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  • Zephaniah 3

    Zephaniah 3

    Editor’s Note

    We’re also going to take a brief pause from our summer books (1 & 2 Chronicles) to read from some of the minor prophets that are either directly mentioned in 1 & 2 Chronicles or that lived and prophesied within the time frames of those books. 

    These short prophetical books help us understand what God’s people would have been hearing (and feeling) as they lived through some tumultuous times and help add color to the historical books we’re reading over the next couple of months! 

    Read Zephaniah 3

    Jerusalem

    3 Woe to the city of oppressors,
        rebellious and defiled!
    2 She obeys no one,
        she accepts no correction.
    She does not trust in the Lord,
        she does not draw near to her God.
    3 Her officials within her
        are roaring lions;
    her rulers are evening wolves,
        who leave nothing for the morning.
    4 Her prophets are unprincipled;
        they are treacherous people.
    Her priests profane the sanctuary
        and do violence to the law.
    5 The Lord within her is righteous;
        he does no wrong.
    Morning by morning he dispenses his justice,
        and every new day he does not fail,
        yet the unrighteous know no shame.

    Jerusalem Remains Unrepentant

    6 “I have destroyed nations;
        their strongholds are demolished.
    I have left their streets deserted,
        with no one passing through.
    Their cities are laid waste;
        they are deserted and empty.
    7 Of Jerusalem I thought,
        ‘Surely you will fear me
        and accept correction!’
    Then her place of refuge would not be destroyed,
        nor all my punishments come upon her.
    But they were still eager
        to act corruptly in all they did.
    8 Therefore wait for me,”
        declares the Lord,
        “for the day I will stand up to testify.
    I have decided to assemble the nations,
        to gather the kingdoms
    and to pour out my wrath on them—
        all my fierce anger.
    The whole world will be consumed
        by the fire of my jealous anger.

    Restoration of Israel’s Remnant

    9 “Then I will purify the lips of the peoples,
        that all of them may call on the name of the Lord
        and serve him shoulder to shoulder.
    10 From beyond the rivers of Cush
        my worshipers, my scattered people,
        will bring me offerings.
    11 On that day you, Jerusalem, will not be put to shame
        for all the wrongs you have done to me,
    because I will remove from you
        your arrogant boasters.
    Never again will you be haughty
        on my holy hill.
    12 But I will leave within you
        the meek and humble.
    The remnant of Israel
        will trust in the name of the Lord.
    13 They will do no wrong;
        they will tell no lies.
    A deceitful tongue
        will not be found in their mouths.
    They will eat and lie down
        and no one will make them afraid.”

    14 Sing, Daughter Zion;
        shout aloud, Israel!
    Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
        Daughter Jerusalem!
    15 The Lord has taken away your punishment,
        he has turned back your enemy.
    The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you;
        never again will you fear any harm.
    16 On that day
        they will say to Jerusalem,
    “Do not fear, Zion;
        do not let your hands hang limp.
    17 The Lord your God is with you,
        the Mighty Warrior who saves.
    He will take great delight in you;
        in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
        but will rejoice over you with singing.”

    18 “I will remove from you
        all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals,
        which is a burden and reproach for you.
    19 At that time I will deal
        with all who oppressed you.
    I will rescue the lame;
        I will gather the exiles.
    I will give them praise and honor
        in every land where they have suffered shame.
    20 At that time I will gather you;
        at that time I will bring you home.
    I will give you honor and praise
        among all the peoples of the earth
    when I restore your fortunes
        before your very eyes,”
    says the Lord.

    Go Deeper

    This final chapter of Zephaniah begins with a sobering message to the people of Judah but concludes with the hope of restoration. Judah, like the nations surrounding her, had fallen to idolatry, corruption, and wickedness. Zephaniah presents stark contrasts of the righteous, just, perfect God to the reckless, treacherous, profane leaders of Judah. Not only is God’s warning of judgment that He will purge His people presented, but also a message of hope and restoration is promised.  

    Reading the prophets of the Old Testament gives us a vivid picture of how seriously God views sin. As judgments are predicted, there are also reminders of God’s plan to restore and redeem. After God’s judgment, God will transform the lives of His people (those who are repentant and humble before Him.) There is a picture of unity, humility, authentic worship, and life without fear promised to those who seek the Lord. “On that day, the Lord your God will be in your midst, a mighty one who will save.” What a message of hope God offers through Zephaniah’s faithful prophecy. 

    Zephaniah’s picture of God’s delight in His people is worthy of our focus today. Consider the words used to express God’s care: restore, take away judgments, clear enemies, save, rejoice, quiet with love, exult, gather, change shame to praise, restore. Imagine the hope this offered to the people of Judah!

    This description also applies today. Our God rejoices over His own in Christ with loud singing. Notice this is not an insignificant response, this describes a divine celebration! Ultimate restoration and eternal hope have been sealed by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. On that promised future day, when we’re face to face with Jesus, we will rejoice and sing in worship and praise joining in His song of delight.

    Questions

    1. How have you been challenged to view the prophecies of God’s judgment as acts of merciful warnings?
    2. Where do you most long for God to save and restore? 
    3. What is your response to God’s immense delight in you expressed with loud singing?

    A Quote

    “God is so happy in the love He bears to His people that He breaks the eternal silence, and sun and moon and stars with astonishment hear God chanting a hymn of joy.”– Charles Spurgeon

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  • Zephaniah 2

    Zephaniah 2

    Editor’s Note

    We’re also going to take a brief pause from our summer books (1 & 2 Chronicles) to read from some of the minor prophets that are either directly mentioned in 1 & 2 Chronicles or that lived and prophesied within the time frames of those books. 

    These short prophetical books help us understand what God’s people would have been hearing (and feeling) as they lived through some tumultuous times and help add color to the historical books we’re reading over the next couple of months! 

    Read Zephaniah 2

    Judah and Jerusalem Judged Along With the Nations

    Judah Summoned to Repent

    2 Gather together, gather yourselves together,
        you shameful nation,
    2 before the decree takes effect
        and that day passes like windblown chaff,
    before the Lord’s fierce anger
        comes upon you,
    before the day of the Lord’s wrath
        comes upon you.
    3 Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land,
        you who do what he commands.
    Seek righteousness, seek humility;
        perhaps you will be sheltered
        on the day of the Lord’s anger.

