JERUSALEM IS CAPTURED AND BURNED

PROCLAMATION

“So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who killed their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary … Then they burnt down the house of God, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem, and burned all its fortified buildings with fire and destroyed all its valuable articles.”  2 Chronicles 36:17-19 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

After the death of Josiah, the people of Judah took Jehoahaz, his twenty-three year old son, and made him king.  He had only reigned for three months before Neco king of Egypt deposed him, made his brother Eliakim the king, and changed his brother’s name to Jehoiakim.  Then Neco took Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt. (2 Chronicles 36:1-4)  Jehoiakim as king of Judah for eleven years and he did that which was evil in the sight of The Lord.  Then Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon rose up against him, bound him in chains, and took him to Babylon.  His eighteen year old son reigned in his stead for three months and ten days.  He also did that which was evil in the sight of The Lord.  Nebuchadnezzar seized him and brought him to Babylon and made his brother Zedekiah king over Judah and Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 36:5-10)  Zedekiah did that which was evil in the sight of The Lord.  He also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar who tried to make him swear by God.  The priests and the people also turned against God and followed the abomination of Babylon.  God sent messengers to them but the mocked the messengers and despised their words. (2 Chronicles 36:11-16)  Therefore The Lord God brought the king of the Chaldees against them who slew all their young men.  They looted then burnt the house of The Lord and the palaces.  Those that were not killed were made slaves and servants to him and his men until the reign of the new king of Persia. (2 Chronicles 36:17-20)  During the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, he issued a proclamation saying, “All the kingdoms of the earth hath The Lord God of heaven given me; and He hath charged me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all His people?  The Lord his God be with him, and let him go up.” (2 Chronicles 36:22-23)  

APPLICATION

There is a price to pay for those who do not believe, who do not obey, and who do not follow The Word of God.  “The Lord is slow to anger and abundant in mercy, forgives wrongdoing, violation of His law, and sin, yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, inflicting the punishment of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations.” Numbers 14:18)  He will take His vengeance upon them with a flaming fire to those who do not obey the gospel of Jesus, The Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)  “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15)

 

JOSIAH CELEBRATES THE PASSOVER

PROCLAMATION

“And there was no Passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet, neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a Passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”  2 Chronicles 35:18 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  After King Josiah read to the elders of Judah and Jerusalem the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of The Lord and made a covenant with God to keep His commandments, (2 Chronicles 34:30-33) he kept the Passover to The Lord in Jerusalem.  He celebrated the Passover in a grand fashion according to the writings of David and Solomon.  He gave flocks of bulls, lambs, and goats totaling thirty-three thousand animals. (2 Chronicles 35:1-7)  His officials also gave willing and generously and all of the burnt offerings were prepared on the same day according to the book written by Moses.  The people of Judah and Israel who were present kept the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days. There had not been a Passover service like this since the days of Samuel, and none of the kings of Israel or Judah did so in this manner after Josiah. (2 Chronicles 35:8-18)  After the Passover, Necho king of Egypt went to fight against Carchemish by the Euphrates and Josiah went out to go against him.  Necho sent ambassadors to him saying, you are the king of Judah, I have not come to go against you. He said God had commanded him to go against these people.  Cease opposing God, who is with me, least He destroy you. (2 Chronicles 35:19-21)  Nevertheless Josiah would not turn away, he disguised himself and fought against him.  During the battle Josiah was wounded by an archer.  He told his servants to take him to Jerusalem where he died.  All of Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. (2 Chronicles 35:22-27)

APPLICATION

Josiah followed The Word of God and kept his commandments.  His mistake was that he interfered with and fought against another man who was doing what God had told him to do. Being a believer does not give us the right to pray against, interfere with, or fight against another believer.  We are to “stay in our lane” and do what The Good Lord has called us to do and not worry or fret about what some other believer or sinner is doing.  We are to pray for one another (James 5:16) “… for the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

 

THE BOOK OF THE LAW WAS FOUND

PROCLAMATION

“And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of The Lord.  And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan.”  2 Chronicles 34:15 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  After King Amon was killed, his son Josiah was made king in his stead.  Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign.  Although he was a child when he began, he did that which was right in the sight of The Lord.  When he was sixteen he began to seek after The God of David.  He purged Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Ashram, and the carved and molten images of idol gods. He broke down the altars of Baals and he burned the bones of his priests. (2 Chronicles 34:1-7)  Then he commissioned the repair of the house of The Lord.  He paid the men who did the work and they worked faithfully.  While they were repairing the house of The Lord a priest found a book of the law of The Lord given by Moses.  They delivered the book to Josiah.  When he heard the words of the law he tore his clothes because he knew that his fathers had not followed it. (2 Chronicles 34:8-19)  Then he sent a group of men to go inquire of The Lord for me and Judah concerning the words of the book.  So the went to Huldah the prophetess and spoke to her regarding the book.  She told them to tell the king, “Thus saith The Lord, …I will bring disaster upon this place and upon its inhabitants … for they have forsaken Me and have made offerings to other gods … but because your heart is tender and you humbled yourself before God … I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, our eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place and upon the inhabitants.”  They left her and took what she had told them back to the king. (2 Chronicles 34:20-28)  When he heard her words, Josiah gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem, and the priests and Levites, and he went to the temple and read to the them words of the Book of The Covenant that had been found in the house of The Lord.  Then he stood up and made a covenant before The Lord vowing to walk after Him and to keep His commandments.  Afterwards he made all those present join in that covenant with him.  In all the days of his life he did not turn away from The Lord. (2 Chronicles 34:29-33)

APPLICATION

Most of us have a Bible but too many of us only open it on Sunday when we are in the worship service.  We are to read, and study, The Word of God daily and search it to find out if what we heard is true.  (Acts 17:11)  The Bible is God’s Holy Word, and He meant for us to live it and not just read or hear it. (James 1:22)  The Bible is a guideline for Christian living.

