2 Chronicles 19 - 21

King Jehoshaphat was chastened for his alliance with Ahab, and set about bringing the people of Judah back to following God's laws.  When an alliance of nations threatened to attack Judah, Jehoshaphat begged God to take action in defense of His people.  God's message to the king and nation was this: "Do not be afraid.  Prepare to see what your God will do."  As the people sang in anticipation of the victory, God sent confusion to the invading armies and they slaughtered one another.  After reigning for 25 years, Jehoshaphat was succeeded by his son, Jehoram, who did not follow his father's example of leadership.  Instead, he was greatly influenced by the leadership styles and worship practices of the wicked kings of Israel.  The prophet Elijah pronounced God's judgment upon the king for his wickedness.  Jehoram's reign was a short one, due to the fatal intestinal disease that God brought upon him in judgment.

2 Chronicles 15 - 18

Good king Asa began making religious reforms in the land, ridding Judah and Benjamin of the false idols and restoring the altars to the Living God.  The nation gathered for a solemn assembly where they entered into a covenant to only follow God.  His reforms included removing his own mother from a position of power due to her inclination to follow false idols.  When the king of Israel attempted to attack Jerusalem, Asa formed a treaty with Syria for protection rather than rely on God as his deliverer.  Because of this, Asa would face many wars for the rest of his reign.  After his forty-one year reign, Asa died and was succeeded by his son, Jehoshaphat.
Jehoshaphat was a good king, following in the steps of his father and not pursuing the false gods of the surrounding nations.  He sent teachers throughout his kingdom to teach the nation about God and His expectations.  God caused the neighboring nations to not make war against Jehoshaphat - making him a very powerful king.  Eventually, he was allied (by marriage) to Ahab, king of Israel.  While at a royal summit meeting, a decision is needed concerning battle with the Syrians.  Only one prophet, Micaiah, is bold enough to faithfully represent God's wishes and warns Ahab not to go into battle.  Ahab refuses to listen and dies in the ensuing battle with the Syrians.

2 Chronicles 11 - 14

Solomon's son, Rehoboam, prepared to lead the tribes of Judah and Benjamin in battle against the other 10 tribes; but God stopped his actions and the battle never occurred.  Rehoboam strengthened the cities he controlled, the priests and Levites moved south to join with the king (the rebel leader - Jereboam - had refused to acknowledge their position as priests), and began establishing his kingdom among the two tribes loyal to him.  Egypt attacked this southern kingdom and carried away many of the treasures Solomon had amassed.  Rehoboam's seventeen-year reign ended and his son, Abijah, ruled for three years.  Abijah attempted to reunite the separated tribes, but Jereboam set an ambush to attack.  God favored Judah and allowed Jereboam to suffer a great defeat, losing his own life in the process.  After Abijah's death, Asa ruled over a decade-long period of civil rest.

1 Chronicles 28 - 29

Solomon is formally and publicly given the responsibility to build the temple.  His father, David, carefully lays out the building plan:  love God and follow His directions.  He also gives a detailed blueprint for the temple construction that Solomon would follow meticulously.  The people gave funds to construct the temple; David rejoiced to see what God was continuing to do among the nation; Solomon was anointed as king; and David died and was buried.

1 Chronicles 26 - 27

The Levitical gatekeepers and other officials are named and assigned.  Leaders of the military and civil leaders are also assigned their duties.  Even the counselors and royal agronomists were called out by name.  There were many tasks involved in running a kingdom, and David takes time to list them all.

1 Chronicles 24 - 25

Editorial note:  I have been away from computer access for the last week or so.  If you have missed these posts, that is the reason.  If you didn't miss them ... how are you reading this now?


David, nearing the end of his life, divides the Levitical priests (descendants of Aaron) into groups so that their areas of service may be assigned.  Twenty-four groups were made to serve the house of the Lord.  Others were tasked with the responsibilities of providing the music for the national worship services.  Twenty-four groups of musicians were assigned as well.

