2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34
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Today in 2 Chronicles 18, King Ahab of Israel is not happy about the Arameans occupying Ramoth-gilead!  Unfortunately for King Jehoshaphat of Judah, he entered into a political alliance with Ahab by having his son marry Ahab’s daughter, Athaliah.  This basically bound him into going into battle with Ahab – but even worse, as we’ll read in the coming day’s readings, Ahab’s daughter Athaliah nearly kills all of the descendants of David in Judah….  more on this sad drama is coming up in chapter 22.  Ramoth-gilead was on a hilltop that could have looked something like this first image below.  The 2nd image below is a map (look to the center-right):

King Jehoshaphat of Judah wisely suggests that they should consult God before going into battle against the Arameans.  At which time King Ahab of Israel trots out his 400 yes-men “prophets” who say they should definitely go to war and that they will be victorious!  I love Jehoshaphat’s reaction to these 400 yes-men in verse 6 – “But Jehoshaphat asked, “Isn’t there a prophet of the LORD around, too? I would like to ask him the same question.””  Ahab’s reaction in verse 7 is quite telling…  “There is still one prophet of the LORD, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but bad news for me! His name is Micaiah son of Imlah.”  This verse really stands out for me in a big way in our world today.  I wonder if sometimes we – you and me – look for supposed “prophets” of the Lord that are yes-people to our particular likings – instead of looking for Truth.  Meaning…  and I’m just putting this out there, so bear with me.  Do we sometimes maybe even decide to attend a particular church because it tells us basically what we want to hear?  It keeps us in our comfortable place… we get yes-messages…  When, instead, should we be okay with attending a church that will give us some challenging and convicting messages on occasion?  Biblical messages mind you – which surely can be challenging to our modern ears at times.  I heard somewhere once before that church should be a place that “comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable.”  I like that…  Now, don’t get me wrong.  I am not saying we need to be in super-strict churches per se.  I just think we should really watch for churches that are giving a yes-message all the time to our particular likings verses churches that teach the Truth.  I don’t think church is the only area of where we might default to looking for yes-messages.  I think this can happen in books we read, TV we watch, or even with friends or with work.   Are we listening to 400 yes-people in our lives or are we okay with 1 Micaiah coming in and sharing a perceived “bad-news” message?  (which may ultimately be very good news if we’ll just listen to it…  if Ahab had really listened to Micaiah’s message in today’s readings, think he still would have rushed out to battle?) Below is an image of Micaiah and the false prophets before Jehoshaphat and Ahab –

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the Aaron Shust song “My Savior My God:”

Do you know our savior God? Click here for your savior!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14
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Today in 2 Chronicles chapter 14 we read about the early years of King Asa’s reign, including his incredible prayer to God in verse 11!  “Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God, “O LORD, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in you alone. It is in your name that we have come against this vast horde. O LORD, you are our God; do not let mere men prevail against you!”  Unfortunately by the end of our readings today, in chapter 16, we read about Asa falling away from God and relying on a foreign king and physicians without any prayer for healing from God.  He replaced God in his life with mere men.  I wonder how often we do this in our lives today?  Can you think of any times in your life where you have relied on people in the place of relying on God?  How did that work out?  I do think we can rely on people certainly – if we are also relying on God more so and if God is in the midst of the relationship with the people we are relying on.  I think all would have gone well with King Asa in his later years if he had only been taught this motto that we teach our kids today: “Be a FROG!”  🙂  Fully Rely On God!  What about you in your life today?  Are you a FROG?  🙂  Let us all be FROG’s!

(apologies for the silly start to this posting today… 🙂

Worship Video:  Today’s readings remind me of this “God of Wonders and Agnes Dei” video with Third Day and Caedmon’s Call!

Do you know our God of Wonders? Click here for Mr. Wonderful!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Chronicles 11:1-13:22
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In Second Chronicles chapter 11 today we read about Jeroboam appointing his own priests who served at pagan shrines and encouraged idol worship!  Think this was a smart idea…?  This led the Levites to abandon their homes in Israel and head south to Judah.  Just imagine the spiritual vacuum this departure of the Levites left in Judah… maybe this is kind of like the spiritual vacuum that happens in our lives today when we don’t go to church for a while??  🙂  This sin of Jeroboam unfortunately plays itself out over and over in the northern Kingdom until its destruction.  Below is a sad image of Jeroboam leading the Israelites into the sin of worshiping a golden calf:

Today in Second Chronicles chapter 12 we read about Egypt invading Judah.  Why?  Because Rehoboam and all of Israel abandoned God’s Law.  You will notice often in Chronicles the patterns of obedience=blessing and disobedience=punishment.  In chapter 12 we’re going into punishment…  Verse 9 tells us: “So King Shishak of Egypt came to Jerusalem and took away all the treasures of the Temple of the LORD and of the royal palace, including all of Solomon’s gold shields.”  Bible History Online says this about Shishak: “Shishak’s invasion of Judah has been confirmed by archaeologists. Shishak’s own record of his campaign is inscribed on the south wall of the Great Temple of Amon at Karnak. In his campaign he presents 156 cities of Judea to his god Amon.”  Image below is courtesy of Bible History Online and shows “Shishak Smiting His Captives”:

A map with a good overview of the Divided Kingdoms of Israel and Judah at this point in our readings in Second Chronicles is below:

Worship Video:  I think this video and song ties in very well with the transformation we’re reading about – and hopefully experiencing – in the Old Testament this year.  The great thing about this video is that the artist, Brandon Heath, opens and closes the song with some great comments.  Be forewarned – this video just might make you cry…  Beautiful stuff.  Enjoy Brandon Heath’s “I’m Not Who I Was.”  And as you watch this video and listen to the song, take some time to reflect on how God has changed you over time…  Does this song tell the story of who you are today too?

Are you who you were? Click here to become who you were meant to be!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Chronicles 8:11-10:19
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Today in Second Chronicles chapter 8 we learn that Solomon married the Egyptian Pharaoh’s daughter, which was not pleasing to God and was contrary to God’s Law of not marrying foreigners (in large part because they worshiped foreign gods) as you’ll recall from Deuteronomy 7:3-4.  The Chronicler overall paints a very rosy portrait of both David and Solomon, ignoring many aspects of their sins that we read about in Samuel and Kings.  But, it’s interesting the Chronicler mentioned this marriage. Solomon married likely for a military alliance with Egypt.  Solomon’s marrying of foreign wives ultimately led to his turning his heart away from God, as we read in 1 Kings 11:1-11.  Interestingly, we see that Solomon won’t allow his Egyptian wife to live in David’s palace in verse 11: “Solomon moved his wife, Pharaoh’s daughter, from the City of David to the new palace he had built for her. He said, “My wife must not live in King David’s palace, for the Ark of the LORD has been there, and it is holy ground.””  And so he builds her a brand new palace!  Think Solomon knew something was amiss with this situation before God if he wouldn’t let his Egyptian wife live in David’s palace?  What about us in our lives today – when we sin, do we try to “cover it up” or “build a pretty palace” to maybe try to distract ourselves or God from our sin?  Should we instead just simply confess our sin to God and repent?

At the very end of Second Chronicles chapter 8 today we read these interesting verses 17-18: “Later Solomon went to Ezion-geber and Elath, ports in the land of Edom, along the shore of the Red Sea. Hiram sent him ships commanded by his own officers and manned by experienced crews of sailors. These ships sailed to the land of Ophir with Solomon’s men and brought back to Solomon almost seventeen tons of gold.”  You will see the port of Elath in the 2nd map below.  Then, the big question I had today was where is Ophir?  Well, it turns out that Ophir was likely in the land of “Sheba” from whence Queen Sheba comes to visit Solomon!  So, it is interesting to see how these last 2 verses in chapter 8 lead us to Second Chronicles chapter 9 today where we read about the Queen of Sheba’s visit to Solomon.  Below is about the best map I could find with the land of Sheba, and Ophir, in comparison to Israel.  The Queen obviously traveled quite a distance in those days to visit Solomon!  And I think we can now understand how she learned of Solomon – he built a fleet of ships and sailed them to her land!

In Second Chronicles chapter 9 we read about Solomon’s wealth and splendor.  I think it is interesting for us to remember that Solomon likely writes the book of Ecclesiastes, which we will read later this year.  Ecclesiastes wisely teaches us that living life for one’s own pleasure and for riches is meaningless – but only living for God makes life worthwhile.  I thought about Ecclesiastes when reading about all of Solomon’s wealth today – and realizing that it would later all be destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar and his army from Babylon.  Solomon’s wealth was yes, impressive.  But Solomon’s sins and the sins of his descendants eventually took all of it away.  Let us never forget that sin kills…  Let us never forget that the wages of sin are death.  (remember where we read that recently?  You’ve got this memorized from Romans 6:23 correct? 🙂 Today in Verses 22 through 24 we read – “So King Solomon became richer and wiser than any other king in all the earth.  Kings from every nation came to visit him and to hear the wisdom God had given him. Year after year, everyone who came to visit brought him gifts of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules.”  Below is a painting of Solomon in all of his splendor in “The Queen of Sheba before Solomon” by Nicolas Knupfer, c. 1640:

I do think map’s can often give us a great overview / understanding of what we’re reading about in the Bible.  I think now is a good time to show a good map of Solomon’s Kingdom compared to modern day Israel, below.  Take a few minutes to really study this map and reflect upon places you recognize from today’s readings and previous day’s readings:

King Rehoboam’s bad decision making in Second Chronicles chapter 10 is an excellent example of why we should respect our elders…  Rehoboam blew off the advice of his elders and instead heeded the foolish advice of the young men around him.  And then the kingdom was divided.   Of course, this turn of events was the will of God.  But, still, a good example I think of why we should listen to and respect our elders…

Worship Video:  Today’s readings remind me of Michael W. Smith’s “You are Holy” which is a great song to worship God to today. Enjoy!

Do you know our Holy God? Click here for Holiness!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10
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Today in Second Chronicles we read about Solomon’s dedication of the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem!  Below is “King Solomon praying before the Temple” by Neapolitan painter Giuseppe Bonito, c. 1750:

I meant to do this in yesterday’s posting – show an exterior and interior image below of what’s now often referred to as “Solomon’s Temple.” Even though it was clearly the Temple of the Lord, it’s referred to as Solomon’s Temple based on Solomon building it – and we’ll read about some more Temple’s later on in our readings in the One Year Bible this year, including Ezekiel’s Temple, which is fascinating!  Anyhow, below are two images of Solomon’s Temple.

Worship God: Today’s readings reminds me of Bebo Norman’s song “Sing of Your Glory:”

Have you sung of God’s glory? Click here to sing Now!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Chronicles 4:1-6:11
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Today in Second Chronicles we read about the furnishings for the Temple, including the completion of the Sea in chapter 4 verses 4 & 5 – “The Sea rested on a base of twelve bronze oxen, all facing outward. Three faced north, three faced west, three faced south, and three faced east. The walls of the Sea were about three inches thick, and its rim flared out like a cup and resembled a lily blossom. It could hold about 16,500 gallons of water.”  The Sea was used by the priests for their ceremonial washings.  Interestingly, the New Testament views these washing rituals as a foreshadowing of the cleansing provided to us by Jesus, as we will read later this year in Hebrews chapter 9 verses 11-14: “When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”  Below is an image of the Sea from today’s readings:

Today we also read about the Ark being brought to the Temple.  Second Chronicles chapter 5 verses 13 & 14 are incredible to consider: “The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the LORD with these words: “He is so good! His faithful love endures forever!” At that moment a cloud filled the Temple of the LORD. The priests could not continue their work because the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple of God.”

Worship Video:  Today’s readings remind me of The David Crowder Band’s “Everything Glorious”:

Is everything glorious in your life? Click here for Glory!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Chronicles 1:1-3:17
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Today we begin the book of Second Chronicles!  Are you ready to read about the reign of King Solomon?  Let’s go!

~Second Chronicles~
Author: Unknown
Date: Fifth century B.C.
Content: Second Chronicles contains the history of Judah that was begun in First Chronicles. It deals with the glory of Solomon’s reign, with a special emphasis being placed upon the glory of the temple. This emphasis is made because a priest point of view pervades the book. The remaining kings of Judah are discussed, with a stress upon how the religious affairs of the nation were going. Hezekiah is given mention because during his reign an extended revival took place. The destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the people to Babylon are described, and the book ends with the Persian king’s decree to let the people return home.
Theme: Judah’s history is described from a religious point of view in this book. The righteous kings are commented on and the evil kings are named so that all can see who is responsible for the rise and fall of the nation. The religious leaders and their ultimate failure to remain true to God added to the sin of Judah – until God allowed his own chosen people to plunge themselves into ruin, as an example for all time that God will not tolerate sin. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 7-8) More commentary on Second Chronicles is at this link.

