Author: Jon Green

  • 1 Chronicles 6

    1 Chronicles 6

    Read 1 Chronicles 6

    Levi

    The sons of Levi:

    Gershon, Kohath and Merari.

    The sons of Kohath:

    Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel.

    The children of Amram:

    Aaron, Moses and Miriam.

    The sons of Aaron:

    Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.

    Eleazar was the father of Phinehas,

    Phinehas the father of Abishua,

    Abishua the father of Bukki,

    Bukki the father of Uzzi,

    Uzzi the father of Zerahiah,

    Zerahiah the father of Meraioth,

    Meraioth the father of Amariah,

    Amariah the father of Ahitub,

    Ahitub the father of Zadok,

    Zadok the father of Ahimaaz,

    Ahimaaz the father of Azariah,

    Azariah the father of Johanan,

    10 Johanan the father of Azariah (it was he who served as priest in the temple Solomon built in Jerusalem),

    11 Azariah the father of Amariah,

    Amariah the father of Ahitub,

    12 Ahitub the father of Zadok,

    Zadok the father of Shallum,

    13 Shallum the father of Hilkiah,

    Hilkiah the father of Azariah,

    14 Azariah the father of Seraiah,

    and Seraiah the father of Jozadak.

    15 Jozadak was deported when the Lord sent Judah and Jerusalem into exile by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

    16 The sons of Levi:

    Gershon, Kohath and Merari.

    17 These are the names of the sons of Gershon:

    Libni and Shimei.

    18 The sons of Kohath:

    Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel.

    19 The sons of Merari:

    Mahli and Mushi.

    These are the clans of the Levites listed according to their fathers:

    20 Of Gershon:

    Libni his son, Jahath his son,

    Zimmah his son, 21 Joah his son,

    Iddo his son, Zerah his son

    and Jeatherai his son.

    22 The descendants of Kohath:

    Amminadab his son, Korah his son,

    Assir his son, 23 Elkanah his son,

    Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son,

    24 Tahath his son, Uriel his son,

    Uzziah his son and Shaul his son.

    25 The descendants of Elkanah:

    Amasai, Ahimoth,

    26 Elkanah his son, Zophai his son,

    Nahath his son, 27 Eliab his son,

    Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son

    and Samuel his son.

    28 The sons of Samuel:

    Joel the firstborn

    and Abijah the second son.

    29 The descendants of Merari:

    Mahli, Libni his son,

    Shimei his son, Uzzah his son,

    30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son

    and Asaiah his son.

    The Temple Musicians

    31 These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the Lord after the ark came to rest there. 32 They ministered with music before the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, until Solomon built the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. They performed their duties according to the regulations laid down for them.

    33 Here are the men who served, together with their sons:

    From the Kohathites:

    Heman, the musician,

    the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,

    34 the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham,

    the son of Eliel, the son of Toah,

    35 the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah,

    the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,

    36 the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel,

    the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,

    37 the son of Tahath, the son of Assir,

    the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,

    38 the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath,

    the son of Levi, the son of Israel;

    39 and Heman’s associate Asaph, who served at his right hand:

    Asaph son of Berekiah, the son of Shimea,

    40 the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah,

    the son of Malkijah, 41 the son of Ethni,

    the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

    42 the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah,

    the son of Shimei, 43 the son of Jahath,

    the son of Gershon, the son of Levi;

    44 and from their associates, the Merarites, at his left hand:

    Ethan son of Kishi, the son of Abdi,

    the son of Malluk, 45 the son of Hashabiah,

    the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah,

    46 the son of Amzi, the son of Bani,

    the son of Shemer, 47 the son of Mahli,

    the son of Mushi, the son of Merari,

    the son of Levi.

    48 Their fellow Levites were assigned to all the other duties of the tabernacle, the house of God. 49 But Aaron and his descendants were the ones who presented offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense in connection with all that was done in the Most Holy Place, making atonement for Israel, in accordance with all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

    50 These were the descendants of Aaron:

    Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son,

    Abishua his son, 51 Bukki his son,

    Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son,

    52 Meraioth his son, Amariah his son,

    Ahitub his son, 53 Zadok his son

    and Ahimaaz his son.

    54 These were the locations of their settlements allotted as their territory (they were assigned to the descendants of Aaron who were from the Kohathite clan, because the first lot was for them):

    55 They were given Hebron in Judah with its surrounding pasturelands. 56 But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh.

    57 So the descendants of Aaron were given Hebron (a city of refuge), and Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, 58 Hilen, Debir, 59 Ashan, Juttah and Beth Shemesh, together with their pasturelands. 60 And from the tribe of Benjamin they were given Gibeon, Geba, Alemeth and Anathoth, together with their pasturelands.

    The total number of towns distributed among the Kohathite clans came to thirteen.

    61 The rest of Kohath’s descendants were allotted ten towns from the clans of half the tribe of Manasseh.

    62 The descendants of Gershon, clan by clan, were allotted thirteen towns from the tribes of Issachar, Asher and Naphtali, and from the part of the tribe of Manasseh that is in Bashan.

    63 The descendants of Merari, clan by clan, were allotted twelve towns from the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Zebulun.

    64 So the Israelites gave the Levites these towns and their pasturelands. 65 From the tribes of Judah, Simeon and Benjamin they allotted the previously named towns.

    66 Some of the Kohathite clans were given as their territory towns from the tribe of Ephraim.

    67 In the hill country of Ephraim they were given Shechem (a city of refuge), and Gezer, 68 Jokmeam, Beth Horon, 69 Aijalon and Gath Rimmon, together with their pasturelands.

    70 And from half the tribe of Manasseh the Israelites gave Aner and Bileam, together with their pasturelands, to the rest of the Kohathite clans.

    71 The Gershonites received the following:

    From the clan of the half-tribe of Manasseh

    they received Golan in Bashan and also Ashtaroth, together with their pasturelands;

    72 from the tribe of Issachar

    they received Kedesh, Daberath, 73 Ramoth and Anem, together with their pasturelands;

    74 from the tribe of Asher

    they received Mashal, Abdon, 75 Hukok and Rehob, together with their pasturelands;

    76 and from the tribe of Naphtali

    they received Kedesh in Galilee, Hammon and Kiriathaim, together with their pasturelands.

    77 The Merarites (the rest of the Levites) received the following:

    From the tribe of Zebulun

    they received Jokneam, Kartah, Rimmono and Tabor, together with their pasturelands;

    78 from the tribe of Reuben across the Jordan east of Jericho

    they received Bezer in the wilderness, Jahzah, 79 Kedemoth and Mephaath, together with their pasturelands;

    80 and from the tribe of Gad

    they received Ramoth in Gilead, Mahanaim, 81 Heshbon and Jazer,together with their pasturelands.

