Bible Study Notes in 2 Chronicles- Chapter 24

2 Chronicles 24

 

-This chapter reveals how a great and Godly start does not necessarily mean whole hearted devotion. It is all about the finish and the faithfulness that God requires from His true servants. Joash was a good leader only under the authority of the righteous Jehoiada. As soon as the priest of God passed at the ripe old age of 130, Joash began to show his true colors as an idol compromiser and a king of the people, not the LORD. While Jehoiada was alive, the kingdom prospered as needed repairs were made to the Temple by the funding from the people as Moses had commanded by the Word of the LORD. Righteousness had been restored from the paganistic period during Athaliah and her sons. When Jehoiada passed away, he was honored for his well done job “in Israel and to God and His House (2 Chronicles 24:16).” He was a good man and was buried in the tombs among the kings in the city of David.

-However, after his death things changed dramatically in the kingdom of Judah. “They abandoned the House of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim (wooden symbols of a female deity) and the idols; so wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for their guilt (2 Chronicles 24:18).” God sent prophets to bring them back to Him, but they would not listen. Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, was at the forefront of this correcting movement under the direction of the Holy Spirit. His harsh words for the purpose of redemption and prosperity were taken with a bitter response that actually took his life. He was stoned to death in the court of the House of the LORD in an unholy and extremely profane move under the authority of Joash. Because they had forsaken the LORD, He had now forsaken them. The LORD would see and avenge as the prophet Zechariah had proclaimed (2 Chronicles 24:19-22).

-At the turn of the year, the Arameans came up against Joash and Judah at Jerusalem. Their small army was given an amazing victory by the Hand of the LORD. Joash was left very sick as they departed, and he was killed by conspirators because of the blood of the son of Jehoiada the priest. Joash was murdered on his bed buried in the city of David, but not in the tombs of the kings. His son Amaziah would now become the king in Judah with a divided heart (2 Chronicles 25:2).

-*Application* We must be responsive to correcting voices that come from the LORD in our own lives. If a word comes to you based on and in uniform with the Word of God, take heed. God is faithful and just to cleanse us from our waywardness if we will simply turn back to Him (1 John 1:9). He always provides a chance for that. However, if we decide we want to forsake Him and neglect His Word in rebellion, He will eventually forsake us and redemption becomes impossible for Him to impart to us. Learn the lessons of receiving prophetic correction. It will prosper you greatly in the long run.

 

Verses to Memorize: 2 Chronicles 24:19-20

Bible Study Notes for 2 Chronicles- Chapter 23

2 Chronicles 23

 

-This chapter describes the ousting and death of the wicked Athaliah from her dominion as queen in Judah. This is how Joash, the son of Ahaziah, who was raised secretly in the house of God, came to power as a successor of the line of David. Jehoiada came to the point of being bold and took decisive action. He covenanted with the Levities and key captains of the people for spiritual upheaval and dramatic change in the cultural climate by the Name of the One-True God. They anointed the king with great protection, willing to die for the cause and wielding weapons for any resistance. Athaliah was murdered, but she was not innocent blood, and the thing was accepted by the LORD as good because she had led the people astray with her idolatry and cunning. Though she cried treason, she was the guilty party, and justice was served upon her at the Horse Gate of the king’s house where she was put to death. This was done courageously and heroically by the priest Jehoiada to reform the nation of Judah back to being fully committed as the LORD’s people (2 Chronicles 23:16). The house of Baal was torn asunder, and Mattan their idolatrous priest was killed before the pagan alters. This action caused intense rejoicing in the land as they returned to the truth of their faith in God and the quietness of peace was again in the city with the rightful king Joash being in control.

-*Application* Sometimes we must take courageous and decisive action in the face of things that go against the LORD. We live in a time in our cultural where we have capitulated to the enemy of biblical truth. Instead of cowering, we must be very strong and courageous for the right in the Name of Jesus. Of course His law is love and we must keep that in mind. But friend, never back down from the fight for righteousness. Use great enthusiasm and vigor for the cause of Christ. Know the climate and be a thermostat, not a thermometer.