 

THE EVIL KING MANASSEH REPENTED

PROCLAMATION

“And when he was in affliction, he besought The Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.”  2 Chronicles 33:12 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  King Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he began to reign over Judah, and he reigned for twenty-nine years. (2 Chronicles 29:1)  He was fifty-four years old when he died and his twelve year old son Manasseh succeeded him as king of Judah.  Hezekiah obeyed God and sought His counsel before taking action.  However, Manasseh did that which was evil in the sight of The Lord.  He rebuilt the high places which his father had torn down.  He built altars for Baals and made Asherah poles, and he worshiped them.  He even built altars for the idol gods in the house of The Lord. (2 Chronicles 33:1-5)  Manasseh sacrificed his children in fire offerings to the idols.  He resorted to using fortune-tellers and sorcery and omens, in addition to dealing with mediums and necromancers.  He led Judah astray and provoked the anger of The Lord. (2 Chronicles 33:6-9)  The Lord spoke to Manasseh and to the people but they paid Him no attention.  Therefore The Lord allowed the army of the king of Assyria to attack Judah and capture Manasseh, to bind him with fetters and chains, and parade him down the streets of Babylon.  In his distress, Manasseh humbled himself and prayed unto the Lord God.  Being moved by his prayers, God allowed him to be returned to his kingdom and to rule from Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 33:10-13)  He built up and outer wall around the City of David to a great height.  He fortified all of the cities of Judah and assigned commanders to each city.  Then he tore down all of the idols and altars to foreign gods.  He also restored all of the altars for The Lord God and reinstituted the sacrifices and worship to The Lord God. (2 Chronicles 33:14-17)  Manasseh reign as the king of Judah for fifty-nine years before his son Amon succeeded him.  Amon did that which was evil in the sight of The Lord.  He reinstituted all of the idol worship which his father had done in the beginning of his reign.  He reigned for two years before his servants conspired against him and killed him.  Then the people of Judah put to death all those who had conspired against Amon and made his son Josiah king. (2 Chronicles 33:21-25)

APPLICATION

It does not matter how we have sinned, if we sincerely humble ourselves and repent, The Lord God can forgive us and restore us into His good graces. (2 Chronicles 7:14)  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)  Blaspheming The Holy Spirit is the only unforgivable sin. (Mark 3:29)

SAVED BY THE ANGELOF THE LORD

PROCLAMATION

“And The Lord sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria.  So he returned with shame of face to his own land.  And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.”  2 Chronicles 32:21 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  After the celebration of the Passover, Sennacherib king of Assyria invaded Judah.  He laid siege to the fortified cities.  When Hezekiah saw this, he ordered his men to block the water supply which goes outside of the cities.  Then he began to rebuild the wall which was around the city and he raised up towers.  Afterwards he built a second wall outside of the first wall to further strengthen the city. (2 Chronicles 32:1-5)  He set captains of war over the people and spoke to them saying, “Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria nor for all the multitude that is with him; for there be more with us than with him; With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is The Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles.” (2 Chronicles 32:6-8)  Sennacherib sent his servants to deliver messages, verbal and written, to the people of Judah, telling them not to listen to Hezekiah.  Then he had is servants speak in a loud voice in Jewish against The God of Israel. (2 Chronicles 32:9-19)  This caused Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah both prayed and cried out to heaven.  And The Lord sent an angel who annihilated all of the fighting men, commanders, and officers of the Assyrian army.  So Sennacherib withdrew from Judah and returned to his own in disgrace.  When he arrived home his sons slew him with a sword.  Thus The Lord saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem and Judah from the hand of Sennacherib.  After that many of the surrounding nations brought Hezekiah gifts and valuables and he was highly regarded by all the nations. (2 Chronicles 32:20-23)  At this point Hezekiah accumulated great wealth and respect but he was old and sick.  The people buried Hezekiah with honor when he died and his son Manasseh became king of Judah. (2 Chronicles 32:32-33)

APPLICATION

The Lord God did fight the battles for the people of Judah, and He will also fight our battles if we are obedient to His Holy Word.  The size and strength of our enemy is not important.  Our God is omnipotent; He is all powerful. (Matthew 28:18)  All things ae possible with God. (Matthew 19:26 and Mark 9:23)  Remember that the enemy in some of our battles is not flesh and blood but powers and wicked spirits. (Ephesians 6:12)  We need God.

GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS

PROCLAMATION

“As soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance of the firstfruits of corn, wine, oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.”  2 Chronicles 31:5 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  After the fourteen day celebration of the Passover, the Israelites went to all the towns of Judah and destroyed all of the Asherah poles, images of idols, high places and altars, as well as throughout Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh. (2 Chronicles 31:1)  Then Hezekiah assigned the priests and Levites to divisions to carry out their ministries, and to collect an offering from the people.  The people were extremely generous and brought in tithes of their possessions including grains, new wine, olive oil, and honey as well as from their herds and flocks. (2 Chronicles 31:2-10)  Hezekiah had to give orders to prepare storerooms in the house of The Lord.  He assigned Levites to be in charge of the collection and storage, and then assigned others to be in charge of the distribution.  In everything that he undertook he sought The Lord and he prospered. (2 Chronicles 31:11-21)

 

APPLICATION

We should give to the poor and the needy.  Jesus, The Christ, said, as we treat the least of His brethren, we have done the same unto Him. (Matthew 25:40)  Additionally, we should also give to the church to facilitate kingdom building efforts here on earth.  Here, the people were blessed with prosperity because not only did they tithe on the first fruits of all their increase, but they also gave generously and abundantly.  The Bible says that as we give, so shall it be given unto us. (Luke 6:38)  It also says that he that waters others shall himself be watered. (Proverbs11:25)  If we want to receive more, then we should give more. 

 

 

HEZEKIAH CELEBRATES THE PASSOVER

PROCLAMATION

“Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to all the Levites, who showed good understanding of the service of The Lord.  For seven days they ate their assigned portion and offered fellowship offerings and praised The Lord, the God of their ancestors.”  2 Chronicles 30:22 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  After Hezekiah had led the people in the purification of the temple and led burnt offerings to The Lord for the work that was done, he sent letters to all of Israel, Judah, Ephram, and Manasseh inviting them to come to the house of The Lord in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. (2 Chronicles 30:1)  He had listened to the counsel of the elders and officials and wanted to keep the Passover celebration in the second month of the year.  It had not been celebrated for a number of years so he sent out a decree to all to keep the Passover in Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 30:2-9)  A very large crown assembled in Jerusalem to celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread in the second month of the year.  They slaughtered the Passover lamb on the fourteenth day of the second month.  The priests and the Levites consecrated themselves and took their regular positions according to the law of Moses. (2 Chronicles 30:10-17)  The Israelites who were in Jerusalem celebrated the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great rejoicing, while the priests and the Levites praised The Lord every day with loud instruments and singing unto The Lord.  The whole assembly agreed to continue the celebration for another seven days.  Hezekiah provided a thousand bulls, and seven thousand sheep and goats for the assembly.  There was a great joy in Jerusalem, there had been nothing like this since the days of King Solomon. (2 Chronicles 30:18-27) 

 

APPLICATION

All religious holidays should be a time of celebration.  The word “holiday” was derived from a contracture of the two words, “holy day.”  Our celebration should include praise and giving thanks unto The Lord God.  It does not matter which day we celebrate; we should include The Lord God in our celebration.  In fact, every day should be a day of thanksgiving and praise to The Lord God.  For without God there would be no need to celebrate anything.

HEZEKIAH PURIFIES THE TEMPLE

PROCLAMATION

“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. … they began on the first day of the first month … and in the sixteenth day of the first month they made an end.”  2 Chronicles 29:15-17 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

After Ahaz died his twenty-five year old son Hezekiah reigned as king of Judah.  Hezekiah did that which was right in the sight of The Lord. (2 Chronicles 29:1-2)  He opened the doors of the house of The Lord, and repaired them.  He gathered the priests and the Levites together, and told them to sanctify themselves, and then sanctify the house of The Lord. (2 Chronicles 29:3-5)  He reminded them how they had come to that point in time.  He told them that he intended to make a covenant with The Lord God of Israel, hoping that He would turn away His fierce wrath from them.  He also told them that they had been chosen to stand before God and to serve Him. (2 Chronicles 29:6-11)  Then he listed the names of the head of each family.  When the Levites had assembled and consecrated themselves, they began to purify the house of The Lord as the king had ordered.  They brought out of the temple every unclean thing that they found in the house of The Lord.  All total, it took them sixteen days to purify the temple. (2 Chronicles 29:12-17)  When they had finished, they told King Hezekiah.  Then he gathered the officials and offered a sin offering for the kingdom, for the sanctuary, and for Judah.  They made reconciliation for all of Israel by sprinkling the sacrificial goat blood on the altar.  The Levites took up the instruments of David, and the priests took up the trumpets, and the made music as the congregation sang and worshiped. (2 Chronicles 29:18-29)  Then Hezekiah commanded that they offer burnt offerings upon the altar, and that they sing praise unto The Lord using the words of David and Asaph the seer.  The number of burnt offerings was threescore and ten bullocks, one hundred rams, two hundred lambs, six hundred oxen, and three thousand sheep.  And Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced. (2 Chronicles 29:30-36)

APPLICATION

The house of God should be clean.  We should keep the house of God cleaner than we keep our own house.  There is an old saying, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” (John Wesley)  However that phrase is not found in The Bible.  Jesus, The Christ, valued internal cleanliness and criticized the Pharisees for being clean on the outside but unclean on the inside. (Matthew 23:25-28)  God’s house should be clean inside and outside.  Our bodies are also God’s temple. (1 Corinthians 6:19)  We should be careful regarding what we let into our body, including the amount and type of food that we eat and drink, what we inhale, and that which we see that enters our mind through our eyes.  Let us keep God’s house clean, inside and outside.

