Job 17 - 19

Job's lament continues. He reminds his friends that they have been of no real comfort; for while their words were true, they did not apply to his situation. Job's only hope was for God to take his life as well and end his suffering. Even in that, his friends would read the wrong interpretation.

Bildad responds that the wicked know no peace. They have no rest - even in death. Job is invited to 'come clean' and repent of the sin that has brought this calamity upon him. No matter what the sin may be; Job can still find forgiveness.

Job's response is unchanged. He asks how long these friends will continue their line of argument; he again states his innocence. All around him have failed - his servants, his children, his friends, and his relatives. Yet, in the midst of this Job knows that his Redeemer still lives and he will see Him at the end of his days. Job has not given up hope in God's goodness!

Job 14 - 16

Job continues his statement of defense. He states that the only comfort that seems available is in the grave, where all of life is over and trials are at an end. His friend, Eliphaz, responds. He states that God does not subject Himself to the direction of men. He reminds Job that God does not take orders from anyone; and that what He states is true, is so.

Job replies to this statement with one of his own. He tells his friends that they are not helping at all! Their words of comfort are of no comfort to Job, for their directions are not applicable to his situation. Job's sense of the situation is that God has made him His target and that nothing in the earth makes sense anymore.

Job 11 - 13

Another of Job's friends, Zophar, attempts to speak to Job about the dilemma he faces. He reminds Job that God is not fooled. To say one thing about God when the evidence is to the contrary just doesn't fly. For Job to claim that he is innocent - when all the evidence points to the contrary - doesn't seem to add up to any of Job's friends. They are eager to see Job make a right assessment of his situation.

Job responds to all his friends. His position has not changed - he is innocent. He calls heaven, earth, and all creation as his witness. There is no secret sin, no hidden flaw, no slight error for which God would be punishing Job. For his friends to suggest otherwise is not only pointless, it is foolish to mention. Job asks again for an opportunity to speak in the courts of eternity and present his case for innocence. What will be the response?

Job 8 - 10

A second friend to Job, Bildad, speaks. He reminds Job that God is just and right in His doings. He correctly states that if Job's sons had sinned, they would be punished; and that for Job to deny God's punishment of sin was incorrect. It would be unnatural for God to act differently toward sin. Those who expected Him to do so would be greatly disappointed. In fact, God would bless those who were blameless.

Job responds with a hearty "You're right!" He goes on to ask how a man can stand rightly before God, since He is so other - so out of reach for man's ability. Because of this, Job feels he has no where to take his case. The words he would use to present his situation would be inadequate before such a perfect God. Job is confused how to reconcile the disaster he has experienced with his comprehension of a right standing before God. One of the two does not make sense. Job begins to ask God for answers. He wants to know why he - one who is NOT wicked - is being treated the same way the wicked are treated. Why would God seek to destroy something He blessed as good? In all this, Job maintains that he has done nothing wrong to merit God's treatment. (Incidentally, we know Job is right in this statement; but his friends do not - nor would we unless we had read the opening chapters).

Job 5 - 7

Eliphaz continues admonishing Job. He encourages his suffering friend to throw himself on the mercies of God Who corrects His children. He urges Job to accept from God the punishment for his sin and to enjoy the restoration that will result.

Job responds by again asking God to comfort him by not allowing him to have been born. His strength is gone, his success has fled. All his dealings in the past have been correct, just and right. He does not lie. His standing is sure; he has not committed anything for God to punish. He informs Eliphaz that this cannot be punishment, for he has done nothing wrong! This is the unbearable truth: that which should comfort him - his right relationship to God - provides no comfort at this time. His life has been upended and nothing makes sense anymore to Job. He asks honestly "Have I sinned? What have I done?"

Job 3 - 4

Job gives voice to his grief and frustration. He pours out a lament, expresses grief for the day of his birth, states a desire to have never been born, and lays out his deeply-felt sorrow. He states that this is a day he has long dreaded - the loss of all. He is unable to rest, to be still, to be at peace or to sit by idly. He sees death as a better alternative to his present life situation - not that he is contemplating taking his life; but he does not see the point of beginning life if this is what it brings.

