Archive for the ‘1st and 2nd Chronicles-BibleTrekToday’ Category
Scripture reading for April 24th: 2nd Chronicles 6-9
Today I want to discuss three things about King Solomon: his wealth, his wisdom, and his worldliness! Two of these things seem to go together, but the third is out of place if you have the other two! When we study the life of this son of David who was the wisest human ever to live (except for Jesus Christ), we are faced with something that is difficult to understand. We must receive wisdom from the Lord and His word!
When God appeared to Solomon, giving him a blank check, Solomon asked for wisdom. This pleased God and He made him the wisest man ever. People from all over the world came to hear the wisdom of Solomon. He could expound on many topics concerning plants and animals and the creation. The Queen of Sheba came to test Solomon with hard questions and Solomon answered all of them. She was overwhelmed by what she heard and saw. (2nd Chronicles 9:1-6)
God added wealth to Solomon, as well as honor. He had gold from Ophir and precious stones. The weight of gold Solomon received yearly in tribute was 666 talents. That is equal to about 25 tons of gold! (2nd Chronicles 9:13-14) He made silver as common in Jerusalem as stone! (2nd Chronicles 9:27a) His wealth, as well as his wisdom, brought him fame and world attention! He had greater riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth!
But Solomon was also worldly! As he got older, he strayed from following God wholeheartedly. His many wives brought idolatry into his life and he pursued happiness under the sun! (Ecclesiastes) He set up idol temples for his wives, which angered the Lord. (1st Kings 11:1-9) He disobeyed the Lord’s commands and did not heed God’s warnings. He strayed from God and became entangled in idolatry and sin.
It is hard to understand how someone so wise and to whom had God appeared several times could not apply what he surely knew to his own life. Sin has a way of blinding us and stealing our wisdom. As we read these stories, we must realize that none of us is far from idolatry and sin. We must lean daily on the Lord in a personal relationship. We must listen carefully to His word and apply it first to our own lives.
Scripture reading for April 23rd: 2nd Chronicles 1-5
“The temple that I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods. But who is able to build a temple for Him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain Him? Who then am I to build a temple for Him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before Him?” (2nd Chronicles 2:5-6)
King Solomon realized that God was so great that no one was really able to build a temple that could contain Him. He realized that he was really a nobody and needed sacrifices to come before Him who was so great and mighty. Solomon was humbled and knew he needed grace and God’s help to do this job. So he set out to build with thousands of helpers and invited other nations to send their skilled workers as well. He had lots of money and materials, and the best help would be none too good for God.
Solomon began building the temple in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah–on the threshing floor of Araunah that his father David had purchased to make an altar and stop the plague. (2nd Chronicles 3:1) This was also the very site where Abraham had come to sacrifice Isaac nearly a thousand years earlier. There, God had provided a lamb in place of Isaac, and Abraham named God Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides. David was a descendant of Abraham as was Solomon and now they were using this very site to construct a dwelling place for God in the midst of His people! What an amazing God we serve!
Everything was made according to the pattern that God had given King David to write down for his son Solomon. The inside was overlaid with fine gold. A pair of beautiful cherubim were sculpted by the craftsmen of fine gold. There were beautiful woven curtains of blue and purple yarn and more cherubim were embroidered on the curtains as well. (2nd Chronicles 3:10-14) The cherubim represented the heavenly creatures near the throne of God that cried “holy” holy” holy” day and night! The blue and purple speak of heaven and royalty. Gold represents the highest value and preciousness of God Himself.
The crowning glory of the temple of the Lord was God’s presence in glory that filled the building as the priests worshiped. “He is good; His love endures forever.” (2nd Chronicles 5:13-14)
Scripture reading for April 22nd: 1st Chronicles 28-29
In long distance races, the start isn’t as important as the finish. In the race of life, I want to finish well! I don’t want to fall away or disgrace God as I leave this life. History is full of stories of great men of God who have not finished very well. Saul, David’s predecessor is a prime example of a man who at the end of his life was tormented by fear, sought a medium, and finally took his own life.
David called together all the leaders of Israel and spoke to them at Jerusalem. He recounted how God in His sovereignty had picked Judah and his family to be king. He told them that God had chosen Solomon to be his successor and the one to build a house for the Lord. (1st Chronicles 28:4-7) He charged Solomon to follow all the Lord’s commands and possess the good land that God had given them, passing it on to his descendants. He instructed Solomon to acknowledge God as his Father and serve Him willingly and wholeheartedly!
