Bible Study Notes in 2 Chronicles- Chapter 19

2 Chronicles 19

 

-The LORD allowed Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, to return in safety to his house in Jerusalem after his mishap with the Arameans in alliance with Ahab. Upon his return the seer Jehu, son of Hanani, went out to meet him with a word, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD and so bring wrath on yourself from the LORD (2 Chronicles 19:1-2)?” However, all the things he said were not negative, “But there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asheroth (female idol) from the land and you have set your heart to seek God (2 Chronicles 19:3).” So Jehoshaphat went about regaining his standing in the sight of the people in peace with the LORD and doing His will. He went among the people from Beersheba to the hill country in Ephraim to bring them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers (2 Chronicles 19:4).

-The primary way that he accomplished this revival in the land was through the establishment of righteous judges, which he trained and appointed throughout the land in the fortified cities (2 Chronicles 19:5). His instruction to these judges consisted of the following:

+Consider what you are doing

+You judge for the LORD, not for man when you render judgment

+Let the fear of the LORD by upon you in decision making

+Be very careful in what you do

+God takes no part in unrighteousness

+God takes no part in partiality

+God takes no part in taking bribes, extortion

+Be faithful in your work

+Be wholehearted in your work

+Warn the people of their wrongdoing and the guilt they will incur so they will not be guilty before the LORD

+Act resolutely (possessing determination and purposefulness, decisive)

+The LORD is with the upright

(2 Chronicles 19:6-11)

-*Application* This instruction would be essential for our present day judicial system if we wanted to have awakening and revival in our nation of America. A just society must have just leadership and decision makers that exude fairness and equity under the law of God, which transcends every nation and all cultures. We need to pray for a returning to these types of biblical standards in our land’s rulers. Else, our guilt and God’s wrath will be upon us. I’d prefer His blessing upon us instead. Wouldn’t you?

 

Verse to Memorize: 2 Chronicles 19:7

Bible Study Notes in 2 Chronicles- Chapter 18

2 Chronicles 18

 

-Jehoshaphat makes alliances with the evil king of Israel, Ahab, even though the LORD had blessed him with riches and honor in establishing him as the authority in the Judean region. These alliances came with marriage ties between the families and a sense of camaraderie as Israel’s descendents (2 Chronicles 18:1-3). The king of Israel asked Jehoshaphat to ally in an invasion of Ramoth-gilead across the Jordan to the east, and Jehoshaphat eventually went along with the plan. The interchange in making that decision is what is interesting about this text.

-Jehoshaphat recognized the importance of inquiring of the LORD first before going into a major battle with the enemy. Ahab assembled four hundred false prophets who put on a fantastic and popular positive “show” for the two kings arrayed into their pomp and circumstance at the gate of Samaria at the threshing floor (2 Chronicles 18:4-11). Jehoshaphat had discernment from the Holy Spirit and inquired if there was a real prophet of the LORD from which they may get the truth (2 Chronicles 18:6). Ahab did not like the real prophet of God, Micaiah, son of Imla, because he never prophesied in favor of the king of Israel. Nonetheless, Jehoshaphat insisted on hearing from this prophet, and he was summoned. At first Micaiah tells them what they want to hear, but it is probably done very sarcastically, which makes the king seek the real truth. Micaiah will speak only what God says in the end and prophesies doom over the king of Israel. He describes a heavenly scene where the heavenly hosts are summoned by God to entice Ahab with a deceiving spirit through the false prophets (2 Chronicles 18:12-22). At the hearing of this Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah, who was the premier outspoken false prophet, came near and struck Micaiah on the cheek calling him a fake. Micaiah was whisked away to prison as a result of speaking the real Word of God where he was to be fed sparingly with bread and water until the king of Israel’s safe return. However, Micaiah stood his righteous ground and was undeterred by the punishments he received (2 Chronicles 18:23-27).

