ark comes to Jerusalem
- 16:7-36 David's Psalm
- composite of what we now know as Psas 105, 96 and 106 -
whether this is a compilation of those,
or this is original, later divided into those Psalms is not important
- interspersed encouragements/commands to praise the Lord
- with reasons why He is praiseworthy
- His divine greatness
- His divine character and attributes
- His work on behalf of His people
- very high view of God - transcendent - learn from this - our god is often too small
- All the people agreed - saying "amen" and "Hallel to Yahweh" (praise the Lord, expanded form of Hallelujah)
- 16:37-43 Worship in Jerusalem
- Levites to minister before the Lord
- Priests to present offerings
- all according to the Law of the Lord
- Levites, musicians to give thanks to the Lord, using instruments
- 17:1-22:19 David Prepares for the Temple
- 17:1-15 Davidic Covenant
- almost the same as 2 Sam - very important enough to say it twice
- conditionality and threat of punishment absent in this version
- 17:16-27 David's prayer
- almost verbatim to 2 Sam.
- very important enough to say it twice
- 18:1- 20:8 David's Wars
18:1-13 Various victories - "The Lord gave David victory everywhere he went" (v. 13)
- 18:14-17 David's officials - "David reigned, doing what was just and right for all his people" v. 14
- 19:1-19 David defeated the Ammonites - almost the same as 2 Sam
- 20:1-3 Defeat of Rabbah - almost the same as 2 Sam, except glaring omission of the Bathsheba/Uriah incident - cf. purpose of Chronicles
- 20:4-8 Defeating the Philistines - the sons of Rapha were defeated by David and his men
- 21:1-22:1 The Census, plague and place for the temple
- again very similar to Samuel
- cf. Howard for a possible explanation of the difference of language re: who incited David
- This is about the only negative story of David in Chronicles
- Purpose is to explain the end of the story - David in legal possession of the property given to God for sacrifice to stop God's wrath
- v. 22:1 "The house of the Lord God is to be here, and also the altar of burnt offering for Israel."
- 22:2-19 Preparation for the temple
- David provided labor from aliens in Israel
- David provided building materials
- David acknowledged Solomon's youth an inexperience, so made "extensive preparations before his death" v. 5
- Charged Solomon to build the house
- reminds of Davidic covenant and Joshua's charge
prays for
the Lord's presence and success to build the temple
discretion and understanding, to rule the people and to obey the Law of the Lord
- Keeping the Law will lead to success
- Be strong and courageous, don't be afraid or discouraged
- tells Solomon of preparations he has made - materials and workmen
- orders all the leaders to help Solomon
- "devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the Lord
- 23:1-27:34 David organizes the Temple/State leadership
- 23:1 David made Solomon King over Israel
- 1 verse mention as the foundation for what follows
- Levites get more attention than kingship in this section by far
- 23:2-32 Levites
- some to supervise the work of the temple
- some to be officials and judges
- some to be gatekeepers
- some to be musicians - to praise the Lord
- genealogical lists of these men - connecting all the way back to Moses and Aaron
- no longer needed to transport the tabernacle - their jobs morphed to those appropriate for the temple
- "They were to serve before the Lord regularly in the proper number and in the way prescribed for them" 23:31
- 24:1-19 Priests
- genealogically connected to Aaron
- too many to minister all at once
- David divided them into divisions - which are listed
- "This was their appointed order of ministering when they entered the temple of the Lord, according to the regulations prescribed fro them by their forefather Aaron, as the Lord, the God of Israel, had commanded him.