Job's friends break their silence and attempt to console and counsel their friend. They are truly concerned for him; and their desire for his well-being is evident. Eliphaz begins by reminding Job that his life has been instructive for many in dire situations; but now that it happens to him he is not practicing what he preached. Eliphaz reminds Job of the consequences of doing that which is displeasing to the Lord. He states the correct principle of sowing and reaping (you plant seeds of destruction, you will gain destruction). Eliphaz's point is clear and correct: God punishes sin.

Job 1 - 2

We are introduced to a man named Job. This man had great wealth and possessions. His prized treasure was his family. Seven sons and three daughters graced his household. They were a seemingly close family that would celebrate together and worship together. Job was very careful in his worship; his desire was to maintain a right relationship with the God he served.

Job and his family caught the attention of Satan. God asks Satan if he has noticed Job; and the response is that Job only serves because of the great blessings bestowed upon him. Satan posits that if Job were to experience the loss of his wealth, his attitude of worship would change as quickly. God gives Satan permission to remove anything from Job except his life. Soon Job experiences the loss of his cattle, his flocks, his servants and his children - all in one day. Job responds quickly ... with praise to God. In fact, the Bible records that in all Job said and thought in response, he "did not sin or charge God with wrong."

God asks Satan for Job's response (knowing full well what it was). Satan responds that God is still too kind to Job; he will curse God if his own health is disrupted. God again gives Satan permission to affect Job, but will not allow him to kill this servant. Job is soon covered in boils and sores; yet does not accuse God of wrongdoing in the process.

Job is also rich in friends. Three of these close associates come to comfort their suffering friend. Upon reaching his home, they hardly recognize the former wealthy landowner for all that has happened to him. They mourn with him in silence for a full week.

Esther 9 - 10

The Jews were not exempt from the decree against them; but a new decree was issued that allowed them to defend themselves against those who meant them harm. The Jews enjoyed a signal victory against their oppressors and enjoyed the fruits of their victory. A feast was established to commemorate the deliverance the experienced. Mordecai was promoted; and the Jews enjoyed a period of safety in a foreign land.

Esther 6 - 8

A restless night was experienced by many in Shushan. Haman spent the night constructing gallows on his property, so he could hang Mordecai on them. Esther spent a restless night preparing for the banquet she would throw the next day for Haman and the king. The king spent a restless night filled with insomnia. He called for the history of the realm to be read; and even that didn't put him to sleep! Finally, he heard of the works of Mordecai in protecting his life. A search of the history books showed that nothing had been done for Mordecai in the way of a reward for his efforts.

Haman, who is arriving early at the palace asking for permission to hang Mordecai, is asked by the king "What should be done to honor the one the king seeks to honor?" Haman selfishly answers, hoping that he will be the one honored. What a surprise to learn that he would carry out those details to show the king's honor with Mordecai!

At the banquet, Esther reveals that she and her people have been sold into annihilation. The king - rightly outraged that one would attempt to take the life of the queen - asks for the identity of the guilty party. It is Haman! In attempting to plead for his life, Haman is mistakenly accused of accosting the queen. He is taken and hung on his own gallows; and his property becomes the possession of Esther and Mordecai!

Esther 3 - 5

Promotion. Pride. Plotting. Persuasion. Parties. Perplexity.

A man named Haman is promoted to head over the king's leaders. Mordecai, a devout Jew, would not bow to this leader out of respect to the Lord's Commands. Haman, not content to see only Mordecai punished, determines to eliminate the entirety of Haman's race. A decree is soon issued by the king stating that on the 13th day of the 12th month, all these "traitorous rebels" will be executed.

Mordecai and other Jews officially enter a state of mourning. Queen Esther is made aware of the dilemma facing her people; and it is asked that she approach the king on behalf of the Jewish nation. She agrees after a period of prayer and preparation.

The king accepts Esther's request to a banquet attended by himself and Haman. At this banquet the king and Haman are invited back for a second banquet the next day. Traveling home, Haman passes Mordecai who will still not bow to him. He has a gallows constructed, so that he may ask the king's permission to execute Mordecai ahead of the promised day of destruction.