 

Verse to Memorize: 2 Chronicles 23:21

Bible Study Notes in 2 Chronicles- Chapter 22

2 Chronicles 22

 

-The Kingdom of Judah experiences its most difficult time of intrigue and corruption now as the inhabitants make Ahaziah (also known as Jehoahaz, 2 Chronicles 21:17) the new king as the only remaining son from the line of Jehoram due to the fact that bands of men who came with the Arabs had slain all the older sons (2 Chronicles 22:1). Ahaziah became king at the young and inexperienced age of 22 and walked in the counsel of his wicked mother, Athaliah, who was the daughter of Jezebel and granddaughter of Omri of the Northern Kingdom. Thus, Ahaziah walked foolishly in the ways of the house of Ahab doing evil in the sight of the LORD (2 Chronicles 22:2-4). This led to an alliance with Jehoram, son of Ahab and king of Israel, as they once again wagged war against the king of Aram. The Arameans wounded Jehoram (or Joram) at Ramoth-gilead, east of the Jordan River. The king of Israel was taken back to Jezereel wounded and then becoming sick. At this time Ahaziah came to visit him as a friend and supporter (2 Chronicles 22:5-6).

-At this time God’s destruction came upon both kings through the instrument of Jehu, the son of Nimshi, “whom the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab (2 Chronicles 22:7).” A great slaying took place, and Ahaziah was eventually caught in Samaria and killed, dying at Megiddo (2 Chronicles 22:8-9, 2 Kings 9:27). With Ahaziah’s death, the wicked Athaliah rose to power for a time in Judah. She destroyed all the royal offspring of the house of Judah and the kingdom would have been totally lost if not for the heroic act of Jehoshabeath, King Jehoram’s daughter, sister of Ahaziah, and wife of Jehoiada the priest. She took Joash, who was the son of Ahaziah and hid him and his nurse in the bedroom and then in the house of God for six years while Athaliah reigned over the land (2 Chronicles 22:10-12). God was keeping Kingdom covenant through extreme circumstances and situations in these perilous days.

-*Application* The providence of God can always be counted on even during human mistakes and satanic diversions in the economy of the world. No matter how ridiculously evil times get, remember that God is still in control, and it is He who sits on the ultimate Throne in Heaven. He will work all things for His glory in every circumstance, so don’t lose hope or cave in to any evil counsel. The lesson for us today is to remain yielded to Him when things are chaotic and confusing. Ahaziah leaned on the wrong understanding in his young age. What about us? Will we listen to wicked counsel, or will we glean from the ageless wisdom of God and fear Him? Walk in His ways today in the midst of this wicked and perverse generation. You will shine forth as lights and your righteousness will glow like the noon day (Psalm 37:6, Daniel 12:3, Matthew 13:43, Philippians 2:15). Be like Jehoshabeath!

 

Verse to Memorize: 2 Chronicles 22:7

Bible Study Notes for 2 Chronicles- Chapter 21

2 Chronicles 21

 

-The oldest son of Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, takes control in Judah after his father’s passing with ruthless and ungodly manner. Jehoshaphat had left wealth and power to each of his sons, but King Jehoram actually killed his brothers with the sword along with some of the rulers of Israel that he must have found threatening to his dominion (2 Chronicles 21:1-4). His reign was cut short because of his evil nature as he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel. This was no doubt influenced, as we see in the text, by his wife Athaliah, a wicked woman who was a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel (2 Chronicles 21:6; 22:2-3). “Yet the LORD was not willing to destroy the house of David because of the covenant which He had made with David, and since He had promised to give a lamp to him and his sons forever (2 Chronicles 21:7).”

-Revolts and unrest succeeded Jehoram’s insubordination to the ways of God in the form of the Edomites from the southeast. Also, Libnah to the southwest revolted at the same time, “because he had forsaken the LORD God of his fathers (2 Chronicles 21:8-10).” Further, Jehoram made idolatrous high places on the mountains of Judah and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to play the harlot. This led Judah astray in their faith to Yahweh, the true and living God (2 Chronicles 21:11).