    Go Deeper

    As we encounter 1 Chronicles 6 today, it feels like another trip through ancestry.com, reading lists of mostly unfamiliar names in a genealogy. As we’ve established over the previous few days, this may present a challenge or an excuse to skim quickly. But there is a benefit to us, the readers, as we don’t just read, but study these names. 

    With context and recognition of the purpose of the list, this day’s reading can encourage and remind us of God’s never-failing plan to redeem and restore. God established a priestly line (or family) as He organized the Israelites through Moses’ instruction. The details of this lineage and a reminder of their roles was significant to the recipients of this chronicle: the returning exiles of Judah from seventy years of Babylonian captivity. It is not hard to imagine there would be a loss of memory or any understanding of their roles as they head back to Judah. Seventy years is at least two generations!

    Tracing their line as a member of the tribe of Levi gave the exiled family of Levi a designated role and a crucial purpose in the restoration of their nation. Those of Aaron’s line would serve as the priests who would present offerings in the Most Holy Place of the temple (to be rebuilt) and make atonement (payment) for the people of Israel’s sins as Moses prescribed by God. King David assigned certain Levites to minister with music as part of their worship. Two names recorded here, Heman and Asaph, are attributed to penning several of the Psalms. Other Levites contributed to the other duties related to the house of God.

    This list of names begins to come to life as we view it through the lens of context and purpose. How can this list encourage us today? The priestly duty of Aaron’s line included making atonement for the sins of God’s people. This provision, established by God, pointed to a better, eternal atonement offered by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross as payment for our sins. Today, as we are reminded of God’s provision recorded through His people and their families, we can give thanks that His ultimate never-failing plan to restore and redeem us came through Christ Jesus, the better, superior priest.

    Questions

    1. Who do you recall from your past that has left a legacy of faith for you? If no one comes to mind, how could you begin that legacy for those that follow you?
    2. How have you benefited from the ministry of music as you worship? Take a moment to thank God for those who serve in this role.
    3. Who needs to know of God’s provision to redeem through Jesus? How will you share that great news this week?

    Did You Know?

    Asaph (referenced in v. 39) is credited with writing at least 11 psalms. Check out this article from GotQuestions.org for more information on Asaph.

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  • 1 Chronicles 5

    1 Chronicles 5

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    Reuben

    The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (he was the firstborn, but when he defiled his father’s marriage bed, his rights as firstborn were given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel; so he could not be listed in the genealogical record in accordance with his birthright, and though Judah was the strongest of his brothers and a ruler came from him, the rights of the firstborn belonged to Joseph)— the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel:

    Hanok, Pallu, Hezron and Karmi.

    The descendants of Joel:

    Shemaiah his son, Gog his son,

    Shimei his son, Micah his son,

    Reaiah his son, Baal his son,

    and Beerah his son, whom Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria took into exile. Beerah was a leader of the Reubenites.

    Their relatives by clans, listed according to their genealogical records:

    Jeiel the chief, Zechariah, and Bela son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel. They settled in the area from Aroer to Nebo and Baal Meon. To the east they occupied the land up to the edge of the desert that extends to the Euphrates River, because their livestock had increased in Gilead.

    10 During Saul’s reign they waged war against the Hagrites, who were defeated at their hands; they occupied the dwellings of the Hagrites throughout the entire region east of Gilead.

    Gad

    11 The Gadites lived next to them in Bashan, as far as Salekah:

    12 Joel was the chief, Shapham the second, then Janai and Shaphat, in Bashan.

    13 Their relatives, by families, were:

    Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jakan, Zia and Eber—seven in all.

    14 These were the sons of Abihail son of Huri, the son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz.

    15 Ahi son of Abdiel, the son of Guni, was head of their family.

    16 The Gadites lived in Gilead, in Bashan and its outlying villages, and on all the pasturelands of Sharon as far as they extended.

    17 All these were entered in the genealogical records during the reigns of Jotham king of Judah and Jeroboam king of Israel.

    18 The Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 men ready for military service—able-bodied men who could handle shield and sword, who could use a bow, and who were trained for battle. 19 They waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish and Nodab. 20 They were helped in fighting them, and God delivered the Hagrites and all their allies into their hands, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trustedin him. 21 They seized the livestock of the Hagrites—fifty thousand camels, two hundred fifty thousand sheep and two thousand donkeys. They also took one hundred thousand people captive, 22 and many others fell slain, because the battle was God’s. And they occupied the land until the exile.

    The Half-Tribe of Manasseh

    23 The people of the half-tribe of Manasseh were numerous; they settled in the land from Bashan to Baal Hermon, that is, to Senir (Mount Hermon).

    24 These were the heads of their families: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah and Jahdiel. They were brave warriors, famous men, and heads of their families. 25 But they were unfaithful to the God of their ancestors and prostituted themselves to the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them. 26 So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria (that is, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria), who took the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh into exile. He took them to Halah, Habor, Hara and the river of Gozan, where they are to this day.

    Go Deeper

    In 1 Chronicle 5, Ezra continues capturing intricate details relating to the tribes of Israel, and in this chapter more specifically the three Transjordan tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. Many times, we’re tempted to just skip over large portions of scripture that contain names we either can’t pronounce or which appear to have no significant story to tell.  In today’s passage, we might just want to do that, but sometimes it’s helpful to slow down and see the bigger story in what seems to be meaningless details. 

    We should remember that these people and their lives are each important to the whole story of God’s deliverance of mankind from the grip and power of sin in humanity. Maybe when we personalize it and remember that each one was born and experienced hunger, losing their first tooth, learning to speak, scraping their knees, puppy love, fear, rejection, wonder, excitement, loss, sickness and death. Each person played their part in God’s story, no matter how seemingly insignificant. Each one shares the honor of having had their name mentioned by God in his word (good or bad).

    One thing about the word of God is that it doesn’t hide the faults and failures of these men and women in history. God used, and still uses flawed people to accomplish his redemptive purpose and we get to see just how loving, kind, and gracious God is in the process. 

    This chapter begins with mentioning Reuben (Jacob’s first born through Leah), a man who defiled his father’s bed (Genesis 35:22), and we see in the story Jacob’s favoritism expressed by choosing Joseph (Rachel’s firstborn son) to receive Reuben’s birthright. We might be tempted to leave that part out; maybe just keep things G-rated and protect peoples’ reputation, etc., but it’s in the rawness and honesty where our loving God and his redemptive purposes are magnified. We see God’s grace demonstrated in the blessings Ruben’s offspring experience in spite of his failure. Scripture tells us that God multiplied their livestock and gave them victory in battle. 