Esther 1 - 2

The opulent palace of Shushan is not free of turmoil. A party that has lasted for almost 6 months is winding down with a week-long intensive festival. At the conclusion of it, the queen is summoned, so that all assembled may delight in her beauty. The queen rightly guesses the real reason she is being summoned and refuses to degrade herself in such a way. Almost immediately, she is dethroned and the search for a new queen begins.

In this midst of Shushan lives a Jewish exile named Mordecai. He serves the king while caring for his orphaned cousin, Hadassah (Esther in the language of Persia). While the search for a queen continues, Esther is taken to see if the king would be pleased with her. She does not reveal her nationality to those helping her prepare to meet the king. After a year-long preparation period, Esther is presented to the king who immediately places the crown on her head and takes her as his queen. Mordecai, no longer responsible for the care of his cousin, is showered with gifts as her relative. While going about his daily routine, Mordecai discovers an assassination plot against King Ahasuerus. He passes this information to the queen, who passes it along to the king in her cousin's name. The treasonous parties are discovered and hanged; a public record of this is made in the official history of the kingdom.

Nehemiah 12 - 13

The names and families of those serving as priests at the time of Nehemiah's governance are recorded. Then, the grand finale - the dedication of the wall. Nehemiah has come many miles, many months, many mishaps since the day he first heard of the disrepair of the walls of Jerusalem. With God's help and direction, he overcame great obstacles to see this project through to completion. The dedication celebration was conducted on a grand scale. Two great choirs approached the temple from opposite sides and sang loudly in praise to God Who had accomplished much in the city. The sound of this concert could be heard well outside the walls of the city. The items of worship were dedicated, and the law reiterated to them; and then folks went to work.

Not everything went smoothly after that. Nehemiah had to keep a constant eye on the details of his governance. He was confronted many times about small matters that seemed insignificant. He dealt with these matters (which were serious) before they could develop into major catastrophes.

Many look to the book of Nehemiah for leadership principles and advice. In my reading through the book in the last several days, I have been struck by one or two major facets I have not seen as clearly before. The first is that a leader must be a person of prayer. Find one example in this account where Nehemiah is faced with a situation and does not pray. A second highlight of the book in this reading was the importance of focusing on the task at hand; and the need to constantly remind folks of the task at hand so they stay focused.

Nehemiah 10 - 11

The leaders and people agree to the covenant proposed by Nehemiah and Ezra: to walk in God's Law as given to Moses, and to keep God's commands, ordinances and statutes. Particularly, this involved the restriction on marrying outside the Jewish community, the forbidding of sales on the Sabbath day, and the setting aside of finances for the house of God and those who cared for it.

The population was then divided so that 10% lived in Jerusalem, while the other 90% lived in other cities. In this way, the land of Judah and Benjamin was reestablished.

Nehemiah 7 - 9

Nehemiah begins to oversee the repopulating of the land. He calls for a reading of the record of those who returned from exile. Again, it is a reminder of all that God has done to bless His people. Ezra, the scribe, is then called to read from the book of God's Law given to Moses. The people stood from morning until midday to hear God's Word read and explained to them. The day was declared to be holy to the Lord, a day of rejoicing in what God's strength had provided for them. At this time, they also celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles, a reminder of their time in the wilderness after leaving Egypt.

In Ezra's account we read of a great national revival and repentance over the matter of intermarriage with those God forbid. Here in Nehemiah's account, we read of the same matter. In this record, we have the words used to describe the attitude of those repenting. These were not folks sorry for what they needed to do; they were not grudgingly putting away their sin. These folks are responsive to God, rejoicing over His favor, and sweetly submitting to His wishes - no matter what the personal ramifications may be.

Nehemiah 4 - 6

Nehemiah continues the work of rebuilding the defenses of the city of Jerusalem. The walls, gates and infrastructure of the city slowly begin to take shape. Meanwhile, the enemies around Jerusalem try their hardest to distract and discourage those who are doing the work. Nehemiah sets a wonderful example of leadership and wisdom by taking every matter seriously, addressing every matter in a timely fashion, but - most importantly - taking every matter to God in prayer first. Over and again, he is a man of constant prayer.