FROM BAD TO WORSE IN DISTRESS

PROCLAMATION

“In times of his distress did he trespass yet more against The Lord…” 2 Chronicles 28:22 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

In the year that King Uzziah died, his twenty year old son Ahaz began to reign in his stead.  However, unlike his father, Ahaz did not do that which was pleasing in the eyes of The Lord.  He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and worshiped the idol god Baal, burned incense unto him, and sacrificed his children in the fire as part of that worship. (2 Chronicles 28:1-4)  Wherefore The Lord God delivered him into the hands of the king of Syria, who defeated him in battle and took his people as captives into Damascus.  Pekah son of Remaliah slew one hundred and twenty thousand of the valiant men of Judah.  Zichri, a warrior from Ephram, killed Maaseiah the king’s son, and Azrikam the governor of the palace, and Elkanah who was  next in line to be king.  The men of Israel took two hundred thousand women and children prisoner from Judah, in addition to taking a great deal of plunder, and carried them all to Samaria. (2 Chronicles 28:5-8)  But Obed, a prophet of The Lord, met the men of Israel and told them that they defeated Judah because The Lord was angry with Judah.  However, they slaughtered them in a rage and made slaves of their women and children and now The Lord is angry with them.  He told them to return the women and children to Judah or they would face the wrath of God.  So the soldiers of Israel gave up the prisoners and the plunder and let them return to Judah. (2 Chronicles 28:9-15)  Later when the Edomites attacked Judah, Ahaz called on the king of Assyria for help.  The Philistines had also invaded Judah and taken the cities in the southern portion.  The king of Assyria came to him but brought him more trouble instead of help.  Ahaz took things from the temple of The Lord and gave them to the king of Assyria but he still would not help him.  In times of trouble, Ahaz became even more unfaithful to The Lord.  He offered sacrifices unto the gods of Damascus, who had defeated him, thinking they could help him but it led to his downfall and the fall of Israel.  He set up altars on every street corner and offered burnt sacrifices to the idol god Baal, and this greatly angered The Lord God. (2 Chronicles 28:22-27)

APPLICATION

Some people perform better when pushed or stressed.  “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” (Author Unknown)  However, some people do not respond well to pressure situations, they “crack under pressure.”  Sometimes our attempt to handle things only makes them worse.  Believers should “take your burden to The Lord and leave it there.” (Charles Albert Tindley)  Take everything to God in prayer, (Philippians 4:6) and wait upon The Lord. (Psalm 27:14)

JOTHAM WAS ONE OF THE FEW GOOD KINGS

PROCLAMATION

“So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before The Lord his God.”  2 Chronicles 27:6 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  After King Uzziah died his son Jotham reigned in his stead as king of Judah.  Jotham did that which was right in the sight of The Lord and the people lived correctly under him. (2 Chronicles 27:1-2)  He rebuilt the Upper Gate of the temple of The Lord.  He built cities in the mountains of Judah and forts and towers in the forests.  He waged a war against the Ammonites and prevailed against them.  The Ammonites paid him a hundred talents of silver, ten thousand measures of wheat, and ten thousand measures of barley each year for three years. (2 Chronicles 27:3-5)  Jotham became powerful because he walked steadfastly before The Lord.  He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned for sixteen years.  When he died his son Ahaz succeeded him as king of Judah. (2 Chronicles 27:6-9)

 

APPLICATION

Believing in The Lord, obeying His Holy Word, and doing what is right is a good way to receive blessings after blessings. (James 1:25)   Hearing and reading The Word of God is not enough; we must also be doers of The Word. (James 1:22)  Each of us is alive today because God has work for us to do with respect to kingdom building efforts here on earth.  When we have done all that He has for us to do, He will call us home.  So, let’s get busy and spread The Word and help people.  Jesus, The Christ, said that as we have done it unto His people we have done it to Him. (Matthew 25:40)

 

 

 

DO NOT LET PRIDE BE OUR DOWNFALL

PROCLAMATION

“But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction …”  2 Chronicles 26:16 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  After Amaziah king of Judah was killed, the people made his sixteen year old son Uzziah king of Judah.  He did that which was right in the sight of The Lord.  He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear and admonition of God.  And, as long as he sought The Lord, he was successful. (2 Chronicles 26:1-5)  Uzziah went to war against the Philistines and he broke down the wall around the cities of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod.  He rebuilt towns among the Philistines.  The Lord God helped Uzziah against the Philistines, and against the Arabs, and against the Meunites.  The Ammonites brought gifts to Uzziah.  His towers name and fame spread to the border of Egypt.  He became very powerful. (2 Chronicles 26:6-8)  He built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate and at the Valley Gate and fortified them.  He also built towers in the wilderness and dug many cisterns for the livestock.  He had people working in the fields and vineyards.  Uzziah had a large and well-trained army. (2 Chronicles 26:9-14)  In Jerusalem he made devices for use on the towers and the corner defenses.  However, after he became powerful, his pride lead to his downfall.  He became unfaithful to The Lord.  He entered the temple and burned incense instead of allowing the priests to do it.  When the priests confronted him, he became angry with them.  While he was raging at the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead.  Uzziah had leprosy from that day until the day he died. (2 Chronicles 26:15-23)

 

APPLICATION

We ought not to think too highly of ourselves. (Romans 12:3)  Self-pride can lead to our downfall. (2 Chronicles 26:16)  If we get too full of ourselves, The Lord can knock us down, like He did Paul, to get our attention and get our focus on Him. (2 Corinthians 12:7)  When we are blessed, we ought to praise The Lord and give Him thanks. (1 Chronicles 16:34)  Promotion and all good things come from The Lord. (Psalm 75:6 and James 1:17)  We are not lucky; we are blessed. 