    Each name mentioned is important in the big story of which God is the author (and you’re part of that story, too). Each person, like a cog in a gear, plays its specific role. One day, God will reveal this tapestry in which we have been woven and we’ll discover how God deserves all the glory in what may seem to be an insignificant story of our lives. 

    Questions

    1. Why do you think it is important to God to mention the names of all these people as well as highlighting their faithfulness or unfaithfulness?
    2. You may not be a preacher, evangelist, or teacher, but you’re a son or daughter, husband or wife, father or mother, friend or mentor, etc. who has touched someone else’s life. How do you see God using you in His story?
    3. What’s an audacious prayer you can pray asking God to use you in His story?

    Try This

    Take a moment and look at the verses again. As you look at those names and small details given, consider why their names were mentioned. Find a trusted commentary and dive deeper into one of those names today!

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  • Rest Day + Family Guide (2 Kings 24-1 Chronicles 4)

    Rest Day + Family Guide (2 Kings 24-1 Chronicles 4)

    Rest Day

    Each Sunday is a Rest Day. There is no new Bible reading to do. Today, the goal is simple: rest in the presence of God. Maybe you need to use today to get caught up on the reading plan if you’re behind, maybe you want to journal what you’re learning so you don’t forget what God is teaching you, or maybe you want to spend time in concentrated prayer–do that. Above all, just spend time in God’s presence.

    Each Rest Day, we will have an additional element to help you dig deeper. Sometimes it will be extra resources to further your study, a video to watch, or a podcast to listen to. Sometimes we’ll have a verse to commit to memorize to help you hide God’s Word in your heart. 

    If you have kids, our Family Guide will help you discuss what you’re reading and learning with them! It’s a great opportunity for your family to read God’s Word together and review what we read the previous week!

    Keep Digging

    The Bible (including a large portion of 1 Chronicles) is full of genealogies that all help tell the story of scripture. But why are they there? And why should we read them? 

    Check out this article from GotQuestions.org! 

    Family Guide
  • 1 Chronicles 4

    1 Chronicles 4

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    Other Clans of Judah

    The descendants of Judah:

    Perez, Hezron, Karmi, Hur and Shobal.

    Reaiah son of Shobal was the father of Jahath, and Jahath the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These were the clans of the Zorathites.

    These were the sons of Etam:

    Jezreel, Ishma and Idbash. Their sister was named Hazzelelponi.Penuel was the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah.

    These were the descendants of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah and fatherof Bethlehem.

    Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah.

    Naarah bore him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni and Haahashtari. These were the descendants of Naarah.

    The sons of Helah:

    Zereth, Zohar, Ethnan, and Koz, who was the father of Anub and Hazzobebah and of the clans of Aharhel son of Harum.

    Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” 10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

    11 Kelub, Shuhah’s brother, was the father of Mehir, who was the father of Eshton. 12 Eshton was the father of Beth Rapha, Paseah and Tehinnah the father of Ir Nahash. These were the men of Rekah.

    13 The sons of Kenaz:

    Othniel and Seraiah.

    The sons of Othniel:

    Hathath and Meonothai. 14 Meonothai was the father of Ophrah.

    Seraiah was the father of Joab,

    the father of Ge Harashim. It was called this because its people were skilled workers.

    15 The sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh:

    Iru, Elah and Naam.

    The son of Elah:

    Kenaz.

    16 The sons of Jehallelel:

    Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria and Asarel.

    17 The sons of Ezrah:

    Jether, Mered, Epher and Jalon. One of Mered’s wives gave birth to Miriam, Shammai and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. 18 (His wife from the tribe of Judah gave birth to Jered the father of Gedor, Heber the father of Soko, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah.) These were the children of Pharaoh’s daughter Bithiah, whom Mered had married.

    19 The sons of Hodiah’s wife, the sister of Naham:

    the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maakathite.

    20 The sons of Shimon:

    Amnon, Rinnah, Ben-Hanan and Tilon.

    The descendants of Ishi:

    Zoheth and Ben-Zoheth.

    21 The sons of Shelah son of Judah:

    Er the father of Lekah, Laadah the father of Mareshah and the clans of the linen workers at Beth Ashbea, 22 Jokim, the men of Kozeba, and Joash and Saraph, who ruled in Moab and Jashubi Lehem. (These records are from ancient times.) 23 They were the potters who lived at Netaim and Gederah; they stayed there and worked for the king.

    Simeon

    24 The descendants of Simeon:

    Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah and Shaul;

    25 Shallum was Shaul’s son, Mibsam his son and Mishma his son.

    26 The descendants of Mishma:

    Hammuel his son, Zakkur his son and Shimei his son.

    27 Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters, but his brothers did not have many children; so their entire clan did not become as numerous as the people of Judah. 28 They lived in Beersheba, Moladah, Hazar Shual,29 Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, 30 Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, 31 Beth Markaboth, Hazar Susim, Beth Biri and Shaaraim. These were their towns until the reign of David. 32 Their surrounding villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Token and Ashan—five towns— 33 and all the villages around these towns as far as Baalath. These were their settlements. And they kept a genealogical record.

    34 Meshobab, Jamlech, Joshah son of Amaziah, 35 Joel, Jehu son of Joshibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel, 36 also Elioenai, Jaakobah, Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, Benaiah, 37 and Ziza son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah.

    38 The men listed above by name were leaders of their clans. Their families increased greatly, 39 and they went to the outskirts of Gedor to the east of the valley in search of pasture for their flocks. 40 They found rich, good pasture, and the land was spacious, peaceful and quiet. Some Hamites had lived there formerly.

    41 The men whose names were listed came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah. They attacked the Hamites in their dwellings and also the Meuniteswho were there and completely destroyed them, as is evident to this day. Then they settled in their place, because there was pasture for their flocks.42 And five hundred of these Simeonites, led by Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi, invaded the hill country of Seir. 43 They killed the remaining Amalekites who had escaped, and they have lived there to this day.

    Go Deeper

    Our journey through the genealogies of 1 Chronicles brings us to 1 Chronicles 4, describing the descendants of Judah and Simeon. Jacob had twelve sons who became the twelve tribes of Israel. Judah was the fourth son of Jacob and Simeon was the second. Why so much focus on Judah? If we look back to Genesis 49, we read what Jacob said would happen to his sons in the days to come. In Genesis 49:10 Jacob says, “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.” From the line of Judah will eventually come David, and from David will eventually come Jesus, the King of kings and the Lord of Lords who will reign forever. 

