II CHRONICLES

The following comments are from Navigator's and Quiet Time Diary journals. One verse will be entered, then the comment, then the date.

1:7    In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, "Ask what I shall give you."

    Young Solomon had just become King of Israel. He knew his father David's devotion to the Lord God and wanted to continue to do the same. I chose this verse because no one has seen God, but God appeared to Solomon in this verse. I believe it was probably in a dream, as it refers to "that night." (DRM 4/8/08)

1:10    Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?

    God had just asked Solomon what he wanted, as he had just had 1,000 burnt offerings from the new king. 
    This verse is special (as God commented) because Solomon did NOT ask for riches, or gold, but rather wisdom and knowledge. 
    God, let me be more like Solomon and not ask for material goods as much as a way to be a good servant to You! (DRM 10/11/87)

2:1, 2    Now Solomon decided to build a house for the name of the LORD and a royal palace for himself. ²So Solomon assigned 70,000 men to carry loads and 80,000 men to quarry stone in the mountains and 3,600 to supervise them.

    Why so many people?
    I/we have to change our mindset from what it's like today with all the mechanical equipment to do this project to a time thousands of years ago when all the work had to be done by hand. Compare this project to the Egyptian pyramids.
    This was David's idea, but Solomon was the person to implement it. (1 Chronicles 28:2-5).
    God can give us projects to do that glorify Him. While not on a great scale like Solomon had, most "projects" require additional people to work on different aspects. As a Christian family (e.g. church) we need to work together on a specific goal - and God=Jesus will be glorified. (DRM 11/12/17)   

2:5    The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other Gods.

    Solomon is ready to build the temple and has asked for assistance.
    While I will enjoy reading about the temple in the next few nights, I have just realized that no matter what structure a person worships God in, that God will be the same everywhere.
    We are all a part of God's body, by being a part of the Body of Christ and by meeting in a tent or a house or a church, God is always there. (DRM 10/12/87)

3:2    He began building on the second day of the second month in the fourth year of his reign.

    From the descriptions that I have read of David's preparation for the temple before his death, I was surprised that Solomon did not start the temple earlier in his reign.
    This verse seems to indicate that even in 450 B.C. things went slow and patience was needed even on major projects that the king requested. (DRM 10/13/87)

5:10    There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets which Moses put there at Horeb, where the LORD made a covenant with the sons of Israel, when they came out of Egypt.

    The Bible doesn't contradict itself. In Hebrews 9:4, the ark contained additional items. How can this be? My theory would be that the other items were added later. God's Word is true, and faith is required to answer questions that don't seem to agree. Many years passed between the writings. (DRM 4/8/08)

5:12    . . . and all the Levitical singers, Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and kinsmen, clothed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps and lyres, standing east of the altar, and with them one hundred and twenty priests blowing trumpets. . .

    This is part of the description of when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to the temple.
    The Jews at the time were so happy at the occasion that they had lots of singing and instrumentation. After this presentation, the Lord showed His presence in a cloud.
    This is an example to show us that the Lord God enjoys music that proclaims praise to Him. We should be glad to sing unto the Lord. (DRM 1/22/12)

5:14    . . . and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God. 

    King Solomon's temple was ready to be dedicated and the glory of the Lord arrived and filled the temple.
    It must have been a glorious sight to know that God was truly in His presence right before you!
    After Jesus Christ died, we no longer needed God's glory, as we had the Holy Spirit within us if we accepted Jesus Christ as savior. (DRM 10/14/87)

6:8    But the LORD said to my father David, 'Because it was in your heart to build a house for My name, you did well that it was in your heart.'

    God knows our thoughts and intentions, He truly can read our minds. David's mind was set on building a home for God, but his son did the construction. God knows that I moved to Illinois (now three times) with a purpose - but I have yet to see how my intent will be accomplished. (DRM 4/9/08)

6:14    He [Solomon] said, "O LORD, the God of Israel, there is no god like You in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing lovingkindness to Your servants who walk before You with all their heart. . .