-A letter was sent from the Northern Kingdom, where the prophet Elijah ministered. Elijah pronounced the word of the LORD pertaining to the situation (2 Chronicles 21:12-15). Because of Jehoram’s disobedience and waywardness in killing his own family, who was better than him, and causing Judah to fall into idolatry, God would strike the king with great calamity in his physical body in the bowels. The people would also suffer at the word of the LORD along with the king’s sons and wives in regard to their possessions and wellbeing. Not only that, but more invasions would occur. The LORD stirred up the warring spirit of the Philistines and the Arabs who bordered the Ethiopians to come against Jerusalem and take away the possessions of the king’s house together with his wives and sons. No son was left except the youngest, Jehoahaz (or Ahaziah) who would become the next king after the short-lived and tumultuous life of Jehoram. Just as the prophet predicted, Jehoram died with an incurable sickness of the bowels in great pain. His people made no fire for him in honor and respect like they had done for his fathers. He departed to no one’s regret, buried in the city of David, but NOT in the tombs of the kings (2 Chronicles 21:16-20).

-*Application* What a sad commentary of a life we see in this Judean king. When we see material like this, it should motivate us to live in a worthy manner before the LORD and acknowledge Him in all our ways. If we are wise, we will see the disastrous consequences of corruption, jealousy, intrigue, and idolatry. Be fully devoted in heart to the Lord Jesus Christ and you will escape the corruption that is in the world by lust (2 Peter 1:4).

 

Verses to Memorize: 2 Chronicles 21:6-7

Bible Study Notes in 2 Chronicles- Chapter 20

2 Chronicles 20

 

-This chapter illuminates the power of God to come through against impossible odds when we turn to Him in trust and obedience to His prophetic Word. The sons of Moab, Ammon, along with some of the Meunites came to make war from the north and east on Judah in immense numbers. As this was realized the people turned to seek the LORD together under the direction of Jehoshaphat, who was understandably afraid (2 Chronicles 20:1-3a). He thus proclaimed a fast and sought prophetic counsel after calling upon the LORD with remembrance of His promises and historical deliverances (2 Chronicles 20:3b-14). Jahaziel had the Spirit of the LORD come upon him to declare the following, “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 (2 Chronicles 20:15).’” God told them to go down against them and they would find them at the end of the valley in front of the wilderness of Jeruel. They were told they would not have to fight this battle, but simply station themselves and stand and see the salvation of the LORD on their behalf for the LORD was with them (2 Chronicles 20:16-17). The king bowed his head and face to the ground and the people followed suit, and then the Levites worshipped the LORD by standing and giving praise to Him with a very loud voice (2 Chronicles 20:18-19).

-The next day, early in the morning, they went out to the wilderness of Tekoa, and Jehoshaphat told them to “put your trust in the LORD your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed (2 Chronicles 20:20). Then singers and people of praise were appointed in holy attire to go out before the army giving thanks to the LORD for His everlasting lovingkindness (2 Chronicles 20:21). When they began singing and praising, the LORD set an ambush where the enemies of Judah ransacked each other (2 Chronicles 20:22-23). When Judah came to the vantage point of them in the wilderness, all they saw were dead corpses lying on the ground, and no had escaped. The spoil was there for the taking without any resistance. They took three full days gathering the spoils of goods, garments, and valuable things for themselves because there was so much (2 Chronicles 20:24-25)!

-There was a triumphant return to Jerusalem after a time of praising the LORD on the fourth day in a place named the Valley of Beracah (Blessing). The dread of the LORD went out upon all the other kingdoms of the land as they heard the reports of what had happened. Therefore, the kingdom was at peace as God gave Jehoshaphat rest on all sides (2 Chronicles 20:26-30). Jehoshaphat’s remaining legacy is listed as the chapter ends. He was a good king who did not depart from the ways of his father Asa. But, the high places were not removed, and he allied himself with the evil Northern Kingdom and Ahaziah, which was wicked in the sight of God. This lead to some foiled attempts in naval power (2 Chronicles 20:31-37).

-*Application* Our best defense and offense is found in an abiding relationship with the LORD who fights for us. Put your trust in Him and fear not nor be dismayed. Station yourself, in other words, posture yourself, with faith and dependence on God, your higher authority. Stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf as you turn your reliance over to Christ Jesus, the author and finisher on your faith (Hebrews 12:2). Also, listen to the prophetic Word of God and trust in It. This will allow you to succeed! God fights our battles!

 

Verses to Memorize: 2 Chronicles 20:15, 20

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