-Ahab had devised a strategy more than likely intended to get Jehoshaphat assassinated and he victorious in the battle. He would disguise himself in armor as a normal soldier; while the Arameans would chase after what they thought was the king of Israel. When Jehoshaphat cried out, the LORD helped him and God diverted the enemy from chasing him as they had planned. They realized they were tricked by Ahab and turned back to the battle to fight. This is where Ahab was randomly struck in the joint of the armor severely wounded. He died that evening at sunset as the day of battle raged (2 Chronicles 18:28-34).

-*Application* No matter what the circumstances might look like the real prophets of God will always prevail with the genuine truth of the matter. Is our theology based on a diluted prosperity through deception, or is it based solely on the truth of God’s Word? God has His ways of striking down the wicked and lifting up the righteous, so make sure you are in the camp of the blameless. Don’t be deceived, it is easier than you might think to fall into the lies of the enemy and capitulate. Stand your ground in the truth and don’t be swayed even if it costs you your reputation and temporary pleasure. Be the real deal no matter what comes your way! God will eventually fight for you!

 

Verse to Memorize: 2 Chronicles 18:13

Bible Study Notes in 2 Chronicles- Chapter 17

2 Chronicles 17

 

-Jehoshaphat now succeeds his father’s reign in Judah with authority, blessing, and honor because he “followed the example of his father David’s earlier days and did not seek the Baals (2 Chronicles 17:1-3). Although he would have some issues with intermarrying with Ahab’s family in Israel and foolishly building unholy alliances thus polluting and not completely destroying the idolatry in the land, he is depicted in this chapter as a bold follower of God during his early years. He had many military victories and successes in fortifying the nation and received great tribute from his people and former enemies of the Jewish people (2 Chronicles 17:4-6, 10-12). The dread of the LORD was upon all the kingdoms of the lands around Judah, and they dared not make war against Jehoshaphat’s people. The king took this opportunity to educate the people of the land in the ways of the LORD. He had many scholars and officials sent out into every city to teach the book of the Law of the LORD with them. They were among the people and provided information on how to please God and live in a worthy manner (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). This was a time of wonderful blessings in the land, and the people served their king with warmth and gratitude as he fortified every area with valiant men (2 Chronicles 17:1-2, 13-19).

-*Application* When we strive to do the things of God we will also have peace in every situation and our position will be fortified. Even our enemies will be at peace with us when we trust in the LORD and keep growing in the knowledge and understanding of him. Also, when we know the truth, it is our responsibility to train and educate others in the way of Light through Jesus Christ our Savior. Don’t keep the best thing ever hidden. Be a city set on a hill for all to see your good works and give glory to your eternal King (Matthew 5:14-16). Expand His Kingdom!

 

Verse to Memorize: 2 Chronicles 17:3

Bible Study Notes in 2 Chronicles- Chapter 16

2 Chronicles 16

 

-The last five years of Asa’s reign were bitter times for an otherwise righteous rule over the land of Judah. The falling away began when Baasha, king of Israel, came up against the prosperous Southern Kingdom with a blockade in Ramah to stop the flow of people in the North going in and out to the king of Judah (2 Chronicles 16:1). Instead of seeking the LORD, like he did with the Ethiopian invasion (2 Chronicles 16:8-15), Asa went straight to an old ally of his father in Aram, to the north and east of the Israel, and struck a deal to divert the attention of Israel. While the plan worked, the LORD was not pleased with his reliance on Ben-hadad, the king of Aram, and sent Hanani the seer to give a correcting word to Asa with the fact that now the pagan nation had escaped out of their hand (2 Chronicles 16:2-7). Judah had not trusted completely in the LORD for their salvation and deliverance as they had when they were outnumbered by the Ethiopians. The word of the LORD was that His eyes “move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” In this matter Asa had acted foolishly and now he would face constant turbulence in his kingdom (2 Chronicles 16:8-9). This angered the king, and instead of turning in repentance, he put the seer in prison, enraged at his audacity. Asa began to oppress some of the people at this time and his rule began a five year decline in which he became more and more bitter and leaned on other influences rather than the LORD. He became diseased in his feet in his 39^th year and looked to the physicians more than his God for healing in the severity of it. He thus passed on into eternity weakened and faltering from his once honored position (2 Chronicles 16:10-14).