    Solomon's temple in Jerusalem was complete. This is part of what Solomon prayed at the dedication ceremony.
    God keeps all His promises/covenants that He told David and others. He loves each of us equally and wants us to put all our faith in Him, and His Son, Jesus.
    While we may not understand why He does some things that don't go as expected, He knows what is best for us. After time, whatever the incident, we will see that His way was the best way.
    Solomon prayed. We should also pray and wait for the Lord's answer. (DRM 6/14/17)

6:18    But will God indeed dwell with mankind on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You; how much less this house which I have built.

    This verse leads to at least two thoughts. The first is agreement that God lives in heaven and won't be living in the newly constructed temple - but at that time His Spirit did come on occasion. The second thought is that, yes, God later did - and will - dwell with mankind on earth. That's what Jesus did and will do in the future. (DRM 4/9/08)

6:21    Listen to the supplications of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place; hear from Your dwelling place, from heaven; hear and forgive.

    This is part of Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the new temple in Jerusalem. At the time of this prayer, Solomon and Israel were dedicated to serve the Lord, then time progressed (1 Kings 11:1-8) and the people started to intermarry with the neighbors and allow other gods to be present in their midst. This was the beginning of the downfall of ancient Israel.
    After we trust in the Lord Jesus, we need to "stick with it" and pray and follow only His commands. Each "little" sin can lead to another and our faith in Him will wane. Trust in God=Jesus and no one else or other god (e. g. money). When we repent, He will hear and forgive. (DRM 10/6/16)

6:23b+    Judge between your servants, repaying the guilty by bringing down on his head what he has done. Declare the innocent not guilty and so establish his innocence. 

    Solomon was dedicating the new temple in Jerusalem and most of this chapter was his prayer to God.
    God surely judges all Christians today by his convicting Holy Spirit within each of us. When I sin, I now feel the conviction instantly (most times) and have the opportunity to confess my sin. Conviction by the Holy Spirit is good for me as it will always cause me to strive to be more like Jesus every day. (DRM 10/20/87)

6:27    then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants and Your people Israel, indeed, teach them the good way in which they should walk. And send rain on Your land which You have given to Your people for an inheritance.

    This is the second half of a statement about lack of rain (droughts) that may come upon the land from the sins of the people. I was most interested in the word "teach" - referring to the Holy Spirit - and His conviction and instruction. I depend on His teaching me and conviction of sins, but it is necessary for Him to be inside of me first. (DRM 4/10/08)

6:40    "Now, O my God, I pray, let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place."

    As Solomon's petitions to God ended, he hoped that the Lord God heard his prayer. At times I feel the same way. This is where faith comes in. I must believe that the Lord God hears my prayers and is working on my behalf. Since we know history, we know how the Lord answered Solomon's prayers - and have assurance that He will answer mine (ours) also. (DRM 4/11/08)

7:5    King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. Thus the King and all the people dedicated the house of God.

    It's hard to visualize the size of the herd of oxen and sheep to be sacrificed - and what they did with the remains. Part of the answer was probably in verse 8, the Feast of Dedication, which lasted seven days for all Israel. Today we can reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus, instead of animals, for our salvation. (DRM 4/12/08)

7:14    If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

    Thank God that he will forgive us of our sins! It seems so simple, just to ask forgiveness, but most people just don't believe that God IS real. They won't humble themselves to bother to pray to Him.
    Lord, don't make me anything like "them" but more and more like You and Your Son, Jesus Christ; the true savior of all who will believe! (DRM 10/23/87)

7:16    For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that My name may be there forever, and my eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.

    Solomon had completed the "house of the Lord" in Jerusalem and dedicated it. This verse is part of the Lord God's response after the dedication.
    God said what He would do if the Israelites continued to follow His statutes (vv. 17-18) and what He would do if they turned away (vv. 19-22).
    While the temple mount is in ruins today; only a wall survives, God stated in this verse that His heart will be there perpetually/forever.
    Jerusalem is God's chosen location. Whatever happens there He will be watching carefully. (DRM 7/12/17)

7:19, 20    "But if you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods and worship them, ²⁰then I will uproot you from My land which I have given you, and this house which I have consecrated for My name I will cast out of My  sight and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples.

