The Temple Rebuilt. Ezra 5 & 6

 

Ezra 5-6 The Temple Rebuilt

 

 

The rebuilding of the temple was stopped by the opposition of the enemy. Although they found the rebellion of the Israelites true, they did not look for the decree that had been made to rebuild the city of Jerusalem.

God raised up the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. These two prophets were called upon by God to encourage the people to resume building the temple. They knew there had been a decree from Cyrus, King of Persia, which granted them permission to rebuild Jerusalem. They knew it was God’s will and God’s time to rebuild the city.

Haggai carried a measuring rod along with him and measured everything. He got down to the nitty-gritty and was precise.

Zechariah had tremendous visions and appealed to the emotions of the people. He spoke to their hearts. Both encouraged the people to resume their building program. When work was resumed, the enemies heard about it. They said, “You were ordered to stop building!” The answer given to them was “if you were part of the building crew, we would be glad to answer you, but since your names are not on the list, we will not answer you.” So, another letter was sent to the king. This time Darius is king. It has been about seven years that had gone by. The letter gave the history of the Captivity which had occurred about seventy years before. They gave the concrete evidence that King Cyrus had commanded them to rebuild the temple. The enemies did no believe that a decree had ever been made by King Cyrus, but the letter is saying the Jews’ claim of such decree. They ask that a search be made.

God is with His people and His will is going to be done. During the search, King Darius unearthed some archives, and he then returns a letter to Tatnai, the governor with an important job. King Darius realizes that it was a law of the Medes and Persians, and it could not be altered or changed. So, he makes a further decree. “Not only are you to stop hindering the work, you are to help it along. You are to give these people the money to rebuild the temple.

“Whoever alters this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged on it.” Ezra 6:11. The temple is rebuilt.

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

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Rebuilding is Halted. Ezra 4

 

Ezra 4 -Rebuilding is Halted

Some of the people had trickled back into Jerusalem and had mixed with the Samaritans. As a result, they wanted to join up with those who had come up from Babylon. The adversaries of Judah and Benjamin said, “We have been worshiping God here all along, and you have just gotten back. Let us join with you, and we’ll worship Him together.” That sounds very good on the surface, but they were not genuine.

 

The chief fathers of Israel rejected the enemies offer to become allies.

When the psychological approach comes in conflict with the Bible, the Bible must prevail for the child of God.

 

They were enemies, not friends. As soon as they were turned down, they began to actively oppose them. They decided to compose a letter to the king of Persia with false accusations against the remnant that had returned to rebuild Jerusalem. 

 

Their argument was that Jerusalem was a rebellious city and that Artaxerxes will have trouble with it again if he allows the city to be rebuilt.

 

The King of Persia took their advice and when his letter came back to the enemy. The enemy took it to the fathers of Israel and were forced to halt the building program.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible.

Rebuilding the Temple. Ezra 3

 

Ezra 3. Rebuilding the Temple

 

This first group that returned to Jerusalem after the captivity numbered fifty thousand. The next, led by Ezra, were about two thousand. Most of the people remained in the land of Babylon.

 

They searched the scriptures and they found what was written in the Law of Moses. There was no controversy or difference of opinion. The Bible was their authority. The scriptures are all sufficient that is needed for the guidance of those who would be faithful to God.

 

The altar erected was the altar of burnt offering. It was the sacrifice that spoke of the person of Christ and His sacrifice for us.

 

These people who had come back to the land were poor, humble people. They were not seeking position; they were just trying to do the will of God. They began to build the foundations of the temple. They are so thrilled and enthusiastic that they act as though the entire temple has been rebuilt. They had a dedication service, a time of praise, and sang praises to God.

 

These were the younger people that had never seen Solomon’s temple. In all their youth and enthusiasm, they were praising God, and the Lord blessed them. The other group were the old-timers who remembered Solomon’s temple. This temple seemed nothing to them and they mourned for the old.

It was the prophet Haggai that told the people “The Lord says, Go ahead and build, God is with you!”

The Lord knows who belongs to Him.

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible.