 

AMAZIAH ALSO TURNS AGAINST GOD

AMAZIAH ALSO TURNS AGAINST GOD 

PROCLAMATION

“… 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.”  2 Chronicles 25:14 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

Amaziah the son of Joash was twenty-five years old when he began to reign as king of Judah.  Initially, He did that which was right in the sight of The Lord but not wholeheartedly.  When the kingdom was firmly under his control he killed all of his servants who had killed his father. (2 Chronicles 25:1-4)  Then he gathered the men of Judah together and made an army of three hundred thousand men.  He also hired an additional one hundred thousand men from Israel.  But there came a man of God to him saying let not the army of Israel go with you, for The Lord is not with Israel. (2 Chronicles 25:5-7)  He was told that if he kept the men from Israel and went to war that he would fall before his enemy.  So, Amaziah told the men of Israel to go home and they returned home, but they were angry with him. (2 Chronicles 25:8-10)  When he led his men to war and defeated the men of Seir, the soldiers of Israel that he had sent home attacked the cities of Judah, killed three thousand people, and took great quantities of plunder.  Amaziah returned after slaughtering the Edomites but he brought back the gods of the people of Seir and set them up as his own gods and worshiped them. (2 Chronicles 25:11-14)  The prophet of The Lord came to him and asked why he worshiped the gods of a people that could not save them?  Amaziah asked the prophet, have we appointed you as my advisor?  The prophet replied, God has determined to destroy you because you have done this thing and have not listened to me. (2 Chronicles 25:15-16)  After Amaziah consulted his advisors, he sent a challenge to Jehoahaz king of Israel to face each other in battle.  Jehoahaz replied saying why are you asking for trouble and trying to cause your downfall and the fall of Judah?  Amaziah would not listen to him, he attacked Israel, and Judah was routed and Amaziah was captured by Jehoahaz.  He took all of the gold and silver from the temple and the palace along with hostages and returned to Samaria. (2 Chronicles 25:17-24)  Some in Jerusalem conspired against Amaziah because he turned away from God, and they sent men after him and killed him. (2 Chronicles 25:25-28)

APPLICATION

God does not like lukewarm believers, (Revelation 3:16) either we follow Him wholeheartedly or not at all.  No man can serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13)  We need to choose whom we will serve.  There is only one true and living God. (Jeremiah 10:10)  He is omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing), and omnipresent (everywhere at the same time).  And, He does not need our help to protect us or to fight our battles.

JOASH REPAIRS THE TEMPLE THEN HE TURNS

PROCLAMATION

“After the death of Jehoiada … they left the house of The Lord God … and served … idols and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for their trespass.”  2 Chronicles 24:17-18 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  Joash the son of Ahaziah was seven years old when he was anointed king of Judah. He did that which was right in the eyes of The Lord, as long as Jehoiada the priest was his counsellor. (2 Chronicles 24:1-2)  It came to pass that Joash decided to repair the temple of The Lord.  Joash commanded that they make a chest and set it outside of the gate of the house of The Lord.  Then he issued a proclamation to the people to bring the collection to The Lord.  The people rejoiced and brought in so much money that the chest was filled and emptied several times.  The Levites used the money to pay those who did the repair work on the temple.  When the work on the temple was completed, they used the rest of the money to make vessels to minister within the temple. (2 Chronicles 24:3-14)  Jehoiada the priest was very old, and he was one hundred and thirty years when he died.  After he was buried the officials of Judah influenced Joash and he abandoned the ways of The Lord and began to worship Asherah poles and idols.  The Lord sent prophets to them to bring them back but they would not listen. (2 Chronicles 24:15-19)  The spirit of The Lord came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest.  He stood before the people and said, “Why do you disobey The Lord’s commands.  You will not prosper.  Because you have forsaken The Lord, He has forsaken you.”  They plotted against him and, by order of the king, they stoned him to death.  King Joash did not remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had shown to him. (2 Chronicles 24:20-22)  A short time later the army of Aram marched against Joash and invaded Judah and killed most of their leaders.  They took all of the plunder of Judah and sent it to their king in Damascus.  When the Arameans withdrew, they left Joash severely wounded.  His officials that remained alive conspired against him for murdering the son of Jehoiada the priest and they killed him while he was in his bed. (2 Chronicles 24:23-25)  His son Amaziah succeeded him as king of Judah.