    The Lord had told Solomon what would happen "if" he and the Israelites turned away from Him. We all have short memories and tend to drift away - which is why we need to be constantly refilled with His Spirit and Word. (DRM 4/13/08)

8:15    They did not deviate from the king's commands to the priests or to the Levite's in any matter, including that of the treasuries. 

    King Solomon appointed many people to work under him, and they all obeyed his commands. 
    I should be willing to be submissive to the Lord's commands also, as illustrated in this verse. It is very important to be willing to do whatever is asked, even when it doesn't seem to make any sense at the time it happens. (DRM 10/29/87)

9:2    Solomon answered all her (Queen of Sheba) questions; nothing was too hard for him to explain to her. 

    It seems that I am more like the Queen of Sheba (asking questions) right now, than King Solomon. (giving answers)
    With the Lord's help and patience, I can hope and pray that I will be able to help future new Christians by answering their questions about our Lord Jesus Christ. (DRM 11/2/87) 

9:7    How blessed are your men, how blessed are these your servants who stand before you continually and hear your wisdom.

    This quote is from the Queen of Sheba, who came to visit King Solomon. I wonder if her statements went to "his head," and if he forgot Who gave him this wisdom. He didn't give his response in this passage. We (I) always have to remember to give God the credit for all the good things that happen in my life. (DRM 4/14/08)

9:20    All King Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; silver was not considered valuable in the days of Solomon.

    I would think that at some time Solomon should have given some of his riches to the poor instead of apparently being so greedy in using the riches on only himself. The Bible doesn't tell us about this - if he gave any money away or not. I try to share as the Lord gives to me. (DRM 4/15/08)

10:14    (Rehoboam) he followed the advice of the young men and said, "My father (Solomon) made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions. 

    Later in verse 19 it says, "So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day."
    Quite often I make quick decisions that will affect every part of my life, and either consult no one, or what ends up to be the wrong people. 
    Rehoboam consulted with his friends and not the elders. Perhaps I should also listen to Christian elders about my plans, before making any final decisions. (DRM 11/7/87)

11:15    And he appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat and calf idols he had made. 

    I can only think "how quickly they forget!" King Rehoboam was the son of king Solomon who was the son of king David. 
    Rehoboam should have realized that the Lord honored David and Solomon for their love of Him. Now Rehoboam was honoring other gods and I am sure that he will regret this. (DRM 11/11/87)

12:1    After Rehoboam's position as king was established and he had become strong, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the Lord. 

    In this chapter we learn that God can and will punish kings (and people) who abandon His laws. If we repent, God will be kind and will show us His mercy, and keep us in His Kingdom.
    If we don't repent, God can make us regret our actions. (DRM 1/8/88)

12:2, 3    And it came about in King Rehoboam's fifth year, because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, that Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem ³with 1,200 chariots and 60,000 horsemen. And the people who came with him from Egypt were without number: the Lubim, the Sukkiim and the Ethiopians.

    Israel of that time seems to have gone through various times of drifting away from the Lord God. Today we would call it backsliding.
    To Israel's credit, when things didn't go as planned and a prophet (v. 5) came to tell them why (the Lord had been ignored), they turned back and honored or worshipped Him again (v. 6).
    As individuals, we can do the same thing. We can drift away by many diversions today. God wants us to stay on track and keep following His direction - not our own. (DRM 4/26/14)

12:9    So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took the treasures of the house of the LORD  and the treasures of the king's palace. He took everything; he even took the golden shields which Solomon had made.

    All of the riches of Solomon's time were gone soon after his son Rehoboam reigned as king. Verse 14 summarizes his life: "He did evil because he did not set his heart to seek the LORD." It must have been very difficult for Rehoboam to lose all of the great riches - and we should learn to keep our heart on doing as the Lord directs. (DRM 4/16/08)

13:10    But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken Him; and the sons of Aaron are ministering to the LORD as priests, and the Levites attend to their work.

