1st Chronicles 9:1a – “So all Israel was listed in the official records of Israel’s kings.”
Today we read lots of genealogy. There are many familiar names. Some are well-known Bible characters and other names are familiar because we just read Kings. Chapter 1 takes us from Adam up to the time of Israel. There are familiar names besides Adam’s – Enoch, Noah, Esau, Israel (Jacob). Chapter 2 begins with a listing of Israel’s 12 sons.
The rest of chapter 2 through chapter 9 details the 12 tribes/sons of Israel. The chronicler begins with Judah and works in a circle geographically, ending up with Benjamin and in Israel’s political and religious center: Jerusalem. Judah’s family comes first. In chapter 3 we find a focus on David’s family. In verses 10-16 we find familiar names, ones we just read about in 2nd Kings. In chapter 4 we read about Simeon’s family. Here we begin to get a bit of history too. Chapter 5 holds the Transjordan tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. Here too we get a bit of their history.
Chapter 6 covers Levi’s family, their priestly duties, and the refuge cities. In chapter 7 we read of the descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, and the rest of Manasseh. Here we find troop counts. Naphtali gets but one verse. Chapter 8 comes back around to Benjamin’s tribe. The last half or so focuses on families living in or around Jerusalem. This section ends with 9:1a – “So all Israel was listed in the official records of Israel’s kings.”
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reset today. What a grand and detailed summary! While we know only a handful of names compared to the cumulative list, those familiar names remind us of your grand plan. This sets the stage as we continue on in your word. Once again, thank you Lord. Amen.
2nd Kings 25:21 – “So Judah was exiled from its land.”
Photo credit: Mukund Nair
Today’s reading begins with Josiah. While repairing the temple, the instruction scroll is found. Hearing its words, Josiah rips his clothing in anguish and sends folks to inquire of the Lord. He recognizes how far Judah (and Israel) had wandered from the Lord. Disaster is coming soon, says the Lord. And yet Josiah sets out to love God with all his heart, being, and strength. The covenant is restored. All of the shrines, altars, temples, poles… are removed. They celebrate the Passover. And Josiah dies in a battle with Pharaoh Neco.
Jehoahaz’s short reign in followed by Jehoachin. Fulfilling God’s word to Josiah… King Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon’s army arrives. In addition, raiding parties from many local tribes damage Judah. After three months, Jehoachin surrenders. All of the temple and palace treasures are hauled off, the temple items are cut up, and most of the people are taken into exile. A handful plus the poor are left behind to manage the crops. Newly renamed Zedekiah is left to rule. After 11 years, he rebels against Babylon. A new siege leads to a severe famine in Jerusalem. Zedekiah tries to escape but is caught. He watched his sons die and then is blinded, chained, and hauled off to exile in Babylon.
Guard commander Nebuzaradan oversees the burning of the temple, palace, and homes of Jerusalem. He oversees the Chaldeans tearing down the entire wall. The poor are left to farm the land. In 25:21 we read, “So Judah was exiled from its land.” All is in ruins. God’s anger has been fully poured out.
2nd Kings closes with a small happy note. After 37 years in prison in exile, Jehoachin is paroled by new king Awil-merodach. He allows Jehoachin to eat at his table.
Prayer: Lord God, perhaps the high point in Judah since the days of David and Solomon are followed by the great fall of Judah and the ruin of Jerusalem. This brings with it feelings associated with Holy Saturday. Today is a solemn day of final introspection and reflection as we close the season of Lent. It is much like the time in exile will be. Lead and guide us, O Lord, meld and mold us, remake us even, so that we can walk faithfully in ways. Amen.
2nd Kings 19:16 – “LORD, turn your ear this way and hear!… Listen to Sennacherib’s words. He sent them to insult the living God!”
After the evil king Ahaz, Hezekiah is a bright light. He removes all idol worship and follows God’s ways. The Assyrian king Sennacherib invades, conquering outlying towns in Judah. Hezekiah buys some time by paying a huge tribute. Soon, though, representatives of Sennacherib are back, threatening Judah, insulting God. Hezekiah goes to the Lord, seeking rescue. He prays, “LORD, turn your ear this way and hear!… Listen to Sennacherib’s words. He sent them to insult the living God!” God’s response comes through Isaiah – don’t fear. God’s got this. During the night 185,000 Assyrian soldiers are struck down by God’s messenger. Sennacherib goes back to Assyria.