- notice that Levites, priests, leaders etc. were not free to freely innovate and change - more emphasis is put on faithfulness to God's prescribed manner of worship
- 24:20-31 Levites
- further genealogical lists of Levites
- 25:1-31 Musicians
- some Levites, from certain families were set apart as musicians
- described as the ministry of prophesying accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals
- described as prophesying, using the harp in praising and thanking the Lord
- described as ministry at the house of God
- they were under the supervision of their fathers/elders
- they were intentionally trained - discipled
- they were skilled (understanding) in music
- lists of the divisions of musicians
- musicians were not sideline ministry
- musicians were pastoral role, not an artistic role
- taken very seriously - to the highest standards
- their goal was to prophecy - communicate God's truth, praise and give thanks
- 26:1-19 Gatekeepers
- genealogical lists of people
- duty was to guard the various parts of the temple
- 26:20-32 Other officials
- lists of men in charge of the temple treasuries
- lists of other officials spread around Israel
- 27:1-24 Army
- lists of army divisions and commanders
- an officer over each of the tribes of Israel
- clarify that David did not take a census - the census started, but God's wrath interrupted and the number was not recorded
- 27:25-34 David's leadership cabinet
- lists of the men who oversaw various aspects of the country
- the top leaders over David's property or Israel
- 28:1-29:20 David begins the Temple project
- 28:1-21 Plans for the Temple
- gets all the leaders involved
- restates the Davidic covenant
- Charges them all to faithfulness to the Lord - following His commands
- Specifically charges Solomon to faithfulness to the Lord - note conditionality and deuteronomistic theology
- Gave Solomon all the plans he had made
- plans for the buildings
- plans that the Spirit had put into his mind!!!!
- plans for all the rooms of the temple
- instructions for divisions of priests and Levites (much recorded earlier)
- plans for all the articles/implements used in the temple
- "All this I have in writing from the hand of the Lord upon me, and he gave me understanding in all the details of the plan."
- Charge to Solomon - cf. Josh 1
- Be strong and courageous
- God is with you
- God will not fail or forsake you
- The priests and Levites are ready to work
- The officials and the people will obey you
- 29:1-9 Material for the Temple
- seriousness of the task
- Solomon is not up to the task
- because this structure is not for man, but for the Lord God
- David provided all the materials - gold, silver, bronze, etc.
- David gave all his personal treasuries to the work of the temple
- Challenged others to do the same -"Consecrate yourself to the Lord"
- the other officials did the same and gave generously
- The people rejoiced at the generosity of the leaders
- 29:10-20 Prayer for the Temple
- praised the Lord - not a word about the temple, but about God's greatness
- Acknowledged that everything comes from the Lord and humans are not worthy to build a temple to God
- Gratitude for all that God had done for bringing them to that place and providing the resources for the temple
- prays that God would keep the hearts of the people loyal to the Lord
- prays that God would give Solomon wholehearted devotion to keep God's commands and build the temple
- all the people praised God and bowed in worship
- 29:21-30 From David to Solomon
- Solomon becomes King
- next day they sacrificed to the Lord and worshipped
- They acknowledged Solomon as king - a 2nd time - anointing him before the Lord to be ruler (nagiyd)
- anointed Zadok as priest
- Solomon ruled and prospered
- All Israel obeyed him and pledged allegiance to Solomon
- The Lord exalted Solomon before all Israel, like no other king before
- David Dies
- David died after ruling Israel 40 years
- David died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor
- 2Chr 1:1-9:31 Solomon
- 1:1-17 Solomon asks for wisdom
- clarifies much from I Kgs
- the ark was in Jerusalem
- the other tabernacle items, including the bronze altar was at Gibeon
- That is where Solomon went to sacrifice
- most of the rest is similar, but abridged
- leaves out Solomon claiming inability
- leaves out conditionality of God's promises and threats for disobedience
- Solomon accumulated gold and horses
- similar to Kings, but downplayed and abridged
- not as much echoing of Deut. 17
- 2:1-5:1 Solomon Builds the Temple
- 2:1-10 Solomon asks for material from Hiram
- Gave orders to build a temple for the Name of the Lord and a palace for himself
- conscripted workers
- sent a message to Hiram of Tyre
- adds emphasis on levitical offerings
- adds emphasis on the temple not being worthy of God - the heavens cannot contain - same as 1 Kgs. 8 prayer
- asks for a skilled artisan
- 2:11-18 Hiram sends material and workmen for the temple
- adds emphasis on Huram-abi here, skilled artisan for work
- connects emphases with first tabernacle building
- Solomon conscripted workers
- 3:1-17 Solomon builds the structure
- adds emphasis on place being mount Moriah, on the threshing floor of Araunah, where the plague was stopped
- similar to the Kings account
- foundation/floor plan
- covered everything with cedar wood, then gold
- 4:1-22 Solomon provides the furnishings