David then gave the plans for the temple to Solomon and encouraged him in the execution and building of this house for the Lord. The Lord had given David the plans and had given him understanding for each detail! (1st Chronicles 28:19) David personally gave large quantities of his own resources to build the temple. He gave gold, silver, bronze, iron, stones and marble. David knew that he could not take this great wealth with him when he died. He truly wanted to set a good example for his son and the leaders of Israel. His giving inspired others and they also began to give!
King David then offered up prayer and praise to the Lord. He praised God for His greatness and glory. He acknowledged that all his wealth and honor had come from God. He confessed that men were very short-lived on the earth. He prayed for God’s grace in Solomon’s life. This prayer is a wonderful finish to David’s life! (1st Chronicles 29:10-19)
“David son of Jesse was king over all Israel. He ruled Israel forty years–seven in Hebron and thirty three in Jerusalem. he died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor.” (1st Chronicles 29:26-28) What will your epitaph read? Are you setting a course that will enable you to finish well?
Scripture reading for April 21st: 1st Chronicles 22-27
King David had it in his heart to build a house for the Lord. As King David approached the end of his time on earth, he sent for his son Solomon and commissioned him to build the house for the Lord. David had begun preparations for this house but a word from the Lord had stopped him from building it. Because David had been a man of war and had fought many battles costing many lives, God told him not to build His house. (1st Chronicles 22:8)
God told David that He would use his son Solomon to build the temple. Solomon would be a man of peace. God would grant him rest and peace with all his enemies. Israel would enjoy a reign of peace and during this time, Solomon could build the temple. Solomon would become a “son of God” and God would be his Father and establish his throne over Israel forever. (1st Chronicles 22:9-10)
David blessed his son and encouraged him to be strong and full of courage. He assured him of the great financial resources that he had provided for the temple. He also encouraged the people to support Solomon in the work. Best of all, David prayed that the Lord would be with Solomon in this undertaking. That help would make all the difference in the world!
As we reflect on this portion of Israel’s history, we can see definite parallels to the work of Jesus Christ in building God’s temple. Jesus Christ was a man of peace–”the Prince of Peace”. Jesus called people to come to Him and find rest for their souls. Jesus Christ defeated all of our enemies, even death, to provide this rest! God was Christ’s “Father” and Jesus was God’s “Son”! God established Jesus’ throne and kingdom forever! Jesus had success because he fully obeyed God’s commands and laws and was strong and courageous. God provided Jesus with many “brothers and sisters” as helpers in building the true temple. Jesus Christ would build the temple and the gates of hell would not prevail against Him!
This ancient record contains prophesy that is already fulfilled and also prophesy that will be fulfilled in the millennial reign of peace when Jesus takes the throne in Jerusalem and rules over a thousand years of peace! (Revelation 20:4-6) Praise the Lord for the Prince of Peace!
Scripture reading for April 20th: 1st Chronicles 17-20
God’s people and their leaders are always in a spiritual battle. Even when things seem to be going well and there is a time of peace, Satan never sleeps or slacks off. In fact, it is often during the good times that we let down our guard and relax our watchfulness and Satan takes advantage!
David went through a time like this. Even though his fighting men were out fighting the Lord’s battles, David stayed home. It appears that David was motivated by pride to conduct a census of all the fighting men in Israel and David told Joab and his army commanders to do the counting. Joab wisely tried to stop David, but David did not listen. Scripture says that Satan incited David to do this and bring judgment on Israel. (1st Chronicles 21:1-6)
Joab did not like this command, but he did it anyway. God did not like it either and He punished Israel. David then came to his senses, admitted guilt, and asked God to take away his guilt. Sin has consequences and though God is merciful, He must also be just. God gave David three choices: “Take your choice: three years of famine, three months of being swept away before your enemies with their swords overtaking you, or three days of the sword of the Lord–days of plague in the land with the angel of the Lord ravaging every part of Israel.” (1st Chronicles 21:11-12)
David chose to fall into the hands of God rather than the hands of men, for he knew God’s mercy was great. Seventy thousand men of Israel died during the plague. Then David saw an angel with his sword extended toward Jerusalem. David cried out for mercy and took responsibility. The angel told him to build an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah. David bought the land and offered a sacrifice to stop the plague. This site was the place where the Temple would eventually be built.
The battle against Satan is a real one for all of us. There are unseen forces of evil and good arrayed in battle every day. We must stand firm to be victorious. We have a King who has taken our guilt and paid the price for us by sacrificing His own body on the cross. He defeated Satan and ever prays for us, keeping God’s judgment away!
Scripture reading for April 19th: 1st Chronicles 10-16
King David is well known for his many psalms. He loved to worship God and was always composing songs that helped express his inner life and feeling during times of joy or hardship. His life stands as a testimony to us of a man after God’s heart who was know as the sweet “Psalmist of Israel”.