-*Application* The LORD wants all of our reliance to be on Him in every area of our lives. In His omniscience He looks to and fro all over the earth to support, strengthen, bless, and honor those whose hearts are completely surrendered to His leading, sustaining, and provision. This is what true faith is all about, depending on the LORD for every aspect of our existence. Without faith, it becomes impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). Realize this in your life and seek out His counsel above all else in every decision. Also, endure in it. Asa is a great example of a strong start, but a weak finish, much like his great grandfather Solomon. God expects us to finish strong and complete our course with Him persevering in all things with Him (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Hebrews 12:1-2). Be strong in the LORD and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10).

 

Verse to Memorize: 2 Chronicles 9:16

Bible Study Notes in 2 Chronicles- Chapter 15

2 Chronicles 15

 

-The Spirit of God came upon the prophet Azariah to pronounce His word over the situation in Judah and Benjamin. “The LORD is with you when you are with Him (faith statement). And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you (in the blessing sense). For many days Israel was without the true God and without a teaching priest and without law. But, in their distress they turned to the LORD God of Israel, and they sought Him, and He let them find Him (Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:7-8). In those times there was no peace to him who went out or to him who came in, for many disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the lands. Nation was crushed by nation, and city by city, for God troubled them with every kind of distress. But you (Asa and all people of God), be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work (2 Chronicles 15:1-7).” Asa’s response to this message emboldened him to remove all the abominable idols from all the land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim (2 Chronicles 15:8). He restored the alter in front of the porch of the LORD in Jerusalem, and many of the inhabitants from the Northern Kingdom (from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon) defected to Judah when they saw that the LORD was with them (2 Chronicles 15:9-10). They sacrificed to the LORD together in unity and entered a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and soul (2 Chronicles 15:11-12). Whoever would not seek God was abolished by death, and they made an oath to the LORD their God with loud shouting and voice with trumpets and horns and with rejoicing whole heartedness and earnestness (2 Chronicles 15:13-15). With this, the LORD gave them rest again on every side and prosperity as even the Queen Mother, Maacah, mother of Asa was released from her position of authority because she had made a horrid image as an Asherah. This image was cut down by her son Asa, crushed, and thrown into the Kidron Valley brook just outside and down the mountain from Jerusalem. Although there was still idolatry to the north in Israel and their high places remained in the Promised Land, Asa’s heart was blameless all his days in Judah, and there was no more war until the 35^th year of his reign (2 Chronicles 15:16-19).

-*Application* What does it mean to have God with you? This is significant in this chapter and a major theme throughout Scripture. What we are talking about is Emmanuel, or in other words, His abiding presence upon us and with the New Covenant IN us through the work of Jesus Christ and His sent Holy Spirit. God wants to master us and bless us in this relationship, but He doesn’t ever force it upon us. He lets us choose the degree of fellowship in our walk with Him. Again as we see in this chapter it all boils down to an issue of the heart (2 Chronicles 15:12, 17). Allow your heart to be completely His and He will certainly be with you. Forsake Him, and you will bear the consequences of a rebellious heart and soul.

