My Daily Bible Study - Chronicles

[Frances]

2 Chronicles

from the Fore-word in my NKJV: -
"Second book of Chronicles parallels 1+2 Kings but virtually ignores the northern kingdom of Israel, because of it's false worship and refusal to acknowledge the Temple in Jerusalem . . . it focuses on those kings who pattern their lives and reigns (on) Godly king David. It gives extended treatment to such zealous reformers as Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah and Josiah.

2 Chronicles 1
What did I learn of God? - He was with Solomon and Blessed him greatly. He offered to give Solomon what he asked for. As the desire of for wisdom and knowledge were in Solomon's heart God also gave him riches, wealth and honour.

What did I learn of myself? - Do I ask God for wisdom and knowledge to do His Will? or for riches, wealth, honour, victory over enemies and/or long life? Whatever I offer God should be the best that I am able to.

What did I praise God for? - that He knows what is my heart's desire and treats me accordingly. (with either encouragement or discipline)

What did I pray for? - wisdom and knowledge to Glorify the Lord in all I do.

What is this saying in one sentence? - Solomon's heart's desire also military and economic power.

Quote:- (Lawrence O. Richards) "2 Chronicles goes into great detail about Solomon's concern regarding the Temple. To this commentator on history, the spiritual is far more important than material splendor

[Frances]

2 Chronicles 2

What did I learn of God? - He is greater than all gods. He Loves His people.

What did I learn of myself? - am I determined to Glorify God in all I do? if not, why not? Am I prepared to ask others for help when I need it, while doing all I am able to myself? Do I welcome those who seem responsive to God? Do I ask 'not yet' Christians to help with doing Christian things?

What did I praise God for? - His Love.

What did I pray for? - Wisdom to know when to ask for help - and from whom.

What is this saying in one sentence? - Solomon prepared to build the Temple.

Quote:- (Francis Xavier)
" Take care not to frighten away by stern rigor poor sinners who are trying to lay bare the shocking state of their souls. Speak to them rather of the great Mercy of God, and make easy for them what, at best is a difficult task. Be especially gentle with those who from weakness of age or sex have not the courage to confess the ugly things they have done. . . Sometimes people are helped by your telling them about your own lamentable past."

[Frances]

2 Chronicles 3 + 4

What did I learn of God? - He had appeared to David on Mount Moriah, by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.

What did I learn of myself? -have I fulfilled my parent's desires to glorify God? Is what I do for Him the best I can possibly do?

What did I praise God for? - Accepting what I am able to give, however little it may appear to me or others.

What did I pray for? - to do what is perfect in God's eyes.

What is this saying in one sentence? - Solomon built and furnished the Temple.

[Frances]

2 Chronicles 5 + 6

What did I learn of God? - He is good. His Mercy endures for ever. His Glory is experienced where His people glorify Him. He fulfills His Promises. He has chosen o be associated with Jerusalem. He keeps his Covenants. Nothing can contain Him. He has regard for the prayers of His servants. He is a Forgiving Judge when His people repent their Sin.

What did I learn of myself? - Do I ever have '2nd thoughts' regarding what I, or my ancestors, have dedicated to God? Do I fulfill the purposes for which God gives me life? When I share my faith with others it may be more effective to follow Solomon's example and speak of God's Faithfulness. Am I obedient to God and His Laws? He is willing to Forgive my Sins - if I repent. Do I really know God? When I feel farthest from God I can still go to Him in prayer and know that He hears me.

What did I praise God for? - always keeping His Word.

What did I pray for? - to always be aware of, and repent of, Sins before I anger the Lord God.

What is this saying in one sentence? - Solomon brought the Ark into the Temple, his speech and prayer of dedication.

Quote:- (Anselm of Canterbury)
"Come. Cast aside your burdensome cares, and put aside your laborious pursuits. For a little while give your time to God and rest in Him . . . Enter into the inner chamber of your mind, shut out all except God and whatever may aid you in seeking God; . . . "

[Frances]

2 Chronicles 7

What did I learn of God? - His Presence is Glorious. His Mercy endures for ever. It is impossible to give too much in worship of Him. He appeared to Solomon. He chose and sanctified the Temple Solomon had built and dedicated to Him. His Promises have conditions - eg. if Solomon tried to please Him, obeyed Him and worshipped Him then . . . but if not then . . .

What did I learn of myself? - Is my life, everything I have and everything I do, dedicated to God? Do I always humble myself, and pray and do my best to please Him? Have I determined to turn away from everything that I know displeases God, repent when I fail Him, trusting Jesus Christ to have paid the penalty for my Sin?? If so, He has 'chosen and sanctified' me. If I worship God, do His will, and obey Him, He will Bless me; but if I turn from Him to give my worship to other gods then He will turn away from me and may allow calamity to befall me.