Chronicles is a priestly view of events that were also covered by the writers in Samuel and Kings. Chronicles records the return of the Ark of the Testimony in more detail than does the account in Kings. David was zealous for the presence of God being brought to Jerusalem and knew he must find a way to bring it there. He failed to inquire from God’s word how this might be done and Uzzah lost his life when he tried to steady the cart it was riding on. (1st Chronicles 13:9-12) This event angered David and caused him to be afraid of God.
On the second attempt to return the Ark to Jerusalem, David sought directions from the Lord, and found that only the Levites could carry the Ark on their shoulders. He made the proper sacrifices and then worshiped and danced before the Lord with all his might as he lead the procession back to Jerusalem. (1st Chronicles 15:11-15,25-28) That same day he gave Asaph a psalm of thanks that he had composed for the occasion. This psalm was probably sung as they moved the Ark.
This psalm gives thanks to God for His wonderful acts, miracles and wonders He had done. There was thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. In several verses, the psalm extols the Lord among the nations of the earth. (1st Chronicles 16:8,24,28,31) God’s goodness and love are noted and thanks was given. With God in their midst, the nation of Israel was to be a testimony to the nations of the blessing of loving God and having His covenant.
David’s heart for God blessed the people of God and drew them closer to the Lord. His worship was a great example to the people of how to approach God. We are to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. David modeled this as he led the procession bringing the Ark of the Presence to Jerusalem!
Scripture reading for April 17: 1st Chronicles 1-9
The Book of Chronicles was originally the last book in the Hebrew Scriptures. It begins with a listing of names starting with Adam and going through Noah. (1st Chronicles 1:1-4) From there it takes the three sons of Noah and tells of their descendants. From Shem, the genealogy follows Abraham’s line through Isaac and Ishmael. Then the line is continued through Isaac to Jacob (Israel). (1st Chronicles 2:1) Jacob’s line is traced to Jesse, the father of David and then picks up David’s family as well. (1st Chronicles 3:1-9) The last chapters of today’s reading cover the children of each of the twelve sons of Israel and their offspring.
What can we gain from this somewhat boring portion of Hebrew history? Is there any good to come from this repetition of people, offspring, and historical tidbits?
We actually can gain confidence and insight into the heart of God from this passage of Scripture. First, God keeps good books! He cares about names and people as well as what they did! This gives us confidence about the Book of Genesis as a source book for God’s people throughout their history. God knows each person by name and knows and remembers their children as well as their faith. He also has a plan to bring forth a King, His Son, through a specific line of people.
One example of a remembrance concerns Reuben, the firstborn son of Israel (Jacob). He is noted for defiling his father’s marriage bed and losing his rights as firstborn because of this. (1st Chronicles 5:1-3) Another note concerns the sons of Levi and his descendant, Merari. His sons were put into service by King David to minster with music before the tabernacle and Tent of Meeting until Solomon built the temple. (1st Chronicles 6:29-32) The people of Judah were noted for being taken captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness and then being the first to resettle on their own property afterward. (1st Chronicles 9:1-2)
We would do well to realize today that God has a plan. He gives each person a name and holds each one responsible for how they respond to what they know. By grace He chooses people to fulfill His purposes. He will have a people who will rule His Kingdom under the rule of His Son Jesus Christ who came through the lineage of David! Praise the Lord for His faithfulness!
Greetings on this day of worship and reflection! God is to be praised for His mercy and long-suffering! As I think back on the nearly 500 years of history in the Kings and Chronicles, God surely was patient with His people! He suffered long with their stubbornness. He waited patiently for them to respond to His prophets and Word. He punished them, but still His mercy was extended to those who would listen and respond. They endured wars, captivity, famines, internal bickering and strife while God kept continually offering them His amazing grace! They only needed to turn to Him in repentance and call on His name and He would hear and answer! Wow, how long our God bears with us!
As I think about the day we live in, God is still offering the amazing grace of forgiveness! He is still suffering long and ready to extend His cleansing grace. All who call out to Him are heard! He still saves and delivers. He forgives sin, rebellion and strife when His people repent! He has sent His people out with a message of good news! God’s wrath has been satisfied with the blood of His own Son! Whoever believes can get in on it! What an amazing display of mercy available to all who will come to Him!