    In these genealogies and detailed descriptions, we see God’s redemptive plan playing out through generations. There is a bigness about God that we see when we take a bird’s eye view through history and see God’s sovereign hand over the lives and coming and going of his people. Imagine how each of these people probably didn’t know exactly their role or significance in the grand scheme during their lifetime, but God saw it all and planned it all and knew them all personally.

    Amidst the list of genealogies, a short description of Jabez stands out in the line of Judah (4:9-10).  It’s interesting how his life is described in just a couple verses. He was “more honorable than his brothers.” His mother didn’t name him in a way that would suggest honor or blessing – his name (similar to the Hebrew for pain) was given because she “gave birth to him in pain.” Yet despite this beginning, he didn’t wallow in self pity and sit paralyzed by the pain that marked his name. Instead, he cried out to God for help. He prayed for God to bless him, to enlarge his territory, for God’s hand to be with him, and for God to protect him from harm and pain. Those were big prayers, hoping for big things. And “God granted his request.” His sad history and name didn’t determine his future–God is bigger and stronger than the pain of his past.

    Questions

    1. Is there anything in your history that makes you doubtful about what God might do in and through you? How would you live or pray differently if you fully trusted that God’s plans and power are bigger than your past?
    2. Would you characterize your prayers as sparse and small or frequent and big? What does that suggest about your dependence on God to provide all the blessing and protection you need?
    3. Reflect on a time in your life when you couldn’t see God’s perspective at the time, but only later could see how He was working in the circumstances and trials to bring about his good purposes. Consider how you could share that story with others to proclaim God’s goodness and greatness.

    Keep Digging

    How do we know if our prayers for blessing, protection, etc. are selfish or whether they are honoring God? Check out this sermon (or transcript, if you prefer) on prayer.

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  • 1 Chronicles 3

    1 Chronicles 3

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    The Sons of David

    These were the sons of David born to him in Hebron:

    The firstborn was Amnon the son of Ahinoam of Jezreel;the second, Daniel the son of Abigail of Carmel;the third, Absalom the son of Maakah daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith;the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;and the sixth, Ithream, by his wife Eglah.These six were born to David in Hebron, where he reigned seven years and six months.David reigned in Jerusalem thirty-three years, and these were the children born to him there:

    Shammua, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon. These four were by Bathsheba daughter of Ammiel. There were also Ibhar, Elishua,Eliphelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada and Eliphelet—nine in all. All these were the sons of David, besides his sons by his concubines. And Tamar was their sister.

    The Kings of Judah

    10 Solomon’s son was Rehoboam,Abijah his son,Asa his son,Jehoshaphat his son,11 Jehoram his son,Ahaziah his son,Joash his son,12 Amaziah his son,Azariah his son,Jotham his son,13 Ahaz his son,Hezekiah his son,Manasseh his son,14 Amon his son,Josiah his son.15 The sons of Josiah:Johanan the firstborn,Jehoiakim the second son,Zedekiah the third,Shallum the fourth.16 The successors of Jehoiakim:Jehoiachin his son,and Zedekiah.

    The Royal Line After the Exile

    17 The descendants of Jehoiachin the captive:Shealtiel his son, 18 Malkiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama and Nedabiah.19 The sons of Pedaiah:Zerubbabel and Shimei.The sons of Zerubbabel:Meshullam and Hananiah.Shelomith was their sister.20 There were also five others:Hashubah, Ohel, Berekiah, Hasadiah and Jushab-Hesed.21 The descendants of Hananiah:Pelatiah and Jeshaiah, and the sons of Rephaiah, of Arnan, of Obadiah and of Shekaniah.22 The descendants of Shekaniah:Shemaiah and his sons:Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah and Shaphat—six in all.23 The sons of Neariah:Elioenai, Hizkiah and Azrikam—three in all.24 The sons of Elioenai:Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah and Anani—seven in all.

    Go Deeper

    Spoiler alert: the story of imperfect people leads to a perfect Christ. Before we get to that part, 1 Chronicles 3 is another instance of the re-telling of a family lineage. Although the account of each person and relationship is difficult to follow, there is a significant point to hold onto as we read this passage: hold fast to discipline, because discipline is a blessing that preserves the promise.

    First Chronicles 3 chapter has three distinct sections: David’s children (3:1-9), Solomon and the kings of Judah (v. 10-16), and the generations following the exile (v. 17-24). Each section has triumph, trials, and trauma following the family line. Take the Babylonian exile, for instance. The chosen people went through the most unthinkable circumstances.

    A recognizable character of the passage is David. God made a promise to David. “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16). This would have been great if David and his descendants were as faithful to the covenant as God will always be. We read a couple verses before what is included in God’s promise to David: “I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands. But my love will never be taken away from him…” (v. 14-15).

    Wisdom is breathed out in the instruction written out in Proverbs 3:11-12: “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”.

    The author of the book of Hebrews quoted this proverb and followed it with commentary. “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?” (12:7). It is okay to assume that the author intended to make everyone who is a child of God aware of the importance of discipline. Discipline is a blessing that is not meant to be taken for granted by the sons and daughters of God.

    Back to the earlier spoiler: David’s lineage extends to the one that proclaims himself as the “Son of David”: Jesus Christ. Integrity in the family lineage was not only for the honor of the family on earth. It was for generations to come. Most importantly, discipline is meant to help us honor God and the covenant he makes towards His people (both then and now). 

    Questions

    1. How can you take time to creatively reflect (i.e. meditate, journal, draw, paint, play) on the way that God has brought you to reading this devotional?
    2. What part of your story have you invited Jesus into? How has that changed your life?
    3. Who can you bring alongside you in your story, especially as you ask God to help you with discipline in a particular part?

    Keep Digging

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  • 1 Chronicles 2

    1 Chronicles 2

    Read 1 Chronicles 2

    Israel’s Sons

    These were the sons of Israel:

    Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad and Asher.

    Judah

    To Hezron’s Sons

    The sons of Judah:Er, Onan and Shelah. These three were born to him by a Canaanite woman, the daughter of Shua. Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the Lord’s sight; so the Lord put him to death. Judah’s daughter-in-lawTamar bore Perez and Zerah to Judah. He had five sons in all.

    The sons of Perez:Hezron and Hamul.The sons of Zerah:Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Kalkol and Darda—five in all.The son of Karmi:Achar, who brought trouble on Israel by violating the ban on taking devoted things.The son of Ethan:Azariah.The sons born to Hezron were:Jerahmeel, Ram and Caleb.