    Philistia

    4 Gaza will be abandoned
        and Ashkelon left in ruins.
    At midday Ashdod will be emptied
        and Ekron uprooted.
    5 Woe to you who live by the sea,
        you Kerethite people;
    the word of the Lord is against you,
        Canaan, land of the Philistines.
    He says, “I will destroy you,
        and none will be left.”
    6 The land by the sea will become pastures
        having wells for shepherds
        and pens for flocks.
    7 That land will belong
        to the remnant of the people of Judah;
        there they will find pasture.
    In the evening they will lie down
        in the houses of Ashkelon.
    The Lord their God will care for them;
        he will restore their fortunes.

    Moab and Ammon

    8 “I have heard the insults of Moab
        and the taunts of the Ammonites,
    who insulted my people
        and made threats against their land.
    9 Therefore, as surely as I live,”
        declares the Lord Almighty,
        the God of Israel,
    “surely Moab will become like Sodom,
        the Ammonites like Gomorrah—
    a place of weeds and salt pits,
        a wasteland forever.
    The remnant of my people will plunder them;
        the survivors of my nation will inherit their land.”

    10 This is what they will get in return for their pride,
        for insulting and mocking
        the people of the Lord Almighty.
    11 The Lord will be awesome to them
        when he destroys all the gods of the earth.
    Distant nations will bow down to him,
        all of them in their own lands.

    Cush

    12 “You Cushites, too,
        will be slain by my sword.”

    Assyria

    13 He will stretch out his hand against the north
        and destroy Assyria,
    leaving Nineveh utterly desolate
        and dry as the desert.
    14 Flocks and herds will lie down there,
        creatures of every kind.
    The desert owl and the screech owl
        will roost on her columns.
    Their hooting will echo through the windows,
        rubble will fill the doorways,
        the beams of cedar will be exposed.
    15 This is the city of revelry
        that lived in safety.
    She said to herself,
        “I am the one! And there is none besides me.”
    What a ruin she has become,
        a lair for wild beasts!
    All who pass by her scoff
        and shake their fists.

    Go Deeper

    In this chapter, we see Zephaniah calling the whole world to repentance! The previous chapter had a message of judgment specifically on Judah and proclaimed that the Lord will sweep away everything from the face of the earth. He will sweep away people and animals, He will sweep away the birds of the sky, the fish of the sea, and the ruins along with the wicked (1:2-3). There will be a sudden end to all who live on the earth (1:18). This message is intense! This chapter continues with the same theme as we see a call of the people to urgent repentance, and the coming judgment against the nations on the day of the Lord. This is the day where the Lord will ultimately judge the earth and the people who inhabit it. 

    Zephaniah lists out nations that will be destroyed, all which are surrounding enemies of Judah. These nations include: the Philistines (v. 4-7), the Moabites and Ammonites (v. 8-11), the Ethiopians (v. 12), and the Assyrians (v. 13-15). The prophet proclaimed that “Moab will be like Sodom, and the Ammonites like Gomorrah” (v. 9). This is a sobering and humbling comparison. The destruction of Sodom of Gomorrah takes place in Genesis 19. These cities were consumed by sulfur and fire from Heaven as a result of their grievous sin.

    Romans tells us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Every single person on earth has missed the mark on God’s standards. We know that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Death is the consequence of our sin, and judgment and destruction are certain unless we repent. No one can escape judgment apart from God’s mercy. He is gracious and compassionate, but He will judge and destroy the wicked. He is a merciful and righteous God, but we should tremble at His awesome power. The Lord is a mighty warrior that sweeps the wicked away in judgment but saves those who repent and turn back to Him. 

    There is a call in this passage to seek the Lord, seek righteousness, and seek humility. A call to carry out all that He commands us to do. This is also a wakeup call to share the gospel! There are nations who don’t know that the day of the Lord is coming. There are nations that don’t know there is eternal punishment apart from Christ. There are nations just waiting to hear the good news of Jesus! It is God’s desire that the ends of the earth would fear Him and praise Him (Psalm 67). Let’s share the gospel with a sense of urgency, but look forward to the day where every nation, tribe, people, and tongue will be worshiping the Lord for all of eternity (Revelation 7:9).  

    Questions

    1. Do you tend to see God more as merciful or just? What does this passage show you about the character of God?
    2. What would it look like for you to live in light of this coming day of judgment?
    3. What distracts you or prevents you from sharing the gospel? Spend time today praying for the spread of the gospel, both here locally and among all nations! 

    Keep Digging

    Verse 11 tells us that Moab and Ammon will eventually worship the Lord. To learn more about this prophecy and what Zephaniah was saying, read this article from GotQuestions.org.

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  • Zephaniah Overview + 1

    Zephaniah Overview + 1

    Editor’s Note

    We’re also going to take a brief pause from our summer books (1 & 2 Chronicles) to read from some of the minor prophets that are either directly mentioned in 1 & 2 Chronicles or that lived and prophesied within the time frames of those books. 

    These short prophetical books help us understand what God’s people would have been hearing (and feeling) as they lived through some tumultuous times and help add color to the historical books we’re reading over the next couple of months! 

    Zephaniah Overview

    The book of Zephaniah was written by the prophet Zephaniah whose name means “defended by God.” His lineage included Hezekiah, one of Judah’s godly kings, and he prophesied during the reign of King Josiah who made sweeping reforms after the book of the Law was discovered. Because of Zephaniah’s family of origin (and the fact that he was prophesying in Jerusalem), Zephaniah was an influential person at the center of the religious and political scene of the time. As a prophet (someone speaking on behalf of God), Zephaniah’s message carried a great deal of weight. 

    History shows that as a young man, Zephaniah was surrounded by blatant idolatry, child sacrifice, and unjust killings under the evil reign of King Manasseh (think of Nineveh). Even so, God raised him up to be a prophet who would stand before the people and declare God’s judgment and hope to those who had gone astray, people who worshiped Baal, Molech, and even the stars in heaven, instead of God. The worship of the one, true God had fallen to the wayside and judgment was coming. 

    So, how do we apply this short book to our own lives? Zephaniah’s message, like so many other prophets, is to repent from wickedness. When we live in unrepentant sin and go through the motions of religiosity, we make a mockery of God. When we treat worship as something that happens for 75 minutes on Sunday mornings and live like the rest of the world does the rest of the week, we make a mockery of God. The call of Zephaniah is to repent and live in a holy manner. May God use the book of Zephaniah to point out the parts of our own lives that need to be fully surrendered to Him. 

    For The Bible Project’s overview of Zephaniah, click here.

