Ezra 10: Some Things Are Hard to Fix

This chapter tells the story of some arrangements (including marriages that did not please God) that involved Israel in very difficult situations. But these things needed to be fixed. So they prayed, confessed, searched, called people together, and worked out a solution that would please God. And then they put their plan into action. They did not want to face the fierce anger of God over this (v. 14). And neither do we (Hebrews 12:28-29).

Ezra 9: Elements of Prayer

Ezra 9, Nehemiah 9, and Daniel 9 are chapters that include three of the great prayers of the Bible. On the time line, Daniel was first (c. 536 B.C.), Ezra was second (458 B.C.), and Nehemiah was third (445 B.C.). As part of today’s meditation, you could read all three. Ezra 9 has several elements to note carefully—understanding the sin (v. 6), grace (v. 8), mercy (v. 9), more sin (v. 10), the character of God (v. 13), and grief (v. 15). Learning to pray, and learning how to pray, are two lifelong privileges of the child of God.

Ezra 8: Let's Humble Ourselves and Ask

In verse 21, the King James Version says “afflict ourselves”—this means that they were being challenged to humble themselves. Then, it says “to seek of him a right way”—this means that they were being challenged to ask God for help. These two things were up to them! They had to choose to become dependant on God and let Him know about it. So do we (James 4:6-10).

Ezra 7: Some Things About Ezra

It is possible, good, and pleasant for us to do the work of God and have the good hand of God upon us (v. 9). Our part includes the deliberate choice to be the kind of people that Ezra was. Verse 10 gives these points: He prepared his heart (Matthew 22:34-40) —to seek the law of the LORD (Acts 17:11) —and to do it (Acts 10:34-36) —and to teach in Israel (2 Timothy 2:2) Let the things that were true of Ezra be true of me, O Lord.

Ezra 6: Finished!

Building a temple is a great undertaking. Four years after being rebuked by Haggai and Zechariah, they finished the work (v. 14). This was truly a great time, leading to a restoration of true, joyful worship according to the law God gave to Moses. Today’s temple is the church—made of living stones—Christians (1 Peter 2:5-9). It takes a lot to build and maintain, too. But we can, and must, do it (Ephesians 2:19-22).

Ezra 5: Be Sure You Are Right, Then Go Ahead

Years go by quickly, and here it is about 16 years until Haggai and Zechariah rebuke the people for not doing anything about this situation. We are not allowed to give up merely because we meet with opposition. They accepted the rebuke, got back on God’s side (v. 5), and chose to do what was right—which included writing their own very good letter!

Ezra 4: If You Are Going to Write a Letter, Make It a Good One

But the results of chapter 3 also included the fact that Israel’s enemies heard of their successes. So they mounted a strong opposition to the work of God’s people. They chose to write to the king about it. Their letter, although full of lies, was so well written that they got their way. The work was stopped. We need to realize that those who are against us are going to work hard to get their way. We must not let our guard down.

Ezra 3: Weeping and Joy

Sometimes the same event can lead to a variety of emotions. When the former exiles finished the foundation for the new temple, the audience included people who had seen the first temple before it was destroyed (50-70 years earlier). This explains their weeping in verse 12 (And tears do not always mean that we are sad, do they?). The shouts of joy came from people who had only seen that which was before their eyes. Such experiences can produce great results. Be aware of reasons why others may express different emotions than you.

Ezra 2: Once An Exile, Always An Exile?

All through history people have been exiled (sent away) from their homeland. Many of them remained exiled for the rest of their lives. The people of Israel had been taken away starting in 722/21 B.C. The people of Judah had been taken away starting in 606 B.C. It was now about 536 B.C., and Cyrus was giving them permission to go home. God had promised through the prophets that this would happen after the land had 70 years of rest (Jeremiah 25). As always, He kept His word.