    From Ram Son of Hezron

    10 Ram was the father ofAmminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, the leader of the people of Judah. 11 Nahshon was the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, 12 Boaz the father of Obed and Obed the father of Jesse.13 Jesse was the father ofEliab his firstborn; the second son was Abinadab, the third Shimea,14 the fourth Nethanel, the fifth Raddai, 15 the sixth Ozem and the seventh David. 16 Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. Zeruiah’s three sons were Abishai, Joab and Asahel. 17 Abigail was the mother of Amasa, whose father was Jether the Ishmaelite.

    Caleb Son of Hezron

    18 Caleb son of Hezron had children by his wife Azubah (and by Jerioth). These were her sons: Jesher, Shobab and Ardon. 19 When Azubah died, Caleb married Ephrath, who bore him Hur. 20 Hur was the father of Uri, and Uri the father of Bezalel.21 Later, Hezron, when he was sixty years old, married the daughter of Makir the father of Gilead. He made love to her, and she bore him Segub. 22 Segub was the father of Jair, who controlled twenty-three towns in Gilead. 23 (But Geshur and Aram captured Havvoth Jair, as well as Kenath with its surrounding settlements—sixty towns.) All these were descendants of Makir the father of Gilead.

    24 After Hezron died in Caleb Ephrathah, Abijah the wife of Hezron bore him Ashhur the father of Tekoa.

    Jerahmeel Son of Hezron

    25 The sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron:Ram his firstborn, Bunah, Oren, Ozem and Ahijah. 26 Jerahmeel had another wife, whose name was Atarah; she was the mother of Onam.27 The sons of Ram the firstborn of Jerahmeel:Maaz, Jamin and Eker.28 The sons of Onam:Shammai and Jada.The sons of Shammai:Nadab and Abishur.29 Abishur’s wife was named Abihail, who bore him Ahban and Molid.30 The sons of Nadab:Seled and Appaim. Seled died without children.31 The son of Appaim:Ishi, who was the father of Sheshan.Sheshan was the father of Ahlai.32 The sons of Jada, Shammai’s brother:Jether and Jonathan. Jether died without children.33 The sons of Jonathan:Peleth and Zaza.These were the descendants of Jerahmeel.34 Sheshan had no sons—only daughters.He had an Egyptian servant named Jarha. 35 Sheshan gave his daughter in marriage to his servant Jarha, and she bore him Attai.36 Attai was the father of Nathan,Nathan the father of Zabad,37 Zabad the father of Ephlal,Ephlal the father of Obed,38 Obed the father of Jehu,Jehu the father of Azariah,39 Azariah the father of Helez,Helez the father of Eleasah,40 Eleasah the father of Sismai,Sismai the father of Shallum,41 Shallum the father of Jekamiah,and Jekamiah the father of Elishama.

    The Clans of Caleb

    42 The sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel:Mesha his firstborn, who was the father of Ziph, and his son Mareshah,who was the father of Hebron.43 The sons of Hebron:Korah, Tappuah, Rekem and Shema. 44 Shema was the father of Raham, and Raham the father of Jorkeam. Rekem was the father of Shammai.45 The son of Shammai was Maon, and Maon was the father of Beth Zur.46 Caleb’s concubine Ephah was the mother of Haran, Moza and Gazez. Haran was the father of Gazez.47 The sons of Jahdai:Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah and Shaaph.48 Caleb’s concubine Maakah was the mother of Sheber and Tirhanah.49 She also gave birth to Shaaph the father of Madmannah and to Sheva the father of Makbenah and Gibea. Caleb’s daughter was Aksah.50 These were the descendants of Caleb.

    The sons of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah:Shobal the father of Kiriath Jearim, 51 Salma the father of Bethlehem, and Hareph the father of Beth Gader.52 The descendants of Shobal the father of Kiriath Jearim were:Haroeh, half the Manahathites, 53 and the clans of Kiriath Jearim: the Ithrites, Puthites, Shumathites and Mishraites. From these descended the Zorathites and Eshtaolites.54 The descendants of Salma:Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth Beth Joab, half the Manahathites, the Zorites, 55 and the clans of scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, Shimeathites and Sucathites. These are the Kenites who came from Hammath, the father of the Rekabites.

    Go Deeper

    Lists of family genealogies are key features in the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles. Although they are not everyone’s favorite chapters in Scripture, there are many reasons that genealogies were important to the Jewish people and are important for us as well. They served as proof of Jewish identity which meant being an heir to the blessings promised to Abraham back in Genesis 12 of land, seed, and blessing. They were crucial in tracing the line of the Messiah. These genealogies were also evidence of the historical accuracy of the Bible. These are not just a list of names. They are real people with real stories. We know that God uses every story, and He cares about the details. We should not simply read genealogies, we should study them. 

    This chapter continues the genealogies of the descendants of Israel (Jacob) and Judah, who is the fourth son of Jacob. “Israel” is the name that God gave Jacob when he was rebranded in Genesis 32. The twelve sons of Israel is where we get the twelve tribes of Israel. His sons were: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad and Asher. A majority of this chapter, however, goes through the descendants of Judah. There is a section in this chapter dedicated to the line of Perez, who was Judah’s son by explicit means of his daughter-in-law, Tamar (Genesis 38). Through Perez’s line comes a man named Boaz, who married Ruth and preserved Jacob’s family. 

    The line of Perez also includes King David, and the future Messiah. There are many prophecies about Judah’s family line. In Genesis 49, Israel (Jacob) spoke blessings over his twelve sons. He said, “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his” (49:10). This means that the tribe of Judah will produce conquering kings, and a very specific King who will rule forever. This points to a future Victor who would come from the line of Judah: Jesus Christ. 

    Jesus has always been God’s “Plan A” to redeem and restore the broken world from the beginning (Genesis 3:15). He is called the “Lion of Judah” both in Genesis and Revelation. A lion is a symbol of a kingly tribe, and we know that King David was a descendant of Judah as well. Jesus is the long-awaited Lion of Judah who came to establish an eternal kingdom. In the book of Revelation, the apostle John received a revelation on the island of Patmos. It was said to him, “See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals” (Revelation 5:5). Jesus is both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb who was slain for us. Just as the people of Israel looked forward to the future King from the line of Judah who would reign, we get to look back on what He has done and celebrate. Jesus is a Warrior-King who will one day return and reign in glory!

    Questions

    1. What names in these genealogies were familiar to you? What do you know about these people?
    2.  What can we learn from the descendants of Judah? How does this line fit into God’s sovereign plan throughout Scripture? 
    3. What does Jesus’ family line teach us about how God accomplishes His purposes?