- similar to Kings account
- bronze altar
- bronze sea
- water basins
- gold lampstands
- gold tables and bowls
- two pillars
- various lists of items
- adds details about how they were constructed by Huram-Abi
- lists of the gold items in the temple
- 5:1 Solomon brings all the treasures into the temple treasury
- 5:2-7:22 Solomon Dedicates the Temple
- 5:2-6:2 The Ark is brought into the temple
- all the men of Israel were there at the festival to bring up the ark from the city of David to the temple
- The Levites brought up the tent of meeting and the sacred furniture
- The priests brought the ark of the Lord's covenant to the proper place in the inner sanctuary of the temple - the Most Holy Place - and put it beneath the Cherubim
- The ark contained the two tablets of the covenant
- The priests, who had consecrated themselves withdrew from the Holy Place
- All the Levite Musicians played and sang in unison - like one voice - to give praise and thanks to the Lord
- They sang "He is good; his chesed endures forever"
- The temple filled with a cloud of God's presence and glory so the priests could not perform their service
- notice the emphasis on priesthood, Levites and worship - all scrupulously done according to the law
- 6:3-11 Solomon blesses the people
- Praises God in terms from the Davidic Covenant promises
- most very similar to I Kgs
- the Lord decided, promised David, and now has fulfilled these promises
- adding that the Lord chose Jerusalem as the place for God's Name and David to be King over God's people Israel
- 6:12-42 Solomon's prayer of dedication
- Solomon Stood before the whole assembly
- adds that there was a bronze platform constructed for this purpose
- Then he knelt down and spread his hands toward heaven
- Prayer is almost the same as 1 Kgs, with the addition of 2 verses that are the same as Psa 132:8-10
- Arise, O God, and come to your resting place You and the ark of your might
- etc.
- 7:1-10 Dedication offering ceremony
- when Solomon finished praying, fire came from heaven and consumed the sacrifice -cf. Mt. Carmel
- The Glory of the Lord filled the temple, so that the priests could not enter the temple
- All Israel knelt down and worshipped
- saying "He is good; his chesed endures forever"
- The king and people offered sacrifices - thus dedicating the temple to the Lord
- again mentions the Levite musicians and the instruments made for praising the Lord, which were used when he gave thanks saying "His chesed endures forever"
- The priests blew the trumpets
- Solomon offered more sacrifices than the altar could hold
- They celebrated the festival for 7 days - all Israel
- 7:11-22 The Lord appears to Solomon
- very similar to the same event in 1 Kgs
- with the addition of the most famous verses in 2 Chron:
- conditional promise
- When I shut up the heavens - no rain - or send a plague
- 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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
- My eyes and ears will be on the temple, b/c I have chosen and consecrated the temple so that My Name will be there forever
- Notice how applicable and hopeful this is for the returning exiles
- rest is the same as 2 Kgs
- 8:1-9:31 Solomon's Greatness
- 8:1-18 Misc activities
- built up other cities in Israel
- Solomon enslaved the remnants of the conquered peoples as his workers - Israelites were not slaves, but Solomon's soldiers
- built a palace for his wife
- Solomon was faithful to David's provisions and program for the temple - sacrifices and rituals
- a note about the temple being completed and Solomon's work being completed
- Solomon's sailing ships
- 9:1-12 Queen of Sheba visits
- almost identical to the 1 Kgs version
- 9:13-28 Solomon's riches
- almost identical to the 1 Kgs version (Solomon was extremely rich [remember the lilies are better clothed than him and the Lord cares more for you than the lilies]), 2 exceptions
- v. 26 emphasizes that he ruled over all the area promised to Abraham
- all the mention of his wives, who would lead him into idolatry - is absent
- 9:29-31 Solomon's death
- standard death formula
- 2Chr 10:1-36:23 Judah
- 10:1-12:16 Rebellion against Rehoboam
- 10:1-15 The people's request and the king's answer
- almost exactly verbatim from Kings account
- 10:16-11:4 The rebellion and Civil War avoided
- almost exactly verbatim
- does not mention that Jeroboam was crowned king over the north
- 11:5-17 Rehoboam strengthens Judah
- all additional material
- military fortifications
- Spiritual fortifications
- the priests and Levites from ALL Israel sided with Rehoboam
- they abandoned their real estate and moved south because of Jeroboam's false religion
- all the people from EVERY TRIBE who set their hearts on seeking the Lord followed the Levites to Jerusalem and strengthened the kingdom of Judah
- 11:18-23 Rehoboam's family
- all additional material
- large family
- he acted wisely in securing which son would be King after him and dispersing other sons to significant responsibilities
- 12:1-16 God disciplines Judah via Egypt
- most additional material
- message from God - "You abandoned me, so I abandoned you"
- They were humbled and repented
- God saw their humbling themselves and promised to save them
- "They will, however, become subject to him, so that they may learn the difference between serving me and serving the kings of other lands."