Today in 2 Chronicles chapter 1 we read about King Solomon asking for wisdom and knowledge from God. In verse 7 we read these words from God to Solomon – “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” In verse 10 we will read this amazing response from Solomon to God: “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” Solomon could have asked God for anything – more wealth, more power, more strength, more whatever, but he simply asked for wisdom and knowledge. Why? Because he wanted to lead God’s people well and distinguish between right and wrong. Amazing. How would you or I answer this question today? What if God came to you today and said the same thing to you from verse 5 – “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” What would you ask for? Would you ask for Wisdom? Would you ask for Knowledge? If so, God offers these to you and me right now. Where? I believe wisdom and knowledge is offered to us through study of the Bible and by living in a loving and right relationship with God. We can receive the gift of God’s wisdom today! If we would answer this question from God differently – maybe wanting more money, or power, or fame, or whatever – do you think we might forfeit gaining wisdom? So, again, what if God were to say to you right now this same statement he said to Solomon? “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” What do you ask for?  Below is a portrait by artist Guy Rowe of Solomon praying to God for wisdom:

Worship Video:  Today’s readings remind me of Anne Wilson’s song “My Jesus:”

Is Jesus yours? Click here for You to be His!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

1 Chronicles 28:1-29:30
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We finish up the book of First Chronicles today!  Second Chronicles begins tomorrow! Today’s readings are a nice transition from the reign of King David to his son Solomon. 

Our readings today set the transition scene nicely in First Chronicles 28 verses 1 & 2: “David summoned all his officials to Jerusalem–the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of the twelve army divisions, the other generals and captains, the overseers of the royal property and livestock, the palace officials, the mighty men, and all the other warriors in the kingdom. David rose and stood before them and addressed them as follows: “My brothers and my people!””  One thing that really stood out to me in David’s address to his officials today was his absolute passion for God’s Temple!  David was so passionate about making sure the Temple was prepared for his son Solomon to build it.  Yes, true, God gave David the plans for the Temple. 🙂 But… what about us in our lives today… does God give us any “plans” for our lives today?  What about the Bible?  Is the Bible a “plan” for our lives today that we should follow?  Below is an image from today’s readings of David addressing his officials:

I love David’s prayer of praise to God today in 1 Chronicles 29 verses 10 through 12: “O LORD, the God of our ancestor Israel, may you be praised forever and ever! Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Riches and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and it is at your discretion that people are made great and given strength.”  Have you ever prayed a prayer of praise like this to God?  Would you like to?  You could do so right now!

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the Matt Maher song “Alive Again.” Here is a great live version from Matt:

Are you truly alive? Click here and be made Alive Again!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

1 Chronicles 26:12-27:34
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It is interesting to read about the various gatekeepers, treasurers, officials, military commanders and leaders in today’s First Chronicle readings!  In some ways it is sad to read about how well organized things were – knowing that the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple and the exile to Babylon is coming up.  All of this organization will be destroyed.  Why?  Because of sin.  Sin destroys.  Sin kills.  So sad.  It is true that the lineage from Abraham to Judah to David will of course continue through to Jesus and now to us as spiritual descendants.  But, the nation of Israel at this time of First Chronicles, with all of it’s great organization, will later fall because the leaders and people will turn their backs on God in sin.  In disobedience.  Is there a lesson for us in this today?  Do you see the dangers of sin?  Of how it can destroy everything you hold dear?  Please – flee from sin.  Jesus can set you free from the bondage of sin.  Don’t lose everything you hold dear to something as stupid as sin.  Sin will sell you lies and leave you with nothing.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminds me of Jeremy Camp’s song “Healing Hand of God:”

Have you felt the healing hand of God? Click here for Healing!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

1 Chronicles 24:1-26:11
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In First Chronicles chapter 24 today we read about the divisions of the priests and the Levites.  It is important to note that the priests and Levites had differing roles.  The priests actually performed the sacrifices whereas the Levites assisted the priests in their duties – including assisting in the sacrifices, playing music, baking goods, and care of the Tabernacle/Temple (to name a few things the Levites did).  Both priests and Levites were from the tribe of Levi, but the priests also had to be descendants of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel.

Ever wonder why we have music in church today?  First Chronicles 25 verse 1 could be where the stage is set for the tradition of music in our worship services! “David and the army commanders then appointed men from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to proclaim God’s messages to the accompaniment of harps, lyres, and cymbals.” Do you find music in church to be inspiring?  Do you worship God with music in church? Why do you suppose music moves people so profoundly in church?  Do you think music can bring people closer to Jesus?  Has music brought you closer to Jesus?

Worship Video – Today’s readings remind me of the New Life terrific worship song, “Great I Am:”

Do you know the great I Am? Click here to meet Him!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!