    This chapter refers to a battle between Abijah, king of Judah, and King Jeroboam of Israel.
    The king of Judah was outnumbered (800,000 form Israel vs. 400,000 from Judah) (v. 3), but had faith that the Lord God would be with him and would win the battle.
    Even after Judah was surrounded (v. 14) they called on the Lord and He delivered them.
    When we call on the Lord in faith, He will also deliver us if it is His will. Stay faithful to Him. Trust in His provision and His love will always show the right way.  (DRM 8/18/16)

13:18b    . . . and the men of Judah were victorious because they relied on the Lord, the God of their fathers.

    Trusting the Lord for everything is the right desire for every true Christian. We KNOW that He is alive and listens to our every desire, request and analyzes our every motive. (DRM 9/25/88)

14:6    He [King Asa] built fortified cities in Judah, since the land was undisturbed, and there was no one at war with him during those years, because the LORD had given him rest.

    King Asa did what was good and right in the sight of the Lord (v. 2), so the Lord God allowed rest for the nation of Israel - no wars.
    The king built more cities during this time and all the inhabitants worshipped the true God. Things were going well for Israel.
    Generally speaking, this should occur individually as well. As we (I) personally worship the Lord God=Jesus we should have confidence that He will also provide for us. That doesn't mean we can't get sick or hurt, just that we know that He is watching and whatever happens will be in His will. (DRM 10/11/12)

    It has been wisely observed that trials reveal our character. That was certainly the case for King Asa. He turned to the Lord in times of need because he had developed that habit during times of peace and rest. (Our Daily Bread, Insight, 10/11/12)

14:7a,c    "Let us build up these towns," he [King Asa] said to Judah, "and put walls around them, with towers, gates and bars . . . so they built and prospered.

    The Lord kept king Asa out of war for 10 years, so Asa decided to build the cities as described here. Walling cities was common in that time to protect them from continuous attacks from opposing armies.  (DRM 9/26/88)

15:1, 2    Now the Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Obed, ²and he went out to meet Asa, and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: the Lord is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.

    Azariah was the prophet. Asa was the king of Judah at the time.
    God wanted the devotion of Judah then, as He wants it today. The king had to decide for God and take away the false gods that were in the land.
    How great it would be if the world today was to turn from its evil gods - especially the quiet ones that Satan puts forward!
    While the world continues its path of destruction, we, as individuals, can still choose to follow God=Jesus and not today's world system. (DRM 8/30/14)

15:4    But in their distress they turned to the LORD God of Israel, and they sought Him, and He let them find Him.

    It seems that when we (I) get in "trouble" that we are more likely to call upon the Lord God for deliverance. Thankfully, He hears our call (prayer), but I think it would be better if we (I) never leave His side in the first place. Lord, don't let me leave You. (DRM 4/17/08)

15:12,19    They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. ¹⁹There was no more war until the 35th year of Asa's reign. 

    Complete dedication to the Lord by the nation of Israel. — They changed so quickly! After a "few" years people forget the Lord — Please don't let that happen to me! (DRM 9/27/88)

16:7    At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him: "Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. 

    After reading how kings easily forget the Lord (even after 35 years of honor) just makes me think that God is telling us not to disobey or deny Him - and is showing us the consequences. (DRM 9/28/88)

16:8    Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubim an immense army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the LORD, He delivered them into your hand.

    This is a contrast between verse seven and eight. In v. 7, King Asa did not rely on the Lord and in v. 8 King Asa DID rely on the Lord and the Lord "delivered them into your hand."
    Obviously the Lord wants us to depend on Him and not the people or things of this world. There are a lot of things this could apply to: food, clothing, shelter, health, relationships, etc.
    Sometimes it's tempting to do things the way of the world, but the Lord God=Jesus truly is the better way. (DRM 9/12/13)

16:9    . . . For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars."