 

Verses to Memorize: 2 Chronicles 15:2, 4, 7

Bible Study Notes in 2 Chronicles- Chapter 14

2 Chronicles 14

 

-Asa, the son of Abijah, now becomes the king of Judah and does good and right in the sight of the All-seeing LORD his God (2 Chronicles 14:1-2). He removed the foreign altars and high places that the idolaters burned incense on in all the cities of Judah. He tore down the sacred pagan pillars and cut down the Asherim (a wooden symbol of a female false deity). He commanded and upheld the rule of faith in Judah to worship and seek the LORD God of Israel, Issac, and Abraham to observe and adhere to the Law and the commandment (2 Chronicles 14:3-5a). Therefore, the LORD gave them peace with no foreign disturbances of war for ten full years. In that time, the nation was able to build up the army to well over a half-million valiant warriors in Judah and Benjamin, and the cities were fortified with walls, towers, gates, and bars. This all happened because they sought the LORD, and He gave them rest on every side along with prosperity (2 Chronicles 14:5b-8).

-After ten years of perpetual peace, rest, and prosperity the Ethiopian army of Zerah came out against them from the south with a million men and 300 chariots (2 Chronicles 14:9). They drew up battle formation in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah (south and west of Jerusalem). This is where once again Asa, a man of God, prayed to the LORD and called out to Him, “LORD, there is no one beside You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in You, and in Your Name have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; let not man prevail against You (2 Chronicles 14:10-11).” So the LORD routed the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled back to Gerar with so many of them falling that they could not recover as Judah pursued. The Ethiopians were shattered before the LORD, and His dread fell on all those in that region. Judah captured much plunder and spoils from the campaign, and then they returned triumphantly to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 14:12-15).

-*Application* Our obvious lesson to learn from this narrative is that the LORD fights for His obedient and faithful people. He gives them peace and rest with prosperity at times, sometimes even extended times. He also will necessarily bring conflict with the chance to call upon Him in our distress for deliverance in amazing-supernatural ways. This is our God and we should call upon Him in all the seasons of our lives for His protection, blessings, and honor. Let no other god come before Him, and you will enjoy His continued presence and fellowship in your life. No matter what the circumstance, learn to trust in Him!

 

Verses to Memorize: 2 Chronicles 14:2, 11

Bible Study Notes in 2 Chronicles- Chapter 13

2 Chronicles 13

 

-The chronicler paints only the positive in the brief reign of Abijah, king of Judah and great grandson of David. In an otherwise wicked rule with much sin (1 Kings 15:3), this chapter points out the stand that he took against the idolatry and rebellion of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (2 Chronicles 13:6, 8-9). War between the nations brought out immense numbers of warriors where the Northern Tribes had double the men, but God was with Judah as His covenant people (2 Chronicles 13:2-5). In Abijah’s speech on Mount Zemaraim he extolled the LORD and His worship done properly by His Word, and he warned the Northern Kingdom not to fight against the LORD God of their fathers (2 Chronicles 13:10-12). His point was that Judah was keeping the charge of the LORD their God, but the Northern Tribes had forsaken Him (2 Chronicles 13:11b). Jeroboam and his troops tried a sneak attack ambush from the rear of the formation to gain a two-front advantage with their superior numbers, but the army of Judah cried out to God for deliverance and He gave them an incredible victory (2 Chronicles 13:13-16). It turned out to be a great slaughter of a half-million chosen men of Israel slain because the sons of Judah “trusted in the LORD, the God of their fathers (2 Chronicles 13:17-18).” Several cities with their villages were captured at this time by Abijah’s army, and Jeroboam never regain his strength in the days of Abijah (2 Chronicles 13:19-20a). The LORD eventually struck the sinful Jeroboam and he died, while God allowed Abijah to become powerful with many family members (2 Chronicles 13:20b-22).

-*Application* It is important for us to always trust in the LORD and cry out to Him in all our distress when things seem to be totally against us. Maintain His ways. He is full of grace and mercy seeking to bless those truly committed to His desires and plans in the fear of Him (Psalms 103:8-11). He will overlook everything evil we have done if we turn to Him with a pure heart and trust in Him. This is an important biblical concept to remember for us. When our heart condemns us, we know that God is greater than our heart if we have His Spirit within us (1 John 3:19-24).

 

Verse to Memorize: 2 Chronicles 13:18