Dei Time

The Nations Respond to God

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2 Chronicles 27:1 - 28:27

The chronicler has recounted 170 years of Judah's kings since telling of one without some evil intent during his reign, but Jotham received this honor. Verse 6 says that his success was because he followed God faithfully.

Three kings in a row had begun as God-focused, successful leaders but ended badly, so Jotham's rule was a joy in comparison. The people, however, continued their rebellion despite Jotham's efforts, but God postponed their judgment because of his goodness. The books of the prophets will fill in the details concerning the daily sin of the people. In addition to their rejection of God, much of their sin was directed at their fellow Judeans.

Ahaz (28:1) co-reigned with his father Jotham for a few years before the latter's death. This guy was amazingly evil. Family relationships in the royal court must have been contentious in many cases, as we see sons behaving in the opposite manner of their fathers. Under Ahaz' reign Baal worship dominated and the king approved and apparently added the detestable Molech (to whom children were sacrificed) as his own god (vs.3). Later he worshipped the gods of the Syrians (Aram) who had defeated Judah, since those gods were powerful in battle (vs.23), but he would not worship the God of Judah.

God then allowed Israel victory over Judah. Israel and Judah almost seem to have switched places in this time period. After a resounding victory over Judah, Israel wisely obeyed the prophet of God (vs.9-15), while the king and people of Judah were turning away from God and even barred the temple door (vs.24). Altars to all the gods except the true God dotted the city of Jerusalem and the surrounding countryside.

Ahaz turned to Assyria for aid, but Assyria gave nothing, and demanded tribute, which was paid. Evil has a way of finally getting so bad that everyone can see it for what it is. Perhaps this inspired a turnaround under Ahaz' son.

Next time: Hezekiah Turns Judah Around--Again

Rebellion and Arrogance Continue

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2 Chronicles 25:1 - 26:23

We have progressed to about 135 years after God's nation split and in less than 75 years one of them would disappear forever.

In 25:2 what does "but not wholeheartedly" tell us about Amaziah and perhaps about a few people that we know today?

Some of the king's decisions worked and he did acknowledge and obey God (at least some of the time). Yet his actions seem based on his own will. Sometimes he listened to God's prophets, unless they contradicted his own opinions. When he realized that he had erred by hiring mercenaries from Israel (vs.9), his first concern was not his sin but how he would get his money back if he released them. The released Israelis were angry because they had planned on sharing in the booty of the battle. The king's victory over Edom was tainted by the brutal execution of prisoners and his adoption of Edomite gods (vs.12-14).

Amaziah's ego finally destroyed him when the king challenged Israel and defied the stronger nation's warning to go home (vs.19). (There were 2 kings named Joash—one in Israel and one in Judah.)

Amaziah's attitude might be voiced, "I'll follow God when He helps me get what I want, but I like to keep my options open." That is a symptom of "but not wholeheartedly". Our own culture seems filled with people like Amaziah.

Uzziah's name meant "Strong in the Lord", but after years of success, he seemed to decide that the name really meant, "Strong in myself".

Good times did not lead Uzziah to turn from God, but they did lead to his prideful attitude toward God (26:16). The rules no longer applied to him; he believed he could do as he pleased and God would honor him because he was so important. However, Uzziah's long reign did bring back a golden age to Judah, at least for a few decades.

It is sad that so many of the kings of Israel and Judah demonstrate how not to live life, but it is a good reminder to maintain our time of prayer and consultation with God. Jesus often met with His Father to receive strength and advice. If we emulate this King, our lives will be full and at peace.

Next time: The Nations Respond To God   

David’s Line Continues

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2 Chronicles 23:1 - 24:27

For six years Prince Joash's aunt and the priest Jehoiada, hid him in the temple. Concealing a child, or at least his identity, must have proven a tense adventure. Surely there were others involved, since Athaliah was very unpopular. Jehoiada also spent this time building his own reputation and power, preparing to dethrone the usurper. (23:1) Even after six years of preparation, anointing Joash was dangerous. Athaliah still held enough loyal followers to crush the plan if it weren't accompanied by armed force.

As a God-focused man Jehoiada did not seek to rule, but restored God's choice to the throne and trained him to be a God-focused king.

Sometimes we are jealous of others in the workplace who are given opportunities that we are not, even (as in Jehoiada's case) when we know that they really can handle the position. Sometimes, like Jehoiada, we may even be asked to help the inexperienced grow into excellence, without grudge or negative feelings. Jehoiada did this even though the prince proved to be less than a stellar king. The old priest let God decide who should be where, assisting as he could. That is a good path for anyone, but following it requires God's help.

