Proverbs 4 - 6

NOTE:  After a two-week hiatus (church camp with limited internet connection), Know~Be~Do resumes posting!


Solomon gives an inside look at life in the palace with King David as a father.  The instruction Solomon remembers most is David's recurring urging to 'get wisdom at all costs.'  The security and stability to be found in wisdom would far surpass other attractive options.  Small wonder that when given the opportunity to choose what God would give him, Solomon immediately asked for wisdom.  The wise heart will see through the beguiling qualities of those who only desire to destroy an individual.  A wise heart will refrain from immoral activity and unethical behavior.  The wise will be industrious in his work and a person of integrity in their conduct.

Psalm 74 - 77

The psalmist asks God for help against those who terrorize him.  God is asked to provide comfort and relief merely by demonstrating His presence.  God's past actions give the psalmist confidence that He is more than sufficient to the task.  God is praised for His actions proving His nearness and ability to deliver.  His fame is rightly spread throughout the nation.  He is the One who sustains and provides for His people.

Psalm 70 - 73

The Psalmist asks God to fill his thoughts and words with only praise of His glory.  What a theme upon which to focus one's day!  When personal strength fails, when reasonable expectations can no longer be met, when trouble surrounds and all others abandon - God is still glorious.  No wonder the psalmist asks "O God, who is like You?" because the answer is certainly 'No one.'  He is the King with the everlasting reign, the Judge with the always equitable verdict, the Sovereign deserving of all tribute, and the Beautiful One worthy of all adoration.  Indeed, God is good to His people.  It may not always appear to be so, when those who mock God seemingly prosper; but eternity will validate that temporal money is just that - temporal.  What really lasts is God's blessing.

Psalm 66 - 69

David instructs his readers to "bless our God, you peoples!  And make the voice of His praise to be heard." (66:8)  He lists the many mighty actions that God has undertaken to prove His power and position.  He allows life, discipline, preservation, and safety to be enjoyed.  In His mercy He judges the nations correctly.  In His power, He drives His enemies far away and brings their plans to failure.  He stoops to care for the orphaned and abandoned, yet shakes the earth with His footsteps toward the wicked.  He is the source of help in times of trouble, delivering those who call to Him from the depths of their despair.  His loving, mighty, merciful, gracious, just actions are cause for worship and celebration.

Psalm 58 - 65

David pleads with God for deliverance from his enemies.  He is quick to point out that his enemies are not pursuing him because of sin which should be punished, but because he is following God.  In this way, David is asking God to protect His own name and reputation.  The confidence displayed is not in personal strength but in the power of the Almighty who is his merciful defense.  When he does sin, David asks for God's forgiveness and restored favor so that he may once again rejoice in God who delivers and rescues.  David will not turn to other sources for protection; he will patiently wait on God to keep His promises in His timing.  It is God's presence that brings true joy and rejoicing - even when others are making life miserable, David knows surpassing calm and praises the One Who provides it.

Psalm 51 - 57

David pleads for God's forgiveness and the restoration of favor after committing sin.  Though others were involved, his main concern is the affront to God's holy character.  When others make their boast in their evil deeds, David looks at the goodness of God and wonders how anyone could doubt God's great and merciful goodness.  It is foolish indeed to deny God's presence and existence, for it is He Who delivers those in troublesome times.  Those who pray to Him find comfort, a listening ear and a powerful arm of provision.  Even when friends turn against David, he runs to the solace found in his God.  He does ask for relief from his situation and begs for safety from his foes, but his confidence in God is unshaken.

Psalm 46 - 50

The psalmist takes extreme delight in knowing God as his refuge and strength and comfort.  With His divine presence, fear is removed, nations are put into perspective, songs of joy are inspired and confidence is instilled.  Those who believe they can place their trust in other methods of provision or survival will be greatly disappointed.  God, the righteous Judge, is above His creation and does not need any provision from it for His own existence.  He is self-sufficient, lacking nothing.  This fact alone makes Him worthy of praise and worship.

Psalm 40 - 45

The psalmist simply and boldly declares that it is the LORD who has delivered him and given a standing upon solid ground.  Because of God's goodness in deliverance and preservation, the righteous can rest fully in God's ability to provide and sustain.  Because God's mercy is proven, the heart of the righteous longs after God and seeks His encouragement and comfort.  Since God fights the battles of the righteous, He can be trusted to protect and give shelter.

Psalm 36 - 39

According to these psalms, "the steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD."  The man whose trust is in God is able to be unafraid in the face of danger and turmoil, since God is capable of delivering him.  God would repay evil men for their misdeeds and would not forsake those who obeyed Him.

Psalm 32 - 35

The psalmist continues to rejoice in the safety and security found in his trust in the Lord Jehovah.  God's mighty power creates an environment where the righteous are protected and the wicked are brought to divine justice.  Strength does not come from the size of a standing army or the cunning of the commander; it is the nation whose God is the LORD that is blessed.

Psalm 26 - 31

The psalmist invites God's close examination, to prove his integrity.  What a request!  While one may acknowledge that God is all-knowing, it seems to increase the level of intensity by saying "God, since You know all about me, go ahead and poke around my life to prove what is true about me."  Perhaps it is this confidence in his trust in God that allows the psalmist to declare "With God as my Light and Salvation, what do I really need to fear?" as it is God's light that directs his path.  There is a confidence in God's ability to hear and answer prayer, a dependence on God's provision and healing capacity, a joy in God's attitude-lifting character that never disappoints those who place their confidence in Him.  He does what He does to build His own reputation, never to show how great, deserving or precious the object of His affection is.  He alone is great and worthy to be praised, loved, worshiped and adored.

Psalm 21 - 25

The psalmist praises God for His power.  That power is able to deliver kings and nations from destruction, able to deliver one from death and suffering, able to provide One Who will end death and suffering by His own death, able to meet the diverse needs of His diverse people, and able to redeem a people to Himself.  His power results in the entire earth being His created possession, and yet He qualifies sinful men to enjoy its pleasures by making them holy.  His power and majesty are dependable and will not disappoint those who trust in its Source.  This powerful God is accessible, not hidden away behind the machinations of the universe.  He reveals Himself powerfully and carefully to those willing to seek after Him.

Psalm 17 - 20

David states that God is worthy to be praised.  God demonstrates His worthiness by protecting the righteous from those who seek to destroy, by hearing those that are in distress, by delivering His people by extraordinary means, and by treating all people as individuals - not just with a broad brush.
God is worthy to be praised because He lives!  Those who serve Him have placed themselves under the authority and influence of a living deity Who demonstrates His power by creating all that is as a testimony of His greatness.  The challenge is given to find a place in the universe where His glorious power is not on display.  His words are delightful, energizing, potent, and valuable.  We serve a precious Master.

Psalm 9 - 16

Psalm 9:9 - 10 states that the Lord is a refuge for the oppressed; those who seek Him are not forsaken.  In times of trouble, when He seems far off, He is never really distant - only waiting for those who trust in Him to declare their faith and see its results.  None can oppress or intimidate the righteous, for they have Omnipotence as their defense.  The fool denies God's presence, yet the righteous abide in His presence, enjoying the joy and pleasure found in His sanctuary.