    Read Zephaniah 1

    1 The word of the Lord that came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, during the reign of Josiahson of Amon king of Judah:

    Judgment on the Whole Earth in the Day of the Lord

    2 “I will sweep away everything

        from the face of the earth,”
    declares the Lord.
    3 “I will sweep away both man and beast;
        I will sweep away the birds in the sky
        and the fish in the sea—
        and the idols that cause the wicked to stumble.”

    “When I destroy all mankind
        on the face of the earth,”
    declares the Lord,
    4 “I will stretch out my hand against Judah
        and against all who live in Jerusalem.
    I will destroy every remnant of Baal worship in this place,
        the very names of the idolatrous priests—
    5 those who bow down on the roofs
        to worship the starry host,
    those who bow down and swear by the Lord
        and who also swear by Molek,
    6 those who turn back from following the Lord
        and neither seek the Lord nor inquire of him.”

    7 Be silent before the Sovereign Lord,
        for the day of the Lord is near.
    The Lord has prepared a sacrifice;
        he has consecrated those he has invited.

    8 “On the day of the Lord’s sacrifice

        I will punish the officials

        and the king’s sons
    and all those clad
        in foreign clothes.
    9 On that day I will punish
        all who avoid stepping on the threshold,
    who fill the temple of their gods
        with violence and deceit.

    10 “On that day,”

        declares the Lord,

    “a cry will go up from the Fish Gate,
        wailing from the New Quarter,
        and a loud crash from the hills.
    11 Wail, you who live in the market district;
        all your merchants will be wiped out,
        all who trade with silver will be destroyed.
    12 At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps
        and punish those who are complacent,
        who are like wine left on its dregs,
    who think, ‘The Lord will do nothing,
        either good or bad.’
    13 Their wealth will be plundered,
        their houses demolished.
    Though they build houses,
        they will not live in them;
    though they plant vineyards,
        they will not drink the wine.”

    14 The great day of the Lord is near—

        near and coming quickly.

    The cry on the day of the Lord is bitter;

        the Mighty Warrior shouts his battle cry.

    15 That day will be a day of wrath—

        a day of distress and anguish,

            a day of trouble and ruin,

        a day of darkness and gloom,

            a day of clouds and blackness—

    16     a day of trumpet and battle cry
    against the fortified cities
        and against the corner towers.

    17 “I will bring such distress on all people

        that they will grope about like those who are blind,
        because they have sinned against the Lord.
    Their blood will be poured out like dust
        and their entrails like dung.
    18 Neither their silver nor their gold
        will be able to save them
        on the day of the Lord’s wrath.”

    In the fire of his jealousy
        the whole earth will be consumed,
    for he will make a sudden end
        of all who live on the earth.

    Go Deeper

    Zephaniah boldly stepped into his calling to draw the hearts of the people back to God. These were people who enjoyed wealth and prosperity while growing complacent in their worldly comforts. They were a people who had embraced pagan customs and worshiped foreign gods. He delivered crushing, blunt words of God’s swift judgment on those who defied the Lord. “I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth, declares the Lord. I will sweep away both man and beast; I will sweep away the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea–and the idols that cause the wicked to stumble” (v. 2-3). 

    Zephaniah’s words were piercing and to the point, warning that destruction was sure to those who had forsaken the Lord. God had spoken and the people were guilty and doomed. Would the hearts of the people be stirred to repent and return to the God of their ancestors? Would they accept the correction delivered through Zephaniah? Verse 6 gives an indictment on the people saying, “And I will destroy those who used to worship me but now no longer do. They no longer ask for the Lord’s guidance or seek my blessings.” Today some might label this as a “deconstruction of faith.” Scripture reveals they trusted more in themselves, prosperity, and power than God. Their love and affection for God had grown cold as they slipped into idolatry clearly ignoring God’s commands. Keep in mind this was not a pagan nation, but Judah, the tribe through which the Savior of the world would come: The Lion of Judah.

    Zephaniah wrote that the day of the Lord was near (1:14), that it would be a time of wrath (1;15), and that it would come as judgment on sin (1:17). Pastor Chuck Swindoll says: “Zephaniah’s prophecy shouted out for godliness and purity in a nation sinful to its core. The people of Judah had long since turned their backs on God, not only in their personal lives but also in their worship. This reflected the depth of their sin and the deep need for God’s people to be purged on their path to restoration.” 

    God takes seriously our relationship with him and the influence we have on others. He does not wink at sin or turn a blind eye to rebellion, as an individual or a nation. Zephaniah’s words ring just as true today as they did then. Surely Zephaniah would have agreed with the words of the prophet Jeremiah, “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land” (33:3).

    Questions

    1. What idol is currently causing you to stumble in your obedience to God?
    2. Where have you forsaken the Lord and your love for him grown cold/apathetic?
    3. Do you daily ask and seek God’s guidance through scripture and prayer?

    A Quote

    D.A. Carson, one of the leading New Testament scholars of our era, said this:

    “People do not drift toward holiness. Apart from grace-driven effort, people do not gravitate toward godliness, prayer, obedience to Scripture, faith, and delight in the Lord. We drift toward compromise and call it tolerance; we drift toward disobedience and call it freedom; we drift toward superstition and call it faith. We cherish the indiscipline of lost self-control and call it relaxation; we slouch toward prayerlessness and delude ourselves into thinking we have escaped legalism; we slide toward godlessness and convince ourselves we have been liberated.”

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  • Rest Day

    Rest Day

    Rest Day

    Today 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. 

    Watch This: Reading the Prophets

    The Bible is made up of several different types of literature that are all meant to be read differently. To learn more about how to read the prophets (which we’re doing right now), check out this five minute video from The Bible Project.

    Worship with us

    Join us in person or online at 9a or 11a at harriscreek.org/live. We will not be having the 7p service for the duration of the summer! We’d love to worship with you! We also desire to connect everyone with a local church body where they can thrive in community and use their gifts to serve. If you’re following our Bible Reading Plan from outside of Waco and are eager to get connected with a great local church, email us at [email protected].

    Leave a Comment below
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  • Nahum 3

    Nahum 3

    Editor’s Note

    We’re also going to take a brief pause from our summer books (1 & 2 Chronicles) to read from some of the minor prophets that are either directly mentioned in 1 & 2 Chronicles or that lived and prophesied within the time frames of those books. 

    These short prophetical books help us understand what God’s people would have been hearing (and feeling) as they lived through some tumultuous times and help add color to the historical books we’re reading over the next couple of months! 