Nehemiah addresses an important issue facing the nation. Too many were becoming indebted to their fellow citizens because of high interest rates. Nehemiah lays out the problem to the leaders, and they agree to withdraw their exorbitant charges. The nation is soon prospering financially and emotionally as a result.

With the walls and gates completed, the nations around Jerusalem are filled with fear. It is obvious that God is blessing His people once again.

Nehemiah 1 - 3

The account of Nehemiah is begun. Nehemiah, employed as cupbearer to the king of Persia, receives news about the disrepair of the city of Jerusalem. The walls are destroyed, the gates are burnt and the city is in shambles. Nehemiah's first response is prayer. He confesses that the city is rightly in ruins due to the sins of the people. He admits that God is right for disciplining His children in such a way. He requests that God's favor would return to His people; and that God would be pleased to use Nehemiah in the process.

The king soon asks Nehemiah what is on his mind. Again, Nehemiah's first response is prayer. He requests that the king give him permission to travel to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding process; and that letters be granted him to obtain the assistance of those along the way to contribute materials for building and security. His requests are granted.

Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem and surveys the condition of the city. He then challenges the people with the task before them. The people eagerly respond and begin building. The gates are soon rebuilt and the walls between them repaired. Soon the walls begin to take shape around the city.

Ezra 9 - 10

Ezra continues to call the people back into a right relationship with God. One of the glaring sins committed was intermarriage with the surrounding pagan cultures - something God had forbidden. Ezra personally mourned the state of disobedience in which the nation was found; and the other leaders and rulers began to mourn as well. The people were called together, and God's plan laid out again for them. The question then, was, "What shall be done to correct the errors of the past?" A plan was developed to put away the foreign wives and children; and the people did this - even those in leadership positions.

Ezra 6 - 8

Darius confirms to the opposing forces the decree of Cyrus. Further, he ordered those opposing the temple reconstruction efforts to cease and desist their opposition. He also provided for the funding of the building project out of the royal coffers. With those provisions in place, the temple was soon finished; and the Passover was observed shortly after it was rededicated.

Ezra, the scribe, was commissioned to be the teacher of God's law in Jerusalem. He had full diplomatic authority in the region; and was uniquely blessed and equipped by God for the task. As Ezra prepares to depart for Jerusalem, he notices a glaring oversight: there are no Levites willing to travel to Jerusalem and serve in the temple! Convincing the priests and Levites to return, Ezra safely travels the distance from Persia to Jerusalem without losing any of the party or the provisions!

Ezra 3 - 5

Upon returning to Jerusalem, Ezra and his band of returning exiles rebuild the altar of God and offer burnt offerings upon it. They then celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, then commenced to rebuild the temple itself. The foundation was laid and the people rejoiced. Many who had seen Solomon's temple before it was destroyed by Babylon wept because this new temple could not compare in size or beauty. But a temple was established to worship God again from Jerusalem!

Those in neighboring kingdoms asked to build alongside Ezra; but these were refused. These pesky neighbors tried to halt the building process by filing law suits against Ezra ... and the work stopped. During the time of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the people once again began building. Further legal claims were made against the validity of this project; but the people refused to be budged from their labors. A formal request was made of King Darius to see if Cyrus had actually decreed that the temple be rebuilt.

Ezra 1 - 2

Cyrus, king of Persia, in fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy allowed for the return of the Jews to their homeland after 70 years in exile. The purpose of this return was to rebuild the house of God; and Cyrus even allowed the gold taken by King Nebuchadnezzar to be returned to Jerusalem. The group preparing to make the trip back to Jerusalem totaled 42,360 people, plus their servants, horses, mules, camels and donkeys.

2 Chronicles 34 - 36

Josiah began his reign at the tender age of 8. Even as a young man, he sought the Lord and began to eradicate the presence of false gods from the land. Part of his restoration involved cleansing the temple from its disrepair. In the process of hauling out the accumulated junk, the priest found the Book of the Law given to Moses. When the priest's secretary read from God's Law, Josiah realized all that God had commanded His people - and realized that most of what had been done should not have been, and most of what should have been done had not been. The prophetess confirmed the fact of God's displeasure at Judah's sin; and also confirmed that Josiah's tender heart and inclination to follow God would be rewarded. Josiah then goes to the people and enters a covenant with them that he will lead them in the way that is right.

