I likely should have broken 2 Chronicles into 3 days worth of reading, but it’s done now. While most of 2 Chronicles was a retelling of portions of 1 and 2 Kings, it still stands on its own. It is hard not to get bogged down by the repetitiveness of this king did good, followed by this king did evil. @ Chronicles showed me that the Kings who were truly great were the ones that not only walked with the Lord, but consistently led their people into following Him. Our leadership skills are not just about getting the job done, but leading those around us where they need to go. Even if you are not in a position of leadership, you can lead by example.
Passage:
2 Chronicles 17-36
Discovered:
- Jehoshaphat ruled in Judah, created garrisons, sent official & Levites to teach the Law, Jehoshaphat and Judah walked with God. He made allies with Ahab and Israel.
- Jehoshaphat gave aid to Ahab, but God declared disaster against Ahab and sent lying prophets to convince him to go to war, but Ahab did not believe and was killed in battle.
- Moab and Ammonites came to attack Judah, Jehoshaphat was afraid and went before the Lord and fasted. The Lord told them to stand firm and wait on the Lord. Moab & Ammonites attacked each other and the Lord delivered them.
- Jehoshaphat worked with Ahaziah (of Israel) who was wickets, so God took away what Jehoshaphat had built.
- Jehoram became king after his father Jehoshaphat died. He killed all of his brothers despite having been the kingdom, did evil before the Lord. Elijah sent a letter saying there would be a plague and Jehoram would die of bowel disease. Philistines and Arabians attacked killing all but 1 of his sons.
- Jehoahaz/Ahaziah ruled 1 year, did evil and was killed by Jehu. When Athaliah heard her son was dead, she killed all the royal family and became Queen (She missed 1 son, Joash)
- Jehoiada, a priest, hid Joash (last soon) until he was 7 years old and crowned him king. Athaliah was put to death. Jehoiada removed the high places and decided that Judah would be the Lord’s people.
- Joash repaired the temple.
- After Jehoiada’s death, Joash turned from God. Joash had Zechariah, a priest killed when he confronted his behavior. He was killed by servants in revenge for killing Zechariah.
- Amaziah became king and killed those who murdered his father.
- Amaziah struck down Seir but came homee to find the Ephramites he had sent home had raided Judah. Amaziah began to worship idols from Seir.
- Amaziah/Judah went to war with Israel despite warnings. They were defeated. He was killed at Lachish.
- Uzzah became king and ruled 52 years. He did what was right for the Lord.
- Uzzah defeated enemies and built a large army but his pride resulted in leprosy. Jotham ruled for him.
- Jotham ruled in Judah. He did right by the Lord, but the people did not.
- Ahaz ruled in Judah. He did not walk with the Lord, was attacked by Syria and some were carried off captive.
- Hezekiah ruled 29 years and followed the Lord, cleansed the temple, restored worship and celebrated Passover.
- Sennecherib invaded Judah and Hezekiah sought the Lord. The Lord sent an angel to destroy the army.
- Manasseh reigned 55 years and did evil, built high places and altars. God removed his protection from Judah.
- After being captured and returned, Manasseh repented and followed the Lord. He restored the temple.
- King Amon did evil and was struck down by servants.
- Josiah became King at 8 years old, walked with the Lord, removed idols and high places. Book of Law was found while restoring the temple, and they celebrated Passover.
- Huldah, a prophetess, foretold disaster would come to Judah after Josiah’s death because of idol worship.
- Josiah was killed in battle by King Neco of Egypt.
- Jehoahaz became King, did evil and was carried off to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzer.
- King Zedekiah did evil and rebelled against Nebuchadenezzer.
- King of Chaldeans killed men, burnt/destroyed Jerusalem and carried survivors off to Babylon.
- Jerusalem was desolate for 70 years until King Cyrus allowed them to return.
Help me to remember:
Judah’s history is filled with Kings who did both evil and good. The great ones led the people into following the Lord.
Lord, I ask that . . .
I use my leadership skills to point people to You; to share your love and grace with them.
Heavenly Father, I am thankful for . . .
the ability to help lead my family towards You.