    Read Nahum 3

    Woe to Nineveh

    3 Woe to the city of blood,
        full of lies,
    full of plunder,
        never without victims!
    2 The crack of whips,
        the clatter of wheels,
    galloping horses
        and jolting chariots!
    3 Charging cavalry,
        flashing swords
        and glittering spears!
    Many casualties,
        piles of dead,
    bodies without number,
        people stumbling over the corpses—
    4 all because of the wanton lust of a prostitute,
        alluring, the mistress of sorceries,
    who enslaved nations by her prostitution
        and peoples by her witchcraft.

    5 “I am against you,” declares the Lord Almighty.
        “I will lift your skirts over your face.
    I will show the nations your nakedness
        and the kingdoms your shame.
    6 I will pelt you with filth,
        I will treat you with contempt
        and make you a spectacle.
    7 All who see you will flee from you and say,
        ‘Nineveh is in ruins—who will mourn for her?’
        Where can I find anyone to comfort you?”

    8 Are you better than Thebes,
        situated on the Nile,
        with water around her?
    The river was her defense,
        the waters her wall.
    9 Cush and Egypt were her boundless strength;
        Put and Libya were among her allies.
    10 Yet she was taken captive
        and went into exile.
    Her infants were dashed to pieces
        at every street corner.
    Lots were cast for her nobles,
        and all her great men were put in chains.
    11 You too will become drunk;
        you will go into hiding
        and seek refuge from the enemy.

    12 All your fortresses are like fig trees
        with their first ripe fruit;
    when they are shaken,
        the figs fall into the mouth of the eater.
    13 Look at your troops—
        they are all weaklings.
    The gates of your land
        are wide open to your enemies;
        fire has consumed the bars of your gates.

    14 Draw water for the siege,
        strengthen your defenses!
    Work the clay,
        tread the mortar,
        repair the brickwork!
    15 There the fire will consume you;
        the sword will cut you down—
        they will devour you like a swarm of locusts.
    Multiply like grasshoppers,
        multiply like locusts!
    16 You have increased the number of your merchants
        till they are more numerous than the stars in the sky,
    but like locusts they strip the land
        and then fly away.
    17 Your guards are like locusts,
        your officials like swarms of locusts
        that settle in the walls on a cold day—
    but when the sun appears they fly away,
        and no one knows where.

    18 King of Assyria, your shepherds slumber;
        your nobles lie down to rest.
    Your people are scattered on the mountains
        with no one to gather them.
    19 Nothing can heal you;
        your wound is fatal.
    All who hear the news about you
        clap their hands at your fall,
    for who has not felt
        your endless cruelty?

    Go Deeper

    Nahum begins this chapter with a “woe oracle” announcing impending doom on Nineveh, the city and nation known for its bloodshed, cruelty, and wickedness. As the prophet vividly describes specific sights and sounds of Nineveh’s downfall, his message is clear: God’s judgment will prevent Assyria from ever inflicting horrific practices upon her captives and promoting pagan worship throughout its empire. This destruction would be total devastation of this nation saving Judah from Assyria. 

    Nahum also references the fall of the Egyptian city, Thebes, that was viewed as indestructible and yet the Assyrians destroyed that city. His description predicts an even more devastating fate for Nineveh. These words would be ludicrous to an arrogant Assyrian, but to the people of Judah who were existing in the shadow of the Assyrian empire and had witnessed the northern kingdom of Israel’s defeat and deportation, this brought immense hope. Nahum exalts God’s justice and sovereign power as a place of refuge. God is their refuge and hope. He is the faithful and true judge. God, the Holy One, is faithful to stand with those who belong to Him.

    How are we to process the prophet Nahum’s message? It is often difficult to comprehend God’s great love and His wrath. His perfection and absolute holiness demand that wickedness and cruelty be addressed. Notice that His wrath does not come without warning. Nahum’s prophecy is pronounced to warn and remind the Assyrians of the awesome power of God and to encourage the downtrodden people of Judah that He would orchestrate the downfall of this enemy. As Nahum described in chapter 1, “God is slow to anger, but great in power; He will never leave the guilty unpunished. He is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who take refuge in Him.” In His time, God will confront and bring justice to every oppressor.

    As we read Nahum’s words, let’s be reminded that this holy, righteous, good God sent His Son to bear the full weight of God’s wrath toward our sin, so that we may experience eternity with Him. Jesus’ sacrifice of His life on the cross, experiencing the wrath that we deserve, invites us to mesh God’s righteous wrath and His immense love. This realization prompts grateful love and humility. 

    Questions

    1. How does Nahum’s prophecy encourage you that God will deal with evil?
    2. How does the intensity of God’s wrath also reflect the intensity of His great love?
    3. How does discovering that Nahum’s prophecy was fulfilled increase your trust in God’s promises?

    Did You Know?

    History confirms the fulfillment of Nahum’s prophecy. Nineveh was utterly destroyed in 612 B.C. The Babylonian army conquered the city, which was flooded, burned, and plundered. The Assyrian empire vanished. Its ruins were not discovered until 1845.

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  • Nahum 2

    Nahum 2

    Editor’s Note

    We’re also going to take a brief pause from our summer books (1 & 2 Chronicles) to read from some of the minor prophets that are either directly mentioned in 1 & 2 Chronicles or that lived and prophesied within the time frames of those books. 

    These short prophetical books help us understand what God’s people would have been hearing (and feeling) as they lived through some tumultuous times and help add color to the historical books we’re reading over the next couple of months! 

    Read Nahum 2

    Nineveh to Fall

    2 An attacker advances against you, Nineveh.
        Guard the fortress,
        watch the road,
        brace yourselves,
        marshal all your strength!

    2 The Lord will restore the splendor of Jacob
        like the splendor of Israel,
    though destroyers have laid them waste
        and have ruined their vines.

    3 The shields of the soldiers are red;
        the warriors are clad in scarlet.
    The metal on the chariots flashes
        on the day they are made ready;
        the spears of juniper are brandished.
    4 The chariots storm through the streets,
        rushing back and forth through the squares.
    They look like flaming torches;
        they dart about like lightning.

    5 Nineveh summons her picked troops,
        yet they stumble on their way.
    They dash to the city wall;
        the protective shield is put in place.
    6 The river gates are thrown open
        and the palace collapses.
    7 It is decreed that Nineveh
        be exiled and carried away.
    Her female slaves moan like doves
        and beat on their breasts.
    8 Nineveh is like a pool
        whose water is draining away.
    “Stop! Stop!” they cry,
        but no one turns back.
    9 Plunder the silver!
        Plunder the gold!
    The supply is endless,
        the wealth from all its treasures!
    10 She is pillaged, plundered, stripped!
        Hearts melt, knees give way,
        bodies tremble, every face grows pale.