 

The Men of Anathoth. Ezra 2

 

Ezra 2 – The men of Anathoth

 

In Jeremiah’s day the children of Israel were on the verge of being carried away into captivity. When Jeremiah bought the land, it did not look as though Israel had a future. But God had him buy the land as a sign that Judah would be restored. Jeremiah’s act was one of faith. God promised His people would return to the land, and they did. The men of Anathoth had a sealed, lawful claim to the land because Jeremiah had purchased it and given it to them.

 

When they returned, some rebuilt the temple, some passed along the Word of God, some go out as missionaries, some supported those who went.

 

Every man’s work will be inspected with a reward in mind. We all will appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Every believer will appear before the judgment seat of Christ. “For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in the body, according to that he has done, whether it be good or bad.”  2 Cor. 5:10.

 

There were 128 singers who went back. The spirit of praise and rejoicing was in their hearts and lives. More singers returned to the land than did the Levites.

 

All of us should have a “know-so” salvation, not a “think-so”, or “hope-so.” “For I know whom I believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” 2 Tim. 1:12

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah.

 

 

 

Return To Jerusalem. Ezra 1

 

Ezra 1 – Return to Jerusalem                                                                                                                                                

Right away Ezra puts an emphasis on the Word of God. Cyrus, King of Persia was one of the most enlightened rulers of the ancient world. He was a subject of predictive prophecy. He was named two hundred years before he was born. Isaiah 44:28.

Cyrus is a type of Christ. Daniel was a prime minister in the court of Cyrus and led him to a knowledge of the living and true God. Cyrus made a decree proclaiming that the nation of Israel could return to their land. The will of the Lord was fulfilled in that act.
Over three hundred prophecies concerning the first coming of Christ has been literally fulfilled.

The seventy years of captivity were over, but very few returned. Cyrus realized that God had given him this position. How many rulers of this world, in this so-called civilized age, recognize that they are ministers of God? They have been put into office by God whether they know it or not!

Ezekiel saw the vison of God’s glory depart from the temple at Jerusalem. When the Shekinah glory was removed, God gave His people into the hands of the Gentiles and sent them into Babylonian captivity. He dissolved the theocracy of Israel and became the God of heaven. He will remain that until He returns to Jerusalem to establish His throne.

Cyrus said, “God commanded him to build Him a house at Jerusalem. Cyrus was a Gentile world ruler at that time, and he gives permission for the Jews to return to Jerusalem. Those who did not return helped their brethren who went up. The group that returned was of the poorer class. These were the ones who understood the times, and so they returned to their land.

When the city of Babylon was captured. The Persian king had put away the vessels, and when Cyrus became king, they were there, God saw to that. They represent tremendous wealth. These are sent back to Jerusalem.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

Reign of Bad Kings- Captivity

 

II Chronicles 36– Reign of Bad Kings- Captivity

 

Jehoahaz was 21 years old, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. He was despised by the king of Egypt. Jehoiakim was 25 years old, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. During his reign the king of Babylon came against the land. Jehoiachin was 8 years old, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem. Zedekiah was 21 years old, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. Each of these kings did evil in the sight of the Lord.

 

Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, pushes over the wall and burns Jerusalem and takes Judah into captivity. God allows this because they mocked the messengers of God, and despised His words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against the people. He also allowed this to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah.

 

How much longer will God put up with our sins? There is a time when a nation reaches this point. How close to that point is our nation?

 

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

We need to return to God’s word, repent of our sins and become obedient to Him.

“It is better to put our trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man. It is better to put our trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in princes.” Psalm 118:8,9.

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

Josiah's Revival. II Chronicles 34,35

 

II Chronicles 34,35 – Josiah’s Revival

 

It is what God says is right, is right and what He says is wrong, is wrong.

In the eighth year of Josiah’s reign, he was sixteen years old, and he began to seek God. He was twenty when he began his reforms in Judah.

Josiah was a fearless reformer. After he cleaned up the southern kingdom, he went into the tribes of Israel in the north. When he was twenty-six years old, he began to repair the temple. Once it was prepared, they came across the Law of Moses. Josiah was dismayed when he heard the Word of God for the first time, because he and his people had strayed so far from God’s commands.