Hezekiah then falls deathly ill. Isaiah confirms that he will die. Hezekiah prays and cries out to the Lord. God has mercy. The king will live. As a sign from God, a shadow moves backwards. The Babylonian king sent a get-well message. Hezekiah shows the Babylonian officials everything. Isaiah tells Hezekiah that the day is nearly there when Babylon comes to conquer Judah. Hezekiah is relieved that it won’t be during his lifetime.
Manasseh is the next king of Judah. His reign is 55 years of extreme evil. He restores all idol worship, rebuilding what his father tore down. He sacrifices his son and he builds idol altars in the temple. He sheds much innocent blood. God promises to bring disaster on Judah. Judah will be wiped clean as a plate is wiped clean.
His son Amnon rules for two years. He took is evil. Amnon is assassinated by his own officials, who are assassinated by the people. As bad as things are, there is a good king just around the corner.
Prayer: Lord God, the roller coaster ride continues. When your people walk faithfully your presence leads and guides and protects. When they turn their back on you, violence and evil grows. Lord, help us to recognize the outcomes apply to us as well. Fill us with your Holy Spirit’s power, encouraging us to walk in your ways. Amen.
2nd Kings 14:3-4 – “He did what was right in the LORD’s eyes, but… the shrines weren’t removed.”
Chapters 14-16 cover the kings of Israel and Judah. In just over 100 years there are 11 kings in total. Some reign a long time – 52 years – and some are barely on the throne – 6 months and 1 month for two kings. Within these readings we see a general pattern. For the first three kings of Judah, each one has this description: He did what was right in the LORD’s eyes, but… the shrines weren’t removed.” For all of the seven kings of Israel, they did evil in God’s eyes. Some are worse than others but together they lead Israel into exile.
In Judah, to the south, Amaziah defeats Edom and reestablishes that border. Azariah reigns next and for the longest, but his is isolated due to a skin disease. His son Jotham runs things. He rules next and rebuilds a temple gate. Ahaz rules next and he begins the slide. He does evil in God’s eyes. Worshipping a foreign god, he burns his sons and daughters alive. Aram attacks and Ahaz cries out to Assyria. They rescue Judah, but at a cost. Ahaz worships like the Assyrians, further removing God from Judah.
In Israel of Samaria, there is much evil and frequent assassinations. Zechariah is the last of Jehu’s line. Menahem attacks Tiphsah and guts all the pregnant women. Assyria comes and he buys peace with tribute. During Reka’s reign Assyria captures some outlying towns and takes the people into exile. Hoshea reaches out to Egypt for help, which brings a full scale Assyrian assault. All of Israel falls and is hauled off into exile.
In chapter 17 there is a summary of Israel and Judah’s failure to be faithful. The chapter ends with the new settlers of Israel being punished by God. The Assyrian king sends a priest back to teach the new inhabitants to worship “the local god.” They learn to worship God. And they continue to worship their false gods too. They mirror what Israel had become.
Prayer: Lord God, how this downward decline must’ve broken your heart. I’d apologize for my ancient ancestors, but I recognize that I too sin, that I too create hurt in your heart. Yet I also recognize that you’re still here. You haven’t given up on humanity. Thank you for your love, for your grace, for your plan. Help me to love you more fully. Amen.
2nd Kings 13:23 – “But the LORD was gracious to Israel and had compassion on them, turning back to them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
Chapters 11-13 are chapters filled with evil done in the sight of the Lord. Our readings begin with Athaliah killing off almost her entire family – so she can rule Judah. But one of Ahaziah’s sons escapes. Hidden away and raised in the temple, Jehoash becomes king at age 7. The priest Jehoiada orchestrates this. He then makes a covenant with the people to belong to the Lord. Jehoash is mostly a bright spot. He oversees the repair of the temple in spite of the priests’ reluctance. But he allows shrine worship to continue. And he buys off Aram’s King Hazael with the Holy objects and gold from the temple. In the end, a conspiracy by his own officials ends Jehoash’s reign after 40 years.
Shifting back to Israel in Samaria, Jehoahaz becomes king. He rules for 17 mostly evil years. A bright moment comes amidst heavy oppression from Aram. He cries out to God and God sends a savior who defeats Aram. There is peace, “But they didn’t deviate from the sins.” Joash is the next king. His 16 years are filled with what was evil in God’s sight. He dies and Jeroboam becomes king in Israel.