Psalm 1 - 8

"The Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish."  This principle is proven over and again in these opening psalms.  God watches over the ungodly and sees their opposition to His Son.  He listens to those who call on His name.  He hears the cries of those in trouble and delivers the righteous from their enemies.  His power is further seen in all He has created.

Malachi

Malachi delivers a message to the nation that they have offended God.  Over and again, the nation's response is "There is no possible way we have behaved in that fashion." God pointedly states the case against His people, bringing exact evidence of their treachery against Him.  However, He does still have a remnant which will comprise His treasure in the day He establishes His kingdom.  They will flourish while all others perish.

Zechariah 8 - 14

God tells Zechariah about His plans for the future city of Jerusalem, the gathering point for the nations.  The city would be one of refuge for God's people, and one of attraction for the rest of the global community.  God's people would prosper once again and the reputation of His majesty and blessing would draw many to praise Him.  The nations that would raise themselves up against Israel would be soundly defeated.  The Promised Messiah King would arrive and bring salvation to His people, restoring Israel and Judah to their rightful places.  Zechariah assumes the role of a shepherd to illustrate how God's people had rejected His plan and His true Shepherd.  Because of this rejection, God's people would not deliver His people immediately, but would delay until a future point in time.  But He would deliver when the people realized their error and repented for piercing the One Who could deliver them.  At that point, God would restore the blessing to the land and avenge His enemies, providing a place of safety and security for His people.

Zechariah 1 - 7

Zechariah the priest prophecies during the reign of Persian king Darius.  God was still inviting those who would to return to Him.  Their evil ways would only bring destruction, and God offered restoration and forgiveness.  Those who had refused His offer in the past had met with destruction; why would the present outcome be any different?  Zechariah is told to declare God's zealous desire for Jerusalem's restoration.  God will measure out the city and bring its inhabitants into agreement with His commands.  The high priest is pictured as having his robes exchanged from filthy to clean - signifying that God would wash away the iniquity of the land.  If the nation would listen, they would be blessed beyond degree.  Zechariah sees a vision of a menorah with unlimited supply of oil, picturing the ever-present presence of God's Spirit with His people.  Further visions explain how God will accomplish His purposes throughout the earth.  God asks Zechariah to remind the nation that their fasting is good, but it would be better to obey the commands, rather than mourn and fast after breaking them.

Zephaniah, Haggai

Zephaniah, a descendant of King Hezekiah, delivered a message from God during the reign of King Josiah.  God's message was one of coming judgment.  A day was coming in which everything would be consumed by His wrath and judgment.  God would search out those who feared Him and spare them from the destruction that would face all others.  He graciously calls people to repentance and safety, stating that no place will provide refuge.  His own people have behaved wickedly and will be punished.  However, the faithful remnant would be restored and protected from harm.  While other nations feel God's wrath, His people will only hear God's voice singing lovingly to them.


Haggai delivers a message to those who have returned from exile.  The people had decided that their houses were more important to build than rebuilding the temple.  God invited them to reconsider this decision so that their land would return to a state of fruitfulness.  God encouraged His people to not despair.  While the rebuilt temple was not as magnificent as the previous one, God's presence was still with His people.  The people, unclean through their sinful practices, were encouraged to return to the Lord's favor and seek His forgiveness.  Zerubbabel was specially chosen as God's designated representative.

Nahum, Habakkuk 1 - 3

Nahum brings a message to the city of Nineveh, capital of the Assyrian empire.  They had repented under the preaching of Jonah; but had returned to their sinful ways.  God would not allow them to make a mockery of His merciful graciousness, and judgment would come to them.  Their nation would be completely destroyed and the nation of Israel would be completely restored.  While these events would not happen simultaneously, they would occur.  The destruction would occur because Nineveh had turned themselves against God; and none can ever stand in opposition to Him for too long.


Habakkuk, bringing his messages during the fall of the Assyrian Empire and the rise of the Babylonian Empire, asks the Lord how long His patience will endure.  Habakkuk had seen much injustice done to God's people and was eager to see those wrongs made right.  God's reply is simple:  within your lifetime events will occur that you would never have imagined, and it will point to God's great power.  God would raise up the Babylonians to punish the Assyrians.  Habakkuk wonders why God would use one ungodly nation to punish another; and is told that those who love and trust the Lord will live with faith that God will do all things rightly.  The wicked would not prosper and righteousness would prevail.  Habakkuk asks God to do all that He has determined to do, knowing that God will do what is right and that God can be trusted regardless of circumstances.

Obadiah; Jonah

Obadiah pronounces judgment on the nation of Edom, the descendants of Esau (Jacob's brother).  Although the nation of Israel would survive, the nation of Edom would be removed from the earth.


Jonah stands as a reminder that God will provide forgiveness and restoration to all who respond rightly to Him.  The nation of Assyria, especially its capital Nineveh, was spared from immediate destruction due to their repentance of sin and return to God.  Jonah, God's messenger, was quite perturbed at this aspect of God's faithfulness.  Although Jonah was not faithful, God was - and that is the main point of discussion!

Amos 6 - 9

God was serious in His intent to punish the sins of those who had neglected His commands.  He had set the standards, and would bring all nations into conformity to the guidelines He established. Those who would respond to Him would be restored to a state of experiencing God's blessing.

Amos 1 - 5

Amos, a sheep rancher, brings messages of God's coming judgment to the nation of Israel and other nations in the world.  Because of the sins of the nations, God would break them and cause them to cease being influential in the global community.  Syria, Philistia, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, Judah and Israel would all feel God's punishing force.  The perversions and atrocities committed by these people would not be forgotten or overlooked.  They had stretched God's patience to the limit and would now be punished.  God is still holy and would act in ways that declare His holiness.  Israel had not responded to correction in the past, so she would also be punished now.  Meanwhile, God was still offering forgiveness and calling His people to repent of their sin.  He begs for His people to once again seek Him before the Day of His Judgment arrives.

Joel

Joel describes the land as destroyed by locusts - a picture of the total destruction brought about by the enemies of Israel and Judah.  The nation is commanded to mourn for the destruction caused by their own sins and to ask God for forgiveness and restoration.  Joel then describes a coming judgment (called the Day of the LORD) in which total devastation is brought to bear on the enemies of God.  None will escape or endure it.  The only possible hope is repentance.  Those who turn back to the Lord will find that He will satisfy them and replenish their wasted supplies.  He will pour out blessing upon His people and signify His presence among them, while at the same time judging those who have mistreated His beloved people.  The battle will occur, and Joel begs his audience to be found on the correct side of the conflict.

Hosea 8 - 14

Israel had left the One who loved them, so they would be judged and punished for their errors.  Over and over God had demonstrated His great ability to provide for His people, yet they refused to follow His commands and obey His voice.  They preferred to follow after the other gods of the neighboring nations and found that no real satisfaction was ever found.  God removed their leadership, sent them into captivity and still they refused to see their error.  They would rather die thinking they were right than admit God was correct and live.  In spite of this, God continued to demonstrate His love toward His chosen people.  It certainly was not because they were loving or lovable; it was to show His greatness in love, patience and perseverance.  In His love, God would punish the sins of the people until they repented, then He would carefully, lovingly and fully restore them to their former place of prominence.