What did I praise God for? - His Faithfulness to those faithful to Him.

What did I pray for? - Strength to resist every temptation to do something that will displease Him.

What is this saying in one sentence? - The people celebrated for seven days when Solomon dedicated the Temple - then God appeared to him again.

[Frances]

2 Chronicles 8 + 9

What did I learn of God? - the wisdom He gave Solomon, when used for His Glory, was known far and wide and brought Him recognition and honour.

What did I learn of myself? - am I mindful to keep everything I have dedicated to the Lord (including myself) separated from practices and things used in worship of other gods? Does the quality of my life lead others to Jesus? Do I believe everything I hear? or do I make full investigations first - even if that causes me considerable inconvenience and discomfort? Do I give presents and /or adulation to those whose lives encourage others to worship God? or to those who encourage unGodly 'worldly' ways?

What did I praise God for? - His Wisdom.

What did I pray for? - greater ability to encourage others to follow Jesus.

What is this saying in one sentence? - Solomon's achievements and the Queen of Sheba's visit.

[Frances]

Chronicles 10

What did I learn of God? - He may encourage discord so that His Judgment will be carried out (in this case the Judgment described in 1 Kings 11:29-39).

What did I learn of myself? - Will I be remembered for harshness by those who know me best, and for wisdom and benevolence by those who only know of me from a distance, or from short visits? If so, what can I do about it before it's too late? Is my worship of Almighty God only 'show' while I worship other gods more privately? do I listen to the people who give unwise advise? Could difficulties in my life, in part at least, be God's Judgment for un-repented Sin? What Sin I have not repented of?

What did I praise God for? - that His Mercy endures for ever.

What did I pray for? - Mercy.

What is this saying in one sentence? - 10 tribes revolted against Solomon's son Rehoboam.

Quote:- (Lawrence O. Richards) "Rehoboam's arrogance was the immediate cause of Israel's rebellion. While the turn of events was from the Lord Rehoboam's foolishness serves as a reminder. Use of authority, and the attitude of a person with authority, either wins or loses the allegiance of others".

[Frances]

2 Chronicles 11

What did I learn of God? - the division between the 10 tribes of Israel and Judah, Benjamin, the Priests and Levites was His doing. He encourages those determined to worship Him to leave their homes, if necessary, to do so.

What did I learn of myself? - Do I stop what I want, or am required, to do if the Lord makes clear it is against His Will? or do I refuse to heed Him? Do I defend myself against un-Godliness? Am I learning more of the Lord's Word each day, to enable me to fight un-Godliness and protect myself from attack in the Lord's Name? Would I leave my home, if necessary, to go where I'm able to worship the Lord, and strengthen His Army, or would I tolerate being surrounded by, and risk being drawn into, ungodliness? Am I wise enough to realise some people are less likely to quarrel if kept apart?

What did I praise God for? - The decisions/Judgments He makes regarding His people relate to both the past and the future.

What did I pray for? - Spiritual protection at all times.

What is this saying in one sentence? - Rehoboam heeded God's Word, he fortified cities for defense, the Priests and Levites moved to his territory where they were free to worship the Lord, and he dispersed his sons throughout his kingdom.

[Frances]

2 Chronicles 12

What did I learn of God? - He causes difficulties for those of His people who are unfaithful to Him. Repentance from His people gains His Favour, but not necessarily removal of all the difficulties their former unfaithfulness brought them. He takes note of the heart attitude of His people.

What did I learn of myself? - When things are going well for me do I neglect to strengthen my relationship with God? Could any of the difficulties I face be the result of my former disregard of the Lord and His Will for me? Have I turned away from my way to seek His? Do I seek to know the Lord's Will with all my heart, fully intending to do His Will? or will He regard me as 'evil' because when I know His Will I don't do it? Do I remember, when I am disciplined by God, that His punishment is motivated by Love which cost Him far more (in the crucifixion of Jesus) than it costs me. Do I fully realise the value of a 'broken and contrite heart'(Psalm 51:17)

What did I praise God for? - His discipline when necessary.

What did I pray for? - that He never allows me to neglect my relationship with Him.

What is this saying in one sentence? - Rehoboam neglected God and suffered as a result, but as he repented he was not completely destroyed.

[Frances]

2 Chronicles 13

What did I learn of God? - He gave dominion over Israel to David and his descendants forever. Only Aaron's descendants can be priests. Those who fight against His obedient people fight against Him, and will suffer for it. He is always with those who rely on Him.

What did I learn of myself? - Have I tried to take what is not mine by right? if so I will be defeated. When I really rely on the Lord He defends me. Do I warn folk not to go against God and His Will? Though I may be surprised by the turn of events, my circumstances do not surprise God, and if I truly rely on Him He will ensure the results are according to His Will.

What did I praise God for? - in spite of all our Sins (eg.1 Kings 15:3) He never forsakes those who rely on Him.

What did I pray for? - to always rely on God and obey Him.

What is this saying in one sentence? - King Abijah's reign in Judah.

Quote:- (Nancy Spielburg)
" Lord, I crawled across the barrenness to You with my empty cup
Uncertain. . . in asking any small drop of refreshment.
If only I'd known You better
I'd have come running with a bucket."

[Frances]

2 Chronicles 14

What did I learn of God? - He gives those faithful to Him His Rest, and enables them to complete projects He instigates. He helps those who are faithful to Him and rely on Him.

What did I learn of myself? - Do I do what is 'good and right' in the eyes of the Lord my God? Do I encourage folk to worship Almighty God through Jesus Christ and discard un-Godly ways? Do I experience His Peace? if not, is there something I have not repented of? eg.have I been disobedient to Him in some way? Even when I obey the Lord I will still have battles to fight - do I fight them on my own or rely on Him and His Guidance? Do I accept all the Blessings He gives me?

What did I praise God for? - His willingness to Help those who rely on Him.

What did I pray for? - a greater determination to please Him, and willingness to rely on Him instead of my own understanding (Prov. 3:5)

What is this saying in one sentence? - The first part of Asa's reign.

[Frances]

2 Chronicles 15

What did I learn of God? - God's Holy Spirit is with those faithful to Him. He will be found by those who seek Him. He forsakes those who forsake Him, but is still Forgiving and Faithful to those who repent and turn back to Him.

What did I learn of myself? - If I desire to please the Lord, and obey Him he will be with me. If I seek God I will find Him. If I turn away from the Lord He will turn away from me. However far I go away from God and His Ways, when I truly repent (turn back to Him determined to obey Him in future) He will come back to me. I must be persistent in my commitment to the Lord. Do I allow God to work through me to Glorify Himself? Do I ignore, or tolerate, un-Godly behaviour from close family members? Why?

What did I praise God for? - Always being willing to Forgive my waywardness when I truly repent.

What did I pray for? - a renewed determination to please Him.

What is this saying in one sentence? - Reforms Asa carried out.

[Frances]

2 Chronicles 16

What did I learn of God? - He helps His people when they rely on Him, but allows them to be defeated when they don't.

What did I learn of myself? - Do I consult the Lord first before responding to difficulties? or act first and consult Him afterwards. Do I rely on the Lord to do what I want - or can He rely on me to act in obedience to Him? Am I really loyal to the Lord?

What did I praise God for? - Testing His people's loyalty to Him and not letting us slacken our allegiance to Him.

What did I pray for? - a warning if I am tempted to go my way instead of His.

What is this saying in one sentence? - Asa made a treaty with Syria, annoyed the Lord and his countrymen suffered for it.

[Frances]

2 Chronicles 17

What did I learn of God? - He is with those who do their best too please Him, repent when they fail, and whose behaviour encourages others to respect them. Those who respect Him do not make war with His people.

What did I learn of myself? - Do I encourage the Lord to be with me by fully intending to please Him and having nothing to do with gods other people's worship? Do I delight in all the Ways of the Lord? Do I do all I can to ensure folk don't worship false gods? Do I do all I can to teach the truth of God and His Word? Do I serve those who serve the Lord?

What did I praise God for? - All those who have taught me His Ways.

What did I pray for? - that I never deviate from His Way.

What is this saying in one sentence? - Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, worshipped the Lord as David had done.

[Frances]

2 Chronicles 18

What did I learn of God? - He speaks through those He can trust to know that His Word is true, and relay what He says accurately. He protects the lives of those He has more work to do for Him on earth.

What did I learn of myself? - Could close relationships with those who don't live to please the Lord lead me into danger? Do I always ask the Lord for advise before making decisions? Am I willing to change my mind if He does not encourage me to proceed as I wanted? Do I always relate God's Word accurately to others? Do I always accept what 'prophets' say? or do I ask the Lord for personal confirmation first? If the Lord uses me prophetically do I ensure what I 'hear' comes from Him before telling anyone else? Nothing can prevent the Lord's Will for my life being manifest.

What did I praise God for? - His Power and Authority over my life is paramount.

What did I pray for? – greater discernment and that the Lord will always be glorified through me.

What is this saying in one sentence? - Jehoshaphat related himself to Ahab and Jezebel by marriage, went to visit him, went to war as his ally, taking no notice of God's warning of impending doom