A return to the Word of God brings revival, it must be a total commitment to God. There can be no half-hearted service. There cannot be trying to go with God and trying to be with the world at the same time. It must be a clear-cut dedication of heart and life to God.

 

God sent a message to Josiah that he will send judgement on the people as he promised, but he will not do it until Josiah is gone.

 

Chapter 35

 

The Passover is symbolic of the death of Christ. God says, “there was no Passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet.”

 

Josiah had no business going to war and had refused to stay out of it. He had been a good king. He led a tremendous revival, a great turning to God. But his death ended the revival. Now God’s judgment will fall upon the southern kingdom of Judah.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

Manasseh's Reign. II Chronicles 33

 

II Chronicles 33 – Manasseh’s Reign

 

Manasseh began to reign when he was twelve years old. That means he was born during the last fifteen years of Hezekiah. Hezekiah was the best king and led the nation in a revival. His son comes to the throne and is the worst king. He reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. He went into idolatry in a big way. He was as bad as Ahab and Jezebel, and he worshiped Baal as they had done.

He introduced the worship of the hosts of heaven, such as Jupiter, Mercury and Venus, and the worship of all the stars. You could have had your horoscope read in the temple in that day. A lot of people put more confidence in their horoscope than they put in God.

He built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. He went all the way into idolatry in causing his children to pass through fire.

Manasseh used enchantments and witchcraft and dealt with familiar spirits. In our day along with the movement back to God we are seeing a return to Satanic worship.

You can be sure that when a man or a nation reaches this place, God will move.

Manasseh was taken from the throne and carried captive to Babylon. When Manasseh found himself in real trouble, he sincerely came back to God. God forgave him and restored him back to his throne.

When he returned to Jerusalem, he took away the strange gods and the idols out of the house of the Lord, and he repaired the altar of the Lord and sacrificed there. Even so, the people still worshiped in the high places.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Hezekiah, Continued. II Chronicles 30-32

 II Chronicles 30 - 32 Hezekiah cont.

 

Hezekiah sends an invitation to the northern kingdom to come and worship God. Because his dad Ahaz had recently had them captured, there was many who rejected and ridiculed the invitation. Still many responded and came to keep the Passover with their brethren.

They had come from all over Israel, and some of them were not sanctified.

The northern kingdom was a place of idolatry, and yet they had a hunger and a desire to serve God and obey. They went ahead and ate the Passover without knowing that they should have been cleansed. Hezekiah prayed for them.

The Lord listened to the prayer of Hezekiah and healed the people. This reveals that the form and the ceremony are not the important things, God is interested in the condition of the hearts of the people.

They were having such a wonderful time, that they decided to extend the feast for another week. This was a joyous return to the Lord and His Word.

Afterwards, Hezekiah begins to rid the land of the idols.  

chapter 31

There was a great period of reformation that Hezekiah led in all of this.  Hezekiah was not only a man of faith, but he was also a man of prayer and he changed the kingdom.

Chapter 32

Hezekiah took steps to strengthen and fortify the city, but his confidence was in God. He encouraged his people to trust in Him.

Sennacherib of Assyria sent representatives to intimidate the people ad break down their morale and confidence in God. He sent letters to demoralize them.

When Hezekiah received the letters, he went into the temple and spread the letters out before God. He depended on the Lord for help and was delivered in a miraculous way. An angel cast off the enemies.

Then Hezekiah got sick, and he faced the wall and prayed to God. God answered his prayer by giving him another 15 years.

During those 15 years, Hezekiah showed his treasure to Babylon, which caused great trouble in their future. Hezekiah became very proud, and it led to wrath upon him and Judah and Jerusalem. It may have been better if Hezekiah had died at God’s appointed time.

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

God's Viewpoint on Hezekiah's Reign. II Chronicles 29

 II Chronicles 29 – God’s Viewpoint of Hezekiah’s Reign

 

Hezekiah came to the kingdom for such a time as this because he is God’s man. Apparently, Hezekiah had a godly grandmother and grandfather, and they influenced him.

 

He trusted in the Lord God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. He kept the commandments which the Lord committed to Moses. And the Lord was with him, and he prospered.