Hosea 1 - 7

The prophet Hosea is commanded to deliver not only a message with his words, but also a living example with his life.  He marries a woman of questionable character, fathers children named "God will scatter," "No mercy," and "Not my people" to demonstrate the actions God will take against His people.  God would not have mercy against His people who had acted unfaithfully towards Him, refusing the demonstrations of His love and faithfulness; but He would win back His beloved bride.  Hosea is commanded to buy back his wife from her harlotry as a picture of God's determination to do whatever was necessary to demonstrate His faithful patient love for His people.  There would be judgment for the committed sins but God would restore His bride to her position of honor if she would repent and turn from her adulterous actions.

Ezekiel 46 - 48

Prescriptions for worship are outlined by Ezekiel.  The worshipers are instructed as to how they shall proceed, what offerings to bring when, etc.  Instructions are even given for the preparation of the sacrifices.  A river is seen that brings healing water to the eastern region of the nation, allowing for a fishing industry and productive agricultural development.  The borders and division of the land is carefully described, insuring that all receive their fair and deserved portion.  The city itself will be called by its name "THE LORD IS THERE"

Ezekiel 44 - 45

The eastern gate of the city is commanded to be shut until the coming promised Prince appears to open it and claim His kingdom.  Admittance to the temple is greatly restricted.  The priests serving in the temple would be carefully attired; the land carefully divided; the city, the priests, and the inhabitants would all be carefully orchestrated so that order and obedience would be maintained within the new holy city.

Ezekiel 42 - 43

Ezekiel continues describing the dwelling place of God's glory in the coming kingdom that would be ruled by Messiah, the promised King.  It would be a place of perpetual worship, and Ezekiel is to consecrate the altar for use.

Ezekiel 39 - 41

A great battle will mark the end of the nations opposed to Israel.  God will deliver His people in glorious fashion and a feast will be given to commemorate the event.  Israel will then be restored fully to their land and a new temple will be erected in the newly established city of New Jerusalem.  Ezekiel is allowed to measure and record the dimensions and details of this structure.

Ezekiel 35 - 38

Because of Edom's desire to conquer Israel and take her possessions as their own, God would punish and destroy them.  Israel, however, would receive blessing and protection from her enemies.  This was due to God's choice to favor them, not for any action or benefit they could perform for God.  In fact, they had behaved terribly in response to God's demonstrations of love and mercy to them; yet, He continued to bless them as a testimony to His great power of favor, forgiveness and mercy.  The day would come when the cities of Israel would be rebuilt and the people returned to their homeland.  As proof of God's power, Ezekiel is commanded to preach to a group of dry bones that God reanimates and assembles into a great army.  The point is simple, God can accomplish His purposes through whatever means He chooses to demonstrate that He alone has ultimate power.  He would reunite the divided nation and restore them into one kingdom with one King over them, a descendant from the great king David in fulfillment of the promise made to him.  Enemies would rise up against this reunited kingdom and King, yet they would not succeed in conquering.

Ezekiel 32 - 34

A message is sent to the Pharaoh of Egypt that God would gather him up like a wild animal and allow others to have possession of his land.  This would be accomplished by the instrument of the Babylonian Empire.  Egypt would face the same end as Assyria, Elam, Meschech, Tubal, Edom, Sidon and others who fell for their opposition to God and His commands.
By contrast, Ezekiel was to act as an early warning system to the nation.  His duty was to sound the warning of God's coming judgment.  If he would remain faithful to that responsibility, the consequences would rest on the people for their response.  Were Ezekiel to fail to give the messages, he would bear responsibility for not warning the people.  God's judgment would be fairly meted out on those deserving it who were unrepentant.
The city of Jerusalem did fall during Ezekiel's captivity.  The people thought that their army, of impressive size, could effect a rescue of the city; but Ezekiel was given a message stating that they were not to trust in their might.  However, the people refused to listen and act appropriately to the message God had sent.  God compares these people to shepherds who feed themselves and not their own flocks, while He by contrast is a faithful and true Shepherd to His people.

Ezekiel 28 - 31

The nation-cities of Tyre and Sidon are given prophecies concerning the punishment that God would bring to them.  Perhaps more chilling than the descriptions of the judgment to come is the statement directly from God "I am against you."  We often say "If God is for us, who can be against us?" but what of this corollary "If God is against us, what use is having everyone for us?"  A sobering thought indeed.  The nation of Egypt is spoken against, and the statement continues that Babylon will plunder the desert nation causing Egypt and her allies to be defeated.

Ezekiel 24 - 27

God uses an illustration of a boiling pot to show how His wrath is going to last for a long period of time.   Ezekiel's wife dies as a symbol of God's coming punishment on the nation.  Messages of destruction are given to the neighboring countries surrounding Israel.  God would not spare them from the punishment they had earned with their actions.

Ezekiel 21 - 23

Babylon would be used as God's instrument of punishing the nation of Israel.  Because of Israel's sins, she would be placed in the furnace of God's wrath to burn away the offending materials.  Both Israel and Judah had sinned, and both would be punished.

Ezekiel 18 - 20

God defends His actions against the nation of Israel.  Many were claiming that His punishment was too late; that he should have punished the original transgressors and not their children.  God's position is clear:  the sons have committed just as many sins as their fathers.  In His mercy, He has allowed them the opportunity to change their ways, but they have not.  They are as much to blame as those who first sinned.  In fact, when they came to seek the Lord's wisdom, He would not readily give an answer.  They were more in love with what He provided than they were in Him!  They had made God into a talisman, a charm to be used at their disposal and discretion instead of placing themselves in His control.  In spite of their treatment of Him, He would restore those who returned to Him.  What a merciful God!

Ezekiel 16 - 17

God describes His relationship with Jerusalem and Israel in poetic terms.  He uses the symbols of birth, marriage, love and adultery to picture the pains He went through over His beloved people.  While He showed them steadfast, undeserved, patient love they responded with lechery and adulterous actions.  Because of their actions, God lovingly disciplined His people, hoping to restore them to Himself.  He promises that He will lovingly restore those who return to Him from their wicked ways.

Ezekiel 13 - 15

Ezekiel brings a message to those who claimed God was speaking through them, even though they were only speaking their own thoughts.  These false prophets had spoken, hoping that God would verify their message.  God's message was clear:  He was against those who misrepresented Him, and they would suffer great defeat as a sign that He had not sent them. He would not be treated as some kind of cosmic good luck charm.  The idolatry of the people would be punished, as would their persistent unfaithfulness to the true and living God.  God's message through Ezekiel was that the nation would be tested, like a vine in the fire, to burn away the evil they had done.

Ezekiel 11 - 12

Ezekiel is shown the men responsible for the idolatry and wickedness in the city and told to speak out against them.  God's message is one of warning, punishment and the need for repentance.  While delivering this message, one of the men responsible died.  Ezekiel is overcome with grief and wonders if God will destroy the remnant He has protected.  But God promises that there is sanctuary to be found in his presence and in obedience to Him.  Ezekiel is then instructed to act out the captivity process; this would be another object lesson to the nation of what would happen to the leaders of the nation.  God's judgment was coming and would not be delayed further.