    11 Where now is the lions’ den,
        the place where they fed their young,
    where the lion and lioness went,
        and the cubs, with nothing to fear?
    12 The lion killed enough for his cubs
        and strangled the prey for his mate,
    filling his lairs with the kill
        and his dens with the prey.

    13 “I am against you,”
        declares the Lord Almighty.
    “I will burn up your chariots in smoke,
        and the sword will devour your young lions.
        I will leave you no prey on the earth.
    The voices of your messengers
        will no longer be heard.”

    Go Deeper

    Nahum 2 is a continuation of the previous chapter as Nahum, the prophet, tells of the vision God gave him. The people of Nineveh had returned to their wicked ways and they faced judgment. This prophecy from Nahum is graphic as it foretells impending doom and destruction. Reading it feels dark; hearing it in person must have felt even more ominous. As we read this today, it’s fair to wonder what we are supposed to do with Nahum 2.

    There are two contrasting pictures painted by Nahum in this chapter: we see that “the Lord will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel” (v. 2) and that Nineveh is facing a crushing defeat, with God opposing the Ninevites (v. 13). This is a reversal of fortunes for the people of God who have faced opposition and resistance. They would experience a restoration and would be lifted up by God. Think of the hope they must have felt hearing those words for the first time! 

    For the Ninevites, however, the opposite was in store for them. Pastor and commentator David Guzik said this in his Enduring Word commentary:

    “What a terrible thing to hear from God! The principle of Romans 8:31 is true for the believer: ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’ Accordingly, the opposite is also true – if God is against you, then who can be for you?”

    This passage is a reminder God was and still is in the process of reconciling the world to Himself. Nineveh was a broken place overrun with idolatry and evildoers and God promised His people that He would restore them and punish evil all at the same time, even though it seemed like a dark and hopeless place. 

    Fast forward seven centuries (and 400 years of silence!) and God sent His son into a dark world with the promise that He was going to save the World through Jesus. Even though the circumstances seemed less than ideal at the time, God had a plan and knew what He was doing. Today, let’s cling to the hope that we have been given through Jesus and trust that God is still in the process of restoring our broken world. 

    Questions

    1. What stuck out to you in your first read through this passage? Why? 
    2. Can you think of a time you saw God restore a situation that seemed hopeless? What did you learn from watching that?
    3. How is God asking you to be light in a dark world today?

    Keep Digging

    Wondering why God judged Nineveh so harshly? Check out this article from GotQuestions.org.

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  • Nahum Overview + 1

    Nahum Overview + 1

    Editor’s Note

    We’re also going to take a brief pause from our summer books (1 & 2 Chronicles) to read from some of the minor prophets that are either directly mentioned in 1 & 2 Chronicles or that lived and prophesied within the time frames of those books. 

    These short prophetical books help us understand what God’s people would have been hearing (and feeling) as they lived through some tumultuous times and help add color to the historical books we’re reading over the next couple of months! 

    Nahum Overview

    There are 17 prophetic books in the Old Testament—five major prophets and twelve minor prophets. These twelve minor prophet books are no less important than the major prophets (like Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc.), they are merely shorter and their scope is more focused. Nahum is one of those short, more focused books. 

    Scholars place Nahum’s prophecy between 663 and 654 B.C. Nahum was a prophet who, like Jonah about a century before him, had a message for Nineveh. While we know from Jonah 4 that there had been repentance from the Ninevites, a hundred years had passed and they had returned to their evil ways. Not only that, but now on the throne was King Manesseh, one of the most evil and depraved kings to ever rule over Judah. 

    While King Manasseh eventually repented a few years before his death, the years prior to that were some of the darkest and most wicked in Judah’s history. It was in that era that God (in His kindness) appointed Nahum, whose name means “comfort”, to speak on His behalf. His message was simple: God was going to judge the people of Nineveh for their sin and wickedness. While this message was dark for the Ninevites, it was hopeful for the faithful remnant who had been holding on to the truth (even in the midst of chaos all around them). 

    Pastor and former seminary professor Chuck Swindoll says this about how we can apply Nahum’s message in our own lives today:

    “No doubt we all have felt overwhelmed by the darkness both within ourselves and in our world. Nahum lived in a dark time, a time in which the faithful few must have wondered how long they would have to resist cultural and spiritual compromise…The prophet Nahum reminds us of God’s active hand, working even in the darkest of times to bring justice and hope throughout the world.”

    As we read this short book over the coming days, let’s collectively ask God to show us how we can live faithfully, even in the midst of increasing idolatry and chaos around us. 

    Read Nahum 1

    1 A prophecy concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

    The Lord’s Anger Against Nineveh

    2 The Lord is a jealous and avenging God;
        the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.
    The Lord takes vengeance on his foes
        and vents his wrath against his enemies.
    3 The Lord is slow to anger but great in power;
        the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.
    His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,
        and clouds are the dust of his feet.
    4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up;
        he makes all the rivers run dry.
    Bashan and Carmel wither
        and the blossoms of Lebanon fade.
    5 The mountains quake before him
        and the hills melt away.
    The earth trembles at his presence,
        the world and all who live in it.
    6 Who can withstand his indignation?
        Who can endure his fierce anger?
    His wrath is poured out like fire;
        the rocks are shattered before him.

    7 The Lord is good,
        a refuge in times of trouble.
    He cares for those who trust in him,
    8     but with an overwhelming flood
    he will make an end of Nineveh;
        he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness.

    9 Whatever they plot against the Lord
        he will bring to an end;
        trouble will not come a second time.
    10 They will be entangled among thorns
        and drunk from their wine;
        they will be consumed like dry stubble.
    11 From you, Nineveh, has one come forth
        who plots evil against the Lord
        and devises wicked plans.

    12 This is what the Lord says:

    “Although they have allies and are numerous,

        they will be destroyed and pass away.

    Although I have afflicted you, Judah,

        I will afflict you no more.
    13 Now I will break their yoke from your neck
        and tear your shackles away.”

    14 The Lord has given a command concerning you, Nineveh:
        “You will have no descendants to bear your name.
    I will destroy the images and idols
        that are in the temple of your gods.
    I will prepare your grave,
        for you are vile.”

    15 Look, there on the mountains,
        the feet of one who brings good news,
        who proclaims peace!
    Celebrate your festivals, Judah,
        and fulfill your vows.
    No more will the wicked invade you;
        they will be completely destroyed.