A Passover celebration was held, with the king providing for those unable to sacrifice. All was followed to the letter that day. This Passover celebration had not been correctly observed, Scripture tells us, since the days of Samuel.

Again, pride does its dastardly work. Josiah goes out to battle and will not be dissuaded from participating. He disguises himself to fight and is mortally wounded in battle. The mourning for king Josiah was great and prolonged.

Josiah's son, Jehoahaz, reigned in his place. His rule lasted 3 months. During those 90 days, the land was placed under tribute to Egypt and another son of Josiah, Jehoiakim (his name was Eliakim before being changed) was placed on the throne to rule. Jehoiakim did not follow the godly example of his father, Josiah. He was carried away to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. In his place, his son Jehoiachin reigned. After 3 months he was replaced by his brother Zedekiah.

Zedekiah did not practice humility either. He rebelled against God, and against Nebuchadnezzar. He constantly refused to heed the warnings of God's prophets and messengers. The Chaldeans soon came and laid siege to the city of Jerusalem. The citizens were taken into exile - a period of time promised by God to last 70 years. At the end of those years, a declaration was made by Cyrus, king of Persia that all who were willing to return to the land to rebuild God's house were encouraged to do so.

2 Chronicles 32 - 33

The partying soon came to an end when Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, invaded Judah. Hezekiah strengthened the city walls, stopped up the water resources, and made the invasion as difficult for Assyria as possible. Hezekiah's reasoning was this: Sennacherib has a strong arm; but we have the arm of the LORD as our Protector!

Sennacherib taunts the faith of the people in Hezekiah and Jehovah. But God will not be blasphemed! His angel went through the camp, killing the commanders and warriors. Sennacherib returned to his country in great defeat.

Unfortunately, Hezekiah soon suffered defeat. He became proud of his accomplishments; and displayed them to any who would see - even foreign dignitaries from Babylon who came to inquire about a miraculous healing he had received from God. Following his death, his son - Manasseh - reigned.

Manasseh was evil. He undid all that his father had done in restoring worship to God alone. He failed to listen to God's calls for repentance - until he was lead away captive by the Assyrians. God graciously allowed him to return to his kingdom. He repaired what he had done and tore down the false idols and attempted to reform the worship of the people once again. The people still used the false altars; but they worshiped God on them (how absurd).

Manasseh's son, Amon, reigned for two years following his father's death. He also did evil. His own counselors conspired against him and had him assassinated.

2 Chronicles 30 - 31

Once the temple was rededicated, Hezekiah set about to celebrate the Passover - an event that had been neglected for many years. The priests and Levites made great sacrifices on behalf of the people, as the people themselves were unclean, unworthy and unable to sacrifice for themselves. This celebration was unrivaled in Israel's history. One would have to go back to the time of Solomon for a worship experience that rivaled this one.

Following this time of great renewal of worship, the people went out and removed the altars of the false gods they had been worshiping. People began giving again to the temple; and the income almost overwhelmed the priests who received it.

2 Chronicles 28 - 29

King Ahaz does not follow in the family tradition of following God. He builds altars to false idols and participates in human sacrifice. As punishment for his sin, God allows the Syrians to carry away part of the populace as captives. Under seige from many enemies, Ahaz turns to the Assyrians for help. In this time of distress, Ahaz did NOT turn to God, but became even more faithless. After Ahaz's death, Hezekiah began to rule.

Hezekiah did what was right in God's eyes. He reopened the temple and restored the worship within it. He rededicated the temple, the utensils, and those who served within it. He then formally held a ceremony to rededicate the temple.

2 Chronicles 25 - 27

Amaziah begins his reign by putting to death the men that assassinated his father, King Joash. He then amassed an army and set out to destroy the Edomites. Strangely enough, after defeating them, he begins worshiping their gods. If they were not strong enough to protect the Edomites . . . ?? This is soon demonstrated as Amaziah engages in a battle with Joash, king of (northern) Israel and is soundly defeated and taken captive. Later he would be put to death by the citizens for his failure to follow the Lord. His son, Uzziah, was made king in his stead.