Our readings end with Elisha’s final appearance. He becomes gravely ill and King Joash pays him a visit. Through the use of a bow and some arrows, Elisha prophesies some rescue from Aram. He dies and is buried. And then his bones bring a man back to life. God is still present, in more ways than one. In verse 23 of chapter 13 we read, “But the LORD was gracious to Israel and had compassion on them, turning back to them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Ah, the covenant. Ah, the love.
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the closing reminder of your covenant love. No matter the evil done by Jehoash or Jehoahaz or Joash or by us, your love remains. You remain compassionate and gracious. You even work through some we least expect – like Jehoash and maybe even through us. You can use any situation and any person for your plans. Restore us when we fail. Use us as you will. Amen.
2nd Kings 9:6-7 – “I anoint you king over the LORD’s people, over Israel. You will strike down your master Ahab’s family.”
Photo credit: Falaq Lazuardi
As we begin our readings Jehoram becomes Judah’s king. He does evil. Edom and then Libnah rebel. Jehoram dies and Ahaziah becomes king. He does evil. He joins Joram, Israel’s king, in a battle against Aram. Joram is injured and withdraws. We don’t know how the battle turns out.
In chapter 9 the focus shifts to Jehu. Elisha sends a fellow prophet to anoint Jehu king of Israel. He instructs Jehu to “strike down your master Ahab’s family.” Jehu and his men head towards Jezreel. Joram sends two chariots out to see if they come in peace. Neither returns so Joram and Ahaziah head out to see. Jehu asks how could there be peace with all of Jezebel’s sins? Joram and Ahaziah are killed as they flee. Jezebel greets Jehu rudely from an upper window. He asks the officials there with her if they’re on his side. They throw Jezebel out the window. Her body is later devoured by dogs, fulfilling Elijah’s words.
Next Jehu cleverly but brutally disposes of Ahab’s 70 sons. He then kills all others who belonged to Ahab as well as Ahaziah’s brothers. Jehu then turns his focus to the Baal worshippers. He claims to be a super Baal worshipper and calls for a huge sacrifice to Baal. All who follow Baal flock in. “No one stayed home.” 80 soldiers mercilessly kill them all and then destroy the Baal temple and all that was inside of it.
Jehu has done much to remove evil from Israel. Things feel good. Until we turn to 10:29 – “However, Jehu didn’t deviate from the sins that Jeroboam… had caused Israel to commit.” Jehu’s family will reign for four generations. Meanwhile, God begins to whittle down the size of Israel.
Prayer: Lord God, so much heads in the right direction, and, then, evil. I am reminded of David’s great sin. But there is no repentance here with Jehu. We too will strive to walk in your ways, O God, only to stumble and fall. In those critical moments, draw our hearts to a place of repentance. Guide us to humble ourselves and to rejoin you in our walk of faith. O Lord, may it be so. Amen.
1st Kings 5:15 – “Now I know for certain that there’s no God anywhere on earth except in Israel.”
Photo credit: Daniel Hooper
King Ahaziah falls and sends a servant to a foreign god to seek news. Elijah intercepts him and sends him back, asking Ahaziah, “It is because there’s no God in Israel?” This will be a persistent question. Three times Ahaziah sends men to Elijah. The first two groups die as Elijah demonstrates God’s power. Showing mercy to the third group, Elijah goes and repeats the earlier question. Ahaziah dies and Joram becomes king. He soon faces a rebellion from Moab. While this trouble is brewing Elijah is taken home to heaven. He tries to shake Elisha. Prophets along the way remind Elisha that Elijah is about to be taken. Elisha persists as they travel to Bethel and Jericho. At the Jordan, Elijah parts the water with his coat. On the other side Elijah asks Elisha what he wants. It is “a double portion of your spirit.” He does see Elijah taken up in a whirlwind, this receiving the blessing. Elisha picks up the coat and performs the first of many miracles.
As war brews, Joram recruits allies. They head out to battle Aram but soon run out of water. Elisha is summoned at King Jehoshaphat’s request. As prophesied, pools of water appear and a foolish Moab is defeated. Next, Elisha saves a widow through the miracle of the oil. Then he receives great hospitality and in return a son is born to the woman. But he dies. She is upset with Elisha. He comes and, through God’s power, the boy lives again. Two good miracles follow, bringing Elisha’s total to 8. Elijah offered seven miracles.