Ezra 1: I Want to Think About Cyrus Again

The Bible is the best history book ever written. Thousands of people have written histories and biographies. Research into the past is one of the most popular careers in every generation. And it can be very enlightening. But Bible history is different: It is always right. It gives information that can only be from God. It tells us things that provide lasting spiritual lessons. The histories in the world that speak of Cyrus do not give us the things we have in the Bible, which include his clear understanding of the One true God. Read it and think of your own understanding of God.

2 Chronicles 36: Cyrus and the Lord

For a long time, the prophecies about Cyrus and his statements when he found out Who God really is have been a great source of confidence in my life that God exists and that even powerful pagans can come to believe in Him. This book ends with that story (see also Isaiah 44:24-45:7; written more than 100 years before Cyrus was born).

2 Chronicles 35: Useless Death

Faithful Josiah refused to “listen to the mouth of God” (Who was speaking to him through the ruler of Egypt) and went out to fight the Egyptians. He lost his life in this moment of foolishness, but he is still spoken of as a man whose life was filled with acts of faithful love (goodness) for God. He was only 39.

2 Chronicles 34: Eight Year Old King - Who Will Help Him?

Children are precious and innocent souls. They need good examples, teaching and guidance. Make an 8-year old a king, but make sure he has help! This boy began to seek the LORD when he was about 16 (v. 3). He got help from such people as the high priest (v. 9), and the book of the Law of the LORD—which they found (vv. 14-15). Now we know one reason why things had been going so badly! How do the people of God lose His book? Thankfully, they found it, read it, and followed it.

2 Chronicles 33: Detestable - According to God

Alas, the reforms were over. The man with the longest reign, Manasseh (55 years), returned to the abominable (detestable) practices of sin. They are actually detestable because God says so. The word used here is used to refer to unclean food (Deuteronomy 14:3); idolatry (Isaiah 41:24); child sacrifice (Deuteronomy 12:31); wrong marriages (Malachi 2:11); and homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22). The standards of God must be learned and respected

2 Chronicles 32: But We Have Jehovah

The Assyrians, who were the destroyers of the north (Israel), now came after Judah. The faith of Hezekiah was strong. He encouraged courage, and he reminded his people that their enemies only have human strength, but “the LORD (Jehovah) our God is with us to help” (v. 8). Read the whole chapter to see how He did His work to defeat Assyria.

2 Chronicles 31: Eliminating Idols

The idolatry that had been in the land of Canaan when Israel moved in had never been eliminated, if you can believe it! They had even taken the pole that Moses erected in the wilderness and turned it into an idol (Numbers 21; 2 Kings 18:4). Hezekiah’s reforms were so far-reaching that he even eliminated that. Obviously, nearly anything can become my idol and destroy my soul—let me choose to beware (Colossians 3:5).

2 Chronicles 30: Passover at a Different Time

Centuries of failure to worship God correctly were being corrected by Hezekiah, the priests, and the people. They even chose to observe the Passover (at a different time than usual—by permission of the Law; Numbers 9:9-11). It was urgent for them to get back on track, so they did. This is truly a great chapter in their history.

2 Chronicles 29: More Temple Maintenance

How could the temple get in such terrible shape—filled with unclean things—when a whole tribe in Israel was supposed to take care of all of the priestly duties? Not only that, they had these duties for hundreds of years, they had an entire book of the Bible addressed to them (Leviticus), and they had detailed instructions given to them when the temple was being planned and built! Enough of that for now—because this chapter is about the men who decided to do the right thing (vv. 12-19). Let us learn this lesson well as God’s priesthood today.

2 Chronicles 28: Valley of Hinnom

It is amazing from one perspective to note how short the lives of most of the kings were. Ahaz, one of the most corrupt, became king when he was 20, reigned 16 years, and died (the end of a king’s reign is almost always due to his death). But this man—this man was responsible for burning children in the fire of the valley of Hinnom. This valley was known as a place where the fire never went out. In the New Testament, the word Gehenna refers to this valley at the outskirts of Jerusalem. Jesus used the word to refer to hell. Nothing good can happen there. Don’t go (Mark 9:43-48).

