Nehemiah, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of Nehemiah you might have missed.  Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday
Friday

Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

• If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
• Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
• Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on Nehemiah tomorrow at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

Nehemiah, Day 5 Readings

Nehemiah Must Stop Backsliding  

Today's reading describes how the Israelites initially were good about tithing.  However, this behavior quickly lapsed and bad habits resumed, especially when Nehemiah left Jerusalem to visit King Artaxerxes.  When he returned, he discovered that Temple workers hadn't been paid and many were breaking the sabbath.  Quickly, he put a stop to these habits that had been learned in exile, including the marrying of foreigners, which had been acceptable in Babylon, but not upon the return to Jerusalem.

Read Nehemiah 12:44-13:31  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Nehemiah 11-13 today.

Nehemiah, Day 4 Readings

After Remembering Their History, the Covenant Renewed  

Today's reading describes how the Israelites continued to reestablish their faith practices under the leadership of Nehemiah.  First, the long history of the Hebrews was recounted, from Abraham through the exile -- a reminder of how God dealt with the chosen people through the generations, with special emphasis on the times that God provided for the people.  After this, Nehemiah encouraged the people to reconfirm the covenant with God, with special provisions to start observing the sabbath again and to provide tithes and offerings to support the Temple and the priesthood.

Read Nehemiah 9:1-10:39  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Nehemiah 9-10 today.

Nehemiah, Day 3 Readings

The Wall Completed and the Festival of Booths Celebrated  

Today's first reading describes some nearby nations tried to undermine the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall.  Having failed to intimidate Nehemiah, they now start a whisper campaign suggesting that a wall will allow the Israelites to rebel -- hoping that King Artaxerxes will stop construction.  However, this effort also failed, and the wall was completely rebuilt.

Read Nehemiah 6:1-7:4  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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The second reading tells of the first ritual celebrated after the wall was rebuilt.  As Ezra, the scribe, was reading from Torah, he evidently described the holiday known as succoth, or booths, which was to be celebrated at that very time of year.  In excitement, the listeners constructed temporary shelters (usually translated in English as booths or tabernacles) and participated in the festival commemorating the 40 years that the Hebrews spent living in temporary shelters in the wilderness.

Read Nehemiah 7:73-8:18  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Nehemiah 7-8 today.

Nehemiah, Day 2 Readings

Nehemiah Copes with External Threats and Internal Unrest  

Today's reading describes how Nehemiah dealt with two threats to his efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's wall -- one external and one internal.  First, he must cope with the fear of nearby nations that the wall will strengthen the military power of the Israelites.  After all, a wall allows military protection for the city.  However, these neighbors also seem to threaten a preemptive invasion, forcing Nehemiah to station a large guard outside of the city to protect the effort to rebuild the wall.

Second, Nehemiah faces potential unrest from the Israelites.  Evidently, there was a shortage of food, and families had resorted to extreme measures to eat -- not only borrowing money, but mortgaging their farms and even selling their children into virtual slavery (what will be called "indentured servitude" in British colonies of the 16th and 17th centuries).  Many Israelites had become indebted to other Israelites.  Nehemiah forced the property to be returned and slaves to be released; even more, Nehemiah set an example by not taxing the people as much as he could to provide for himself and his household.

Read Nehemiah 4:1-5:19  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Nehemiah 4-6 today.

Sermon - "A Zealous Restoration" (Ezra)

On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached about the return of the Jews to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon.  When the Babylonians were defeated by the Persian Empire, the Jews were granted release and allowed to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.  Evidently, the Persians even encouraged others to give the Jews money to pay for the materials for God's new sanctuary.

There was a small hiccup in the building of the second Jewish Temple after the Persian emperor Cyrus died.  His successor heard complaints that the Jews would use their autonomy to rebel, and he refused to allow the construction project to continue.  His successor, though, reinstated Cyrus' edict and the Temple was completed and worship resumed in Jerusalem.

After this, the priest Ezra led another group of exiles returning to Jerusalem and he took charge of the Temple.  He quickly became troubled, though, when he realized that some Jews who had returned in prior years had married local women (called "foreigners" in the Bible).  Ezra believed that it was the influence of foreigners (that is, not Jews) that had corrupted God's chosen people and led to their defeat by the Babylonians.  He insisted that the Jews would not make this mistake again, and he forbade such marriages and insisted that those who had already married non-Jewish women, include some Levites, send them away.  Ironically, then, the Jews returned from exile and soon exiled others from their midst.

While Ezra's concern that the Jews not waste God's second chance is ultimately good, the means are certainly questionable.  In fact, it seems that Ezra is making the mistake of "trying to fight the last war."  The insistence to not repeat previous mistakes seems to cause the people to ignore the changing context which might demand different approaches.  Of course, this is the ongoing tension in faith.  How much is non-negotiable?  How much must be adapted to changing times and situations?  How best can we live out our faith in these times?

You can listen to the sermon here.

You can also listen to the related Communion meditation and the closing benediction.

Nehemiah, Day 1 Readings

Nehemiah Asks to Return to Jerusalem and Rebuild the City's Wall  

Today's reading describes the return of Nehemiah, who will become governor of the returning Israelite exiles.  In exile, he serves as cupbearer of King Artaxerxes, but he dreams of those Israelites who were not taken into captivity in Babylon and remain in the Promised Land.  He asks permission to return to the land to rebuild the city wall of Jerusalem.

Though no reason is given, the king grants Nehemiah's request and gives him authority to rebuild the wall.  Soon after arriving, Nehemiah discovers how large a task it will be to rebuild the wall and its gates.

Read Nehemiah 1:1-2:20  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Nehemiah 1-3 today.

Nehemiah, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 16 - Nehemiah  

The history of Nehemiah parallels the history of Ezra.  While Ezra focuses mostly on religious matters and the rebuilding of the Temple, Nehemiah focuses on political matters and the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem -- which is a military necessity to preserve some semblance of self-government and self-control, even as a part of a larger empire.

Nehemiah has achieved a position of some influence in the court of King Artaxerxes -- he is the chief cupbearer.  Evidently, the king favors Nehemiah, and when the servant asks to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the city's wall, Artaxerxes gives his approval.  In fact, Nehemiah is ultimately appointed governor of the Jerusalem district.

Nehemiah believes that local political self-control is directly related to faithfulness, and he uses his authority to support the reforms made by Ezra.  In addition, he also helps the people become more self-sufficient by causing the wealthy to forgive excessive debts, which had caused several families to lose their farms and vineyards.

The reform movement was imperfect.  After Nehemiah travels to the court of Artaxerxes, he discovers that the people are not meeting religious expectations.  So he finds ways to compel the people to keep the sabbath, give their tithes, and stop marrying foreigners (that huge "no-no" for Ezra).

Ezra, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of Ezra you might have missed.  Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday
Friday

Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

• If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
• Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
• Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on Ezra tomorrow at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

Ezra, Day 5 Readings

Ezra Condemns Marrying Foreigners and the People Respond  

Today's reading continues Ezra's personal description of his leadership upon returning from exile in Babylon.  Upon returning, the priest is appalled to learn that some Jews have married non-Jews (or as they are described in the text, foreigners).  He forcefully condemns this practice, suggesting that it is unfaithful.  And he offers a passionate prayer to God, asking for mercy because he is afraid that God will punish the people by sending them into exile again.

Chapter 10 resumes the historical narrative.  The people, hearing Ezra's denunciation and prayer, respond by systematically identifying all those men who had married foreign wives, including some of the Levitical priests.  All of the non-Jewish wives, along with their children, are sent away as the people purify themselves from foreign influence.

Read Ezra 9:1-10:44  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ezra 9-10 today.

Ezra, Day 4 Readings

Ezra Leads the Exiles Returning to Jerusalem  

Today's reading describes how Ezra, a key priest, led a group of exiles returning to Jerusalem.  In fact, Ezra carries with him a letter from the Persian king, Artaxerxes, authorizing him to collect money and items for the purpose of rebuilding the Temple and making sacrifices.

After listing the family leaders who returned in this group of exiles with Ezra, the book suddenly changes to a personal narrative by Ezra himself.  In the second part of chapter 8, Ezra describes how he led the people on their return.

Read Ezra 7:1-8:36  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ezra 7-8 today.

Ezra, Day 3 Readings

Work on Temple Resumes and is Completed  

Today's reading describes how work was resumed on the Temple, evidently after the death of Atarxerxes.  When the new king, Darius, takes the throne, the Jewish leaders resume construction.  When a protest is raised, they cite Cyrus' original edict.  When the new Persian king, Darius, investigates this, he endorses Cyrus' original decree with his own, directing that the Temple be completed immediately.

This was quickly accomplished.  Soon after, the second Jewish Temple was dedicated and then celebration of the Passover resumed.  These things signified a "return to normalcy" for the exiles, freely able to worship God in Jerusalem.

Read Ezra 5:1-6:22  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ezra 5-6 today.

Ezra, Day 2 Readings

Temple Foundation Laid, but Work Stops Due to Organized Opposition  

Today's reading describes the efforts that returning exiles made to reestablish faithful practice in and around Jerusalem.  First, they began keeping the sacred days and festivals and burnt offerings resumed on an altar where the Temple would be rebuilt.  Then, they began building a new Temple, laying the foundation stones, but other people in the area sent a formal letter of protest to the Persian king who succeeded Cyrus, Atarxerxes.

The motivations of those opposed to the rebuilding of the Temple are a little unclear.  It could simply be that others were worried about the Jews becoming too powerful, and they saw this as a good opportunity to create an obstacle.  In their letter, they reminded the new king that the Jews had a history of rebelling, and the new king accepted this argument and ordered work on the Temple to be halted.

Read Ezra 3:1-4:24  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ezra 3-4 today.

Ezra, Day 1 Readings

The Exiles Allowed to Return from Babylon  

Today's reading describes the edict of the Persian king Cyrus which allowed the exiles to return from Babylon to Jerusalem and the surrounding area.  More than this, they were charged with rebuilding the Temple -- and Cyrus even returned some of the items from the Temple that had been taken by the Babylonians as prizes of war.

It was such an important event that the key leaders were listed by name.  So, if lists of names make your eyes glaze over, you might simply skim most of chapter 2 (at least until verse 62).

Read Ezra 1:1-2:70  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ezra 1-2 today.

Ezra, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 15 - Ezra  

After 70 years in exile, the Jews are given their freedom.  The Persians defeat the Babylonians, and their king, Cyrus, declared that the Jews were free to return to their homeland.  Even more, he offered financial support for them to rebuild the Temple.

Ezra tells the story of the years of return.  Immediately upon reaching Jerusalem, the first returning exiles resumed their religious practices by building an altar and offering sacrifices.  Soon, they laid the foundation for a second Temple.  However, the actual construction of the Temple was delayed after Cyrus' death.  The building of the Temple resumed and was completed under the Persian leader Darius.

The story in Ezra is not entirely a happy story.  One group of exiles returned under the leadership of Ezra, one of the foremost priests.  Ezra discovers that some of those returning to the holy land are continuing practices from exile -- including marrying local women who are not Jews.  Ezra is appalled by these marriages to "foreigners" (as they are described in the book), and he is terribly afraid that God will punish all of the people with another exile -- or worse -- because of them.  So he instructs the people to stop the practice and to atone for those who had already married these non-Jewish women.  As the book ends, the non-Jewish wives and their children are sent away, purifying the people returning to the Promised Land.

Bonus Reading, 2 Chronicles

The Slaves Become the Masters  

Today's reading highlights one of the great ironies of Jewish history.  The Hebrews were once slaves in Egypt, but were freed through the mighty hand of God in the exodus.  However, once they conquered the Promised Land, they began to capture people in battle and makes slaves of them.  In fact, Solomon relied upon the labor of more than 150,000 slaves to construct the holy Temple of God.  This is another reminder of how pervasive slavery was in the ancient world.  (It also is a reminder that slavery was different in the ancient world, at least in some ways, than it was in United States history.  Many of these slaves are skilled artisans or managers -- not merely brute labor.)

Read 2 Chronicles 2:1-18  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Bonus Reading, 1 Chronicles

Cleaning Up History?  

Today's reading is more interesting for what isn't in the text.  1 Chronicles 20 begins with the same words that introduce the story of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11: "In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle...."  However, Bathsheba never appears in this story.  Instead, there are stories of more victories by David and his army.  More interesting is that the story includes a reminder of David's famous defeat of the Philistine giant Goliath, as David's nephew kills another giant (a man with 12 fingers and 12 toes -- such large hands and feet he had).  Is this a case where someone is trying to clean up the historical record?  After all, 1 Chronicles is a book that describes David's important legacy for all time.

Read 1 Chronicles 20:1-8  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Bonus Reading, 2 Kings

The King Leaves Trouble for Others  

Today's reading tells of Hezekiah's dubious response to a depressing prophecy.  The king, who is regarded as one of the good leaders of the southern kingdom of Judah, has given foreign representatives a tour of his holdings -- a sign of the country's wealth and power.  The prophet Isaiah offers God's word that all of this wealth will be carried off to a foreign land, foretelling that Judah will be conquered.  The king shrugs it off, happy that this defeat will not occur during his lifetime.

In fact, Hezekiah calls the prophecy of doom "good" because he will not have to face it.  This is a puzzling reaction, to be sure, and a reminder that even so-called "good people" can make bone-headed mistakes.

Read 2 Kings 20:12-19  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Bonus Reading, 2 Kings

The Prophet Elisha Heals a Foreign General  

Today's reading tells of a miracle attributed to the Elisha, the prophet who succeeded Elijah.  Naaman, a foreign general, was stricken with leprosy, but his wife's servant told him of a great prophet in Israel.  Naaman traveled to Israel, causing great fear in the king of Israel.  However, Elisha learned of Naaman's illness and offered him a straightforward prescription to be healed -- so easy that the general thought Elisha was trying to make a fool of him.  However, his attendants encouraged him to follow Elisha's instructions -- to wash in the Jordan River seven times.  Miraculously, Naaman was cured on leprosy.

It is difficult to know which is more interesting -- that Elisha was capable of such miraculous healing or that the great prophet of Israel healed a foreigner.

Read 2 Kings 5:1-19  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Sermon - "Those Who Set Their Hearts to Seek God" (2 Chronicles)

On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached about the legacy of the priests and Temple worship detailed in 2 Chronicles.  Even more than in 1 Kings and 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles judges the Jewish kings based on how much they support proper faith -- meaning how completely they support the Temple and the Levitical priests.

After the reign of Solomon, who built the Temple, the succeeding monarchs became distracted from religious matters -- instead trying to maintain independence from political threats beyond the kingdom's borders.  Eventually, this led to some compromises with foreigners, allowing foreign influence and foreign commerce.  These foreigners brought their foreign gods into the holy land, and the worship of these foreign gods was tolerated, perhaps even in the Temple itself.

King Hezekiah oversaw a massive reform movement back to worshiping the one true God.  He ordered that items used to worship false gods be destroyed and he supported the priests in cleansing the Temple and reestablishing proper worship.  As part of this, he ordered the first observance of Passover since the Israelites had been in the wilderness.  In an attempt to right several wrongs, he also invited tribes from the northern kingdom to participate -- some did.  But this created a problem because they were not properly prepared to celebrate the Passover and offer the Passover sacrifices.  This aggravated the priests, but Hezekiah prayed that God would forgive all those who may have broken Torah, but whose hearts were seeking God.

This was likely due to Hezekiah's recognition that all of the people had broken God's law and needed God's forgiveness in order to resume worship.  It also set an important precedent, allowing succeeding generations (especially those after the exile in Babylon) to preserve their faith while not following every one of the laws found in Torah.  This flexibility may have been what preserved the Jewish faith through all of the tough times that were about to follow -- and it may be what allows our own faith today.

You can listen to the sermon here.

You can also listen to the related Communion meditation and the closing benediction.

Bonus Reading, 1 Kings

The Prophet Elijah Resurrects a Widow's Son  

Today's reading tells a rather odd story of multiple miracles attributed to the prophet Elijah.  Evidently, in his travels, Elijah encountered a widow during a drought, and he convinced her to offer him food and drink.  The widow had planned to prepare a final meal using the last of their supplies, and then die with her son.  Instead, after feeding Elijah, her meager store of grain and oil lasts throughout the drought and famine.  However, at one point the widow's son became ill and died, which led her to question why God had not allowed the boy to die when she had planned.  After complaining to Elijah, the prophet comes to the house and prays for her son's life, and the boy is brought back to life.

Read 1 Kings 17:1-24  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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A Rest Stop

This week, Godsway 66 takes a break.  The journey will continue next week with the readings and resources on the book of Ezra.

This rest stop offers a chance to catch a breath -- and also a chance to catch up on any past sermons and readings that were missed.  It also allows an opportunity to explore a few additional selections from previous books.  So, this week, there will be stories from Kings and Chronicles: miracles by the prophets Elijah and Elisha, a questionable attitude by a king, the clues that Bathsheba may have been removed from the story in 1 Chronicles, and the troubling fact that the Israelites relied on slave labor to build the Temple, despite having been slaves in Egypt themselves, once upon a time.

2 Chronicles, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of 2 Chronicles you might have missed.  Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday
Friday

Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

• If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
• Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
• Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on 2 Chronicles tomorrow at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

2 Chronicles, Day 5 Readings

Hezekiah's Reform Continues and the Fall of the Kingdom  

Today's first reading tells how extensive Hezekiah's reform was.  After cleansing the Temple and reestablishing the Passover celebration, the king directed that all of the pagan shrines be destroyed throughout the kingdom.  Then, Hezekiah reorganized the priests and Levitical order, insisting on proper roles for each of member of the Levite tribe and appointing leaders.

Read 2 Chronicles 31:1-21  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection describes the final years of the kingdom of Judah before it was conquered by the Babylonians.  After a succession of unfaithful kings, the Babylonian armies overrun Judah and ultimately capture Jerusalem and destroy the Temple.  They also carry off the remaining people into exile for seventy years.  However, 2 Chronicles believes this is simply a Sabbath period, and it ends with a brief coda of hope, announcing the edict which allows the Jewish exiles to return and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.

Read 2 Chronicles 36:1-23  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Chronicles 29-36 today.

2 Chronicles, Day 4 Readings

Hezekiah's Reform and the Great Passover Celebration  

Today's first reading describes the beginning of the religious reform undertaken by King Hezekiah.  Evidently, the Temple had fallen into disrepair because of a lack of money and a lack on interest.  Hezekiah directs the repair of the Temple, which is then ritual cleansed (implying that worship of false gods had been occurring at the Temple under previous kings).  After this, proper worship of God is restored at the Temple.

Read 2 Chronicles 29:1-24  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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The second selection tells how Hezekiah then planned a massive celebration of Passover throughout Judah.  (In fact, Hezekiah invited the northern kingdom of Israel to participate too, but they mostly refused.)  When people arrive to participate who did not understand exactly how they were supposed to celebrate Passover -- likely people who were not ritually clean -- Hezekiah offered a prayer to God that they be forgiven their oversight in order to encourage their excitement at worshiping the one true God.

Read 2 Chronicles 30:1-27  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Chronicles 22-28 today.

2 Chronicles, Day 3 Readings

Jehoiada, the Priestly Leader, and King Uzziah Loses His Way 

Today's first reading describes the influence of one of the Jewish priests, Jehoiada, who reestablished the royal line by helping Joash become king of Judah.  After the death of Ahaziah at the hands of people in the northern kingdom, the king's mother Athaliah tries to blot out the entire royal line.  However, young Joash is hidden away from her.  Seven years later, the priest Jehoiada summons tribal leaders to stand against Queen Athaliah and install Joash on the throne.  After this, Jehoiada insists on proper worship, working to eradicate the kingdom of idol worshipers.

Read 2 Chronicles 23:1-21  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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The second selection tells the story of King Uzziah, who begins his reign as a faithful king but who believes that success is his alone.  In a fit of royal ego, Uzziah enters the Temple and attempts to make his own sacrifice to God, instead of allowing the priests to make the sacrifice.  For presuming that a king could also be a priest, Uzziah was swiftly punished, struck down at that moment with leprosy.  Ironically, this meant that Uzziah could never enter the Temple again (because all lepers were ritually unclean) so he went into virtual exile until his death.

Read 2 Chronicles 26:1-23  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Chronicles 15-21 today.

2 Chronicles, Day 2 Readings

Solomon's Works and Egypt Invades Judah  

Today's first reading describes the major accomplishments of King Solomon, including the construction or rebuilding of countless cities.  It also highlights the importance Solomon placed on worship, which is the greatest attribute that 2 Chronicles describes anyone having (even greater than Solomon's renowned wisdom).

Read 2 Chronicles 8:1-16  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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The second selection tells how Egypt invaded Judah -- the southern Jewish kingdom -- after Solomon's death.  Evidently, the Jewish armies are incapable of stopping the Egyptians, who evidently even looted the Temple in Jerusalem.  However, Judah was able to keep some freedom by becoming a vassal state of Egypt -- a relationship that will ultimately protect Judah from the Assyrians (who capture the northern kingdom), but not from Babylon.

Read 2 Chronicles 12:1-16  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Chronicles 8-14 today.

Sermon - "The Man with the Plan" (1 Chronicles)

On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached about the presentation of the Jewish monarchy in 1 Chronicles, which presents David as the most important figure in Jewish history.  After lengthy genealogies in the opening ten chapters, the focus turns to David, who proves to be a pivotal figure in consolidating military power and in establishing religious practice at the center of national life.

This centrality of faith seems to cause David to first bring the Ark of the Covenant to his newly established capital of Jerusalem and then to dream of building God a permanent house there.  While God tells David that he will not build the Temple, God grants that David's heir will be able to do so.  David, evidently, wanted to leave nothing to chance, and he took significant steps to prepare for the building of the Temple, and near his death he gave Solomon detailed instructions on its construction and provisioning.

While David is clearly admired, he is not perfect (even beyond this penchant for micromanagement).  However, he is faithful and his dream of the Temple -- when it becomes reality -- will be the focal point of faith through the challenging times that lie ahead, including the exile from the Promised Land after the capture of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple.

You can listen to the sermon here.

You can also listen to the related Communion meditation and the closing benediction.

2 Chronicles, Day 1 Readings

Solomon's First Royal Act and the Dedication of the Temple  

Today's first reading tells of Solomon becoming king after the death of his father David.  Solomon's first act is one of worship -- he travels to the tent of meeting (the Tabernacle) to worship and to ask God for wisdom.  (It is interesting to see that there are at this time two main places of worship in Israel -- one in Jerusalem, where the Ark of the Covenant is, and one at Gibeon, which seems to be where the Tabernacle was assembled in the Promised Land.

Read 2 Chronicles 1:1-13  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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The second selection describes some of the festivities when the Temple was dedicated.  Amid lots of music, an entire procession followed the Ark of the Covenant as it was brought into the "Holy of Holies" -- the most sacred inner room of the newly built Temple.  At the conclusion, the Temple filled with a cloud, which represents the presence of God.

Read 2 Chronicles 5:1-14  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Chronicles 1-7 today.

2 Chronicles, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 14 - 2 Chronicles  

The retelling of the Jewish monarchy continues in 2 Chronicles, focusing on the years between Solomon and the fall of Judah.  However, there are a couple of key differences in Chronicles.

First, unlike 1 Kings and 2 Kings, Chronicles has no interest in the various actions of the northern kingdom after it splits from Judah.  From this point of view, the entire enterprise was a sign of unfaithfulness -- quickly proven by how the people worshiped false gods in the northern kingdom.  So there are only a handful of mentions of the northern kingdom, mostly when Israel and Judah went to war.

Second, Chronicles believes that the mark of a faithful king can be directly seen in how the king supports proper worship in the Temple.  Those rulers who support the priests and who themselves worship properly in the Temple are good; those who do not are considered bad and unfaithful kings.  In a couple of instances, a king is good for the years that he supports the Temple, but bad when he does not.

The importance of the Temple is mostly implicit, but it is highlighted when the priest Jehoiada maneuvers to save the monarchy in Judah from treacherous influences of the northern kingdom -- who evidently conspired to assassinate the entire royal line except for those who would serve as proxies for the interests of the northern kingdom.

And it is the Temple that gives hope even after the fall of the kingdom.  The promise at the very end of 2 Chronicles is not that the monarchy will be restored... but that the Temple will be rebuilt.