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

Bible Study Notes in 2 Chronicles- Chapter 12

2 Chronicles 12

 

-Rehoboam inexplicitly forsakes the law of the LORD, which had been so good to his father and grandfather, a few years into his reign when he was established and strong (in his own eyes, not God’s). The LORD stirred up and sent Shishak king of Egypt with men too numerous to count against the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem when there came a repentant turning to the LORD by the king and his princes of Israel. Shemaiah the prophet was instrumental in bringing the word of the LORD, which was, “You have forsaken Me, so I also have forsaken you to Shishak (2 Chronicles 12:1-5).” At this point, in desperation and facing annihilation, they humbled themselves before the LORD declaring Him righteous (2 Chronicles 12:6). When the LORD saw that they had humbled themselves, He sent word again to the prophet that He would not destroy them but grant them some measure of deliverance from His wrath, which was by means of the Egyptians (2 Chronicles 12:7).

-However, the children of Israel did become Shishak’s slaves for the purpose of discipline by the LORD. This was done so that they would learn the difference between the LORD’s service and the kingdoms of the countries (2 Chronicles 12:8). *Application* Hebrews 12, the LORD always chastises those whom He loves with a corrective purpose. We need to realize His righteousness and His rule is always for our best well-being. God is not trying to sap our blessing and joy. He instead wants to multiply it. It’s sad how we often forsake His law ourselves when we feel strong and established. This can have to do with ease, rebellion, self-sufficiency, complacency, apathy, pride, and a host of other things contrary to the Word of God. The most dangerous time for us can be when we forget about the goodness of God and His provision in our sustenance and stability. Always rely on Him and depend on His strength, not your own. This is the lesson from this king and this time in Israel’s history.

-What was left was a hollow reminder of the riches of David and Solomon. The gold turned to bronze, as with the shields and armor. While conditions returned to good in the land of Judah, it was never the same as it had been. Rehoboam successfully reigned in Jerusalem for seventeen years after he learned his lessons and humbled himself before God. Nevertheless, his lasting legacy read like this, “He did evil because he did not set his heart to seek the LORD (2 Chronicles 12:9-14).” He slept with his fathers in the city of David and Abijah became king in his place in Judah as a descendant of David (2 Chronicles 12:16). *Application* To leave a lasting legacy of righteousness and goodness seek the LORD with a whole heart (2 Chronicles 16:9). This becomes a major overriding theme of the Scripture, and it should be indicative of our lives before Him. It’s all about the heart. Is yours for God or other things? Humble yourself before Him that He might exalt you (1 Peter 5:5-6).

 

Verse to Memorize: 2 Chronicles 12:2

Bible Study Notes in 2 Chronicles- Chapter 11

2 Chronicles 11

 

-Chapter eleven begins with the heeding of the prophetic warning of Shemaiah, the man of God, to Rehoboam and Judah  NOT to go up against the Northern Kingdom and their relatives in war. Thankfully, the kingdom listened to the words of the LORD and temporary peace ensued (2 Chronicles 11:1-4). After this, the king built cities of defense in Judah and strengthened the nation in the event that there may be attacks and future war. Benjamin and Judah remained loyal to the royal line of David, as well as all the priests and Levites, and stood with Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:12-13). We find that Jeroboam, in the Northern Kingdom, had excluded them from serving as he unrighteously set up his own priestly system in his own high places for the satyrs and for the calves of idolatry, which he had made (2 Chronicles 11:14-15). “Those from all the tribes of Israel who set their hearts on seeking the LORD God of Israel followed them (the priests and Levites) to Jerusalem, to sacrifice to the LORD God of their fathers (2 Chronicles 11:16).” These people strengthened the kingdom of Judah, as you can imagine, and lent their full support for three years (2 Chronicles 11:17, we will see why support waned in the next chapter as Rehoboam forsakes the law of the LORD, 2 Chronicles 12:1-2).

-The rest of the chapter delineates Rehoboam’s choice in wives and his intention to make a grandson of Absalom king after his departure. This son was named Abijah, and he was the son of Rehoboam’s favorite wife, Maacah (2 Chronicles 11:21-22). Rehoboam acted wisely in strengthening the family with his provision for food and stability in fortifications during this time (2 Chronicles 11:23).

-*Application* It is always a sign of wisdom when we heed the word of the LORD. This will keep us from danger and disaster in our lives. While Rehoboam, was not perfect, at this time he did turn to the LORD rather than his own pride in matters as we see here in this chapter. Because of that, God blessed him and his fractured kingdom with the loyalty of the priests, his own family, the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, and the true worshipers of Yahweh. This is so important in the economy of God. Whereas Jeroboam went his own way in anger and frustration and pride, Judah remained somewhat faithful to the promise, and God blessed that. He will bless your life too when you seek after Him and His righteousness. Obey the Word of the LORD and follow Him wherever He takes you.

 

Verses to Memorize: 2 Chronicles 11:4, 14