APPLICATION

It is sad how soon we forget the kindnesses shown to us.  We remember the bad that is done to us but we quickly forget the good.  We should be very careful regarding whom we listen to and take advice from.  The ungodly will lead us down the wrong road.  We should pray and ask God for discernment and knowledge as well as for guidance and direction. (Psalm 119:66)

 

THE YOUNGEST SON BECOMES KING

PROCLAMATION

“Then they brought out the king’s son, and put upon him the crown, and gave him the testimony, and made him king.  Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, “God save the king.”  2 Chronicles 23:11 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  After hiding Joash the son of Ahaziah in the temple of God for six years while Athaliah reigned over the land, (2 Chronicles 22:11-12) in the seventh year Jehoiada the priest gathered up his courage and sprang into action.  He made covenants with all the captains of the army.  Then he gathered together all  the Levites and the heads of all the Israelite families and brought them to Jerusalem and made a covenant with them.  Jehoiada said to them all, “The king’s son shall reign, as The Lord promised concerning the descendants of David.” (2 Chronicles 23:1-3)  He stationed the priests and Levites at the doors of the temple, at the royal palace, at the Foundation Gate, and in the courtyards of the temple of The Lord.  Some of the Levites were to station themselves around the king wherever he goes, and each man is to have a weapon in his hand. (2 Chronicles 23:4-10)  Then Jehoiada and his sons brought out Joash the king’s son and put the crown upon him.  They presented him with a copy of the covenants and proclaimed him king.  They anointed him and shouted, “Long live the king!” (2 Chronicles 23:11)  When Athaliah heard the noise she went to the temple and saw what was happening, she tore her clothes and shouted, “Treason!”  Jehoiada the priest sent the captains of the guards to seize her and kill anyone who follows her.  They took her outside of the temple courtyards to the Horse Gate on the palace grounds and killed her there.  Jehoiada made a covenant with the people and the king that they would be he Lord’s people. (2 Chronicles 23:12-16)  Then they went and tore down the temple of Baal, smashed all of the altars and idols, and killed all of the priests of Baal.  The Levites were given oversight of the temple.  Then they paraded the king from the temple to the palace and he sat upon the throne and all the people rejoiced. (2 Chronicles 23:17-21)

APPLICATION

God protected a child when all of his brothers were killed (2 Chronicles 22:10-12) and made a way for a seven year old to become king of Judah. (2 Chronicles 23:10-11 and 24:1)  When it is our time to shine, all things will fall into place for us.  All things are possible with God. (Mark 10:27)  That which God has for us, we will receive.  The blessings with our name on them will not be given to anyone else.  Fear The Lord and be blessed. (Psalm 128:4)

 

A WICKED MOTHER

PROCLAMATION

“But when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed of the royal house of Judah.”  2 Chronicles 22:10 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  After Jehoram died, his youngest son Ahaziah was made king of Judah.  He reigned only for one year.  He walked in the ways of the house of Ahab.  His mother Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab, was his counsellor and she advised him to do the wicked and evil things that he did. (2 Chronicles 22:1-3)  Ahaziah did that which was evil in the sight of The Lord.  The men of the house of Ahab were also his counsellors.  They advised him to go with Jehoram, the son of Ahab and king of Israel, to war against Hazael king of Syria.  They were defeated by Syria and Ahaziah was wounded during the battle.  He returned from the war to be healed in Jezreel. (2 Chronicles 22:4-6)  It came to pass that Jehu, who was executing judgment upon the house of Ahab, found the princes of Judah and the sons of the brothers of Ahaziah and slew all of them.  Jehu also caught Ahaziah and slew him.  When Athaliah mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to kill the whole royal family of the house of Judah so that she could rule the kingdom. (2 Chronicles 22:7-10)  However, Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and wife of Jehoiada the priest and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah and hid him and his nurse from Athaliah in a bedroom of the temple.  Joash remained hidden in the temple of God for six years while Athaliah reigned over the land. (2 Chronicles 22:11-12) 

 

APPLICATION

Sometimes the greed and selfishness within family members can make them so that they will turn on each other and even kill one another.  Occasionally the advice we receive from family members is what’s in their best interest and not ours.  We need to pray and ask The Lord God for discernment to help us identify the wolves around us including our friends and family.  Everyone who smiles in our face is not to be trusted.   We may need God’s protection from unseen dangers that are close to us.  Only God can see the heart of man and only He knows our motives and  intentions.

  

PUNISHED FOR DOING WRONG

PROCLAMATION

“… Because thou has not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father … and made Judah … like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab, and also has slain thy brothers … Behold, with a great plague will The Lord smite thy people, and thy children, and thy wives … And thou shall have a great sickness by disease of thy bowels …”  2 Chronicles 21:12-15 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  After Jehoshaphat died his firstborn son Jehoram reigned in his stead.  Jehoram had six younger brothers, each of whom were given gold, silver, and precious stones by their father Jehoshaphat; and each ruled one of the fortified cities in Judah but Jehoram was given the kingdom. (2 Chronicles 21:1-3)  Jehoram strengthen his position as king of Judah by killing all of his brothers.  He did not follow the ways of his father and he did evil in the eyes of The Lord.  He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and Ahab had done.  He even married a daughter of and made war against Judah.  At about the same time Libnah also rebelled against Judah.  He had high places built within Judah and  led the people away from God. (2 Chronicles 21:7-11)  Elijah the prophet sent Jehoram a letter telling him that because he had not followed the way of The Lord, and because he had led Judah astray, and because he had killed his brothers, The Lord will send a great plague upon your people, your children, your wives, and your goods.  However, you will be stricken with a severe disease of the bowels and you will suffer until your bowels fall out of you. (2 Chronicles 12-15)  The Lord also caused the Philistines and the Arabians to attack and defeat Judah, and to carry off all of the goods in the king’s palace.  They also took his wives and his sons except for the youngest one. He suffered with his incurable bowel disease for two years before his bowels fell out of him and he died in great pain. (2 Chronicles 21:16-20)

APPLICATION

Some of us think that we can do whatever we want to do and that we will get away with it.  The Lord God above knows all and sees all.  It may not happen right away, we will be punished for sinning and for not following His Holy Word.  This applies to believers also.  “Every man’s work shall be made manifest … it shall be revealed by fire … if a man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved …” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15)  Fret not thyself because of evildoers … for they shall soon be cut down …” (Psalm 37:1-2)  The unjust shall be punished. (2 Peter 2:9)  Do good and be blessed, or do wrong and be punished.