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  • 1 Chronicles 1 + Introduction

    1 Chronicles 1 + Introduction

    1 Chronicles Introduction

    In order to understand the book of 1 Chronicles and the context in which it was written, we have to go back to the beginning of God’s story. We see that all of Scripture points to God and His rescue plan through Jesus. God designed the world for people to be in perfect relationship with Him and with each other. However, man sinned, rebelled, and chose to break a relationship with a good and holy God. Immediately after sin enters the world, God promises that in spite of the brokenness He will one day send a Victor to overcome sin and death—and bring restoration. From there, we see a pattern in Scripture of man rebelling against God, doing what is right in their own eyes, and God delivering them. 

    Fast forward to 1400 B.C. The new generation of Israelites enter into the Promised Land, but they don’t want to be set apart as a nation like God commands them. They desire to look just like the rest of the people in the land. The Israelites get into these cycles of sin and God raises up military leaders called Judges to point them back to righteousness. But the people want a king. God raises up kings, even though He is the King that they really need. A majority of these kings are unrighteous, and eventually this kingdom is split into two. The Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BC, and the Southern Kingdom of Judah fell to the Babylonians in 586 BC. God allowed them to return to Israel from captivity, but it is not the same. The temple and walls are broken, and the people don’t remember the Law. 

    The books of 1 and 2 Chronicles were written after the exile in order to teach the Israelites returning from exile how to faithfully serve and worship God. It is not only a rebuilding of what they were physically, but a spiritual rebuilding for the people of God. The words of this book acted as a reminder of their history, the consequences of their sin, and the promises of God to restore all things one day. God had always been their help throughout the ages. The people needed to recall God’s faithfulness and ancient covenant promises to Abraham, Moses, and David. The time frame in which this book was written mirrors 2 Samuel and 1 Kings, but broadly covers Adam all the way to the Babylonian captivity. Scholars suggest that 1 Chronicles is likely written between 450 and 425 BC. The author is unknown, but Jewish tradition credits it to the priest and scribe Ezra. As a result, the storyline reflects more of a priestly perspective compared to Samuel and Kings.   

    There are extensive genealogies written in the book of 1 Chronicles. We are about to read 10 chapters of them! Genealogies at the time this book was written were a big deal. They reveal God’s character and His promises. They tell us the full story. Circle the names you have seen before. Write down what you know about them. Ask how they fit into God’s providential plan. Some of these names and stories might sound familiar, but it’s not just a repeat! In these next 29 chapters look for examples to follow, sins to avoid, commands to keep, and promises of God to trust in. We might be tempted to skip past these chapters and get to the action, but we know that God’s Word does not return void.

    Read 1 Chronicles 1

    Historical Records From Adam to Abraham

    To Noah’s Sons

    Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah,Lamech, Noah.

    The sons of Noah:

    Shem, Ham and Japheth.

    The Japhethites

    The sons of Japheth:

    Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshek and Tiras.

    The sons of Gomer:

    Ashkenaz, Riphath and Togarmah.

    The sons of Javan:

    Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittites and the Rodanites.

    The Hamites

    The sons of Ham:

    Cush, Egypt, Put and Canaan.

    The sons of Cush:

    Seba, Havilah, Sabta, Raamah and Sabteka.

    The sons of Raamah:

    Sheba and Dedan.

    10 Cush was the father of

    Nimrod, who became a mighty warrior on earth.

    11 Egypt was the father of

    the Ludites, Anamites, Lehabites, Naphtuhites, 12 Pathrusites, Kasluhites (from whom the Philistines came) and Caphtorites.

    13 Canaan was the father of

    Sidon his firstborn, and of the Hittites, 14 Jebusites, Amorites, Girgashites, 15 Hivites, Arkites, Sinites, 16 Arvadites, Zemarites and Hamathites.

    The Semites

    17 The sons of Shem:

    Elam, Ashur, Arphaxad, Lud and Aram.

    The sons of Aram:

    Uz, Hul, Gether and Meshek.

    18 Arphaxad was the father of Shelah,

    and Shelah the father of Eber.

    19 Two sons were born to Eber:

    One was named Peleg, because in his time the earth was divided; his brother was named Joktan.

    20 Joktan was the father of

    Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, 21 Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah,22 Obal, Abimael, Sheba, 23 Ophir, Havilah and Jobab. All these were sons of Joktan.

    24 Shem, Arphaxad, Shelah,

    25 Eber, Peleg, Reu,

    26 Serug, Nahor, Terah

    27 and Abram (that is, Abraham).

    The Family of Abraham

    28 The sons of Abraham:

    Isaac and Ishmael.

    Descendants of Hagar

    29 These were their descendants:

    Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 30 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, 31 Jetur, Naphish and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael.

    Descendants of Keturah

    32 The sons born to Keturah, Abraham’s concubine:

    Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah.

    The sons of Jokshan:

    Sheba and Dedan.

    33 The sons of Midian:

    Ephah, Epher, Hanok, Abida and Eldaah.

    All these were descendants of Keturah.

    Descendants of Sarah

    34 Abraham was the father of Isaac.

    The sons of Isaac:

    Esau and Israel.

    Esau’s Sons

    35 The sons of Esau:

    Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam and Korah.

    36 The sons of Eliphaz:

    Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam and Kenaz;

    by Timna: Amalek.

    37 The sons of Reuel:

    Nahath, Zerah, Shammah and Mizzah.

    The People of Seir in Edom

    38 The sons of Seir:

    Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer and Dishan.

    39 The sons of Lotan:

    Hori and Homam. Timna was Lotan’s sister.

    40 The sons of Shobal:

    Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho and Onam.

    The sons of Zibeon:

    Aiah and Anah.

    41 The son of Anah:

    Dishon.

    The sons of Dishon:

    Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran and Keran.

    42 The sons of Ezer:

    Bilhan, Zaavan and Akan.

    The sons of Dishan:

    Uz and Aran.

    The Rulers of Edom

    43 These were the kings who reigned in Edom before any Israelite king reigned:

    Bela son of Beor, whose city was named Dinhabah.

    44 When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah succeeded him as king.

    45 When Jobab died, Husham from the land of the Temanites succeeded him as king.

    46 When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, succeeded him as king. His city was named Avith.

    47 When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah succeeded him as king.

    48 When Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the river succeeded him as king.

    49 When Shaul died, Baal-Hanan son of Akbor succeeded him as king.

    50 When Baal-Hanan died, Hadad succeeded him as king. His city was named Pau, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-Zahab. 51 Hadad also died.

    The chiefs of Edom were:

    Timna, Alvah, Jetheth, 52 Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon, 53 Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, 54 Magdiel and Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom.