 

Of the twenty-one kings of Judah who followed David, there was none greater than Hezekiah. God took great delight in Hezekiah. Three times in the Word of God we are told about this man and the great return to God which he led.

 

As soon as Hezekiah began to reign, he opened the doors of the temple. They were open for the first time in a long time. Now Hezekiah told them to clean everything and to sanctify themselves. There had to be a return to holy living, to honesty, and integrity. There had to be a setting-apart for God.

Hezekiah set a good example. He took a public stand for God.

 

God’s people need to take a public stand for God.

 

The priest’s made an atonement for all Israel with the burnt offerings and sin offering. Music was again brought into the worship in the temple. There was singing and instrumental music as David had organized it. The whole congregation sang praises to God and worshiped Him.

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary

Jotham and Ahaz's Reign. II Chronicles 27 & 28

 

II Chronicles 27 & 28 Jotham and Ahaz’s Reign

 

Jotham was a good king. Judah has had three good kings in a row. He was 25 years old and he reigned 16 years in Jerusalem.

When his father went into the temple and burnt offerings, he was made a leper. Jotham did what was right in the sight of the Lord, but he stayed away

From the temple. There was an understandable background for his action.

There are many people today who are kept away from God’s house by prejudice.

Jotham built castles among the trees in the hills. He was a great builder. He kept his nation strong militarily as his father had done. Here is a young man who could have been a great king, but a prejudice prevented him from being a great king and doing great things for God.

 Chapter 28

Ahaz was a bad king. He offered his children on a red-hot altar. It was an idol that was heated red-hot for human sacrifices. Ahaz went completely into idolatry and plunged the southern kingdom into idolatry.

God permits the enemy to come in. Syria comes down and the wall is breached into the southern kingdom. There are many who are taken captive. Many became captives of Israel, the northern kingdom. Israel took men of Judah into captivity.

God permitted this to happen because Ahaz and his people had plunged into idolatry. God sends Oded, a prophet to express God’s forbidding of taking their brethren into slavery. Lev. 25:39-40. They were able to secure their release and return them to their homes.

If it had not been for the fact that God intervened, they would have been almost eliminated as a nation.

When God removed His protection, it was like opening the flood gates and letting the enemy come in. Because of sin on the part of the people they will not have peace. Instead of turning to God, he turned to Assyria for help. He sent him a generous gift from the wealth of the temple and of the palace. The king of Assyria accepted it, but he never did send any help to Ahaz.

The Bible tells us we are not to put our trust in man. We are to put our trust in God.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

Uzziah's Reign. II chronicles 26

 

II Chronicles 26– Uzziah’s Reign

 

Uzziah came to the throne when he was only a teenager. He was a good king but not an outstanding one. There was no revival in his time.

It was after Uzziah’s death that Isaiah began his ministry.

 

Uzziah warred against the Philistines, and broke down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. Then he built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines.

 

Uzziah was a farmer at heart, a farmer, and a rancher.

The Southern kingdom of Judah was strong militarily at that time.

In ancient warfare they had certain kinds of machines that would hurl rocks. Also, they could fix bows that would shoot arrows without being pulled by human power. And they were able to build bows of tremendous size that would shoot arrows a great distance. It is interesting to note that this man Uzziah was responsible for this new method of warfare.

 

Sometimes success is the worst thing that can happen to any of us because we become lifted with pride. Pride was Uzziah’s downfall.

 

He went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense. The king was usurping the priest’s office; he was doing what was strictly forbidden for anyone to do except the sons of Aaron. This was instant judgement from God upon Uzziah.

 

Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death. The son of Uzziah had to take over the affairs of the state, because Uzziah was in quarantine the rest of his life

The Lord Jesus Christ said, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6. Uzziah had tried to come to God in his own way, and he had become a leper. Death for Uzziah was a sweet relief.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

 

Amaziah. II Chronicles 25

 

II Chronicles 25 Amaziah

 

Amaziah had executed the men who had murdered his father.

 

 Nowadays we stand judged based on our own sins. You will never go to heaven just because you had godly parents. We will go to heaven because of the faith that we, individually exercise in Christ.

 

Amaziah is getting ready for war. He hires a mercenary army of soldiers from Israel.