 

THE LORD WILL FIGHT OUR BATTLES

PROCLAMATION

“Then The Spirit of The Lord came upon Jahaziel a Levite and said, “Be not afraid nor dismayed … for the battle is not yours, but God’s.  Tomorrow march down against them … You will not need to fight in this battle; Set yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of The Lord …”  (2 Chronicles 20:14-17)

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  And it came to pass that the Moabites and the Ammonites came against Jehoshaphat in battle.  Some people came to warn him that a large army was coming against him from Edom.  Jehoshaphat called the people of Judah together and proclaimed a fast for Judah as he called upon the name of The Lord. (2 Chronicles 20:1-13)  Then The Spirit of The Lord came upon Jahaziel a Levite and said, “Be not afraid nor dismayed … for the battle is not yours, but God’s.  Tomorrow march down against them … You will not need to fight in this battle; Set yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of The Lord …”  (2 Chronicles 20:14-17) Jehoshaphat bowed down his head and all of the inhabitants of Judah fell down and worshipped The Lord.  Afterwards, the Levites stood up and sang praises unto The Lord.  Early the next morning as they set out, Jehoshaphat had them sing praises unto The Lord. (2 Chronicles 20:18-21)  As they sang, The Lord caused the men of Ammon and Moab to fight against the men of Mount Seir.  After they had annihilated them, they began to fight among themselves and destroyed one another.  When the men of Judah arrived all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground.  Jehoshaphat and his men carried off all of the plunder that was there.  It was such a great amount that it took them three days to carry it all away. (2 Chronicles 20:22-26)  After they returned home, the men of Judah celebrated with song and music.  And there was peace because the fear of The Lord was on all of kingdoms which they defeated and on all of the surrounding countries. (2 Chronicles 20:27-30)  Jehoshaphat did that which was right in the eyes of The Lord.  However, he made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, whose ways were wicked.  This alliance did not please The Lord God (2 Chronicles 20:31-37) just as the alliance earlier with Ahab did not please Him. (2 Chronicles 19:2)

APPLICATION

Some battles are not ours to fight, The Lord God will fight those battles for us; “… for the battle is not ours, but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15)  Sometimes we just need to wrap ourselves up in The Lord and just stand because we are up against principalities, and powers, and spiritual wickedness and not flesh and blood. (Ephesians 6:11-17)  We just need to “… stand … and see the salvation of The Lord …” (2 Chronicles 20:17)

 

JEHOSHAPHAT APPOINTS JUDGES THAT FEAR THE LORD

PROCLAMATION

“And said to the judges, ‘Take heed what ye do; for ye judge not for man, but for The Lord, who is with you in judgment.  Wherefore now let the fear of The Lord be upon you; take heed and do it; for there is no iniquity with The Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.”  2 Chronicles 19:6-7 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  After the death of Ahab king of Israel and the defeat of Ramoth Gilead, Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned home to Jerusalem.  Upon his return Jehu the son of Hanani the seer approached him and said, ‘Should you help the ungodly, and love them that hate The Lord? …’  Therefore the wrath of The Lord will be upon you. (2 Chronicles 19:1-2)  The fact was that Jehoshaphat did that which was right in the eyes of The Lord (2 Chronicles 17:3-4) but the same could not be said for Ahab.  However, Jehu did acknowledge that there was some good in Jehoshaphat even though he had done wrong by helping Ahab.  Jehoshaphat continued to do good.  He went out to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to The Lord. (2 Chronicles 19:3-4)  He appointed judges in each of the fortified cities of Judah.  He told them that they were working for The Lord and they should let the fear of The Lord be upon them. (2 Chronicles 19:5-7)  He also appointed Levites as priests to administer the law and settle disputes in the non-fortified areas.  They were also told to serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of The Lord. (2 Chronicles 19:8-10)

 

APPLICATION

We should do whatever we do in the fear of The Lord. (2 Chronicles 19:9)  We should do everything faithfully and wholeheartedly.  Nothing should be done haphazardly.  If it is worth doing, then it is worth doing right the first time to the best of our ability.  We are to work as though all that we do is for The Lord God. (Colossians 3:23)  So, “whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

 