    Go Deeper

    Let’s acknowledge what you’re probably thinking: that’s a lot of names (and you may have never seen most of them before)! The book of 1 Chronicles begins with a series of continued genealogies. These lists of lineages take us from Adam and Eve to Abraham and David and beyond. To us, genealogies may seem like a bunch of names on paper, but God specifically places genealogies in the Bible to communicate His greater plan to us. Second Timothy 3:16-17 says that “All (emphasis added) Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The Lord purposefully created, deeply loved, and thoughtfully used the people in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles to establish the Earth. Each name served a purpose in God’s plan, and these genealogies were intended to serve as a reminder of God’s faithful work in the lives of His people. 

    Genealogies reflect on the past to point towards the future. In 1 Chronicles, the storylines of the royal line (through David’s lineage), and the priestly line (through Aaron’s lineage) are emphasized. This is in order to orient the people of God towards the approaching reality of Jesus’ first coming. In His perfect life, sacrificial death, and miraculous resurrection He revealed Himself as the Messianic King and High Priest! Furthermore, Matthew 1 (the first book of the New Testament) follows a genealogy that includes many of the same names found in 1 Chronicles. The New Testament draws on the genealogies of the Old Testament as a way of making the theological claim for Christ as Savior, Lord, and King. Ultimately, Jesus is the centerpiece of the entire Gospel story (from Genesis to Revelation), and his family lineage plays a role in revealing His authority! 

    While the people living in the time of 1 Chronicles 1 were looking towards Jesus’ first coming, we are now a people living in the time of awaiting Jesus’ second coming. Hebrews 9:8 says, “So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him.” As we learn more deeply about the importance of reflecting on the past of Jesus’ lineage, how marvelous is it that God freely offers to include us into His eternal family? More so, let us pray to be a people that desires for our distant relatives of Adam to be brought into the eternal family that Christ freely offers through His love, power, and grace.

    Questions

    1. What is your initial reaction towards reading genealogies in the Bible? Why do you think the Lord intentionally places them throughout His Holy Word?
    2. Jesus came from a royal and priestly lineage, yet through His life, death, and resurrection has made a way for all of us to become part of His family. How significant is that to your understanding of God’s identity and your own identity?
    3. For those who are believers and have been brought into Christ’s family, how can this lead you towards eagerness to share this Good News with the lost around you?

    Watch This

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  • 2 Kings 25

    2 Kings 25

    Read 2 Kings 25

    25 So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army. He encamped outside the city and built siege works all around it. The city was kept under siege until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah.

    By the ninth day of the fourth month the famine in the city had become so severe that there was no food for the people to eat. Then the city wall was broken through, and the whole army fled at night through the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden, though the Babylonians were surrounding the city. They fled toward the Arabah, but the Babylonian army pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho. All his soldiers were separated from him and scattered, and he was captured.

    He was taken to the king of Babylon at Riblah, where sentence was pronounced on him. They killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes. Then they put out his eyes, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon.

    On the seventh day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard, an official of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. He set fire to the temple of the Lord, the royal palace and all the houses of Jerusalem. Every important building he burned down. 10 The whole Babylonian army under the commander of the imperial guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem. 11 Nebuzaradan the commander of the guard carried into exile the people who remained in the city, along with the rest of the populace and those who had deserted to the king of Babylon. 12 But the commander left behind some of the poorest people of the land to work the vineyards and fields.

    13 The Babylonians broke up the bronze pillars, the movable stands and the bronze Sea that were at the temple of the Lord and they carried the bronze to Babylon. 14 They also took away the pots, shovels, wick trimmers, dishes and all the bronze articles used in the temple service. 15 The commander of the imperial guard took away the censers and sprinkling bowls—all that were made of pure gold or silver.

    16 The bronze from the two pillars, the Sea and the movable stands, which Solomon had made for the temple of the Lord, was more than could be weighed. 17 Each pillar was eighteen cubits high. The bronze capital on top of one pillar was three cubits high and was decorated with a network and pomegranates of bronze all around. The other pillar, with its network, was similar.

    18 The commander of the guard took as prisoners Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest next in rank and the three doorkeepers. 19 Of those still in the city, he took the officer in charge of the fighting men, and five royal advisers. He also took the secretary who was chief officer in charge of conscripting the people of the land and sixty of the conscripts who were found in the city. 20 Nebuzaradan the commander took them all and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah. 21 There at Riblah, in the land of Hamath, the king had them executed.

    So Judah went into captivity, away from her land.

    22 Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, to be over the people he had left behind in Judah. 23 When all the army officers and their men heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah as governor, they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan son of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, Jaazaniah the son of the Maakathite, and their men. 24 Gedaliah took an oath to reassure them and their men. “Do not be afraid of the Babylonian officials,” he said. “Settle down in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you.”

    25 In the seventh month, however, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was of royal blood, came with ten men and assassinated Gedaliah and also the men of Judah and the Babylonians who were with him at Mizpah. 26 At this, all the people from the least to the greatest, together with the army officers, fled to Egypt for fear of the Babylonians.

    Jehoiachin Released

    27 In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the year Awel-Marduk became king of Babylon, he released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison. He did this on the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month. 28 He spoke kindly to him and gave him a seat of honor higher than those of the other kings who were with him in Babylon. 29 So Jehoiachin put aside his prison clothes and for the rest of his life ate regularly at the king’s table. 30 Day by day the king gave Jehoiachin a regular allowance as long as he lived.

    Go Deeper

    As we wrap up this journey through 2 Kings, we read about the execution of judgment fulfilling the warnings to each corrupt king of Israel throughout this book. There is famine, war, and murder leading to complete destruction of Judah. The people of Judah are either murdered or driven out, and all hope is lost. How can a tribe that starts out so faithful end in such corruption? This chapter gives us a look into why walking with the Lord is so important to not only us as individuals but corporately as well.

    Prophets spent years warning against corruption, but the capture and destruction of Judah happened just as the prophets forewarned. Walking in obedience with the Lord allows us to enjoy His blessings and use our gifts and passions to bring others closer to the Lord. We are able to encourage each other in our faith, and help each other when we fall short. The people of Judah all chose to walk in disobedience, leading to collective destruction and fear.

    The end of this chapter reminds us of the Hope that we have in the Lord, and the restoration He brings because of His love for us. Jehoiachin was released from prison, but the love and care poured out on the former king of Judah offers a promise of abundance and prosperity. He was released from bondage and given a seat at the king’s table. This is a beautifully described scene of hope we can look forward to as Christians. Our disobedience will never be greater than the Lord’s love for us.

