TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21
Romans 11:13-36
Psalm 22:1-18
Proverbs 20:7
2 Chronicles 21:1 — We’ve spent four chapters with Jehoshaphat – the most we’ve spent with any king since Solomon, and the most spent until Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29-32).
2 Chronicles 21:4 — How did good king Jehoshaphat’s son become known for filicide (the killing of one’s son or daughter)? He became known because of the pattern of compromise that his father engaged in through his dealings with Ahab. Perhaps the political unity that led to joint fundraising and joint expeditions were meant to lead to a joint kingdom dream. Likely Jehoram didn’t pick his bride – his dad assigned his heir (his eldest male descendant) to the daughter of Ahab.
2 Chronicles 21:12 — Elijah dominated the Kings (from 1 Kings 17 – 2 Kings 10), but this is the only mention of Elijah in the Chronicles, mainly because Elijah’s ministry was to the Northern Kingdom, while the Chronicles focus on the Southern Kingdom. Jehoshaphat kept intertwining himself with the Northern Kingdom (perhaps he wanted to undo Jeroboam’s split in 1 Kings 12:16). Unity, however, must be built on theology, not just proximity!
2 Chronicles 21:19-20 — What is the worst epitaph: that his bowels fell out or that he “departed without being desired?“
2 Chronicles 22:11 — Jehoshabeath (the daughter of King Jehoram and wife of Jehoiada the priest) was used by God to preserve the line of the Messiah (Matthew 1:9)! By the way, who else was hidden as a small child (Exodus 2:3)?
2 Chronicles 23:1 — The covenant was renewed with a revitalized focus on the Word of the LORD (2 Chronicles 23:3) and the restoration of holiness (2 Chronicles 23:6). This covenant was expanded to all the people (2 Chronicles 23:16) and led to the purification of Israel (2 Chronicles 23:17).
2 Chronicles 23:19 — We have already read in 1 Chronicles about the 4,000 porters (1 Chronicles 23:5) and the list of their responsibilities (1 Chronicles 9:17-26). The point of writing about the porters again and their reintroduction is so that a new generation understood that the Temple had porters before and now in the rebuilt Temple they should fall in line with Joash’s renovations.
Romans 11:26 — God isn’t through with Israel yet! He has a plan for them, but today He has extended His mercy to you (Romans 11:30)!
Psalm 22:3 — Speaking of holiness, why did God forsake His son (Psalm 22:1, Matthew 27:46)? It is because of this: God is holy and cannot look on evil (Habakkuk 1:13). God made Jesus to be sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). This chapter records the sufferings and glory of Jesus.
- First Cycle: Complaint to God (22:1-2) … then confidence in God (22:3‑5)
- Second Cycle: Complaint (22:6-8) … then confidence and petition (22:9‑11)
- Third Cycle: Complaint (22:12‑18) … then confidence and petition (22:19-31)
Proverbs 20:7 — The lapse of Jehoshaphat’s obedience led to his children’s loss of blessing. How will your behavior affect your descendants’ blessings?
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