MICAIAH PROPHESIES AGAINST KING AHAB

PROCLAMATION

“And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, ‘Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?’  And he said, ‘Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand’ … Then he said, ‘I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd; and The Lord said, ‘These have no master …’ ’ ”  2 Chronicles 18:14-16 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  Some years after Jehoshaphat king of Judah had acquired an abundance of riches and honor, he went to Samaria to see Ahab king of Israel.  Ahab asked Jehoshaphat if he would join him in battle against Ramoth Gilead and he replied, “I am as you are, and thy people are my people.” (2 Chronicles 18:1-3)  Then Jehoshaphat said to Ahab, first seek the counsel of The Lord.  Ahab gathered together four hundred prophets and they all said he should attack Ramoth Gilead.  But Jehoshaphat asked is there not a prophet of The Lord that he might ask.  He said that there was one man, Micaiah the son of Imla, but Ahab hated him because he never prophesied anything good to him. (2 Chronicles 18:4-7)  They sent for Micaiah and he came before the king.  When he was asked if they should go into battle against Ramoth Gilead he told them to go and be victorious.  Ahab questioned him and then he said that he saw all of Israel scattered upon the mountains without a shepherd.  Ahab was upset because again Micaiah had again prophesied evil for him.  Micaiah continued to speak saying that while attacking Ramoth Gilead, King Ahab would die. (2 Chronicles 18:14-19)  Ahab ordered that Micaiah be sent back to Amon with orders to put him in prison and feed him only bread and water once a day.  So, Ahab and Jehoshaphat went to battle against Ramoth Gilead.  During the battle Jehoshaphat was surrounded and he called upon The Lord, and He helped him. (2 Chronicles 18:25-32)  However, Ahab was struck by a random arrow and severely wounded.  He told his chariot driver to get him out of the fighting.  He propped himself up in the chariot and continued as the battle raged on for the rest of the day.  About the time of sunset on the same day that he was wounded, King Ahab died. (2 Chronicles 18:33-34)

APPLICATION

The Bible contains God’s commandments, statues, and promises.  It provides basic instructions for Christian living.  Just because we do not like what the word of God says does not mean that it is untrue or that things will not happen as He says that they will.  Read and obey God’s word.  It will be easier for heaven and earth to completely pass away than for anything in God’s word to fail. (Luke 16:17)

 

JEHOSHAPHAT BECOMES KING AND IS BLESSED

PROCLAMATION

“And The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David and … walked in the commandments … therefore The Lord established the kingdom in his hand … and he had riches and honor in abundance.”  2 Chronicles 17:3-5 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  After the death of Asa, his son Jehoshaphat reigned in his stead.  He strengthened himself and Judah in case of war against Israel.  He fenced in the cities of Judah and set up garrisons throughout the land. (2 Chronicles 17:1-2)  He walked in the ways of David and The Lord was with him.  He kept the commandments of The Lord, and The Lord established his kingdom and blessed him with riches and honor in abundance. (2 Chronicles 17:2-5)  Jehoshaphat devoted his heart to the ways of The Lord.  He removed all of the high places for incense burning and all the Asherah poles from Judah.  He sent his princes throughout Judah along with Levites to teach the book of the law to the people. (2 Chronicles 17:6-9)  The fear of The Lord was upon all of the kingdoms around Judah so none of them made war with Jehoshaphat.  The Philistines brought him gifts and silver, and the Arabians brought him flocks of rams and goats.  He grew richer and more powerful.  He built forts and store cities in Judah, but he also kept a large number of experienced fighting men with him and in his fenced in cities. (2 Chronicles 17:10-19)

 

APPLICATION

We are all blessed in more ways than we can count.  We pray and ask God for more blessings and we have not thanked Him for all of the blessings which we have already received.  It is possible for us to receive blessings on top of blessings.   We can be blessed for being obedient to God’s Holy Word.  Knowing The Word of God is good but we will be blessed if we do what it says. (John 13:17)  If God is near and dear to our heart, our speech and behavior will show it and others will see it.  Jesus The Christ said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15)

 

TAKE EVERYTHING TO THE LORD IN PRAYER

PROCLAMATION

“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.’ ”  2 Chronicles 16:7 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  After thirty-five years of doing that which was right in the eyes of The Lord during his reign as King of Judah, (2 Chronicles 15:17-19) Asa messed up.  The next year Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah and built Ramah to prevent anyone from entering or leaving the territory of Asa.  Instead of calling on The Lord, Asa sought the assistance of Ben-Hadad king of Aram and took him gold and silver, and reminded him of the treaty between their fathers. (2 Chronicles 16:1-3)  Ben-Hadad agreed with Asa and sent his forces against the towns of Israel and conquered them.  When Baasha heard this he withdrew from Ramah.  Then Asa and the men of Judah took all of the stones and timber from Ramah and used them to fortify Geba and Mizpah. (2 Chronicles 16:4-6)  Afterwards, Hanani the seer came to Asa and told him that since he had relied upon the king of Syria instead of The Lord God, that he had done a foolish thing; and from that time onward he would be at war. (2 Chronicles 16:7-9)  Asa was not pleased with the seer and put him in prison.  At about the same time King Asa began to oppress some of his people.  Asa became afflicted with a disease of the feet.  Even though his disease was severe he did not call upon The Lord.  He only sought care from his physicians.  After suffering for two years, he died during the forty-first year of his reign. (2 Chronicles 16:10-14)

 

APPLICATION

We should never get to the point in our life where we think that we can handle our problems on our own.  We should take everything, the big and the small things, to The Lord God in prayer.  We can do nothing on our own. (Acts 17:28)  We should pray for God’s help, guidance, and direction before we say or do anything.  And, we should never put our faith and trust in man. (Psalm 118:8)  The Lord God is our refuge and strength, and a very present help in the times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1)  We should always trust in The Lord and not in our own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)  When we think that we can handle things ourselves we are wrong.  Pray!