Next, Naaman comes to Samaria. The great general seems healing. He ends up at Elisha’s front door. Angered that Elisha doesn’t even come out, Naaman is ready to head home – still sick. A servant calms him. Completely healed, he says to Elisha, “Now I know for certain that there’s no God anywhere on earth except in Israel.” As an act of faith, he brings home dirt so that he can worship God on soil from Israel. What great faith!
Aram again attacks Israel but Elisha’s gift keeps Israel one step ahead. Learning of why, the king of Aram sends the army to capture Elisha. God is on Elisha’s side. The Arameans are struck blind and led into the middle of Samaria. Instead of killing them, Elisha instructs the king to feed them and send them back. This act of mercy ends this skirmish. But soon Ben-hadad invades and lays siege to the capital. A great famine follows. The story of his people eating their children causes the king to get angry at Elisha. He is blaming God for what is happening. Elisha is the easier target of his anger.
God rescues them again. Four lepers discover that the Aramean camp has been abandoned in haste. In the night, God made them think that a huge army was coming against them. They fled in great fear. The king doubts the news, but investigates and finds it true. God has rescued them once again.
After saving the Shunem woman from another famine, Elisha goes to Aram. Ben-hadad is I’ll and hears that Elisha is there. He sends Hazael to inquire of his fate. He will recover but he will not live. An emotional Elisha tells Hazael that as king he will do great violence to Israel. He questions this at first yet goes and assassinates Ben-hadad. Hazael becomes the next king of Aram.
Prayer: Lord God, we see your powerful spirit at work, even as it shifts from Elijah to Elisha. The new prophet continues to walk in your ways, leading and guiding Israel. You remain present through Elisha. We ask today that this same spirit – a spirit that is with all who believe – that this spirit would empower us to live in ways that witness to your power and presence in our world and in our lives. Use us to make you known. Amen.
1st Kings 20:13 – “Do you see that great army? Today I am handing it over to you. Then you will know that I am the LORD.”
Photo credit: Einar Storsul
Today’s readings center on war between Israel and Aram. Ben-hadad leads a huge army and makes demands of Ahab. After giving in to the first, Ahab refuses the next demand. God sends a prophet to Ahab, saying, “Do you see that great army? Today I am handing it over to you. Then you will know that I am the LORD.” District officials lead Israel to victory this day. Ahab sees what walking with God looks like. Warfare resumes the next spring. Again, the prophet brings basically the same words of assurance. A great victory is won. But Ahab is merciful to Ben-hadad, being disobedient to God. Another prophet reveals that it will now be Ahab’s life for Ben-hadad’s life. Walking without God has its consequences.
Upset and irritated, Ahab goes home. He tries to get something new to feel better. Been there? But Naboth refuses to sell his family inheritance. Ahab pouts. Jezreel notices and takes matters into her own hands. Through a sham trial she arranges Naboth’s death. While inspecting his new vineyard, Ahab is visited by Elijah. God condemns Ahab and Jezreel. In response, though, Ahab mourns and fasts. Because of this, disaster will fall in the next king.
There is again war with Aram. Ahab invites Jehoshaphat to fight alongside him. Prophets are consulted. A false spirit gives bad information. Sensing something is wrong, Jehoshaphat asks for another prophet. In the end, Micaiah reveals that soon Israel will be like sheep without a shepherd. Then, in spite of disguising himself, a “random” arrow hits Ahab. He dies. Israel and Judah retreat.
Jehoshaphat continues to rule in Judah, walking with God. Ahaziah, Ahab’s son, rules in Israel, walking without God. This angers the Lord. His story concludes tomorrow as we turn to 2nd Kings.
Prayer: Lord God, what a profound difference we find when we choose to walk with you. Spirit of God, help us when we are weak and tempted. Guide us to God’s heart and to walking with God. Amen.
1st Kings 19:18 – “I have preserved those who remain in Israel, totaling seven thousand — all those whose knees haven’t bowed down to Baal.”
Photo credit: Paul Pastourmatzis
In today’s readings God returns to the scene in mighty ways. Suddenly Elijah is on the scene. His first act is to tell King Ahab that drought is on the way. Then he runs and hides. Elijah is filled with God’s Spirit and is very compassionate for the Lord. And he lacks confidence at times. His faith wavers between great and almost non-existent.