2 Chronicles 27: But the People

Now Jotham took the throne. He did what was right (v. 2)—but in the same verse, the chronicler adds, “And the people did yet corruptly.” In other words, they did not change. No matter what anyone else does—we (you and I) must do rightly.

2 Chronicles 26

2 Kings 14:21 helps us to know that Uzziah was also known as Azariah. He became king at the age of 16 and reigned for 52 years. He started out well, but his successes led to pride, which led to sinning in worship. God struck him with leprosy (a skin disease) which caused him to be quarantined for the rest of his life. It was during his reign that some of the prophets lived and wrote (Isaiah 1:1; Hosea 1:1; Amos 1:1). Hopefully, this disease humbled him to repent before Jehovah.

2 Chronicles 25: Against Edom

Edom (a nation descended from Esau, the twin brother of Jacob) was often at odds with Judah. Since the land of the Edomites was so near, it was easy for them to cause trouble. Amaziah got an army ready, listened to a prophet, and won the battle. But (here we go again!) be brought their idols back home and made them his gods. His reign got worse until he was murdered by conspirators. What does it take for us to learn that God punishes sin?

2 Chronicles 24: Maintenance on the Temple

Joash became king at the age of 7. With the good influence of Jehoiada, the priest, he was able to get back to basics. They started by doing repairs to the temple. A lesson—if we are going to use something to the glory of the Lord (for example—when the church owns property) - we must take care of it. It must not fall into disuse or become a place for the practice of evil things while it is under our control. I wish I could tell you that this whole chapter is filled with positive lessons, but it is not. Joash went into sin and died in shame. Take heed, brothers and sisters (Hebrews 3:12-13).

2 Chronicles 23: The Queen Screamed, "Treason"

The last chapter closed after Athaliah became queen. She proceeded to kill all (except one) of the royal seed (who were her grandchildren!). She reigned in sin for six years. One grandson, who was now 7, had survived her reign of terror. When she saw her reign ending, she screamed, “Treason, treason.” But she was taken and rightly executed. God was now working through a faithful and courageous priest (Jehoiada). Let us learn courage so He can use us when He needs to.

2 Chronicles 22: He Reigned One Year

If you think the last chapter was hard to read—this one is worse. A major element for all of the bad things in these years can be traced to an arranged marriage between the offspring of the kings of the two rival countries (Israel and Judah) in chapter 18. Not only were they united by that marriage, they continued marrying evil women of the north (21:6), and they practiced the idolatry of the north (22:3). This new king (22 years old) took some bad advice, associated with the north (who were now his relatives), and was killed after one year when Jehu avenged the evil house of Ahab. Meditation suggestions: bad worship, bad marriages, bad advice. To make matters worse, Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, took the throne after he was killed.

2 Chronicles 21: He Killed All of His Brothers

Every day we hear news of unspeakable things done by people in the world. We can become numb with the onslaught of information. But when it happens among us—the children of God—it is much worse. We are supposed to know better and to do better. Jehoram, the new king (whose father was Jehoshaphat), had a reasonably good background and was king in Judah, where people were normally more faithful than in the north. So how did this new king consolidate his power? Did he do it by calling on God and walking in the steps of the faithful kings in his family who went before him? No—he did it by murdering all of his brothers. When he died—eight years later—no one was sorry (v. 20).

2 Chronicles 20: A Prayer of a King

Jehoshaphat, whose reign began in chapter 17, shows his spiritual side by praying to Jehovah before the people in the temple (vv. 5-12). Read it carefully and see what items in his prayer can be helpful in your own prayers. Then note how many good things God proceeded to do through these people in chapter 20. This resulted in the terror of Jehovah being on the people of other lands (v. 29). So Judah had rest (v. 30).