    Go Deeper

    The vision of Nahum in this opening chapter displays a God who is willing to protect the people that He has made a covenant with–the people that trust in Him. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, is a people who have been oppressing the Israelites. This is paralleled to the Egyptians, who oppressed the Israelites centuries earlier. In Nahum’s vision, we hear a parallel from the time of Exodus, “The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are dust of his feet” (Exodus 34:6-7). God is not slow to directly handle the enemies of His people because He is incapable or distant. God is slow to anger, because He has a love that is hopeful for hearts to be softened and turned back towards Him.

    We’re reminded of another aspect of the the powerful nature of God’s love in v. 7-8:

    “The Lord is good,
    a refuge in times of trouble.
    He cares for those who trust in him.”

    Even in the face of wickedness and judgment for the evildoers surrounding God’s people, there’s a reminder that He preserves and protects the faithful remaining remnant who trust in Him. A refuge is a safe place, where we find safety and security. In a confused and broken world, we are often tempted to seek refuge in possessions, substances, or anything else that might bring temporary relief. This truth that Nahum shared almost three thousand years ago is equally true and applicable to us today. 

    Just like the picture of the running father in the story of the prodigal son, we have a credulous Father in heaven, who is ready to welcome home those that He has created. We are called to trust Him that He is protecting us from evil. We are called to hope in Him as we persevere through trials and tribulations. We are called to these things because we have seen the same God do that over and over again, with the Israelties in Egypt and Nineveh, and even with us today. He is the same God with the same love that always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

    Questions

    1. How has God protected you in the past from something difficult in your life?
    2. Do you remember that God is the same and faithful when He is just (like in this chapter) and when allows the wicked to prosper?
    3. Have you processed that God’s wrath for others does not mean He is evil? Instead, He is protecting those that He loves?

    Watch This

    Check out this video overview of Nahum from The Bible Project!

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  • 1 Chronicles 29

    1 Chronicles 29

    Read 1 Chronicles 29

    Gifts for Building the Temple

    29 Then King David said to the whole assembly: “My son Solomon, the one whom God has chosen, is young and inexperienced. The task is great, because this palatial structure is not for man but for the Lord God. 2 With all my resources I have provided for the temple of my God—gold for the gold work, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, and all kinds of fine stone and marble—all of these in large quantities.3 Besides, in my devotion to the temple of my God I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the temple of my God, over and above everything I have provided for this holy temple: 4 three thousand talents of gold (gold of Ophir) and seven thousand talents of refined silver, for the overlaying of the walls of the buildings, 5 for the gold work and the silver work, and for all the work to be done by the craftsmen. Now, who is willing to consecrate themselves to the Lord today?”

    6 Then the leaders of families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officialsin charge of the king’s work gave willingly. 7 They gave toward the work on the temple of God five thousand talents and ten thousand darics of gold, ten thousand talents of silver, eighteen thousand talents of bronze and a hundred thousand talents of iron. 8 Anyone who had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the temple of the Lord in the custody of Jehiel the Gershonite. 9 The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.

    David’s Prayer

    10 David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,

    “Praise be to you, Lord,
        the God of our father Israel,
        from everlasting to everlasting.
    11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
        and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
        for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
    Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
        you are exalted as head over all.
    12 Wealth and honor come from you;
        you are the ruler of all things.
    In your hands are strength and power
        to exalt and give strength to all.
    13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
        and praise your glorious name.

    14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 15 We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. 16 Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. 18 Lord, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you. 19 And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, statutes and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided.”

    20 Then David said to the whole assembly, “Praise the Lord your God.” So they all praised the Lord, the God of their fathers; they bowed down, prostrating themselves before the Lord and the king.

    Solomon Acknowledged as King

    21 The next day they made sacrifices to the Lord and presented burnt offerings to him: a thousand bulls, a thousand rams and a thousand male lambs, together with their drink offerings, and other sacrifices in abundance for all Israel. 22 They ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the Lord that day.

    Then they acknowledged Solomon son of David as king a second time, anointing him before the Lord to be ruler and Zadok to be priest. 23 So Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king in place of his father David. He prospered and all Israel obeyed him. 24 All the officers and warriors, as well as all of King David’s sons, pledged their submission to King Solomon.

    25 The Lord highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal splendor such as no king over Israel ever had before.

    The Death of David

    26 David son of Jesse was king over all Israel. 27 He ruled over Israel forty years—seven in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem. 28 He died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor. His son Solomon succeeded him as king.

    29 As for the events of King David’s reign, from beginning to end, they are written in the records of Samuel the seer, the records of Nathan the prophet and the records of Gad the seer, 30 together with the details of his reign and power, and the circumstances that surrounded him and Israel and the kingdoms of all the other lands.

    Go Deeper

    We have reached the end of 1 Chronicles! We have read genealogies to David, David’s anointing as king of Israel, and David’s reign in Israel. The Lord established a covenant with David promising him a house, or a dynasty from which the future Messiah would come, an eternal kingdom, and a throne that would have ultimate authority. David is Israel’s most celebrated king and there is a strong sense of unity around him. This book recaps some of David’s triumphs and greatest moments throughout his life. 

    Now, we are at the end of David’s reign. David is passing the torch down to his son Solomon, who would rule over Israel. David wanted to build a temple for the Lord so that the Ark of the Covenant could have a permanent home, but this is not what God had in mind. His ways are not our ways. The Lord tells David that he will have a son that would build a house in His name. He then commissions Solomon to build the temple, just as the Lord instructed, and tells him simply to “be strong, and do it.” David reminds Solomon that the Lord is with him, even though he is young and inexperienced. The Lord won’t leave him or abandon him in this process. David gave Solomon the blueprints for the temple with very specific details regarding how it was supposed to be made.

    The work of building the temple was great, and there was a great need for resources to complete it as well. This chapter goes over the contributions the people of Israel gave for building the temple. It tells us that people gave willingly for the service of God’s house. Their eagerness in giving reflects 2 Corinthians 9:7, which tells us to “give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” They had given to the Lord wholeheartedly and rejoiced greatly over it. David commissioned the Israelites to consecrate themselves to the Lord, and to wholly dedicate themselves to Him. 

    David then blessed the Lord in a prayer in front of the entire assembly. He said, “Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all (v. 10-11). David gave all the praise and glory to the Lord. He saw the greatness, power, and majesty of God. He recognized that everything we have is from Him, and we are to steward the resources that He has entrusted to us to build His Kingdom (James 1:17). 