    ​Jehoiachin’s redemption is an example of individual love that the Lord has for him: a seat at the king’s table above others, fresh garments and food, and he was given an allowance according to his daily needs. The Lord cares about us personally, he does not compare us to our past but instead invites us into a future of obedience with him. Disobedience in Judah began when the people did not trust that the Lord was providing for their daily needs. This chapter reminds us that our God is just, and He alone brings hope no matter how far we are walking in disobedience.

    Questions

    1. Do you believe that the Lord is providing for your daily needs?
    2. Are you listening to the people in your life trying to point you to obedience with the Lord?
    3. In what area of your life can you be more obedient to the Lord’s plan for you?

    By the Way

    Jericho was the city the Israelites first entered in the Promised Land. Joshua 6 tells the story of the Israelites marching around the city for seven days, and on the last day they blew trumpets and shouted as the walls fell down. Jericho was the scene of Israel’s very first victory after obeying the Lord, and it was also Israel’s defeat from many years of disobeying the Lord.

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  • 2 Kings 24

    2 Kings 24

    Read 2 Kings 24

    24 During Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded the land, and Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years. But then he turned against Nebuchadnezzar and rebelled. The Lord sent Babylonian, Aramean, Moabite and Ammonite raiders against him to destroy Judah, in accordance with the word of the Lord proclaimed by his servants the prophets. Surely these things happened to Judah according to the Lord’s command, in order to remove them from his presence because of the sins of Manasseh and all he had done, including the shedding of innocent blood. For he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the Lord was not willing to forgive.

    As for the other events of Jehoiakim’s reign, and all he did, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah? Jehoiakim rested with his ancestors. And Jehoiachin his son succeeded him as king.

    The king of Egypt did not march out from his own country again, because the king of Babylon had taken all his territory, from the Wadi of Egypt to the Euphrates River.

    Jehoiachin King of Judah

    Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother’s name was Nehushta daughter of Elnathan; she was from Jerusalem. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father had done.

    10 At that time the officers of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon advanced on Jerusalem and laid siege to it, 11 and Nebuchadnezzar himself came up to the city while his officers were besieging it. 12 Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his attendants, his nobles and his officials all surrendered to him.

    In the eighth year of the reign of the king of Babylon, he took Jehoiachin prisoner. 13 As the Lord had declared, Nebuchadnezzar removed the treasures from the temple of the Lord and from the royal palace, and cut up the gold articles that Solomon king of Israel had made for the temple of the Lord. 14 He carried all Jerusalem into exile: all the officers and fighting men, and all the skilled workers and artisans—a total of ten thousand. Only the poorest people of the land were left.

    15 Nebuchadnezzar took Jehoiachin captive to Babylon. He also took from Jerusalem to Babylon the king’s mother, his wives, his officials and the prominent people of the land. 16 The king of Babylon also deported to Babylon the entire force of seven thousand fighting men, strong and fit for war, and a thousand skilled workers and artisans. 17 He made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place and changed his name to Zedekiah.

    Zedekiah King of Judah

    18 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah. 19 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as Jehoiakim had done. 20 It was because of the Lord’s anger that all this happened to Jerusalem and Judah, and in the end he thrust them from his presence.

    The Fall of Jerusalem

    Now Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.

    Go Deeper

    This chapter presents the final three kings of Judah, and it should not come as a surprise at this point that they all “did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.” The first king mentioned is Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah. This is important to note as Josiah was one of the few good kings. Remember, he was known for his sweeping reforms aimed at turning the people’s hearts back to God. How can such a king who fervently followed the Lord have sons who turned their backs on God? From King Jehoiakim, we see that godly parentage does not necessarily guarantee godly children. Deuteronomy 24:16 reminds us that everyone is responsible for their own sin, and that everyone makes their own choice regarding whether to follow God. Jehoiakim’s life is the perfect example of willful disobedience to God’s direction and the consequences that naturally derive from choosing to walk away from God’s commands.  

    The next king to follow is King Jehoiachin, son of Jehoiakim. His reign did not last long as the young king quickly surrendered to Babylon and its siege of Jerusalem. Interestingly enough, the invasion fulfilled the Lord’s warning to Solomon about apostasy in 1 Kings 9:6-9. Clearly, God cares deeply about His children observing His commands and serving only Him. Countless times in scripture, we see God’s people turn back to false gods and idolatry. Is it coincidence that the first two commands mentioned in the Ten Commandments are in reference to this very thing? Arguably, rebelliousness and idolatry are the common themes and pitfalls for the wicked kings of Judah.

    The irony is that nothing is new in our world today. We may read this chapter and think that it does not relate to us now, but we would be wrong. While we may not be tempted to offer sacrifices to other deities or worship man-made images, the issue of the heart remains the same. We are control-seeking, prideful people. Our jobs can become idols when they consume all our thoughts or occupy all our time. Money becomes an idol when it consumes our thoughts and is the motivation for all decisions. Whatever it is, idols still exist today, and the enemy would love for us to read 2 Kings and blow it off as irrelevant. Let us thank God for the examples we see in 2 Kings regarding the dangers of prioritizing other things over God, and may we learn from their mistakes and devote our whole hearts and praise to the One True King. 

    Questions

    1. Why do you think God allowed so many wicked kings on the throne?
    2. Is there anything you learned about the heart of God today that you hadn’t thought about before?    
    3. Consider where you spend the most time (or most money) or an area where you fear losing control. Is there anything that you need to identify as an idol in your life and surrender to the Lord?

    Keep Digging

    Are you looking for other verses that speak to idolatry? Check out this resource from GotQuestions.org for more biblical truth surrounding this topic.

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  • Rest Day + Family Guide (2 Kings 18-23)

    Rest Day + Family Guide (2 Kings 18-23)

    Rest Day

    Each Sunday is a Rest Day. There is no new Bible reading to do. Today, the goal is simple: rest in the presence of God. Maybe you need to use today to get caught up on the reading plan if you’re behind, maybe you want to journal what you’re learning so you don’t forget what God is teaching you, or maybe you want to spend time in concentrated prayer–do that. Above all, just spend time in God’s presence.

    Each Rest Day, we will have an additional element to help you dig deeper. Sometimes it will be extra resources to further your study, a video to watch, or a podcast to listen to. Sometimes we’ll have a verse to commit to memorize to help you hide God’s Word in your heart. 

    If you have kids, our Family Guide will help you discuss what you’re reading and learning with them! It’s a great opportunity for your family to read God’s Word together and review what we read the previous week!

    Keep Digging

    This week we read about King Hezekiah, one of the most significant kings in all of the Old Testament. For more on him and his legacy, check out this article from GotQuestions.org!

    Family Guide

    Check out this week’s 2 Kings 18-23 Family Guide!