After the trials and tests of this life are over, God promises us full life with Him forever! This is extreme mercy! We who were His enemies are now brought near and given a full inheritance! The same God who foretold the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple, tells us of a new heavens and new earth where we will dwell in righteousness with Him forever! Go and tell the Good News of God’s amazing mercy! Have a great week in Jesus Christ! Love in Him, Pastor John
Scripture reading for May 2: 2nd Chronicles 33-36
“The Lord, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through His messengers again and again, because He had pity on His people and His dwelling place. But they mocked His words and scoffed at His prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against His people and there was no remedy.” 2nd Chronicle 36:15-16
The period of the Kings and Chronicles ends with this sober statement concerning the Lord’s evaluation of the state of His people. God had done His best to call out to His people. He sent messengers again and again. His mercy had suffered long with this people. He had loved them and provided for them again and again. He had driven out their enemies and delivered them miraculously time after time. He had given them His presence in their midst in the Temple and a way to return to Him. But they mocked His words and mistreated the prophets that were sent to them. This aroused God’s anger and He decided to allow the consequences He had promised to fall upon them.
There was no remedy! What does this mean? Does it mean that God would not hear the prayers of His people any more? Did it mean that He had given up on them and was through? Did it mean that God had failed His people and would not honor the covenants that He had made with them? What about the land that belonged to them, would it be lost to them now because of their stubbornness?
No, God is faithful, even when we are faithless! (2nd Timothy 2:11-13) God was going to allow the consequences of their stubbornness to fall on them. They would see the destruction of their temple and go into captivity. The land would enjoy it’s sabbath rests that they failed to give in accordance with God’s Word. (2nd Chronicles 36:21) Seventy years would pass in captivity as decreed by Jeremiah, the prophet. (Jeremiah 25:11-12) After this time of captivity and punishment, God would again restore the nation to their land and rebuild the temple. Isaiah the prophet correctly named Cyrus as the ruler who would give the decree to rebuild Jerusalem more than 150 years before it happened! (Isaiah 44:28) The Book of 2nd Chronicles records the last word of God concerning this rebuilding as a word of hope to all who would trust God and follow him through the captivity! (2nd Chronicles 36:23)
Wow! God is merciful even in judgment! God has a plan and is working it out. He lets us in on His plan if we are humble and teachable. He has written down that plan in His Holy Word, the Bible! We need to pay heed while we still can. There is coming another day when again, there will truly be “no remedy” for those who reject Jesus Christ! If you die in your sins without repentance and faith in Him, there is truly “no remedy”! (Revelation 20:11-15) May that never be heard of concerning you or me!
Scripture reading for May 1: 2nd Chronicles 29-32
The times we are in are not new. There is nothing new under the sun, according to Solomon. Today we find our country in economic turmoil with banks failing, foreclosures mounting in the housing sector, and the job market shrinking. We find many of our children leaving the path of the Lord and going into captivity in the world system of humanism and self-gratification. Many churches are losing members and there are few young families in attendance. What is behind all of this? The anger of the Lord has been poured out on our nations because we have forsaken Him and left Him out of our lives!
This was the case 2700 years ago in Judah under King Hezekiah. The wrath of God was poured out on the nation because they had forsaken Him! Many had fallen to the violence of that day. Women and children were in captivity and the nation was in terror and fear. (2nd Chronicles 29:8-9) King Hezekiah began to set things in order. His plan of action was the setting of priorities for success and the blessing of God again. The first step he took was to reopen the doors of the the temple and repair it’s doors. (2nd Chronicles 29:3-6) He brought in the priests and Levites and had them consecrate themselves first and then they began to cleanse the temple. They removed all defilements from King Ahaz and restored the utensils and furniture that he had removed.
The next thing was to gather all the leaders and renew the covenant with the Lord by sacrifice. Sin must be confessed and atoned for. Sin brings death so in their case, animals had to die on their behalf. The blood was sprinkled on the altar. (2nd Chronicles 29:24) The king and the people sang and worshiped as the sacrifices were being offered. The Levites played and led the singing. The people bowed and worshiped and offered themselves with joy and gladness! The people brought thank offerings and sacrifices for themselves. This work was done quickly because God had brought it about through a godly leader, Hezekiah!
If you find your life in turmoil and fear and your family in captivity, the plan of Hezekiah might work well for you. Is your temple in disrepair? Is it cluttered with idols and remnants of the world system? Begin by removing the clutter and idols and turn to the Lord in humble repentance. Consecrate your life to the Lord again and establish a regular pattern of worship. Claim the blood of the last and only perfect sacrifice to be sufficient to atone for your sins! Jesus Christ has done all that is needed to cleanse your temple and cover your sin! He wants your life to be marked by joy! He can do a “quick work” in your life too! These ancient words from Hezekiah are as true today as then! May you have great success!