Jehoiada was a strong and good influence on the king. He must have been constantly countering false advice from evil officials and their false accusations against himself.

After Jehoiada died Joash turned to the wrong advisors (24:17-18). It's interesting that he enthusiastically pursued rebuilding the temple and yet fell prey to false gods. It's a reminder that in those days even God's people believed that many gods lived, not yet understanding that there was and is only one God.

The Zechariah who prophesied to Joash (vs.20) was one of about 30 of that name in the Old Testament and this is the only place he is mentioned. He had been Jehoiada's son, but Joash had him murdered for speaking against the king (vs.21). This action began Joash's end, and he was executed by his own servants after being injured in a lost battle with Aram (Syria). As with some other failed kings of Judah, Joash was not buried "with his fathers."

Next time: Rebellion and Arrogance Continue

A Wayward Son

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2 Chronicles 21:1 - 22:12

In today's reading we see "Israel" used in two different ways. Jehoshaphat had wanted to restore the united kingdom. In this sense of the two nations combined, "Israel" is used to refer to Jehoshaphat and his followers (vs.2). Later, in verse 6, "Israel" refers to the rebellious and wicked northern nation.

A few years before Edom's rebellion against Judah (vs.8), the king of Israel also had problems with rebellious states. The power of both nations was declining because of the evil practiced by Ahab's family in the north and King Jehoram in the south. The Philistines watched these developments with great interest and attacked Judah as soon as they noted Jehoram's weakening. They pillaged their way to Jerusalem, carrying off great booty including the king's family (vs.16-17).

Did Jehoram expect the letter from Elijah (vs.12)? Surely he knew of the prophet, and having been part of Jehoshaphat's faithful family, Jehoram's rebellion against God was not one of ignorance. He knew exactly what he was doing, so one has to think that when the messenger arrived with scroll in hand, Jehoram's arrogance must have faltered, but the author mentions no repentance on the king's part. Jehoram was buried away from his ancestors, and not missed by most, (vs.20). He would not be the only king of Judah to come to a rebellious end.

The family of Ahab, in the kingdom of Judah by marriage, brought more disaster to Jehoram's son, Ahaziah. He reigned only one year before being killed along with the rest of Ahab's family by Jehu. Jehu also killed Ahab's widow, Jezebel.

Athaliah, Ahaziah's mother and Ahab's daughter, immediately became (or perhaps already was) the most powerful person in Judah (22:10). She carried on the traditions of her evil mother, Jezebel, by attempting to kill every member of Judah's ruling family. She managed to hold power in Jerusalem for six years, but the Lord, according to His promise to David, inspired a sister of Ahaziah to save his toddler son, Joash, from being murdered by his own grandmother (vs.11).

Next Time: David's Line Continues

Jehoshaphat, the Good King

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2 Chronicles 19:1 - 20:37

Jehoshaphat accepted God's judgment of his actions (vs.1-4). While some kings rebelled at criticism even from God, Jehoshaphat humbled himself before the Lord and moved on with his life.

His behavior is an example for us. There are days when we fail God miserably (yet again). We then have a choice to make—will we decide that we really didn't sin; God should understand our circumstance; it was the other guy's fault; will we be so humble that we waste the day that God has given us in self-recrimination? Or, will we repent, offer praise to God for His forgiveness through Jesus our Lord, and ask God to help us walk this day closer to Him? Jehoshaphat chose the latter. His work in the nation remained vigorous as he refocused on God. We too can put yesterday to rest and go on with the journey.

In addition to the teachers he had sent through the land the king now sent out judges with instructions on how to obey God in all of their rulings (vs.5). Jehoshaphat wanted to create a united, efficient, God-centered kingdom.

When threatened by three united enemies, Jehoshaphat turned to God for an answer (20:3). The answer didn't make much sense unless one depended on God to keep His word. The army of Judah marched out singing praise to God. Singing praise to God leaves one less time to be terrified of the enemy. Imagine the joy and surprise of the army as they approached the field of battle and found that the three enemy armies had destroyed each other over some disagreement! God had shown them the truth of the words "the battle is not yours, but God's" (vs.15).

Though Jehoshaphat was a good king of Judah, his God-centered rule could not turn the people away from worshiping of the gods of other nations (20:33). The writings of the prophets will tell us that there was always a "remnant" that remained true to God, but rebellion dominated every class of people in the land.