Nehemiah 9 - 11

The nation, having heard God's Law read to them, spent a prolonged period of time confessing their sins and making restitution to God for their offenses.  They poured out a prayer of praise, confession and expressed a desire to make things right and keep them right.  They swore a solemn oath to walk according to God's Law - specifically in regards to their national identity.  They would keep themselves a separate group to show God's holiness, they would honor God by offering him the best of their efforts, and they would care for the house of God.  The land was divided so that the nation could begin repopulating the neglected cities and outlying areas around Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 7 - 8

Once the gates were hung on the city walls, Nehemiah transferred the governance of the city to Hanani - the man who had informed him of the condition initially.  The people were counted and their family genealogy confirmed so that the priests could serve.  Ezra then assembled the people together so that the Law could be read and explained to them.  The response Nehemiah prompted from the nation was one of consecration and dedication to the Lord's holiness.  They were to rejoice for the opportunity to hear and understand God's law.  The Feast of Tabernacles was then observed.

Nehemiah 4 - 6

Nehemiah faces opposition to his rebuilding efforts, yet is able to secure the project and see it through to completion.  The secret, he reveals, is that the people had a mind to work.  Think about that, the people wanted to see the task through to completion as much as Nehemiah did; they just needed someone to direct their efforts.  The desire was there, Nehemiah just needed to focus it in productive directions.  The opponents surrounding him were sending messages of distress, rebellion, falsehood and threats.  Nehemiah kept the eyes of the people on the task before them and - at the end of the project - it was known far and wide that God had done the work.  The credit belonged to God alone.

Nehemiah 1 - 3

Nehemiah, a servant of king Artaxerxes, hears from a relative about the sad state of the city of Jerusalem.  The walls are destroyed, the gates burned and the city in shambles.  He prays about this situation and confesses to God that the city rightly deserves the punishment they have received.  He also asks God to allow him to be involved in rebuilding the city.  Nehemiah's position as cup-bearer to the king allowed him unprecedented access to the sovereign in order to ask for such a responsibility.  The king grants Nehemiah a leave of absence and provides letters of passage for Nehemiah.
On arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah personally surveys the damage and required repairs.  He then gathers men together and unites them for the task of rebuilding the walls.  Neighboring cities and factions try to derail Nehemiah's attempts but the people took personal ownership of the task and were diligent in their work.

Ezra 8 - 10

The leaders of the nation's worship gathered together for a time of prayer and preparation.  Gifts would be carried to the city of Jerusalem and they were carefully weighed out and protected so that none could charge Ezra or his men with embezzlement.  Upon their return it is discovered that many of the citizens have married members of the pagan nations around them.  Proper confession is made and relationships are made right so that God may be honored.

Ezra 6 - 7

King Darius sent letters to the neighboring nations asking for their assistance in supplying materials for the temple.  The project was completed, the temple dedicated and the Passover celebrated.  Ezra returned to Jerusalem and met with the leaders of Jerusalem to begin the renewed worship of the nation.

Ezra 3 - 5

The people return from exile and begin the work of rebuilding the temple.  Those who remembered the former glory and beauty of Solomon's temple wept at the obvious lack of opulence found in this new structure.  Resistance was encountered, as those around the returned nation tried to discourage the building efforts.  Letters were sent to the king charging the returnees with insubordination.  The king's response was terse - those in the land were building at his command.  The building project resumed and progress continued to be made.

Ezra 1 - 2

King Cyrus of Persia decreed (as God said he would) that the exiled Hebrews be allowed to return to their land and build a house of worship to their God.  Many made preparation to return while others gave of their own goods to supply the many needs.  The articles taken from the temple by Nebuchadnezzar were also returned to be taken back.  Forty-two thousand three hundred sixty Hebrews, plus their servants and livestock, volunteered to make the trip back to Jerusalem.