    David’s dying instructions and some of his last words to Solomon are similar to those of Moses, Joshua, and Samuel. He calls Solomon to serve the Lord, fear Him, be obedient to His Word, and remain faithful to Him. He prayed Solomon would have an undivided heart to keep the Lord’s commands. We will read more about the reign of Solomon and the kings of Judah in 2 Chronicles. The chapter ends with a summary of David’s life and his reign in Israel. He is an image of future hope for Israel. Although David is a great king, he is not the king. One day there would be a messianic king that would rebuild the temple and invite all nations into the Kingdom of God (Isaiah 11). This is a reminder that the story is not over for Israel!

    Questions

    1. What is your heart towards giving? Do you give with eagerness and cheerfulness, or reluctantly?   
    2. What are some characteristics of God that David mentions in his prayer? 
    3. What lessons have you learned from the life of David throughout this book? How will you apply these lessons to your life?

    Keep Digging

    After reading the entirety of 1 Chronicles, we know King David plays a pivotal role in the Old Testament. To dive deeper into the importance of David (with references to 1 & 2 Samuel, as well) check out this helpful blog post from The Bible Project: “David: What’s the Big Deal?”

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  • 1 Chronicles 28

    1 Chronicles 28

    Read 1 Chronicles 28

    David’s Plans for the Temple

    28 David summoned all the officials of Israel to assemble at Jerusalem: the officers over the tribes, the commanders of the divisions in the service of the king, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of all the property and livestock belonging to the king and his sons, together with the palace officials, the warriors and all the brave fighting men.

    2 King David rose to his feet and said: “Listen to me, my fellow Israelites, my people. I had it in my heart to build a house as a place of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, for the footstool of our God, and I made plans to build it. 3 But God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for my Name,because you are a warrior and have shed blood.’

    4 “Yet the Lord, the God of Israel, chose me from my whole family to be king over Israel forever. He chose Judah as leader, and from the tribe of Judah he chose my family, and from my father’s sons he was pleased to make me king over all Israel. 5 Of all my sons—and the Lord has given me many—he has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the Lordover Israel. 6 He said to me: ‘Solomon your son is the one who will build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. 7 I will establish his kingdom forever if he is unswerving in carrying out my commands and laws, as is being done at this time.’

    8 “So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commandsof the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever.

    9 “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lordsearches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will rejectyou forever. 10 Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.”

    11 Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the portico of the temple, its buildings, its storerooms, its upper parts, its inner rooms and the place of atonement. 12 He gave him the plans of all that the Spirit had put in his mind for the courts of the temple of the Lord and all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the temple of God and for the treasuries for the dedicated things. 13 He gave him instructions for the divisions of the priests and Levites, and for all the work of serving in the temple of the Lord, as well as for all the articles to be used in its service. 14 He designated the weight of gold for all the gold articles to be used in various kinds of service, and the weight of silver for all the silver articles to be used in various kinds of service: 15 the weight of gold for the gold lampstands and their lamps, with the weight for each lampstand and its lamps; and the weight of silver for each silver lampstand and its lamps, according to the use of each lampstand; 16 the weight of gold for each table for consecrated bread; the weight of silver for the silver tables; 17 the weight of pure gold for the forks, sprinkling bowls and pitchers; the weight of gold for each gold dish; the weight of silver for each silver dish; 18 and the weight of the refined gold for the altar of incense. He also gave him the plan for the chariot, that is, the cherubim of gold that spread their wings and overshadow the ark of the covenant of the Lord.

    19 “All this,” David said, “I have in writing as a result of the Lord’s hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details of the plan.”

    20 David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished. 21 The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing person skilledin any craft will help you in all the work. The officials and all the people will obey your every command.”

    Go Deeper

    First Chronicles 28 is the beginning of the last speech that King David gives to the leaders of Israel before he dies. Knowing that their king’s days were numbered, there would have been two questions that the rulers of Israel would have had in mind: “Who will build the temple?” and “Which one of David’s many sons will become king?” David answers both of these questions in this chapter.

    When seeking advice on who to date, what job to take, how to raise children, or whether or not we should buy that pair of shoes, the world will almost always tell us to do what we “feel” like doing. “Follow your heart” is the motto of the world. According to Psychology Today, when put under a time-constraint, people are much more likely to make risky decisions when we feel happy versus when we feel sad. Our emotions have a profound impact on the decisions we make.

    In verse 2, David tells us that he “had it in his heart” to build the Temple as the dwelling place of God’s presence on the earth. Does David follow his heart in this task? No. Instead, he obeys what God speaks to him, and appoints his son, Solomon, to be his successor and the architect of the Temple. Conventional wisdom tells us that we can make rational decisions when we give ourselves the time to think through the pros and cons, but Christians have more than just logic to inform our decisions. 

    Just like David, we have the Word to God to inform us. The Bible, both explicitly and through biblical principles, instructs us on how to date, choose a vocation, raise children, and spend money. It is full of wisdom that applies to every decision we will have to make in this complex world, but that may not always be apparent. This is why it is important for believers to study the Word. The Bible is still living and active (Hebrews 4:12), but because of our vastly different context than its original audience, we may have to do some digging to understand how it applies to us. Study Bibles and online commentaries, such as Blue Letter Bible and Enduring Word, can be helpful in this pursuit. God does not leave us to make decisions by our heart alone, but in His kindness has preserved the Bible to be “a lamp in a dark world” (Psalm 119:93).

    Questions

    1. What stuck out to you most in this chapter as you read it? Why? 
    2. When has “following your heart” led you astray? What did you learn from that experience?
    3. How can you utilize God’s Word as you go about making decisions this week (both small and large)?

    Featured Resources

    Interested in further resources to help you study God’s Word? Check out a few of these used by the Bible Reading Plan team:

    • SonicLight-The study notes of Dr. Thomas Constable, a former professor at Dallas Theological Seminary. Dr. Constable’s notes for each book of the Bible are updated annually and are available for free.
    • BibleRef-A free online commentary to help you develop a greater understanding of each passage you read. They do a fantastic job of providing extra insight, but they don’t have a full commentary for every book of the Bible (yet).
    • Enduring Word-The teaching notes of David Guzik, pastor of Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara, who has taught through the Bible verse-by-verse. There’s a free app as well!
    • The Bible Project-A website full of videos to help you understand each book of the Bible (as well as some comprehensive themes and ideas). Especially helpful if you’re writing for a book you don’t have a lot of familiarity with! 
    • GotQuestions.org-A website containing answers to over 500,000 questions about the Bible, ranging from interpretation of specific verses to larger, more complex theological topics. This site is extremely helpful when you’re addressing a complicated topic/subject!