    King Asa of Judah was told earlier (15:1, 2) that if he followed the Lord God, that He would be with him. If Asa forsook God, God would forsake him. When Asa was threatened with the army of Israel, he sent silver and gold ( a bribe) to the king of Aram (v. 2) so he would defeat this enemy.
    Asa depended on the king of Aram and not on God. In this verse judgment was proclaimed. Soon after, Asa got sick and died (v. 12-13).
    God=Jesus wants us to depend on Him for our needs. At times we will need spiritual strength to follow Him alone. He will defend those who put their faith/trust totally in Him. (DRM 6/1/16)

16:12, 13    In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa became diseased in his feet. His disease was severe; yet even in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but the physicians. ¹³So Asa slept with his fathers, having died in the forty-first year of his reign.

    Times have changed, but have they? God wants us to put our full faith in Him for ALL things - including our health. When we get a disease or illness, He wants us to pray to Him for healing, as we would/should do for others.
    God uses physicians today as agents of His healing. Always pray to God first, then go to a physician if necessary. Certainly serious injuries require medical assistance. Pray to the Lord for the physicians to do their job well.
    Trust in the Lord, let Him direct your paths (Prov. 3:5,6). (DRM 12/2/17)

17:5    So the LORD established the kingdom in his control, and all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor.

    Jehoshaphat "sought the God of his father" and "followed His commandments" (v. 4).
    God loves those who follow His commands and seek to do His will. While we (I) may not receive riches and honor while on earth, there is a better day coming when Jesus will be the ultimate Ruler and He will make all things "right."
    While you and I are not likely kings while on earth right now, we can have confidence that better days are indeed coming. (DRM 9/13/13)

    We honor God's name when we call Him our Father and live like His Son. (From Our Daily Bread, 9/13/13)

17:6    His (King Jehoshaphat) heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord; furthermore, he removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah. 

    Obedience to the Lord is essential to spiritual peace. All believers should destroy the idols and material things that we worship or idolize. (DRM 9/29/88)

17:9    They taught in Judah, having the book of the law of the LORD with them; and they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.

    Jehoshaphat was a good king in Judah and followed the Lord God. He sent officials and Levites to teach the word of the Lord to the people (v. 7-9).
    God honored Jehoshaphat for his dedication and no one made war against his kingdom (v. 10).
    How we need something like this today - not only in USA, but elsewhere in the world! I can't think of a single outward Christian leader on earth today. How different the Millennial Kingdom will be! Jesus will reign and there will be no more wars. Jehoshaphat was an example. (DRM 7/26/15)
   
18:13    But Micaiah (the prophet) said, "As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him (the king) only what my God says."

    While I am not a prophet, I should be a good witness to others about what God through Jesus Christ has done in my life. Let me also be truthful and state only what God says to me. (DRM 9/30/88)

19:6    He (king Jehoshaphat) told them, "Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. . . " 

    Our court system should be reminded of this verse occasionally. It's easy to forget that God is watching our EVERY action and that we are here to please HIM. (DRM 10/1/88)

20:3    Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.

    An invading army was coming towards Judah (v. 2) and Jehoshaphat was being tested to see where his devotion was - he chose to pray to God for deliverance for his nation - with a prayer that reminded God of His promises to the nation in the past. I have to remember that, so long as I am devoted to Him alone, that He will watch over me. (DRM 4/18/08)

20:12    " . . . O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You."

    King Jehoshaphat of Judah followed the Lord (17:3). When Judah was threatened by a large army from the sons of Moab and the sons of Ammon (20:1), the people were powerless without the Lord's help. The king asked the nation to pray and fast to the Lord and had faith that He would defend His people.
    While we don't have a physical army approaching our border, even if we did, we know that the Lord God will watch over the people - nation - that comes to Him in repentance and dependence on His provision. It's all about faith. In this case the whole country needed to be unified in their faith; that could be why we pray and still lose - the whole country needs to be following the Lord. (DRM 4/18/16)

    Our God is never predictable, but He is unfailingly reliable. (from Our Daily Bread 4/18/16)

20:15    . . . and he [Jahaziel] said, "Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the LORD to you, 'Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's.