 

A man of God warns Amaziah to trust God. He should know that God would not want him to hire men of Israel. Amaziah obeyed. He separated the army of Israel from his own army and sent them back to Israel. Then God gave him a victory over the children of Seir.

 

Then Amaziah brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down before them, and burned incense to them.

 

The anger of the Lord burned against Amaziah. So, civil war breaks out again. Joash, the king of Israel and Amaziah spoke to each other, and Joash insulted him with a parable saying, in as much, “If you stay home and mind your own business, you won’t get hurt.” Amaziah did not listen. So, God judged him.

 

It was an easy victory for Israel and was a fulfillment of the prophet’s warning.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

Reign of Joash. II Chronicles 24

 

II Chronicles 24 – Reign of Joash

 

Joash did what was right under the teaching of Jehoiada. He reigned forty years. Jehoiada grew old, he was 130 years old when he died.

 

Joash planned and insisted on repairing the temple of God. God’s temple was in a terrible condition. So, Joash took the matter in his own hands. He didn’t trust the Levites to go out and collect the money, so he puts this chest there in the temple, and people put their contributions there. As a result, the repair work was completed. There were sufficient funds to remake the vessels and implements to carry on the regular services of the temple.

 

After the death of Jehoiada, a new era begins.

 

While Jehoiada lived, the princes did not dare to go into idolatry. Joash was a young king and probably lenient. These princes pledged their allegiance to Joash, but they go out and worship idols again.

 

In His mercy, God sends prophets to warn them, but they will not listen. So, God sends a message by a man who is the son of Jehoiada.

 

They conspired against him and stoned him at the command of the king. This son of Jehoida cries out to God to take vengeance upon the king for this.

 

God judges them by defeat in battle.

 

Jehoida, the priest was buried with honor, while Joash the king was buried with dishonor.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

 

King Joash. II Chronicles 23

 

II Chronicles 23 – King Joash

 

The leadership of Judah was dissatisfied with the bloody queen Athaliah. Jehoida the priest, called them to a very private meeting. He let them know that there is a son of David that is still alive. They make a pledge with each other to make this young boy of the line of David their king.

 

A third part of the group acted as porters at the doors of the temple on the sabbath. A third part would be at the king’s palace. And a third part would be at the gate of the foundation. They did not permit anyone inside the temple except the priests and Levites. Jehoida gave out spears and bucklers and shield’s which were kept in the temple.

 

Seven-year-old Joash was placed on the throne of Judah.

 

Athaliah thought that she had killed off all her offspring. She had a thirst for power and wanted to be queen.  She was surprised and from her standpoint it was high treason!

 

Jehoida is the one that will make the decisions until Joash comes of age. Jehoida is God’s priest, and he leads the nation back to the worship of God.

He broke down the altars of Baal and killed the priests of Baal. He revived worship of Jehovah by setting up the order of priest’s and Levites for the burnt offerings. Singing was restored. Porters watched the gates so nothing unclean entered the temple.

 

Sin always brings complications, trouble, heartbreak, the judgement of God. Revival restores peace and quiet to the land.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

 

The Bloody Queen. II Chronicles 22

 

II Chronicles 22 – The Bloody Queen

 

Athaliah is the queen on the throne. She is the power behind the throne. She is the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. She turned her husband, Jehoram away from God. Her son Ahaziah listens to her and aligns himself with the northern Kingdom and with the House of Ahab, which was to his destruction.

Jehoram, king of Judah is dead. His son, Ahaziah is the king and now he aligns himself with Jehoram, king of Israel. Jehoram was wounded in this battle with the Syrians.

The Princess of Judah were probably distant relatives who held important offices in the court. Jehu killed them all, and he goes after Ahaziah, who had escaped, and he was found and killed.

God records it to let us know that He judges sin. He wants us to know that man doesn't get by with sin.

This bloody queen killed all but one of her grandchildren.  She couldn't find him.

If this had not taken place, the line of David would have been cut off.

 

Satan has made many attempts to destroy the line that would lead to Christ. Satan tried to destroy the line when all the male babies were to be slain down in the land of Egypt. He tried to have all the Jews exterminated at the time of Haman. After Jesus was born, he worked through the Herod and tried to kill Jesus by killing all the babies around Bethlehem. Satan had the line of David reduced, so there was only one survivor.