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  • 1 Chronicles 27

    1 Chronicles 27

    Read 1 Chronicles 27

    Army Divisions

    27 This is the list of the Israelites—heads of families, commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and their officers, who served the king in all that concerned the army divisions that were on duty month by month throughout the year. Each division consisted of 24,000 men.

    2 In charge of the first division, for the first month, was Jashobeam son of Zabdiel. There were 24,000 men in his division. 3 He was a descendant of Perez and chief of all the army officers for the first month.

    4 In charge of the division for the second month was Dodai the Ahohite; Mikloth was the leader of his division. There were 24,000 men in his division.

    5 The third army commander, for the third month, was Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest. He was chief and there were 24,000 men in his division. 6 This was the Benaiah who was a mighty warrior among the Thirty and was over the Thirty. His son Ammizabad was in charge of his division.

    7 The fourth, for the fourth month, was Asahel the brother of Joab; his son Zebadiah was his successor. There were 24,000 men in his division.

    8 The fifth, for the fifth month, was the commander Shamhuth the Izrahite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

    9 The sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

    10 The seventh, for the seventh month, was Helez the Pelonite, an Ephraimite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

    11 The eighth, for the eighth month, was Sibbekai the Hushathite, a Zerahite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

    12 The ninth, for the ninth month, was Abiezer the Anathothite, a Benjamite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

    13 The tenth, for the tenth month, was Maharai the Netophathite, a Zerahite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

    14 The eleventh, for the eleventh month, was Benaiah the Pirathonite, an Ephraimite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

    15 The twelfth, for the twelfth month, was Heldai the Netophathite, from the family of Othniel. There were 24,000 men in his division.

    Leaders of the Tribes

    16 The leaders of the tribes of Israel:

    over the Reubenites: Eliezer son of Zikri;

    over the Simeonites: Shephatiah son of Maakah;

    17 over Levi: Hashabiah son of Kemuel;

    over Aaron: Zadok;

    18 over Judah: Elihu, a brother of David;

    over Issachar: Omri son of Michael;

    19 over Zebulun: Ishmaiah son of Obadiah;

    over Naphtali: Jerimoth son of Azriel;

    20 over the Ephraimites: Hoshea son of Azaziah;

    over half the tribe of Manasseh: Joel son of Pedaiah;

    21 over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead: Iddo son of Zechariah;

    over Benjamin: Jaasiel son of Abner;

    22 over Dan: Azarel son of Jeroham.

    These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel.

    23 David did not take the number of the men twenty years old or less,because the Lord had promised to make Israel as numerous as the stars in the sky. 24 Joab son of Zeruiah began to count the men but did not finish. God’s wrath came on Israel on account of this numbering, and the number was not entered in the book of the annals of King David.

    The King’s Overseers

    25 Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the royal storehouses.

    Jonathan son of Uzziah was in charge of the storehouses in the outlying districts, in the towns, the villages and the watchtowers.

    26 Ezri son of Kelub was in charge of the workers who farmed the land.

    27 Shimei the Ramathite was in charge of the vineyards.

    Zabdi the Shiphmite was in charge of the produce of the vineyards for the wine vats.

    28 Baal-Hanan the Gederite was in charge of the olive and sycamore-figtrees in the western foothills.

    Joash was in charge of the supplies of olive oil.

    29 Shitrai the Sharonite was in charge of the herds grazing in Sharon.

    Shaphat son of Adlai was in charge of the herds in the valleys.

    30 Obil the Ishmaelite was in charge of the camels.

    Jehdeiah the Meronothite was in charge of the donkeys.

    31 Jaziz the Hagrite was in charge of the flocks.

    All these were the officials in charge of King David’s property.

    32 Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, a man of insight and a scribe. Jehiel son of Hakmoni took care of the king’s sons.

    33 Ahithophel was the king’s counselor.

    Hushai the Arkite was the king’s confidant. 34 Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah and by Abiathar.

    Joab was the commander of the royal army.

    Go Deeper

    In Genesis 22:17, God spoke His promise to Abraham saying, “I will greatly bless you and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sands of the seashore…” In today’s reading, David is organizing the armies of the united kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The promise of God is evident as approximately 1.5 million people were living in the kingdom during his reign in 880 BC. 

    David’s armies were approximately 300,000 strong with 12 divisions of 24,000 men each which served for one month out of the year. As the third king, Israel and Judah are now united and he organized and commanded these armies with 12,000 officers. His 12 divisions had 12 generals with eight of the twelve from the lineage of Judah. This lineage was known for strength in battle as well as the prophetic promise of the Messiah, our ultimate victor, Jesus Christ.

    The civil organization is fascinating as we consider the growing populations required leadership and organized economic plans. David appointed heads of the Kings storehouses as well as those of the cities and countryside, important agricultural products including trees, oils, vineyards, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, etc. Perhaps the most important offices were those of the King’s counselors. Verse 23 is a key point in the chapter as David remembered God’s promise to Abraham. David’s focus and desire to honor God in all facets of his life is evident. Protection and provision for God’s people were his priorities. 

    These are the same priorities and thoughts God has over us. As David did, we can honor God first in surrendering our lives and agendas to God’s desire, purpose, protection, and provision. This does not mean that everything in our lives will be perfect. It does mean that we can trust God to provide, strengthen, and protect us in and through all things. To trust in ourselves leaves us vulnerable, weak, and misled. David experienced many trials through his life and ascension to the throne including death threats and treasonous generals. His own son Absalom betrayed him. Leading is filled with tremendous pressure and peril, but God will lead us into His thoughts, His ways, and His victories. 

    Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not lose heart in doing good for in due time, we shall reap a harvest if we do not grow weary.” Let’s allow God to be our place of trust, strength, and guidance for our families, communities, and churches. It is not just the only way, but the best way. 

    Questions

    1. David’s responsibilities were many and varied. How important was God to David in handling his role as king?
    2. What challenges do you face now and how can you let God help you in them?
    3. If you feel weary, what can you do to tap into God’s strength?

    Keep Digging

    Joab, the leader of David’s army, is referenced at the very end of this chapter. Pastor and commentator David Guzik describes Joab this way:

    “Joab is one of the more complex characters of the Old Testament. He was fiercely loyal to David, yet not strongly obedient. He disobeyed David when he thought it was in David’s best interest, and he was cunning and ruthless in furthering his own position.”

    To learn more about Joab and his complicated legacy, read this article from GotQuestions.org.

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