Uzziah took the throne at the age of 16. His 52-year reign was a good one. He sought the Lord, and God allowed him to prosper. Prosperity, however, had an ill effect on Uzziah. His pride caused him to overstep his duties as king. In attempting to act as a priest by burning incense on the altar, Uzziah contracted leprosy and had to live in a separated house away from the palace. This well-beloved king soon died and was replaced by his son, Jotham.

Jotham followed his father's example of serving and revering God. Scripture tells us he became "mighty because he ordered his ways before the Lord his God." After his death, following a 16-year reign, his son Ahaz reigned.

2 Chronicles 23 - 24

Queen Athaliah ruled in Judah and convinced the populace to worship the false gods of her mother, Jezebel. Meanwhile, the priest, Jehoiada, waited for the right moment to reveal that a successor to king Ahaziah did exist. At the right time, young king Joash - only 7 years old - was set on the throne and declared king of Judah. His mother was executed.

Under Jehoiada's tutelage, Joash prospered as king. The temple was repaired and restored; the false idols were taken down and destroyed; the royal treasuries were increased; sacrifices to the Lord continued. But after Jehoiada's death (he lived 130 years!), Joash forsook all that he had learned from this faithful mentor. God's house was abandoned and false idols worshiped. Faithful prophets declared the wrongness of the people's actions, but to no national avail. King Joash even consented to having Zechariah - Jehoiada's son - stoned for his message against idol worship.

King Joash died at the hands of assassins. His tomb was not among those of the kings. His son, Amaziah, succeeded him.

2 Chronicles 21 - 22

Following the death of king Jehoshaphat, his son Jehoram took the throne. Jehoram did not follow the ways of his father. Instead, he followed the ways of his father-in-law, king Ahab of northern Israel. His first official act was to assassinate his brothers to keep them from overthrowing his throne. Even in the midst of this, God shows His mercy by allowing David's line to continue, as He had promised.

Jehoram dies after 8 years and the Bible records "he departed with no one's regret." His youngest son, Ahaziah, was made king. Ahaziah followed the ways of his mother, Ahab's daughter. While visiting at the home of his cousin, king Joram of northern Israel, Jehu found him and put him to death as the prophet Elijah had ordered him to do. Ahaziah's mother promptly destroyed the royal family, in hopes of uniting the kingdom under Ahab's family. But one young son, Joash, was secretly hidden away and escaped the murderous plot. Meanwhile, Queen Athaliah ruled over the land.

2 Chronicles 19 - 20

Jehoshaphat continues his reign in Jerusalem. He reminds the leaders and court officials that they are not to make decisions based on their own preferences; but that they represent God in their judgments. (A good principle to remember here in California where it is election day for local officials.)

An alliance comes against Jehoshaphat from Moab, Ammon and Assyria. The king, at a loss of what to do, gathers the people for a public prayer meeting. God speaks and reminds the people that He will deliver; they need to merely be in place to see it happen. The battle begins and God sets an ambush so that the enemy forces destroy one another. The spoil is so great from this invading army that it takes Israel 3 days to gather the spoil. The news of this victory garners peace for the rest of Jehoshaphat's 25-year reign.

2 Chronicles 17 - 18

Jehoshaphat reigns after his father, Asa. He removes the false idols and walk in the way set by his ancestor, David. God blesses him with a strong reputation. None of the surrounding kingdoms made war against him. He did make an alliance with his contemporary in northern Israel, Ahab. Jointly they went out to fight the Syrians; but in the battle, Ahab lost his life.

2 Chronicles 15 - 16

King Asa conducts reforms in the nation of Judah. Because of this, God blesses his reign with success and freedom from invasion. The king even removed his own mother from a position of power because of her worship of false idols. King Asa reigned for 41 years. He followed the Lord throughout his reign (mostly) and enjoyed great success as a result. His failures resulted in lost blessings, but God was honored by this faithful king.