 

Joash was one year old when he was hidden. He was kept hidden away in the temple for six years. During that time the bloody queen ruled the land

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

Jehoram. II Chronicles 21

 

II Chronicles 21 – Jehoram

 

Jehoram was the son that married the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel and he learned to do evil from them. He eliminated all the competition by killing all his brothers and others of the royal family. This man was so wicked that God would have been justified in exterminating the line. But God is faithful to His promises. He would not destroy the line of David because He had made a covenant with David.

 

God made it very clear why judgment came upon Jehoram. This judgment was from the hand of God. He can’t have peace because he has forsaken the Lord God of his fathers.

 

God says He judges sin, and a great many of us can testify to the fact in our own lives.

 

Jehoram pushed the people back into the idolatry which his father, Jehoshaphat, had delivered them.

 

Before Elijah was translated, he wrote a message. It read, “Because you had not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat, your father, nor in the ways of Asa, King of Judah…the Lord will smite your people with a great plague… You shall have great sickness by disease of the bowels, until your bowels fall out by reason of your sickness.”

 

It is a harsh message but one that God wanted delivered to Jehoram.

 

“And it came to pass, that at the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness; so, he died of sore diseases.”

 

The place in which they buried him and the lack of respect at his burial show how this man was hated.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. J. Vernon McGee Commentary and NKJ Bible and Nelson’s Quick Reference.

 

War by Enemy Nations. II Chronicles 20

 

 

II Chronicles 20 – War by Enemy Nations

 

Jehoshaphat was told that a great multitude was coming against him from beyond the sea on the side of Syria. Jehoshaphat is afraid. He goes to God in prayer and sends word out to his people to join him in fasting and prayer.

 

Jehoshaphat, knowing what God has promised in the past and what God has done in the past, now rests upon the promises of God. He goes over this entire situation in his prayer to God and then he concludes his prayer.

 

He casts himself entirely upon God in a helpless situation.

Jahaziel is now God’s spokesman, and he says, “Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

 

The secret of prayer is to go to God in faith.

 

Jehoshaphat encourages his troops to put their trust in the Lord. The Lord gave them their victory. He won the battle for them.

 

It is God who gives rest and peace. Our nation hasn’t learned that. We think that if we make this kind of alignment, this kind of treaty, we won’t have to fight in a war. We have fought two world wars to bring peace in the world and all we have is war. Our world is not trusting the Prince of Peace.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. J. Vernon McGee Thru the Bible

A Message from God. II Chronicles 19

 

II Chronicles 19 – A Message from God

 

Jehoshaphat returns home, he is met by a prophet with a message from God. “Should you help the ungodly?”

God never asks us to love one who is an enemy of God. It is one thing to love a sinner. It is another thing to love his sin.

There are people who are God’s enemies, they are enemies of the Word of God, and they are enemies of Christianity. We are to love God’s people; this is His command. And we are to love the sinner in the sense that we should try to bring him to Christ. However, this does not mean that we are to compromise with sin!

God allowed Jehoshaphat to go through this experience with Ahab because God was going to teach him a lesson from this.

We fall into the error of criticizing others because they are not as separated from sin as we think they should be. You and I must give an account for our life to the Lord Jesus Christ, He is my master. You are not. In the same way, I am not your master.

Jehoshaphat appointed judges and told them to be careful in their judgments.

When a godless man sits on the judge’s bench, he does not feel a responsibility to God. He is a dangerous judge because he is subject to all the vices. He is apt to make a wrong judgement. He is also apt to show respect of persons and may be led to take a bribe.

Jehoshaphat learned his lesson and began to organize everything in his life around God.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible. Nelsons Quick Reference Commentary.

 

Jehoshaphat and Ahab. II Chronicles 18

 

II Chronicles 18- Jehoshaphat and Ahab

 

Jehoshaphat teamed up with Ahab. Jehoshaphat loves God, and he loves the word of God. He is what we would call a spiritually minded man. On the other hand, Ahab is as godless as they come. He hates God. He has given himself over to idolatry and immorality. What is it they have in common?