Ezekiel 8 - 10

Ezekiel sees in a vision the horrendous idolatry of Israel, the total perversion and corruption of the temple worship and those who led the people in worship.  Their attitude was "God is pleased with what we do in the temple; it doesn't matter what we do with the rest of our life."  Within the shadow of the temple people were worshiping the fertility gods as well as the sun.  Because of this, God promises to punish them unmercifully.  Those who mourned over the deplorable state of the nation's worship would be spared.  Because of the great wickedness, the glory of God's presence departed from the temple.

Ezekiel 4 - 7

Ezekiel sets up a model to display the siege and attack of Jerusalem.  His life and living would portray the coming judgment on God's people for their idolatry.  The judgment God had promised is near, and the people of His choosing would face His wrath.  There would be no escape.

Ezekiel 1 - 3

Ezekiel the prophet ministers during the exile of Judah in Babylon.  While by the river in Babylon, he sees a vision of God that sends him to the people of Israel to speak God's messages to them.  He is warned that the people are rebellious and he is not to be like them.  God establishes him as a watchman who will speak of the coming destruction and punishment.  His responsibility is to give the messages of warning; when he does so, each recipient will be responsible for their own response to the messages from God.

Jeremiah 51 - 52

Babylon, though successful against Israel, would not rule forever.  There would be those who would conquer the conquerors.  The land and its population would be mowed down like a wheat field and the devastation would be complete.  This pronouncement was placed into a scroll to be read to the people of Babylon.
Jerusalem did fall, the nation was taken captive and the people exiled to Babylon.

Jeremiah 49 - 50

God pronounces judgment on the nation of Ammon.  Israel, His chosen nation, will inherit the land the Ammonites occupy.  The nation of Edom would be left desolate as well; all punishment for their failures to acknowledge and worship God alone.  Damascus, the capital of Syria, would not escape from God's punishment.  Kedar, Hazor, Elam and Babylon would all feel the strength of God's wrath.  Their years of opposition to His commands would be remembered and their punishment would be well merited.  The nations that pursued greatness and world dominance would not retain their prominence.  God's sovereignty and righteous rule would supersede even the greatest work of man.

Jeremiah 46 - 48

God declares exactly what will happen to Egypt because of Judah's refusal to listen to His commands to avoid that nation as a refuge.  Nebuchadnezzar would defeat the Egyptian army and pillage the land of the Pharaohs.  The beauty of the land would be no match for the strength of the Creator.  Nevertheless, God would preserve from among His people a remnant who would return to praise and worship Him.  In retaliation, Egypt would strike out against Philistia and Moab.  God would use even pagan nations to accomplish His purposes without violating their wills or releasing them from responsibility for their actions.

Jeremiah 42 - 45

The captains of the captives approached Jeremiah asking for God's instructions.  They promised to do whatever God commanded.  God's word came to Jeremiah; the people were to remain in the land and not fear the Babylonians.  If they departed for Egypt's safety they would be overtaken and destroyed.  The message was clear:  Do Not Go To Egypt.
The leaders, however, accused Jeremiah of speaking falsely.  They packed their belongings and went to the land of Egypt, taking Jeremiah with them.  Before leaving, Jeremiah hid several stones in the capital city and declared that Nebuchadnezzar would place his throne upon those stones and from there strike out against Egypt.
God gave further messages of destruction and punishment against His people for their disobedience displayed by their journey into Egypt.  None would return from that group except those who chose to escape.  Egypt would NOT provide safety for the nation.

Jeremiah 38 - 41

With the Babylonian army closing in on Jerusalem, Jeremiah's captors plead for permission to execute the prophet that has spoken so much ill against them.  Having permission, the princes place Jeremiah in a sewage-infested pit.  One of the eunuchs pleaded for Jeremiah's life, since he would die of starvation in the dungeon.  The king once again granted permission and Jeremiah was removed from the pit.  The king then asked for advice as to how he should proceed with the Babylonians.  Jeremiah gave the king God's promise that if he surrendered the city would be spared as well as the king's life.
Just as God said would happen, Jerusalem was invaded by the Babylonians.  The king was captured, forced to watch the execution of his sons and then had his eyes put out before being taken captive to Babylon.  Jeremiah, however, was released from prison and given good treatment.  Meanwhile, the Babylonians established Gedaliah as the governor; but he was soon murdered in an attempted coup.

Jeremiah 35 - 37

The Rechabites demonstrated unswerving obedience to God's commands given by their ancestor.  God held them up as an example to the entire nation and promised that there would always be a man from that family who served before the Lord.  Jeremiah places God's words into a scroll and has them delivered to the king for his reading.  The king destroys the offensive scroll; yet Jeremiah rewrites the words of God and declares that they will come to pass.  King Zedekiah has Jeremiah imprisoned and still God's word is accomplished.  It cannot be stopped by the decree of kings or the will of rulers.

Jeremiah 32 - 34

Jeremiah buys a field signifying that God would redeem the land.  Even though the enemy was building mounds to attack Jerusalem, God promised that the people would return and hail Him as their rightful and only leader. King Zedekiah is warned that because of his treatment of God and the people he would be punished by God.

Jeremiah 30 - 31

Jeremiah now speaks of the time when God would restore His people to their land.  They would return and be healed from their errors.  God would forgive them when they asked for restoration of their relationship.  Their joy would be full again and their land would be characterized by expressions of God's mercy. God would establish a new covenant with them that would bring lasting peace to those under it.

Jeremiah 26 - 29

Jeremiah's prophecies about the coming invasion and captivity of Judah was beginning to be fulfilled.  God told Jeremiah to continue giving the message of warning, so that the people would still have opportunity to repent and God would not have to punish them for their unconfessed sin.  Instead of responding properly, the people seized Jeremiah to execute him.  After the prophet defended his position and message, the people decided to stay the execution.  Jeremiah's next message was delivered while he wore implements of slavery, portraying the coming expatriation of the people from their country.  A false prophet, Hananiah, began giving a message opposite to Jeremiah's, seeking to encourage the people that all was not as bad as portrayed by Jeremiah's messages.  To prove that Jeremiah was the true prophet, God allowed Hananiah to die within 7 months of his false prophecy.  When the nation was carried into captivity, Jeremiah sent with the captives a message from God instructing them to not expect a quick return from the land; instead, they should settle in the land and prepare to stay for an extended period (remember, Jeremiah had already foretold that their stay would last 70 years).

Jeremiah 23 - 25

God promises to restore righteousness to Judah through the Branch He will establish - a King that will rule and prosper, One called The LORD Our Righteousness.  Those who gave false prophesies and empty promises would be dealt with.  Severely.  None can hope to escape.  God compares Israel to bad figs, and the Babylonians to good figs.  He would give favor to the enemies of His people so that they would bring the nation back to Himself.  This process would take 70 years to accomplish, yet God would accomplish all He set out to do.