Next Time: A Wayward Son

A Strange Alliance

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2 Chronicles 17:1 - 18:34

Jehoshaphat removed the places of false worship, loved God, had a huge army, well-defended and fortified cities, and the Lord blessed his reign (vs.1-2). The nations surrounding him feared his strength, coming to him with tribute (vs.11). He sent spiritual leaders into the cities to teach the people how to worship God (vs.7). Jehoshaphat also made a treaty with Israel by marrying the daughter of Jezebel and Ahab (18:1).

The Chronicle's story of Jehoshaphat and Judah doesn't say much about Ahab. His reign is better recorded in Kings. Jezebel, his wife, was the queen who demanded the worship of Baal in Israel and tried to kill Elijah. It's amazing that Jehoshaphat would ally himself to that family by marriage.

Ahab desired Jehoshaphat's assistance in battle (vs.3), perhaps believing that this would guarantee his victory, but God's plan for him could not be sidestepped and the battle would end in Ahab's death.

Even in those days kings were surrounded by "yes men", telling them what they wanted to hear. God allowed the lies of false prophets to take hold in Ahab's heart. Why? Because Ahab didn't want to hear the truth. His attitude toward Micaiah makes this clear.

Jehoshaphat realized that the fawning false prophets were lying. Ahab probably knew it too, but didn't care. He just wanted Jehoshaphat's help. At Jehoshaphat's demand, Ahab sent for Micaiah who, probably in a sarcastic tone, told the king what he wanted to hear (vs.14). Imagine the two kings in their robes with Micaiah standing before them; Jehoshaphat listening attentively and Ahab slouched in his throne, frustrated and scowling. Then Ahab demanded the prophet's true message and, upon hearing it, jailed him—a not uncommon situation for God's prophets (vs.26).

Why did Jehoshaphat still go to war allied to Ahab? Some experts think that the king was willing to do almost anything to reunite Israel and Judah. His eagerness and good heart, however, may have led him into unwise decisions. In this incident and in his marriage, we note that he did not seek God's counsel before acting.

Next Time: Jehoshaphat, the Good King

Even Asa

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2 Chronicles 15:1 - 16:14

The NIV translates verse 2, "If you seek him, he will be found by you." The NASB is better, "And ^if you seek Him, He will let you find Him." We cannot find God on our own. He seeks us out, opening our eyes to see Him. Again, at the end of verse 4, the NASB reads "… and He let them find Him."

Chapter 14 said that Asa destroyed the places of false worship in Judah. Today' reading repeats this. It may be that Asa intensified his effort after the prophet's visit, but this may also be simply a more detailed explanation of Asa's actions. Authors of that time often told a story once to outline the event; then followed up with a more detailed version. Some scholars think that chapters 1 and 2 of Genesis are another example of this practice.

Chapter 15, verse 8 says that upon hearing the prophet's words, Asa "took courage". It takes courage to go against prevailing opinion. Tearing down false altars and idols that the people held dear was difficult, even for a king. It could have cost him his life. It is also hard for us to proclaim our Lord in a culture that denies God's authority and His uniqueness. Our experience may help us understand Asa's situation.

The end of Asa's reign is disappointing. No king's story ends "and he lived happily ever after." Sin always interrupts our efforts at righteousness. As Paul said in Romans 7, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!" In contrast to Paul's humility, Asa's pride brought his downfall. (vs.10-12)

[Just as a little note—I looked on the web for additional information on the goddess Asherah. Not only does her evil name live on, she is still worshiped! There is even a goddess altars source (this is a serious site, not a parody) for worshippers, and Asherah has her own altar site with prayers. She is popular among new-age and feminist religions. The goddess is often associated with trees (fertility) and her legs were generally replaced with a base suitable for setting into the ground.]

Next Time: A Strange Alliance

Wars and Kings

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2 Chronicles 13:1 - 14:15

Historians might look at today's passage and say that Abijah tried to improve relations with the northern tribes, but failed. Asa was a successful ruler for 41 years, a time of peace and building. He defended his realm from a Cushite invasion probably sponsored by the Pharaoh Shishak's successor.

The details of these historical events are really interesting, but to the Jewish writers the historical events of their nation were most important in how they reflected the story of God's relationship to them. Events revealed how God cared for and guided His people in their day-to-day, year-to-year, history. The most important lesson to the early readers of Chronicles was not that Asa ruled in peace, but that "Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God." (14:2)

Asa's father, Abijah, had successfully defended Judah against Jeroboam of Israel not because he had a stronger army, but because he depended upon God for guidance and victory, and tried to restore proper worship practices in the nation. God was the Key in the life of Judah, Israel, and the world.