Daniel 11 - 12

Daniel continues receiving instruction about future world developments.  As events unfold, great powers concentrate their energies and attention on the small nation of Israel.  Even in Daniel's future, God will prove to have maintained His chosen people.  All will unfold according to God's plans and in His timing.  Daniel asks for the specific timing of these events and is answered in a less than clear way.  God wants Daniel to understand that He has a plan for everything that will happen; but the timing and exact details will remain hidden from many.  Daniel is encouraged to remain faithful; there is a promised inheritance waiting for him.

Daniel 9 - 10

Through his own study of God's word, Daniel discovers that the time of Israel's exile is drawing to an end.  His immediate response is to pray for his people, that God would treat them favorably and restore them to their promised land.  While he is praying, the angel Gabriel arrives and announces further happenings in the nation's future.  Instead of 70 years of exile, Gabriel speaks of 70 'weeks' that will culminate in Messiah's arrival, removal and restoration.  During another period of revelation, Daniel is instructed about the coming futures of Persia and the Greek Empire.

Daniel 7 - 8

During Belshazzar's reign, Daniel has a vision of four beasts that does not seem to make any sense to him.  God allows him to understand the meaning of his dream.  Daniel has dreamed about 4 great kings that would rule the earth.  Their kingdoms and ruling habits are described so that Daniel can see that God will continue to preserve His people throughout time.  Daniel later sees another vision that corresponds to this first one.  Again, God reveals that throughout time He will control nations and preserve His people.

Daniel 5 - 6

Another king, Belshazzar (Nebuchadnezzar's descendant), decides to throw a feast in order to boast of his own accomplishments.  To accentuate the party, he brings the items taken from the temple in Jerusalem to be used as common vessels of dining.  A mysterious hand appears and writes on the wall of the banquet hall.  Daniel is consulted, and a translation provided:  God has found Babylon lacking and has given her over to the Medes and Persians.  That same night Belshazzar died and was replaced by Darius the Mede.
Life under the Medes and Persians was different.  Their laws were not easily changed and never broken.  One law was enacted, requiring all subjects to pray only to the king for 30 days.  This law was established so that those in leadership could oust Daniel from his higher position - the only 'flaw' they could find was his devotion in worship.  Daniel refused to change his prayer habits, was thrown into a den of lions (at the age of 80+!) and miraculously preserved by God.  King Darius, learning of the plot, threw the plotters into the den after retrieving Daniel and found that the plotters did not enjoy the same level of divine protection. 

Daniel 3 - 4

King Nebuchadnezzar is not satisfied to have his kingdom described as a "head of gold" and the rest of the statue (seen in his dream) being comprised of inferior metals and components.  He has a statue of himself constructed that is made entirely of gold - signifying his belief that Babylon will always rule the world stage.  Instructions are given for the entire population to gather for the unveiling of the statue and to reverence it at the appropriate time.  All comply, except for Daniel's three friends who are thrown into a furnace designed to destroy them.  God miraculously saves these three Hebrew children and shows the king once again that He is more powerful than any ruler on earth.  The king has another dream that Daniel interprets for him.  The king needed to beware of pride, as it would cripple him.  The king ignored this warning, boasted of his accomplishments and lost his sanity and understanding until such time as he would acknowledge God's supreme and sovereign rule over nations.

Daniel 1 - 2

The nation of Israel is raided by the Babylonians during the reign of Jehoiakim.  Many of the noble families in the nation had their children taken from them and relocated into Babylon.  Among these expatriates was a young man named Daniel.  Despite the efforts of the Babylonians to replace Jewish culture with their own, Daniel and his three friends refused.  By following God's instructions and humbly requesting the privilege to do so, they prove to be wiser and in better condition than their counterparts.  When the king has a dream that none can interpret, it is Daniel who gives God glory for interpreting the dream.  The king has dreamed about the future governments of the world; this accomplishment promotes Daniel and his three friends even higher in the ranks of government.