Jeremiah 18 - 22

Jeremiah observes a potter at work molding clay, reworking it as needed.  God's message comes that the nation is His clay, and He uses the trials faced by the nation to fashion them into something useful for His purposes.  The nation, however, rejects God's warnings and inherits the disaster inherent in such foolish actions.  The nation rises up and attacks Jeremiah for being the bearer of such news.  Jeremiah continues to share God's message of coming destruction, even though it landed him in the stocks.  Jeremiah continued to deliver an unpopular message to unwilling hearers, convinced that an unchanging God was in control. The faithful prophet delivers warnings of impending doom to the king about the invading armies of Babylon and the results of their incursion into the land of Judah

Jeremiah 14 - 17

Jeremiah sees a land filled with famine and desolation, yet God tells him not to pray for the well-being of the people, because His intention is to consume them with sword, famine and pestilence.  False prophets had been spreading words of encouragement that God would not destroy His people; but God was intent on punishing His rebellious children.  God's position is so set that not even Moses or Samuel could dissuade Him.  There would be a small preserved remnant, but none should assume they were among that number.  If the preserved remnant would return to God, He would make them strong.  Jeremiah's message to the people was for them to restore the proper observance of the Sabbath as a day set aside for the worship and studied contemplation of God.

Jeremiah 10 - 13

God warns His people about putting their trust in false idols.  The worship practices of the Gentile nations was not to be the pattern for Jewish worship.  Other nations served gods of their own making; Israel was to serve the God that made them.  Israel had not kept the covenant sworn to God in the days of Moses, so God would keep His promises regarding the punishment and correction their actions deserved.  Jeremiah questions God concerning the wicked who seem to prosper.  God answers that He will take revenge on His enemies.  None will escape the judgment they deserve.  His withholding of immediate punishment is one further sign of His great love and mercy towards those who do not deserve it.

Jeremiah 7 - 9

Jeremiah is given a message for the people of Israel.  They were not to trust in those who spoke lies to them.  In fact, Jeremiah was told not to pray for the people who would not obey God's commands.  Even though they went through the rituals of religion, they were not whole-heartedly worshiping anything other than their own selfish lusts.  Those who would return and repent would be spared from judgment; those who refused would know the full force of God's wrath.  Alliance with God brings true victory.

Jeremiah 1 - 3

Jeremiah, the son of a priest, was a prophet of God during the reigns of Josiah to Zedekiah (when Judah was carried into captivity by the Babylonians).  God had plans for Jeremiah well before Jeremiah was even born.  He made His prophet to be what He intended, so that the message would be delivered exactly as God designed it to be.  God spoke to Jeremiah through object lessons to communicate His messages in simple terms - a budding branch and a boiling pot.  These (as interpreted by God) were a message against the nation that they had abandoned Him and questioned His goodness.  Even though God had done great things for His people, they charged Him with cruelty.  God, to demonstrate His great love for His people, allowed them to suffer the consequences of their wrong decisions.  His desire was that they come to the point of agreement with Him - that His way and rule IS best.  The nation had been adulterous in their treatment of God, yet He called them to repent.  If they would return, He would again shower them with evidences of His love and blessing.

Isaiah 64 - 66

Isaiah pleads on behalf of the nation for God's presence, forgiveness and restoration.  Above all, he wants to see God revered in the hearts of the people.  God responds that He has not moved, it is Israel who has abandoned Him.  He promises to bring back the beauty and glory of His people by creating a new heavens and earth for them to enjoy.  This new creation will far surpass the one currently occupied.  Worship will continue and idolatry will result in destruction.  In this restored kingdom, God will reign supremely and permanently.

Isaiah 59 - 63

Israel was in a predicament; God was able to rescue them, but their sins had separated them from Him.  As a result, His ear seemed to not hear and His eye appeared to not notice the people He had chosen.  The nation needed to forsake their wicked ways, thoughts, and deeds in order to return to the One who loved them.  God would send them help, assistance and light for their journey.  Their rescue would not come from foreign powers or domestic ingenuity; their help would come from God Himself.  In fact, God would become the nation's glory - this was good news for the nation.  Isaiah encouraged the people to turn their hearts and minds toward God so that He would bring about this promised time of refreshing and joyfulness.  God would bring victory to His people while exacting judgement from His enemies.

Isaiah 54 - 58

God declares a lasting covenant of peace with His people that will be their blessing in His kingdom.  He invites all to join His kingdom, no restrictions are set for admission - only submission to Him and His rule.  Even those not of the nation of Israel are invited to enter.
Israel, however, seemed satisfied with false idols.  Their idolatrous practices and rituals only invited God's anger and punishment; it did not bring the peace and satisfaction that was anticipated.  God would heal and restore those who returned from their idolatry; but would consume those who refused His correction

Isaiah 49 - 53

God's Servant speaks of the great and mighty task to which God has called Him.  Even from before birth, this Servant will be part of God's plan to restore God's glory to the nation of Israel and reveal God's glory to Gentile nations.  He will appear at exactly the right time - the time of God's choosing.  The Servant will demonstrate clearly that God has kept His promises to His people.  He will be the hope of the nation, even though He will be scorned by many and misunderstood.  The Servant will bring God's comfort to His people because through Him, God will redeem His people!  The Servant, through His suffering, would bring healing and relief to as many as would turn to Him.

Isaiah 45 - 48

God sends a prediction of a coming leader named Cyrus.  This one would accomplish God's plans perfectly.  Yet, God would prove that only He could provide safety and salvation.  God stresses over and over that only He can provide salvation because only He is God.  Babylon is slated to feel the wrath of God's punishment because of her refusal to listen to the voice of God.  Even through this, Israel would demonstrate that God can provide and redeem her for His good pleasure.

Isaiah 42 - 44

God begins describing the One who will be His Servant.  This promised Deliverer would bring about the justice that God had promised, yet would still be kind and gentle to those deserving of it.  The land is called to rejoice in God's power, position and person; He would continue to uphold His word and be faithful to His promises.  The nation of Israel had no need to fear; God's protecting power was available and promised to them.  They could boldly endure the hardships and trials they would certainly face, knowing that God would lead them through the process.  Repeatedly God makes the statement "I am God and there is none other."  If only the nation would remember this!  Their proclivity to chase after other gods was their downfall.  God would preserve them, not as a statement of Israel's great faithfulness, but as a testimony to His own great mercy.

Isaiah 36 - 41

During Hezekiah's reign, the leader of Assyria besieged the city of Jerusalem and made boasts about how futile their attempts at battle would be against the mighty army of Assyria.  Egypt would not help and God would not answer them - - according to the Assyrian leader.  Isaiah also sends word to King Hezekiah "Don't be afraid of his words.  He will hear a rumor, return to his own land and fall by the sword there."  
After another round of threats, Hezekiah took the written demands of Assyria before the Lord, laid them out and pleaded for God to demonstrate His strength, power and glory.  God answered Hezekiah's prayer and punished Sennacherib (the Assyrian leader) for his blasphemy.  The Assyrians would not enter the city or even remain to build siege mounds.  An angel went through the camp, killing 185,000 troops in their sleep; Sennacherib returned to Nineveh and was assassinated by his sons while worshiping in the temple of his false god.
Hezekiah was blessed with recovery from an illness, and his life was prolonged 15 years.  The king responds with a psalm of joy for God's merciful dealings with him.  Yet Hezekiah does not always respond with such wisdom.  Later, when an envoy visits from Babylon, the king foolishly displays the entire wealth of Judah, arousing the interest in the Babylonians to siege and plunder the nation.
Yet, even in the midst of this troubling news, God provides words of comfort for His people.  Judah, though doomed to captivity, would have a future day of peace and safety.  God once again promises to send His promised One to rescue His people.  God would punish His people, but He would not abandon them.