    Earlier in this chapter, Judah's King Jehoshaphat had prayed to the Lord for protection from armies approaching from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir. The king and Judah had faith in the Lord and His ability to deliver them at that point in history.
    In this verse, God responded through Zechariah's son (v. 14).
    God took care of the enemies and it clearly is due to Judah's faith in the Lord God.
    This is a great example of what we should also do during our tests. (DRM 10/6/13)

20:17    You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the LORD is with you."

    This is part of a statement that the Lord God gave Jahaziel to proclaim to all Judah.
    This makes me think of two things. 1: God will take care of our trials if we let Him, and 2: God used an "unknown" person to make the announcement. Thus God cares and communicates with ALL believers, not just the well-known ones. (DRM 4/19/08)

20:18    Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the LORD, worshipping the LORD.

    The Spirit of the Lord told Jahaziel that the battle would be won by the Lord (v. 14-15). They were just to watch (v. 17) and see His salvation on their behalf.
    So they did what they were told. In this verse they prayed before the event - either for God to do as Jahaziel had told them - or in thankfulness of His deliverance. Either way, they were trusting in the Lord to bring them through the battle.
    God=Jesus wants us to do the same thing. We are to trust totally and completely in Him to bring us through our battles/trials, and He will do the best thing. (DRM 5/17/15)

20:20    They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said; "Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the LORD your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed."

    Judah was being threatened by "the sons of Moab and the sons of Ammon, together with some of the Meunites" (v. 1). King Jehoshaphat turned to God for help (v. 3) as he knew they would not be able to defend themselves against such a large army.
    As a result of prayer and fasting, God's reply came (v. 15) and the forces against Judah destroyed each other (v. 23), as the people sang (v. 22).
    This is a great example of faith. The king and people of Judah depended on the Lord to defend them, and He did!
    We need to pray and trust him in our circumstances and He can do the same for us if it is His will. (DRM 6/12/17)

20:21    After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of His holiness as they went out at the head of the army . . .

    When King Jehoshaphat was cornered, he prayed and trusted in God to find him a way to win the battle that the king could not avoid. The king had his men sing and honor the Lord and the battle was won.
    I must learn constantly that to give God the honor and glory when He does things in my life; and not to think that I can do things on my own. (DRM 5/27/87)

20:22    When they began singing and praising, the LORD set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were routed.

    A great army was coming against Judah (v. 2). They knew they couldn't defend themselves, so King Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast (v. 3) and prayed to the Lord (vv. 8-12). The answer came that He would protect them (v. 15).
    In this verse the day had come and the people started singing and praising the Lord, demonstrating their faith that He would protect them. . . and so He did.
    With complete trust in Him, He will also do the same for us if it is His will. While this can still cause our concern, whatever He chooses to do will be best. (DRM 1/18/17)

21:6    He [Jehoram] walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab did (for Ahab's daughter was his wife), and he did evil in the sight of the LORD.

    Jehoram was a king of Judah, which had both good and bad kings during this era. All of Israel's kings (the northern part of current Israel) were bad during this era. He was compared to a king of Israel because of his ways. Many of the things that he did are written in this chapter. . . including the murder of all of his brothers - except one (v. 4).
    Even with an evil king, God watched over His people. A successor was secure (the son that wasn't killed) and God's promise (v. 7) was kept. God keeps all His promises - even through today! (DRM 2/2/16)

21:20b    He (King Jehoram) passed away, to no one's regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the Kings. 

    King Jehoram was not a popular king by anyone. Jehoram had forsaken the Lord (v.10) and killed all of his brothers. God dealt with Jehoram by giving him a short life (40 years) and killing all but his youngest son. (DRM 10/2/88)

22:3    He (Ahaziah) too walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother encouraged him in doing wrong. 

    Certainly evil men are shown in the Bible, but rarely do I think of evil women like this. Lord, let me not meet or fall in love with a deceiver that does not love You as I do. (DRM 10/3/88)

23:16    (new king) Jehoiada then made a covenant that he and the people and the king would be the Lord's people. (also 2 Kings 11:17)

    The new young King Jehoiada had the desire to serve the Lord. He had been saved from death by a (sister) and kept hidden for 7 years. After that long, he probably knew that it was God's will for him to rule. (DRM 10/4/88)

24:2    Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years of Jehoiada the priest. 