The finest action in Asa's reign, to chronicler, was the destruction of the false worship centers in Judah that had drawn many away from the Lord since the days of Asa's grandfather, Solomon.

As Christians we sometimes forget that God is active in our world and in control of its history. He doesn't cause disaster and war, but He does assure that the history of the world continues toward His ordained goal. With that in mind, we need not fear what goes on around us. Jesus has assured us that God is in control and St. Paul has written, "I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom. 8:38-39)

Next time: Even Asa

Egypt Dominates

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2 Chronicles 12:1 – 16

This is another story that we read in I Kings, but with a few added details. Shishak was the Egyptian pharaoh who had given protection to Jeroboam when Solomon tried to kill him.

Shishak began his rule near the end of Solomon's life and probably wanted to end the power of Israel during that time, but did not have the resources to do so until the kingdom's fortuitous split.

The pharaoh stormed into Palestine, believing that the divided kingdom could be conquered and dominated. The Bible tells us that Rehoboam paid Egypt a huge amount of tribute (vs.9) to avoid being crushed by her army of chariots. Shishak recorded the history of his incursion into Palestine and, according to his claims, not only Jerusalem fell under attack. He destroyed over 150 cities and towns in the invasion according to inscriptions found at the ruins of Karnak. His campaign even extended into the new nation of Israel to the north of Jerusalem. John Bright, an expert historian on ancient Middle-Eastern history, says that Shishak "devastated Palestine from one end to the other." For some reason, Shishak was unable to maintain his presence in Palestine and withdrew to Egypt with his tribute. Rehoboam was forced to drop any plans he might have had concerning Israel to the north in order to protect his southern border from further Egyptian attacks. But the tribute paid to Egypt did save Jerusalem since it is not on the list of cities that Shishak claimed to have taken.

Shishak's successful attack was allowed by God because of Rehoboam's disobedience, and limited because of Rehoboam's repentance. Unfortunately the repentance was short-lived (vs.14) and Rehoboam went down in Judah's history as a king who turned his heart away from God.

The historical records of Shemaiah and Iddo (vs.15) are unknown.

The chronicler has now moved into the time of rebellion in his story to the exiles. He continues to make it clear that the nation's evil caused calamity, while God's love and patience were enduring.

For more on Shishak (Shoshenq) see http://touregypt.net/featurestories/sheshonq1.htm

Next time: Wars and Kings

The Kingdom Splits Forever

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2 Chronicles 10:1 - 11:23

Why didn't Rehoboam follow the elders' advice? The more important thing is that Rehoboam did not consult God. I Kings says that Solomon worshiped false gods later in his life. Perhaps this influenced Rehoboam. He fell into the trap of impressing his younger friends (though he was 41 at the time). One commentator says that the "scorpion" that he promised his people was a whip knotted with sharp pieces of metal.

The complaint about forced labor (vs.4) is a reminder that though project laborers were supposed to be drawn only from aliens, apparently the work pool had widened (I Kings 5:13-14; 11:28). There was also the heavy tax burden in the north which was used mostly in the south to build up Judah and Jerusalem. But the true sin that split the nation was rebellion against God and He punished the nation by turning part of it over to another king. Jeroboam would rule over the northern tribes (I Kings 11:29-39). God promised him that if he was obedient, "I will build you a dynasty as enduring as the one I built for David." But Jeroboam was disobedient to God and lost the Lord's blessing and help.

Why did Jeroboam create his own worship practices after God's promises to him? Some scholars think that Jeroboam was just being "practical". The worship center for all Israel, was in Jerusalem, now in enemy territory. What if the people traveled there and were tempted to return to the rule of Rehoboam? (11:16 tells us that many did just that) Jeroboam should have trusted God and sent the people to the temple in Jerusalem to worship properly. If he had, the attempt might have been rejected by Rehoboam, but as far as we know Jeroboam did not attempt to follow the laws of worship set down by Moses. He did not inquire of God. Instead he followed what was in his mind the most logical path by establishing worship places in the north (Israel) which quickly, if not deliberately, became centers of false worship. What would have happened if Jeroboam had trusted God and pursued worship in the temple of Jerusalem we will never know.

Next Time: Egypt Dominates