2 Chronicles 19: Jehu - The Seer

There is a famous Jehu in the Bible—Jehu the king of the north. This Jehu is a prophet (the son of Hanani). He has a brief rebuke to give to Jehoshaphat about his sin in helping the wicked and loving those who hate the Lord (James 4:1-4). It seems that this went to the king’s heart, because the rest of the reading is about his good works—including his encouragement that good people are to associate with one another and do the will of Jehovah together.

2 Chronicles 18: I Hate Him

Here is yet another prophet, Micaiah, who is better known than Oded and Hanani. We also have more of his words. And we have the very well known opinion of him that was held by Ahab, the wicked king of the north. He said, “I hate him.” Micaiah was surrounded by prophets in this chapter who were telling Ahab how well everything was going to turn out. But they were liars. Read and meditate carefully about his convictions, strategy, and courage from verse 12 on. Then ask yourself, “How courageous am I?”

2 Chronicles 17: He Got Ready to Fight - Against Israel

There are struggles, battles, and even wars that we have to fight. Sometimes we have to do this in spite of who the enemy is. Jehoshaphat, the new king in the south, had to do this, too. The enemy was the north—his own people. Israel (the ten northern tribes) was part of he promised land and the tribes that lived there were descendants of Jacob, too. But they had chosen to walk in the evil ways of Jeroboam. And that made them dangerous to the faithful. Let us be strong in the Lord to do His will, no matter who is in our way (1 Corinthians 16:13).

2 Chronicles 16: Hanani Said

For the second chapter in a row, a “minor” prophet enters the reign of Asa. This time it was to rebuke Asa for not relying on the Lord. Asa was angered, put Hanani in prison, treated the people badly, did not turn to God for help, contracted a serious disease, and still did not seek the Lord. There are many possible lessons from both Hanani and Asa in this sad reading.

2 Chronicles 15: Oded Said

Oded was a prophet—one of many people in the Bible who are sometimes called “minor” characters. As you read the words Oded said and meditate on the major results that come from them, you might decide that being major or minor really is not important. Just do what God wants you to do and He will make something great out of it. One of his statements really impressed me: “Jehovah is with you when you are with Him.” King Asa took courage when he heard these things and led a great reform in Judah.

2 Chronicles 14: Asa Cried Out

When I was studying the Psalms, I began to note how often people in the Bible cried out to the Lord. There really are situations in life that are so full of danger that it is very important for us to cry out to Him. To do this means that we understand our own frailty, we understand how powerful our obstacle is, and we know that God is able to hear and to help us in all of these situations. When you get to King Asa’s cry in verse 11, pay close attention to the way he speaks to Jehovah.

2 Chronicles 13: Worthless (and Wicked) Men

This reference in verse 7 (“vain men, the children of Belial”) is to the men who came to the aid of Jeroboam so that he could resist Rehoboam. There are always people who choose so many evil things that they become vain, empty, or worthless—children of evil (Belial). Often they are in positions of power and use their evil ways to fight against all that is holy. The fact that this is so common should not cause us to fear, because the One Who is for us is greater than all of the world’s worthless people (1 John 4:4). Keep this in mind as you read about this war of Israelite against Israelite.

2 Chronicles 12: Abandon the Law - Here Comes Egypt

Rehoboam forsook (abandoned) the law. This means that he knew it and then left it. This meant that he would reap punishment. Egypt came. Egypt punished. Rehoboam humbled himself and God had mercy on him. Most of the times when we need God’s mercy, it is because we have sinned, He has brought calamity on us, and then we repent! All too often we who know that we need to repent refuse to do so until we have been “caught.” And sometimes that kind of repentance doesn’t last (vv. 13-14).

2 Chronicles 11: 28 Sons and 60 Daughters

We know little about Solomon’s family other than his son Rehoboam. Rehoboam had 18 wives and 60 concubines (far fewer than Solomon’s total of 1,000). But Rehoboam had 28 sons and 60 daughters! Such a gross rejection of God’s plan for the home is a recipe for disaster—including the example he set for his 88 children.