After providing for his needs in the wilderness, God then sends him to the widow at Zarephath. She is out gathering wood to prepare one last meal for her and her son. Elijah asks her for bread, asking her to trust God. She gives him bread and God provides for her faith. But her son grows ill and dies. She questions Elijah. He questions God. But then Elijah prays and asks God for help. God restores the boy back to life. The widow has faith in this man of God and in his God.
Elijah is then sent to Ahab – the one who has been searching for him. Obadiah reluctantly arranges a meeting. Ahab meets the “trouble maker” but Elijah counters, identifying Ahab and Israel as the ones who have deserted God. A contest is set up. The prophets of Baal prepare their bull and they pray and dance. Elijah teases them. They cut themselves and shout to Baal. Nothing. Elijah repairs the altar using twelve stones, prepares the sacrifice, and has water dumped upon it three times. Elijah prays to God. Fire falls and consumes everything. The people exclaim, “God is real!” The prophets of Baal die. He tells Ahab rain is coming. Six times Elijah’s servant looks for a cloud. On the seventh time, a small cloud has formed.
Jezreel is not happy about what happened at Mount Carmel. She threatens Elijah. He flees. Even though he’s ready to die, God provides as he makes his way to Mount Horeb. God asks, “Why are you here?” – Why are you afraid? God then teaches him an important lesson. God comes – not in the wind, not in the earthquake, not in the fire – but in the still and quiet. God has a plan. He tells the one who feels all alone, “I have preserved those who remain in Israel, totaling seven thousand — all those whose knees haven’t bowed down to Baal.” Elijah anoints Jehu as priest and Hazael as king. He goes to Elisha and throws his coat on him. Elisha accepts the invitation to follow. God is at work.
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for reminding Elijah and Israel and us of your presence, power, and might. Yet even with such reminders we can be like Elijah – our compassion for you quickly turning to fear and doubt. Help us to remember better. Lead and guide us to a sure and steady faith in you. Amen.
1st Kings 14:8 – “I tore the kingdom from David’s house and gave it to you. But you haven’t been like my servant David.”
In today’s five chapters we see the unfolding of God’s judgment against Solomon’s house and against Israel. Rehoboam follows Solomon and has an opportunity to begin well. But immaturity leads to a split in the kingdom. Jeroboam becomes king of Israel, the ten northern tribes. Rehoboam rules Judah – made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Egypt attacks a weak Judah and carries off all of the wealth that Solomon had gathered.
In the north Jeroboam sets up two places of worship – alternatives to Jerusalem – each with its own golden calf. He appoints his own priests and sets up his own religious festivals (that mirror the traditional festivals.) A man of God comes to him and warns him of the outcome of his sin, twice demonstrating God’s power. The man of God is tricked by another prophet and he dies a tragic death. Jeroboam continues in his evil ways. His son gets sick and he sends his wife, in a disguise, to the prophet Ahijah. He tells her the son will die and he tells her that all of Jeroboam’s house will die too.
We then shift back to Judah, where Rehoboam is doing evil in God’s eyes. They worship foreign gods and engage in illicit sex with the cultic prostitutes. Rehoboam dies and his son Abijam rules three years, doing evil in God’s eyes. His son Asa rules next. Asa is our one bright spot. He removes the prostitutes and the idols. He even removes his grandmother from her position as the queen mother. She was an idol worshipper. But he allows the shrines to remain and he forms an alliance with Aram.
We shift back to Israel as Nadab rules. After two years Baasha kills him and all of Jeroboam’s house. He rules 22 years, doing evil in God’s eyes. Jehu the prophet comes and warns him of his downfall. Things do not change. Zimri assassinates Baasha and then kills all of his household. Zimri rules for seven days. Omri the general leads next, for 12 years. Evil increases under Omri. His son Ahab rules next. Ahab does even more evil than anyone before him. He worships Baal and Asherah. The stage is set. The low point has been reached in Israel. It is time for God to return to the scene in full force.
Prayer: Lord God, one after another after another do evil in your eyes. Down, down, down goes Israel and Judah. A moment of light and hope comes, then Israel goes further down the slope. Yet we know the end of the story. Thank you for that. It’s needed with readings like today’s. Amen.
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