- God punishes, but does not destroy Judah - cf. Davidic Covenant promises
- 13:1-14:1 Abijah defeats Jeroboam with the Lord's help
- large block of material added - dialogue btwn Rehoboam and Jeroboam
- notice he highlights Judah's faithfulness to the Lord and Israel's idolatry
- scoundrels rebelled against Rehoboam
- You have an army, you have golden calves
- but you drove out the priests and Levites and made your own priests
- we have not forsaken the Lord
- We faithfully do the rituals of the temple
- "we are observing the requirements of the Lord our God. But You have forsaken Him."
- digression on "religion vs. relationship"
- should clarify that rejecting stale, man-made religion without relationship, vs. grace based religion built on relationship
- religion is a good word! we cannot lose it!
- btw - those who work hard to reject religion and ritual immediately replace them with different religion and ritual
- often rejecting time-tested, God ordained ritual for man made, culture pleasing, flesh-pandering ritual
- Examine all ritual and religion - the old and the new - in light of Scripture and respond appropriately
- God is with us, He is our leader
- Don't fight against the Lord
- Jeroboam set ambush and attacked
- Judah cried out to the Lord
- The Lord gave them victory
14:2-16:14 Revival under Asa- 14:2-15 Asa's rule and military victory with the Lord's help
- mostly additional material
- v.2 Asa did what was good in the eyes of the Lord his God
- v.4 He commanded Judah to seek the Lord and to obey His laws and commands - removed high places etc. and the kingdom had peace
- v. 7 "The land is still ours, because we have sought the Lord our God; se sought Him and He has given us rest on every side."
- v.1 after being attacked, "Asa called to the Lord his God and said, ' Lord, there is 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 have come against this vast army. O Lord, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you."
- The Lord struck down their enemies
- 15:1-19 Prophecy and Renewed Covenant
- mostly additional material
- prophecy given to Asa
- v. 2 "The Lord is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but of you forsake Him, He will forsake you. For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach and without the law. But in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought Him, and He was found by them.
- v. 7 "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."
- Asa's response
- He removed the idols
- He repaired the Lord's altar
- He assembled all Israel
- The assembly in Jerusalem
- All Israel, including northern tribes, who settled in the south "For large numbers had come over to him from Israel when they saw that the Lord his God was with him." v. 9
- v. 12 "They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. All who would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, were to be put to death, whether small or great, man or woman. They took an oath to the Lord with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns.
- v. 15 All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and He was found by them. So the Lord gave them rest on every side.
- v. 17 Asa's hear was fully committed to the Lord all his life.
- 16:1-14 Asa's failure
- attacked by Baasha of Israel
- sent temple treasure to Ben-Hadad of Aram
- word of the Lord
- because you relied on Aram, not God
- you missed out on defeating them in war
- v. 8 "Yet when you relied on the Lord, he delivered them into your hand."
- v. 9 "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."
- Asa was angry at this word and put the seer in prison
- became ill, but still did not seek the Lord and died
- 17:1-21:3 Revival under Jehoshaphat
- 17:1-19 Jehoshaphat's rule and officials
- v. 3 "The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the ways of David...he sought the God of his father and followed His commands rather than the practices of Israel
- v. 6 "His heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord
- digression on religion vs. relationship
- cannot be stale lifeless, outward religion, but must be wholehearted delight in God
- obedience of faith, vs. honoring with lips while hearts far away.
- v. 7 "he sent his officials to teach in the towns of Judah....They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the Lord; they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people
- v. 10 the fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the surrounding lands so they did not make war.
- 18:1-19:3 Jehoshaphat allies with Ahab and Ahab is killed
- almost all of this is verbatim from Kings
- except the last few verses, 19:1-3
- rebuked by a prophet, v.2 "should you help the wicked [Ahab] and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, the wrath of the Lord is upon you"
- be careful who you partner with!
- v. 3 "There is, however, some good in you, for you have rid the land of idolatry and have set your heart on seeking God"
- 19:4-11 Jehoshaphat turns the people back to the Lord
- v. 4 "went out again among the people and turned them back to the Lord
- 5-7 Judges to judge rightly
- "you are not judging for man but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery."
- - let it be so among us!
- 7-10 Priests to teach and judge rightly
- "to administer the law of the Lord and to settle disputes"
- "you must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord"
- "You are to warn them not to sin against the Lord; otherwise His wrath will come on you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not sin."
- v. 11 "Be strong, and the Lord is with those who do good"
- 20:1-30 God gives miraculous victory over the Moabites and Ammonites
- This whole story not told in Kings
- 3 nations come to fight against Jehoshaphat
- 3-13 Jehoshaphat & Judah respond
- sought the Lord, from every town
- Jehoshaphat prayed
- Lord is God - sovereign over all nations
- reminds of temple and Solomon's prayer of dedication - God would hear prayer
- "We have no power to face this vast army. We don't know what to do. Our eyes are on you."
- 14-17 The Lord promises
- Spirit of the Lord came on a Levite (musician)
- digression - musicians should not just be artists, but spiritual leaders
- "Don't be afraid. The battle is not yours, but God's"
- "You will not have to fight this battle. Stand firm and see the deliverance of the Lord
- Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, The Lord will be with you"
- 18-21 Jehoshaphat & Judah believe
- they bowed down in worship
- they stood up and praised
- they went out to battle
- Jehoshaphat - "Have faith in the Lord your God"
- They led with praise - "Give thanks to the Lord, for His chesed endures forever"
- 22-23 The Lord delivers
- The Lord set ambushes
- the enemies killed one another
- 24-25 Jehoshaphat & Judah benefit
- they found the dead army
- they collected plunder
- they named the valley "blessing/praise"
- 26-28 Jehoshaphat & Judah praises
- they praised in the valley of praise
- they praised in the temple in Jerusalem
- 29-30 The Lord gives rest & peace
- the fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms
- they heard of the Lord's actions
- God gave Jehoshaphat rest and he was at peace
- 20:31-21:3 End of Jehoshaphat's life
- Jehoshaphat did what was right in the eyes of the Lord
- But he made an alliance with evil king Ahaziah of Israel
- So God made the alliance fail
- he died in blessedness
- 21:4-20 Jehoram's rule and punishment
- did evil in the eyes of the Lord - following the ways of Ahab of Israel
- letter for Elijah rebuking him
- You have led Judah to prostitute themselves with other gods
- You murdered your own brothers
- the Lord is about to strike you with a lingering painful disease
- he died from a lingering painful, embarrassing disease
- "He passed away, to no one's regret"
- 22:1-9 Ahaziah's reign and death
- related to Ahab by marriage
- walked in the ways of Ahab
- Did evil in the eyes of the Lord, like Ahab
- after his father's death, Ahab's people were his advisors - to his undoing
- His partnership with Joram, son of Ahab caused his death
- Be careful who you partner with!
- 22:10-24:27 Revival (then wickedness) under Joash
- 22:10-12 Athaliah's rebellion and Joash's rescue
- verbatim from Kings
- 23:1-21 Athaliah's death and Joash's coronation
- almost verbatim from Kings
- emphasized that the co-conspirators for Joash against Athaliah were Levites from all of Israel
- The Levites alone were able to enter the temple to protect the king - faithfulness to kingdom and priestly ritual
- 24:1-14 Joash's repair of the temple
- very similar to Kings
- emphasizes the delays in repairing the temple
- 24:15-27 Joash's apostasy and death
- after the death of Jehoiada - who had protected and instructed him
- he listened to other advisors
- he abandoned the temple for idolatry
- The Lord was angry
- The Lord sent prophets who were ignored
- The Lord sent Zechariah son of Jehoida to warn them
- "Why do you disobey the Lord's commands?"
- "You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you"
- Joash killed Zechariah son of Jehoida - the man who saved his life
- Jesus - blood of the martyrs from Abel to Zechariah - Lk 11:51
- Genesis - Chronicles, A-Z
- The Lord gave Judah to be defeated by Arameans
- Joash was wounded in battle and then killed by his own officials
- 25:1-28 Amaziah
- 25:1-13 Amaziah's military victory
- similar to Kings
- emphasizes having too many soldiers - like Gideon - trust God, not the army
- 25:14-16 Amaziah's spiritual defeat
- worshipped the gods of the nations he had just defeated!?!
- "Why do you consult this people's gods, which could not save their own people from your hand?"
- refused to listen to the rebuke of the prophet
- the prophet - "I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not listened to my counsel."
- 25:17-24 Amaziah's military defeat
- was arrogant and challenged Israel to battle
- would not listen to reason "because God so worked that he might hand them over to Jehoash, because they sought the gods of Edom."
- They were defeated in battle
- 25:25-28 End of Amaziah's reign
- standard stuff - he is assassinated
- 26:1-23 Uzziah
- 26:1-15 Uzziah's success
- did right in the eyes of the Lord
- sought the Lord
- listened to good advisors
- As Long as He sought the Lord, God gave him success - military, political, etc.
- 26:16-23 Uzziah's leprosy
- v. 16 "after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall."
- took on the role that was only allowed to a priest - entering the temple
- courageous priests confronted him
- while he was raging at the priests, God struck him with leprosy
- he fled the temple and lived as an outcast until he died
- 27:1-9 Jotham
- almost verbatim with Kings
- one exception - v. 6 "Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God.
- 28:1-27 Ahaz
- much overlap with Kings
- very bad king - idolatry and unfaithfulness
- one extended addition, that when Judah was defeated by Israel and taken as slaves to Samaria, God intervened so that they were set free
- In times of trouble, Ahaz turned to the gods who had defeated him, instead of turning back to the Lord
- they were his downfall and he dragged the country down with him
- he shut the doors of the Lord's temple
- set up idolatry in all towns, causing the Lord to anger
- no real narrators evaluation specifically given, none needed
- 29:1-32:33 Revival under Hezekiah
- most of this is additional material, not covered in Kings
- 29:1-19 Hezekiah purifies the temple
- opened the doors that had been shut
- "Consecrate yourself and the temple of the Lord
- our fathers were unfaithful - therefore punished
- I intend to covenant with the Lord
- Be diligent, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him and serve Him
- They went into the temple to purify it
- they brought out every unclean things
- They purified the entire temple - for over 2 weeks
- 29:20-36 Hezekiah reinstates the service of the temple
- restored sacrifices - sin offerings for all Judah
- Levitical musical worship accompanying the sacrifices
- encouraged all to bring offerings and sacrifices and worship
- 30:1-31:1 Hezekiah leads the nation in celebrating the Passover
- invited all Israel
- return to the Lord
- don't be like your fathers - unfaithful, therefore captured by Assyria
- don't be stubborn, but submit to the Lord
- Come to the sanctuary and serve the Lord
- If you return to the Lord, He will show you compassion, because He is gracious and compassionate
- the people scorned and ridiculed the messengers
- but some men humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem
- In Judah God blessed them with unity to follow the Word of the Lord
- large crowd gathered
- they threw out idolatry
- real revival not finished until idolatry is destroyed
- Some were not able to completely comply with the ritual regulations
- Hezekiah prayed that God would accept those who set their heart on seeking God - even if not able to be ceremonially clean
- note difference between those who seek God and intend to do things God's way, but are not able
- and those who don't care about God's way and expect God to be ok with them doing things whatever way is pleasing to them.
- People worshipped and celebrated with great joy
- God was pleased
- at the end of the festival, the people dispersed throughout all the towns to smash the idols in all of Judah
- real revival is not finished until the idolatry is destroyed
- 31:2-19 Contributions for the temple
- Hezekiah donated for the upkeep of the temple, priests and Levites
- He instructed all the people to do so
- They had a superabundance
- lists offerings and people in charge of them and the distribution of support for Levites and priests
- 31:20-21 Evaluation
- "did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God.
- In everything he did in the service of God's temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly.
- And so he prospered"
- may it be so among us!
- 32:1-23 Assyrian siege of Jerusalem defeated
- much of this is parallel in Kings and Isaiah - Chronicles leaves much out and adds other material
- Senacherib invaded and besieged Jerusalem
- v. 7 "Be strong and courageous, Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for the one with us is greater than the one 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."
- Assyria insulted God like He were the same as all the false gods
- God sent an angel to kill the Assyrian army - Assyrian king assassinated - Don't insult God or bring him down to our level
- 32:24-33 Hezekiah's last events
- Hezekiah was ill
- Hezekiah was healed
- Hezekiah was proud
- Hezekiah was humbled
- Hezekiah was prosperous
- Hezekiah was tested
- Hezekiah eventually died
- 33:1-20 Manasseh
- some similar to Kings, some strikingly different
- Manasseh was bad, horrible, just like in Kings
- God sent punishment - King of Assyria - not in Kings, but no surprise
- Manasseh repented and was given grace - not expected from Kings, yet fits with God's character
- "In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers....Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God"
- Chronicles seems to describe like Manasseh followed through with his repentance
- 33:21-25 Amon
- did evil
- did not humble himself - contrasted with Manasseh
- was assassinated
- 34:1-36:1 Revival under Josiah
- 34:1-13 Early reforms
- while still young (15-16) began to seek the Lord
- destroyed idolatry
- purified the temple
- the Levites/musicians were in charge of the temple repair
- musicians are not just artists, but should be spiritual leaders
- 34:14-33 Response when the Law is found
- almost verbatim with Kings
- humbled self and covenanted with God
- add v. 32 He had everyone in Jerusalem and Benjamin join him in this renewed covenant with God
- smashed idols
- 35:1-19 Josiah leads the nation in celebrating the Passover
- most of this section is not in Kings
- detailed description as to how this was done exactly as prescribe by God through Moses
- v. 16-19 Passover not celebrated like this since the time of Samuel
- This was a great thing!
- Sometimes proper ritual/religion is the best way to relationship!
- 35:20-36:1 Death of Josiah
- Neco of Egypt was setting out to fight Babylon
- had to go through Judah to get there
- Josiah went out and challenged him
- God discouraged him from fighting through words of Neco
- Josiah fought anyway and died
- 36:2-21 Last Kings and the Fall of Jerusalem
- 36:2-4 Jehoahaz
- reigned 3 months
- captive to Egypt
- 36:5-8 Jehoiakim
- did evil in the eyes of the Lord
- captive to Babylon
- 36:9-10 Jehoiachin
- did evil in the eyes of the Lord
- captive to Babylon
- 36:11-14 Zedekiah
- did evil in the eyes of the Lord
- rejected the Word via Jeremiah
- did not turn to God
- led the people in unfaithfulness
- 36:15-21 Fall of Jerusalem
- God warned His people
- they rejected His Word
- God punished them via Babylon - they were killed or taken captive
- The temple was destroyed
- Jerusalem was destroyed
- 36:22-23 Restoration under Cyrus King of Persia
- fulfilling the word via Jeremiah
- The Lord stirred the spirit of Cyrus King of Persia
- Cyrus King of Persia decree
- The Lord has given me all the Kingdoms
- He has appointed me to build a temple for Him at Jerusalem
- Any of His people may go be a part of this - may God be with him