God loves. His love endures forever. The first half of 2 Chronicles not only documents some of the Kings of Judah, but also documents God’s love for Israel. Over and over Israel is told that if they walk with the Lord, He will bless them and protect them. God also promises Solomon that if they come to Him with a pure heart seeking forgiveness; they will be forgiven. When we pray are we actually asking for forgiveness with an apologetic heart or just going through the motions? The Lord knows our hearts. He knows when we our prayers are honest. Have you taken an honest look at your heart lately?
If there is famine in the land, if there is a pestilence or blight or mildew or locust of caterpillar, if their enemies besiege them in the land at their gates, whatever plague, whatever sickness there is, whatever prayer, whatever plea is made by any man or by all your people Israel, each knowing his own affliction and his own sorrow and stretching out his hands toward this house, then hear from heaven your dwelling place and forgive and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways, for you, you only, know the hearts of the children of mankind, that they may fear you and walk in your ways all the days that they live in the land that you gave to our fathers. 2 Chronicles 6:28-31 ESV
Passage:
2 Chronicles 1-16
Discovered:
- Solomon gathered all of Israel and worshipped God at Gibeon. That night, God appeared to Solomon and asked What He should give him. Solomon asked for wisdom, and since Solomon was humble with his request God gave him wisdom, honor, riches and possessions.
- Solomon built the temple and moved the ark into it. God moved into the temple.
- During the dedication of the temple, Solomon prayed that when Israel prayed for forgiveness that God would forgive them, for He knew their hearts. Lord heard his prayer.
- Solomon rebuilt and fortified cities throughout Israel, everyone who was not of Israel was put to work, forced labor.
- Queen of Sheba came with gifts to see if the rumors: wisdom and wealth were true about Solomon. There was no question he could not answer for her; she was impressed.
- Solomon dies after reigning 40 years, kings from all over sought his wisdom.
- Solomon’s son, Rehoboam was to be crowned at Shechem. Israel asked for their load to be lightened, but Rehoboam took the counsel of his peers: make the load heavier. Israel revolted only Judah and Benjamin followed Rehoboam.
- Jeroboam led Israel. He kicked out all of the Levites and they came to live in Judah.
- Shishak, King of Egypt attacked Judah because they were unfaithful to God. Event though Judah repented by the time the Egyptians got to Jerusalem, Shashak took all the treasures from the house of the king and the house of God.
- Rehoboam ruled 17 years and did not walk with God.
- Asa, Rehoboam’s son became king. He walked with the Lord, removed high places and commanded Judah to follow God. Judah had peace for 10 years. Ethiopia attacked but the Lord defeated them.
- Asa obeyed until year 36 of his reign. Hanai the prophet rebuked Asa for not asking God for help, but instead paid Syria for military aid when Baasha from Israel attacked. There would be wars now.
- Asa ruled 41 years, dying from a foot disease. He sought help from doctors and not God.
Help me to remember:
We are loved by Him and when Israel/Judah obeyed they were blessed and protected beyond measure.
Lord, I ask that . . .
you have your ears open to my prayers, that when I seek forgiveness You know my heart.
Heavenly Father, I am thankful for . . .
You, for You are good and your love endures forever.