1.    There was a matrimonial alliance. Jehoram, the son of Jeshoshaphat, married Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. These two men thought they could cement relations between Judah and Israel and bring about an undivided kingdom. What they did was wrong. A believer and an unbeliever, a Christian and a non-Christian should not get married. This alliance almost exterminated the line of David.

2.    Jehoshaphat and Ahab had a market alliance. They sent ships to Tarshish. The ships were in commerce in grain and gold. There was a shipwreck, and the cargo was lost. God could not bless this alliance.

3.    Jehoshaphat and Ahab had a military alliance. What the armies of the northern kingdom could not accomplish against the southern kingdom of Judah, Ahab accomplished by involving Jehoshaphat in a war with Syria.

God had given Jehoshaphat peace. Ahab is asking him to go to war. Jehoshaphat agrees, but this situation gives him anxiety. Jehoshaphat says, “Let’s find out what God has to say.” So, Ahab brings in a whole lot of prophets of Baal. Jehoshaphat says, “Is there not a prophet of the Lord whom we can ask?” Ahab replies, “there is one man, but I hate him.” Jehoshaphat says, “surely not because he gives you the Word of God.” So, Ahab agreed to send for Micaiah. The messenger tries to encourage Micaiah to speak the same as the other prophets. Micaiah is not intimidated. He is going to speak what God says for him to say. Ahab knew the difference between truth and lies, but he didn’t want to obey the truth. There are a lot of people like that today.

Micaiah’s message is that they will lose the battle and Ahab will be killed. Ahab does not pay attention to what Micaiah says and orders Micaiah to be put in prison. It was not Jehoshaphat’s fight, but he almost got killed. The only reason he came out alive is because God intervened on his behalf.  On the Syrian side there was a soldier. He drew a bow that had Ahab’s name on it, and it got him. He died just as Micaiah said he would.

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better. If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Jehoshaphat's Reign. II Chronicles 17

 

II Chronical 17- Jehoshaphat’s Reign

 

Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, was a man marvelously used by God. He strengthened the kingdom of Judah against Israel. He took precautions to protect his kingdom. He walked in the “first ways” of his father. Not in the way David walked in his old age, but when he was a young king, trusting in the Lord.

He sent out the Levites by the hundreds and maybe even the thousands. They spread throughout the entire kingdom teaching the Word of God.

There are wonderful things that are happening today. Some are inside the church; some are outside the church. If they are rooted in the Word of God, revival will be the result.

Jehoshaphat had to build great storage places to house all the gifts that were brought to him. When revival came to Judah, it had its effect upon all the nations around them. The revival spread. Even the Philistines, who were the enemies of David, became friendly and sent gifts and silver for tribute to him. The Arabs sent flocks of animals to him.

There was no war against him. Spiritual revival is a cure for war. If a nation is constantly at war, it is because that nation has turned away from God.

This was a time of peace, but Jehoshaphat kept an army for protection. He is a great ruler. He provided ample protection in case there should be an attack by the enemy, but God had given him peace.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible. Nelsons Quick Reference Commentary.

Asa's Lack of Faith. II Chronicles 16

 

II Chronicles 16 – Asa’s Lack of Faith

 

Israel became a formidable enemy to Asa and Judah, so Asa turned to a former Ally that he had, King Ben-hadad of Syria. It indicated a lack of faith in God. The king of Syria responded and sent in his troops. The maneuver was successful, but now the Lord was not happy with Asa. Through a prophet God tells Asa, “Wherein you have done foolishly; therefore, from henceforth thou shall have wars.” (vs. 7-9)

The third thing to do if you want a revival is to have faith in God. Not faith in methods, nor in man, nor in a church, nor in a system, nor in an organization. Revival requires faith in God.

The moment we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, we are saved. We are saved by faith, and we are to live by faith. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. (Heb. 11:6). Living without God means spiritual death for us. There could be no way in the world for us to be used of God.

Because of Asa’s lack of faith, God struck him with a disease which was serious and then became critical.

When you get sick, you should call upon God. The difficulty with Asa was that he called the doctor, but he didn’t call on the Lord.