Isaiah 31 - 35

Those who place their trust in anything other than the Lord will be disappointed.  God will preserve and protect those who serve and fear Him, while others learn the futility of trusting in items that only disintegrate and decay.  When God establishes His reign, right will prevail and evil will be punished.  Those who have made a living by plundering others will be plundered themselves when God establishes His supreme rule and Ruler.  Enemies will flee while those who trust and love God will be secure in their dwelling places.  In fact, the places where God establishes Himself will blossom and produce like never before - even deserts will become as rose gardens.

Isaiah 28 - 30

While God pronounces judgment on those who will not obey His voice, He also promises to establish One Who will rule correctly and provide true peace and security for those subject to His realm.  The call of Isaiah's prophecy is to listen to God's voice.
Jerusalem is warned about her humiliation at God's hand for disobedience.  It will come swiftly and certainly.  The people who claimed to love God with their words displayed through their actions that their hearts did not have God as their true affection.  Yet God would honor Himself by blessing those who did display proper love for Him with attitudes, words and actions.  Those who trusted in anything else for their joy and security would be greatly disappointed and devastated.  God would destroy those false hopes, dash those improper confidences and graciously exalt those who look to Him alone.  Those who follow His path will always find the proper destination

Isaiah 23 - 27

The city of Tyre is prophesied against.  Her seaport business will be destroyed because they looked to their own strength instead of that which God provides.  He would lovingly restore the city after a period of time but they were to devote themselves to God when He restored them.
God's victory over the earth is decreed.  Though the earth is destroyed because of its dependence and propensity to sin, yet God will purify it with His judgment and restore His glory within it.  Those who try to escape will not find safety.  Position or prominence will not guarantee favor with God.  Only those who recognize God's power and their own impotence will be blessed by Him.  The land of Judah would declare herself strong and blessed because God had favored them due to His own choosing, not their worthiness.  The pains of their suffering have increased their desire for God, not engendered bitterness toward His hand.  When God restores His people, many will come to worship Him for His goodness and majesty.

Isaiah 18 - 22

Isaiah declares a message from God against those from Ethiopia, telling them that a day is coming when they will honor the God of Judah and those who do not will fall to His great power.  Egypt is warned that her vast resources will not outlast the strength of God; all that they look to for reputation and fame will be destroyed.  However, the land of Egypt, Assyria and Israel will be blessed by God because of those who will remain loyal to Him.  The land may be destroyed, but there will be a preserved segment of the populace of those lands.  Isaiah then makes prophetic statements regarding the fall of Babylon as a world power, and tells of Jerusalem's future honor and glory for those who were obedient to Him.

Isaiah 13 - 17

Isaiah gives a word of warning and judgment to Babylon.  They would be punished by God through the people of Medo-Persia.  In spite of all this, God would remember His people of Israel.  They would speak out against those that had treated them cruelly.  The people of Moab and Assyria are also spoken against.

Isaiah 9 - 12

Isaiah predicts the coming reign of Messiah who will bring judgment to the enemies of Israel and unity to the nation chosen by God.  Israel will return to their land and enjoy the blessing of God once again.  In that kingdom, God will rule sovereignly and will be the strength of His people, giving them many reasons to rejoice.

Isaiah 5 - 8

God continues to mourn for His people who have rejected Him, comparing them to a vineyard carefully planted and cultivated that only produces wild grapes.  The owner will destroy the vineyard and burn the land to purify it from the wild influences.  This is what the nation had done ... and what God would do to purify the land.  He allowed His people to go into captivity and exile so that they would be purified from their evil ways.
Isaiah sees a vision of God's majesty and holiness, a vision that produces the correct effect:  an awareness of sin and a motivation for service.  God commissions Isaiah to speak to the people the words He will provide.  This would be a hard ministry, for the people would not respond the way Isaiah would wish for them to do.
Isaiah is sent to King Ahaz, during a time of siege.  The news is given that God will provide, but Ahaz refuses to listen, so God provides a clear sign of His presence through the birth of a child whose growth will announce events in the nations attacking Judah.  All comes to pass exactly as God predicts.  Isaiah also predicts that the land will eventually be attacked successfully and spoil taken from it.  The desired response is a fear of God and obedience to His Word.

Isaiah 1 - 4

Isaiah the prophet lived and ministered during the time of kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah in the nation of Judah.  God's message to His people was that they had abandoned Him as a wife does while committing adultery.  Their presence at the national worship celebrations was meaningless because their hearts were far away and their affections lay elsewhere.  What was once pure was now defiled and tawdry.  But Isaiah also spoke of the day when God would restore His people and renew His vows with His adulterous bride.  This would not be due to her worthiness but His great love.  In that day, peace would characterize the land and all would dwell in safety.  But until that day arrives, God would lovingly correct His people with discipline to bring them back to Himself.  This punishment would be devastating and severe, yet lovingly designed to create a desire for restoration

2 Kings 23 - 25

King Josiah restored worship in the temple according to God's prescriptions.  The items of idolatry were removed from the sacred ground and burned, the sacred places of worship for these false gods were defiled and those who served as priests to these counterfeit deities were removed.  A Passover celebration was held that had no rival for opulence or majesty.  In spite of all the good that Josiah did, God was still determined to exact punishment for the evil deeds of Manasseh, Josiah's grandfather.  Josiah dies in battle and his descendants rule the nation while it is sieged by Egypt and Babylon, eventually falling to the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar.  The nation of Judah was taken into exile, her lands left and her people scattered.

2 Kings 20 - 22

Hezekiah's life is extended from a fatal illness.  During this time of specially-provided life, Hezekiah makes some serious mistakes.  He flaunts the wealth of Judah to the Babylonian empire - giving them reason to return and siege the city later.  He also fathers his successor, Manasseh, who will one of the most wicked kings of the nation of Judah.  After Hezekiah's death, Manasseh leads the country into idolatry; this action prompts God to take action against His people.  Manasseh's son, Amon, followed his father's wicked ways; yet Amon's son, Josiah, ruled in a magnificent manner.  Josiah restored the dignity and splendor of the temple as the religious center of the nation for the worship of God.  During the renovation, a copy of God's forgotten Word was discovered, read and obeyed.

2 Kings 18 - 19

Hezekiah rules in the nation of Judah.  No king ruled before or after him with a caliber to rival his.  He followed God whole-heartedly.  During his reign, a siege was conducted by Sennacherib, the king of Assyria (the same nation that took the nation of Israel captive).  When the Assyrians threatened Judah, the prophet Isaiah assured King Hezekiah that God would provide for the nation's protection.  Hezekiah leaves the matter with God, and God miraculously provides for the nation's defense by striking down a large portion of the invading force in their sleep.  Sennacherib returns home with no spoils of war and with a depleted army.

2 Kings 15 - 17

Israel is taken captive by the Assyrians and their land plundered.  This exile occurs due to their prolonged idolatry and failure to obey God's commands.  Judah was also guilty of disobedience, but was given the example of Israel to warn her.  The Assyrians resettled Samaria with their own people, turning the inhabitants into the Samaritans of New Testament literature.

2 Kings 12 - 14

Joash's reign is characterized by obedience to God's laws.  He seeks to restore the temple and is successful in seeing the repairs accomplished.  Joash is assassinated and succeeded by his son, Amaziah.  Meanwhile in Israel, Jehu's son reigns yet continues to lead his people to do evil.  Elisha the prophet dies and is buried.
Amaziah the king of Judah reigns over the land when an assault takes place from Israel.  Much of the land is ransacked and valuable resources taken.  Amaziah is succeeded by Uzziah.

2 Kings 9 - 11

Elisha, at God's command, has a man named Jehu anointed to be king of Israel.  Jehu then exacts vengeance on the current king, Joram, for the wicked deeds of his grandfather Ahab concerning Naboth's property.  Jehu continued to carry out God's justice by killing the king of Judah (Ahaziah), the queen mother of Israel (Jezebel), the extended families of both royal families (seventy sons of Ahab, forty-two brothers of Ahaziah, and the remaining members of Ahab's family), and the worshipers of the false god, Baal.
One would think that Jehu would have learned the high cost of idolatry.  However, he fell into the same sins as other kings of Israel.  For his obedience, God allowed his family to rule for four generations, but he died and was succeeded by his son, Jehoahaz.
Meanwhile, in Judah, Athaliah - Ahaziah's mother - was ruling as queen after destroying all Ahaziah's heirs.  God allowed one heir, a boy named Joash, to be spared and raised to fear God.  At the appropriate time, Joash (age 7!) was installed as king of Judah, and queen Athaliah was executed.

2 Kings 5 - 8

Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army was sick.  Leprosy turned him into an outcast and social pariah.  However (don't you love that word in the Bible?), in his household was a captured Israeli girl who informed her mistress that the prophet in Israel would heal the master of the house.  Naaman departs, is instructed to wash in the Jordan River seven times and go home.  Appalled at this, Naaman almost leaves until another servant convinces him to follow the prophet's orders.  As God would have it, the washing completely removed the leprosy from Naaman.  Although the prophet refused payment, his servant greedily tried to profit from the commander.  He received silver, changes of garments, and - oh yes - the leprosy of Naaman.  Greed also brings more than is expected.
Elisha continues ministering throughout the land, assisting miraculously as a sign that God has not forsaken those who fear Him.  Elisha even works to assist the Israeli army through spectacular means - leading blind armies through the land, calming the city of Samaria during a siege and subsequent famine, and restoring the land to a family that had abandoned it during the famine.  Elisha also foretold the death of the Syrian king Ben-Hadad and the subsequent coup of Hazael in that land.  While all these events were taking place, Jehoshaphat, Joram and Ahaziah were ruling in the land of Judah.

2 Kings 1 - 4

Ahaziah, Ahab's son, shows little regard for God or His commands.  He is judged quite severely for his disobedience.  As he had no heir, another man - Jehoram - was made king of the northern kingdom of Israel.  Once again, God had kept His promises.
The prophet Elijah reaches the end of his life and his legacy is passed on to and continued by Elisha.  Elisha is empowered by God to do mighty actions verifying that God's presence rests upon him.;
Meanwhile, Jehoram is not faring any better than his predecessors to the throne.  He walks in evil ways.  He made an alliance with Jehoshaphat (king of Judah) to wage war against Moab (a nation to the south).  Elisha, for the sake of Jehoshaphat, gives the alliance a winning strategy that totally crushes the army of Moab.
Elisha continues demonstrating God's power to those in need of encouragement and assistance.  He aids a widow by increasing her oil supply, raises the deceased son of a couple from Shunem, protects a group of prophets from injurious stew and feeds one hundred men with 20 loaves of bread.  God was still at work among His people!

1 Kings 21 - 22

King Ahab (king in Israel) attempts to use his position as king to take a neighbor's property as his own.  His wife Jezebel - yes, the lady who made that name into a descriptive one - stooped to lies and murder to achieve the land.  As punishment, Ahab was sentenced by God to die and his family eliminated.  His wife would be killed and the family legacy ended and tarnished for all history.  Ahab repented at this news and God promised to not fulfill all His promises immediately - but it would take place during the lifetime of his son.  Soon Ahab sought to go to battle against Syria and forged an alliance with the nation of Judah to wage war.  Ahab is warned by a prophet that if he goes into battle he will die.  Ahab, rather than heed God's warning, goes into battle in disguise. A warrior, not knowing he was aiming at the king of Israel, successfully slays the disguised monarch who returns home and dies exactly as God promised he would.  Ahab's son, Ahaziah, reigns in succession of his father.  In Judah, the good king Jehoshaphat rules and is followed by his son, Jehoram.

1 Kings 18 - 20

God sends Elijah to king Ahab (in Israel) after the drought had continued for three years.  Elijah summoned the priests of Ba'al to a showdown of sorts on Mount Carmel.  Two sacrifices were prepared and the god Ba'al was petitioned to consume his sacrifice.  When the priests failed to produce the requisite fire, Elijah proved decidedly that Jehovah was the one true God.  The drought then ended, proving that God was able to answer Elijah's prayers.
Queen Jezebel sought to destroy Elijah (who had put her priests of Ba'al to death) but Elijah escaped.  Elijah then commissions a young man named Elisha to train under him and to succeed him.
King Ahab defeats the Samarians, but not entirely.  God pronounces judgment on the king for his disobedience.

1 Kings 15 - 17

The kings of Judah lead the people, but do not follow the ways of God's law.  They engage in wars and battles, but do not readily acknowledge God's presence and provision.  Meanwhile, in Israel, things are not much better.  The kings that lead the people continue to displease God with their actions, attitudes and decisions.
God, however, did have His spokesmen.  The prophet Elijah predicted a drought in the nation of Israel - and it came to pass.  While the nation suffered, God provided for His prophet by feeding him supernaturally. Elijah encounters a widow and provides for her needs, too - including raising her son from the dead.

1 Kings 12 - 14

Rehoboam took his father's throne but did not inherit his father's wisdom.  When asked for tax relief, he increased the burden on the people.  This led many to revolt - 10 of the 12 tribes split off from Judah and formed their own nation of Israel under the rebellious Jeroboam.  Jeroboam, seeking to make a complete break from the southern kingdom (called Judah) even established places for his citizens to worship.  Never mind the fact that they were golden idols, he provided a way for them to "stay in touch with God without staying in touch with God's people in the south".  Jeroboam was confronted about his sin, refused to repent and was physically judged for his disobedience.  Jeroboam died and was succeeded by his son, Nadab.
Rehoboam, meanwhile, failed to live according to God's ways.  He died and was succeeded by his son, Abijah.

1 Kings 10 - 11

Solomon's fame for wealth and knowledge gained the attention of the Queen of Sheba (a country in modern-day Ethiopia) who traveled to see first-hand if the reports were accurate. She left in astonishment, realizing that she had only grasped a small portion of Solomon's total value and resources.
But what "buying power" did Solomon have?  In spite of his wealth, he could not purchase loyalty to God.  His material holdings seemed to garner him shaky alliances.  Oh, they were good for political and military opportunities, but these alliances - usually formed through marriage - placed Solomon in too close proximity to idolatry.  The builder of the great and marvelous Temple fell victim to false idolatry.  Because of this, God raised up enemies against him, including one of his servants who led a coup against the wise and wealthy king.  King Solomon died, leaving the throne to his son Rehoboam but also leaving him in a terrible political mess.

1 Kings 8 - 9

Solomon continued furnishing the temple by bringing the Ark of the Covenant into the temple site.  This article had traveled with the nation since their days in the desert after leaving Egypt.  The symbol of God's presence with them now had a permanent home in the temple.  When the Ark reached its place, God's presence filled the building in such amount that the priests could not continue ministering due to the undiluted presence of God's glory.  Solomon dedicates the temple to the Lord, and consecrates the people to the temple.  He reminds the people of their responsibilities to worship God alone and seek God's forgiveness when they sin.  At the conclusion of the formal dedication of the temple, a 14-day feast was held.  God appeared again to Solomon and promised to bless his descendants if he would walk before God as his father David had.  Solomon continued to prosper in his endeavors.

1 Kings 6 - 7

Four hundred eighty years after leaving Egypt, construction began on the permanent place of worship for Israel.  An exquisite feat of construction, the blocks to assemble the building were mined away from the temple site so that no sounds of hammers or chisels were heard during construction.  Solomon constructs the temple with elaborate ornaments fitting a national cathedral, taking seven years to complete the task.  He also built other projects to furnish and complement the temple structure.

1 Kings 3 - 5

Having proven himself to follow God's directions, Solomon is approached by God and told to ask for anything - and it will be given to him.  With a myriad of possibilites open to him, Solomon asks for wisdom.  God is pleased with this request, grants it and adds in addition the blessings of wealth and riches.  Solomon's wisdom is tested and proven to be unequalled.  His wealth garners him attention and prominence in the land.  With a vast amount of resources available, Solomon prepares to begin constructing the temple - a permanent place for the nation to worship.

1 Kings 1 - 2

Shortly  before his death, David announces that Solomon will succeed him, ending a debate over the line of succession.  Solomon is given instructions for successful ruling, including how to respond to the surrounding nations based on their treatment of David.  David, the faithful Shepherd king, dies and is succeeded by his son, Solomon.  Immediately, several men who have been troublesome during David's reign are executed to prevent them from causing further problems.

2 Samuel 22 - 24

A psalm of praise for God's deliverance is uttered by David, thanking God for His protection from the enemies faced.  David gives his last public address, thanking God for all that He has done for him.  David seeks to leave something of a legacy in tribute for all God has done, and purchases a plot of ground on which the temple will one day be constructed.

2 Samuel 19 - 21

King David returns to Jerusalem after mourning for his slain son, Absolom.  He forgives and pardons those who have wronged him in the past.  He does not, however, pardon everyone.  Those responsible for leading the insurrection were severly punished and lost their lives.  The Philistines raised their hands again against Israel, and were beaten back by David and his troops.

2 Samuel 16 - 18

David, in exile from the attempted coup led by his son, returns to Jerusalem and deals with those who dealt treacherously with him.  Hushai and Ahithophel both gave advice, but only one was consistently loyal to David.  David pursues after his son, giving the army orders to capture him alive at all costs.  One general, Joab, refuses to follow orders and assassinates the prince.  David's mourning continued for an extended period.

2 Samuel 14 - 15

The exiled prince Absolom returns after a brief exile from Jerusalem.  Although he is back in the capital city, he does not see his father's face for quite some time.  The murderous deeds, while officially forgiven, were not forgotten.  Rather than acting in light of his forgiveness, Absolom begins sowing seeds of treason and sedition against his father in an attempt to win the throne in a coup.  To escape those who sought his life, David fled from the city of Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 11 - 13

For as noble and courageous as David was, he was not immune from succumbing to temptation.  He falls to the temptation of adultery, and uses his position as king to commit murder to try to hide the evidence.  David is confronted by God's messenger and confesses to the sin.  The sin, though confessed, still spawns severe consequences.  The child dies, another of David's children commits incest and is killed by a half-sibling in revenge.  The sibling guilty of murder then flees to avoid further retribution.  David's family pays a high price for his sin.

2 Samuel 7 - 10

David desires to show gratitude to God for installing him as king.  He begins to plan for the construction of a permanent place for God's presence to dwell - a temple to replace the temporary and transient tabernacle structure.  God, however, has other plans.  David cannot construct this edifice; his life is one of bloodshed and not one to be associated with the construction of such a building.  God DOES, though, promise to establish David's bloodline as the permanent source for all of Israel's kings, including the One King who would eventually come in fulfillment of all God's promises to make things right.
Encouraged by this promise, David continues to subdue the nation's enemies in the surrounding lands.  He shows kindness to the surviving descendents of Saul, and exacts revenge on Saul's enemies.

2 Samuel 4 - 6

When the last of those with a claim to inheriting Saul's kingship is removed from the scene, David is crowned king of Israel.  He begins what will be a 40-year reign by waging war with the Philistines and seeking to relocate the ark of God's presence to the capital city of Jerusalem.  During the process of transporting the ark, a well-intentioned man is punished by death for seeking to touch the sacred ark.  When the ark is finally at its destination, David celebrates whole-heartedly - much to the dismay of his wife.

2 Samuel 1 - 3

News of Saul's death reaches David in Ziklag.  He mourns the death of the king, and executes the messenger who claims responsibility for giving the king a fatal blow.  When one of Saul's descendants is named king, a battle ensues.  The battle is quickly decided, but further skirmishes continue to pit the family of Saul against the forces of David.  David's strength increases as Saul's influence decreases.  The transfer of power from Saul to David was anything but smooth.  Murder and mayhem characterized the day.

1 Samuel 28 - 31

Saul visits a witch and is told that he will die within 24 hours.  David is expelled from the Philistine nation and goes to battle against the Amalekites.  Meanwhile, Saul is killed in battle with the Philistines.  David is now king.

1 Samuel 25 - 27

David continues to fight battles and gain a following of loyal supporters.  He encounters a man named Nabal who almost causes him to commit acts of vengeance.  What Saul could not provoke by his pursuit, Nabal almost instigated by his foolishness.
David is given another opportunity to closely encounter Saul.  He again refuses to take action against this man who is out to kill him.  Since Saul could not be trusted to keep his peace treaty with David, David found it safer to live among the Philistines.  While living there, he attacked their cities, leaving no one alive to betray the identity of their attacker.  God allowed Israel's enemies to be defeated "from within" in a matter of speaking.

1 Samuel 21 - 24

David, on the run from Saul, takes refuge in the town of Nob where he procures food and a weapon (Goliath's sword).  He then fled to Gath, Goliath's hometown, to try to avoid Saul.  When he was discovered and recognized by the local citizenry, he pretended to have lost his mind in order to escape.
Saul, on David's trail, discovers that David has been given shelter in Nob.  He goes to that city and has the priests and citizens executed.  David, on the other hand, is fighting battles against the nation's enemies and is winning stunning victories.  All the while, David was kept from being captured by Saul.  An opportunity arose for David to take action against Saul, as God brought them within arm's reach of one another.  David, however, refused to strike the man God had anointed to reign over the nation.  Saul exacts a peace treaty from David (but David wasn't the one trying to kill Saul - it was vice versa!).