    King Joash was "two-sided." While the priest Jehoiada was alive, he served the Lord and even had the temple rebuilt. When Jehoiada died, Joash switched sides and became evil. Lord, let me depend on You, and not others for my inspiration. (DRM 10/5/88)

24:20    Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest; and he stood above the people and said to them, "Thus God has said, 'Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD and do not prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has also forsaken you. ' "

    This seems as clear as can be.
    If a country (Judah) takes God out of their life - and worships other gods, He will forsake them.
    This applies to people today as much as it did thousands of years ago in Judah. Today's world seems to be full of countries that have, or are in the process of taking Him out of every part of their society.
    God will do the same things to the countries today as He did back then.
    While our nation (USA) goes down the wrong path, individually we can and should continue our worship - as He also will protect His own family of believers, if He so chooses. (DRM 9/20/14)

25:14    When (king) Amaziah returned from slaughtering the Edomites, he brought back the gods of the people of Seir. He set them up as his own gods, bowed down to them and burned sacrifices to them. 

    This king had honored the Lord God until this incident where he suddenly turned away from God. In His anger with the king, at the next battle, the king lost. Don't let me fall away, Lord. (DRM 10/6/88)

25:18    They abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols; so wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their guilt.

    This has been a familiar story in the history of Israel and somewhat in Judah. King Joash started off well - so long as he had Jehoiada the priest to direct him. When Jehoiada died, so did the worship of the Lord God.
    It would seem that people of that era, and ours also, would see disasters occur when they don't follow the Lord and more (not total) blessings when people follow the Lord.
    The point for us, as believers, is to stay in the narrow path of trust in the Lord - not like King Joash. (DRM 3/10/14)

26:3, 4    Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Jechiliah of Jerusalem. ⁴He did right in the sight of the LORD according to all that his father Amaziah had done.

    While I haven't ever done a study on the kings of Judah and Israel, it seems that Uzziah had a long reign, whereas many kings that did not follow the Lord had short reigns.
    God honors those who honor Him. Clearly He did in Uzziah's time by giving him a long reign over Judah.
    While no one knows ahead of time how long they will live, it's always best to serve and honor the Lord Jesus every day He gives us to be on earth. (DRM 5/30/13)

26:16    But after (King) Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. 

    The Old Testament laws were strictly enforced in the time of King Uzziah. With power (greed, money) the king wrongly assumed that he could do anything. The Lord made King Uzziah aware of who was really in charge. (DRM 10/7/88) 

27:4    He (King Jotham) built towns in the Judean hills and forts and towers in the wooded areas.

    Tonight I was listening to a speaker on archeology and digging up a town near Jerusalem. The proof of verses like this are necessary for more people to really believe that the Bible is true. (DRM 10/8/88)

28:23    He (King Ahaz) offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus, who had defeated him; for he thought, "Since the gods of the kings of Aram have helped them, I will sacrifice to them so they will help me." But they were his downfall and the downfall of all Israel.

    I always wondered why the kings left the Lord and followed other gods. This is a great "revealing" verse as it shows WHY this king acted as he did. Lord, don't let me be confused, as to think this way. (DRM 10/9/88)

29:5    Then he [Hezekiah] said to them [Jewish priests and Levites], "Listen to me, O Levites, Consecrate yourselves now, and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers, and carry the uncleanness out form the holy place.

    After David's time there were various kings of both Judah and Israel. This verse refers to King Hezekiah of Judah. He had just taken the throne from King Ahaz, who did not follow the Lord God. Thankfully, something caused Hezekiah not to be like his father. This is one evidence of how God can work in individual lives. (DRM 4/20/08)

29:28    While the whole assembly worshipped, the singers also sang and the trumpets sounded; all this continued until the burnt offering was finished.

    King Hezekiah had ordered this first burnt offering to the Lord (v. 27) probably in several years. From this verse, it seemed that he wanted the Lord God to see and hear what he was doing.
    God knows what we are doing - God knows everything. We don't have to call attention to ourselves. (DRM 4/21/08)

29:30c    So they sang praises with gladness and bowed their heads and worshiped.

    The importance of singing and praising the Lord can not be overestimated. At times it may seem that we are just "filling time," but God wants praise and this is one of the best ways to do it! (DRM 10/10/88)

30:10    So the couriers passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, and as far as Zebulun, but they laughed them to scorn and mocked them.

    The couriers were asking the people to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover (v. 5). Perhaps the statement that the people should "yield to the LORD and serve Him" (v. 8) caused the negative reaction. This made me think of the same problem street evangelists have today - so it should be expected. (DRM 4/22/08)

30:23    Then the whole assembly decided to celebrate the feast another seven days, so they celebrated seven days with joy.

    I'm trying to imagine what the people did to celebrate the Passover for 14 days. I hope they spent some time learning the word of God and being re-introduced to His law. Certainly they had enough food to eat (v. 24). Hopefully some reflection took place, but I have different images between celebration and reflection. (DRM 4/23/08)

30:27    The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, His holy dwelling place.

    ANYONE who truly believes that God and Jesus Christ are One -- and accepts Jesus Christ as savior - can have his prayers heard - THANK YOU GOD - how long I didn't know this! (DRM 10/11/88)

31:10b    Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over.

    Trusting the Lord pays dividends! Complete trust in Him for everything sometimes seems really hard and the devil likes to put doubts in our minds. Complete dedication works! (DRM 10/12/88)

32:8    ". . . with him (opposing King Sennacherib) is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.

    This book was probably written 2,500 years ago, but this verse is perfect for today. The Lord DOES help us to fight our battles, and we can gain our confidence from Him. (DRM 10/13/88)

33:6    He made his sons pass through the fire in the valley of Ben-hinnom; and he practiced witchcraft, used divination, practiced sorcery and dealt with mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.

    King Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king (v. 1). Even at that age, I would think that his father, Hezekiah, would have explained why he served the Lord God while King. This passage doesn't explain why Manasseh did what he did, however, there is no doubt that the Lord God was not pleased with his actions. (DRM 4/24/08)

33:12    In his (King Manasseh's) distress he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.

    To humble myself before God means to confess ALL my sins to Him. This experience was life changing to King Manasseh, and will be for anyone else. (DRM 10/14/88)

33:13    When he prayed to Him, He was moved by his entreaty and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem to his Kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God.

    When Manasseh was in distress, he called on the Lord. Manasseh changed, God didn't. After God moved Manasseh back to Jerusalem, he knew that God did it.
    I know that God can bring two people together, for example, that couldn't happen any other way. We have to see His work and follow His direction. (DRM 4/25/08)

34:14    While they were bringing out the money that had been taken into the temple of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the Lord that had been given through Moses.

    Finding such a book in the ruins must have been a great event. Now King Josiah knew that God was the Lord and became even more dedicated to the Lord, as I should be. (DRM 10/15/88)

35:18a,b    The Passover had not been observed like this in Israel since the days of the prophet Samuel; and none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as did Josiah.

    Total dedication to the Lord can bring some truly outstanding acts. King Josiah's love for the Lord made him greatly loved (see v. 24) by the citizens of Judah & Jerusalem. My personal love of the Lord should also "show" as his did. (DRM 10/16/88)

36:15, 16a    The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them again and again by His messengers, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place; ⁶but they continually mocked the messengers of God. . .

    God loves all of His people. The new king, Zedekiah did not listen to God through His prophets, and the Lord kept trying to send messages that were ignored in every way (v. 16).
    Since the king and the people ignored God, His wrath allowed the destruction of Jerusalem. Some were carried away to Babylon (v. 20) (DRM 4/26/08)

36:19    They set fire to God's temple and broke down the wall of Jerusalem; they burned all the palaces and destroyed everything of value there.

    The fall of Jerusalem meant the close of an era. Again this shows me what happens to the people who refuse to follow the instructions of the Lord. Lord, let me always be devoted to You! (DRM 10/17/88)