This means we take our problems and our difficulties to the Lord and turn them over to Him. It is a faith that accepts whatever answer He gives us because He hears and answers our prays in His own way according to His will. God knows what is best for us.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible. Nelsons Quick Reference Commentary.

Revival II Chronicles 14 & 15

 

1I Chronicles 14 & 15 – Revival

 

Asa is the first of the kings in whose reign there was a revival. Solomon was his great Grandfather, Rehoboam was his grandfather, and Abijah was his father. Asa was a man of peace and a man of prayer. He said exactly what he meant, was direct and to the point.

The revival that came to the nation came because he was this kind of king. Because of this, God gave him a military victory.

To have a revival the first thing to do is have a knowledge of the Word of God. In Asa’s day they did not have a teaching priest. They were knee deep in priests and Levites, but they did not have a teaching priest. Consequently, they were without the Law, without the Word of God.

If you really want to know God’s Word, then God is ready to meet you any time you are ready.

Why is it we cannot have law and order? Why is it that we really can’t have peace? Why is there such lawlessness today? Based on the Word of God, it is because He has been left out.

Asa and his people were turning to God and seeking Him with all their heart and Soul. There was a return to the Word of God. We need more than a superficial familiarity with the Word of God. Revival does not depend on an activity, nor on a service, nor on a method. It requires a real knowledge and love of the Word of God. If you seek the Lord with your whole heart. He will be found by you.

The second thing needed is a scriptural separation. Asa’s own mother was engaged in Idolatry. This is the reason he removed her from the place of influence. He could have removed the high places, but he did not. He went only part way with God, and yet God used him. How gracious God is!

If you want revival, the place to begin is with yourself.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible.

 

Invasion by Egypt. II Chronicles 12

 

II Chronicles 12 – Invasion by Egypt

 

 

First, Shishak king of Egypt came up and carried away great treasures. He lugged away a great deal of gold and other wealth of that kingdom. The shields of gold that David brought, and that Solomon placed in the temple were captured. After that, they no longer had shields of gold, so they made shields of brass. The judgment of God was upon them because of their sins.

 

Rehoboam had been brought up under the influence of the reign of Solomon and had experienced the blessings that had come. He had known nothing but wealth and luxury and expected it to go on forever. He begins to realize there may be an end to the glory of the kingdom of Solomon. When Rehoboam humbles himself, God immediately withdraws judgment upon him and the people of Judah.

 

Chapter 13.

 

After Rehoboam’s death, his son, Abijah comes to the throne. Although he was considered a bad king who followed the footsteps of his father, he did make a plea to God to try to bring back the ten tribes. It was no use, since Jeroboam had made himself king and was not about to make peace. They cry out to God, and He delivers Israel into the hands of Judah. This is a great victory.  This was God’s judgment upon Jeroboam for dividing the nation.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible.

 

The Kingdom is Divided II Chronicles 10 & 11

 

II Chronicles 10 & 11 Israel Divides

 

 

Taxes were the problem in Rehoboam's time. This gave Jeroboam a leverage he could make a protest. He gathered with Israel and said to Rehoboam, "If you would reduce the taxes, we will go along with you." If Rehoboam had done that, there would not have been a rebellion. The wise thing would have been to reduce the taxes. He definitely showed poor judgment. He should have followed the wisdom of the older men who had been counselors during the reign of Solomon. They knew the situation. Unfortunately, he turned to the young men.

The young men advised him to raise the taxes. This was probably the most foolish thing Rehoboam could have done. 

Israel refers to the ten tribes. Judah refers to the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin.

King Rehoboam sent a tax collector to gather taxes and the people stoned him to death. So, Israel rebelled against the house of David.

 

II Chronicles 11

Earlier in Rehoboam's reign, he attempted warfare among his brothers. God intervened her and prevented it from happening.

The Levites have all left their cities in the Northern kingdom. and all the priests and Levites move south to Judah and Jerusalem. then Jeroboam institutes demon worship. He made two calves of gold and said to them, "It is too much for you to go to Jerusalem; behold your gods, O Israel, which brought you out of the land of Egypt." I Kings 12:27-29. The people worshiped the golden calves. Behind all of this idolatry is Satan. This is Satan worship. 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible.