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.