2 Chronicles 10: Torn - 10 and 2

As quickly as the glory of Solomon’s reign grew—it was destroyed by Rehoboam (his son) and Jeroboam. The kingdom was torn in two by their self-willed evils. Read it and weep.

2 Chronicles 9: Queen of Sheba

Sheba, also known as Saba, was in the area known today as the country of Yemen. It is at the far end of the Red Sea, a long journey from Israel. It was, and is, a very strategic location in that part of the world. Their queen heard of Solomon’s greatness and went to see for herself. She was so impressed that “it took her breath away” (v. 4). When she spoke, she gave great praise to God. When we do works that God blesses with success, let it be to His glory (Mathew 5:16)!

2 Chronicles 8: The Work Continues

Buildings across the kingdom, true worship, and a navy—all important things—are in this reading. The key, which world leaders (actually nearly all leaders) nearly always miss, is the fact that God must be worshipped and He must be worshipped in spirit and truth (vv. 12-16; John 4:23-24). How much better would things be in every town, county, state, and country in this world if everything began with a proper approach to God?

2 Chronicles 7: For He Is Good

The planning, building, and praying are done. What was true in chapter 5 is still true: “For He is good; For His mercy endureth for ever” (v. 3). There were too many times in Israel when the people were not in tune (harmony) with Jehovah. But in this case they were. The Lord responded to Solomon in the night with several things that would help him understand God and His ways better. This is a good passage for today’s meditation: vv. 12-22.

2 Chronicles 6: Meditate on This Again

1 Kings 8 is a record of the same prayer that we have here. It is the prayer of Solomon at the dedication of the temple. There is a kind of preliminary prayer in verses 1-11. The king addressed the people and reminded them about how good God had been to them in all of their generations. He was the One Who brought them to this day for their good and in keeping His promises to David. In view of this Solomon prayed to God about how they would really need God in all future times.

2 Chronicles 5: For He Is Good

The words come from verse 13. The rest of the statement is “For His mercy (faithful love) endures for ever.” God is good. God is good no matter what. But there are situations where we see it in marvelous ways. The completion of the temple, which was a work of God and His people, was an illustration of how good things are when we actually work together under His rulership. And when it is done, we have another reason to say “For He is good.”

2 Chronicles 4: He Made - They Made

In order to start and finish the hundreds of jobs that were involved in the temple project, the planning and labor of countless people was needed. When the author says, “He made” (see chapter 3) he is referring to Solomon. This does not mean that Solomon personally made all of those items (or any of them), but that it was done under his oversight (authority). Faithful talented workers obeyed their king and finished one of the greatest works of the Old Testament. They did it as co-laborers (1 Corinthians 3:9).

2 Chronicles 3: Mount Moriah

Mount Moriah is an area in Jerusalem. It is noted for being the place where Abraham took Isaac (Genesis 22), Solomon built the temple, and where Jesus was put on trial (in and around the same area). It was in this same place that Melchizedek served as priest and king (Genesis 14; Salem = Jebus Salem = Jerusalem). It is from this same city that Jesus began His reign and service as our High Priest and King in Acts 2.

2 Chronicles 2: The Value of Letters

Solomon made a choice to be the builder of the temple. To do this, he needed good help. He knew that Hiram, the king of Tyre, had been a friend to his father and that he would probably help with the temple. This reading includes the kind and carefully written letters between these two kings. Think about the elements of these letters as you read them and then write a letter to someone who is important to you in some way.

2 Chronicles 1: Ask

Most of the time when we think about what God wants us to do, we think in terms of commandments. Commandments are good, and obeying them is necessary. But God also wants us to do things that allow us to get closer to Him. In verse 7, God appeared to Solomon and encouraged Solomon to “ask.” He really desires that we do this today (Matthew 7:7-11). Asking is a form of commandment-keeping, but it is more than that—it is as a child bringing requests of all kinds to a father who can help. Let’s practice asking.