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  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on June 1, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daily Bible Reading (Old Testament)   

    2 Chronicles 10 

    1. After Solomon’s reign his son Rehoboam becomes king. But it was during his reign that the nation of Israel was split in two. Rehoboam (south, otherwise known as Judah) and Jeroboam (north, otherwise known as Israel).
    2. Application: Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, did not exercise the wisdom that his father exercised in at least two ways. First, when he became king he did not seek counsel from the Lord – unlike his father did shortly after he became king. Second, the counsel that belonged to men of experience, counsel that he sought, he also rejected. Not seeking counsel from the Lord (a rejection of sorts) and not following the counsel of experienced men brought Israel a rip that was not healed the remainder of her physical existence. One can say that the nation’s split was of the Lord, but look at the contribution Rehoboam made. Look at how it came about, and note that Rehoboam’s influence was the latter years of Solomon’s life when Solomon had his own struggles with the Lord.
     

    • Steven Sarff 7:21 am on June 1, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Ron, you might find another post interesting. I didn’t post it but it speaks to the maturity needed to be an adult. Rehoboam lacked it in a few areas…. When Does a Boy Become a Man? http://wp.me/p1Cfvb-nw via @criswellblog

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 31, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Chronicles 9 

    1. The queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth and, not believing it, makes a trip to Jerusalem. She comes away much impressed (9:1-12). As the queen of Sheba came away impressed, a great many other empires were also impressed by Solomon’s wisdom and wealth (9:13-24). For forty years Solomon was king over Israel (9:25-31).
    2. Application: Chronicles does not really give a bad report of Solomon. In fact, if one were to know Solomon only from Chronicles, then the picture painted would be one-sided. This is often the problem to the potential solutions that might be brought forth in other circumstances. There are always two sides when problems arise with people, and when we only hear one side we hear an unbalanced report. With regard to Solomon, let us consider one other point: it was the Lord who brought Solomon all his wealth, but it was Solomon who chose to do with it what he wanted. What is it that we are doing with what the Lord gave each of us?
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 30, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Chronicles 7 and 8 

    1. At the dedicatory prayer’s closing the Lord heard that prayer and responded (7:1-6). The sacrificial worship setting for Solomon and Israel was quantitatively fantastic (7:7-11). The Lord appears to Solomon again with a word of encouragement and exhortation or warning (7:12-22). After Solomon built the Temple he built his own house and brought his wife (the daughter of Pharaoh) from Jerusalem to live in another location (it’s unknown where, but thought to be with Hiram). His organizational skills were of note, and those who were still residential alien were called upon to be the “blue collar” workers on the temple (8:1-18).
    2. Application: In heart-felt devotion the nation of Israel worked together to build the great Temple, and the Lord was willing to allow it to happen. That He approved of it is clearly the case as one reads the chapter, but His emphasis was not on something physical, material, but always on the heart of the individual. No matter how much “stock” the Israelites put into the site pleasing to the eyes, it was always the case that the Lord looked (and looks) on the heart and desired to see that which was pleasing to His eyes. Sometimes we miss this point. While we like things of a particular beauty, the Lord will see beauty only on the inside. Solomon was not even arrayed like the lilies of the filed, but his splendor was great as far as man was concerned. How well do we look in the eyes of the Lord?
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 28, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Chronicles 5 

    1. The children of Israel, led by the king (Solomon) brought the Tabernacle and the furnishing of the Tabernacle to the newly fabricated temple. In accordance with the Lord’s way the Ark of the Covenant was carried by the Levites and placed in its final resting place, in the Holy of Holies. With mechanical instruments the Levites played and sang praises to God. The Lord was pleased with this occasion.
    2. Application: The Levites both played and sang: “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever” (5:13). Wouldn’t it be good for each Christian to reflect and repeat these words in their own lives?
     

    • Eugene Adkins 7:48 am on May 28, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      It’s amazing how many times the phrase “His [God's] mercy endures forever” is used in the scriptures (particularly the OT, check out Psalm 136 for one huge example).

      God’s grace has always been amazing! Great thoughts, Ron.

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Chronicles 3 and 4 

    1. Chapter 3 details for us things pertaining to the building of the Temple by Solomon. David made plans for the structure, and Solomon saw to it that it was completed. It is worth noting that the location of the Temple was the same location where David offered his sacrifice to the Lord for his sin as recorded in 2 Samuel 24. Chapter 4 continues detailing some of the items within the Temple.
    2. Application: It is difficult to conjure up an image of precisely what all this might have looked like. For instance, can you imagine a “Sea of bronze” that amounted to the size of a basin (caldron) that could contain over 17,000 gallons of water? This set upon pedestals that had to be heavy enough to support the weight; if one were to measure 7 pounds to each gallon, and if the basin was full, that weight would be around 200,000 lbs. (about 600 tons)! Rather heavy by any standard. Yet the weight of our sin (which does not even register of a physical scale) crushes the soul.
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 24, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Chronicles 2 

    1. As Solomon prepared to build the Temple he sought after the counsel and skill of the king of Tyre. The king of Tyre was impressed and granted Solomon that which he needed. Solomon conscripted over 150,000 men for the task, all of them were “aliens” (or foreigners) to the nation of Israel. In C-1 Solomon took note of the separation that existed between the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle. The former was in Jerusalem, and the latter was in Gibeon. The production of the Temple would bring the two together again.
    2. Application: Solomon had much wisdom, but having wisdom and knowing best how to use it are not the same. It appears, however, that on this occasion Solomon did use it well. He not only sought the counsel of another better informed than himself, but he also brought together two sacred items pertaining to God’s worship together with this massive project of his. As Solomon asked, what could he build that could contain the Lord (2:5-6)? Since there was and is nothing, then the wisdom of God is to reign in God’s creation: man’s heart.
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 23, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Chronicles 1 

    1. Solomon is chosen as king over Israel, and while he was in the position of not knowing best how to judge he calls upon the Lord to help him in this endeavor. The Lord does so by granting him wisdom more than any other who lived, or will live after him. While in position of authority over Israel, the Lord also grants him to have wealth greater than any of the other kingdoms; this resulted in Israel becoming an economic and military might in the region.
    2. Application: Having wisdom and knowing how to apply it is one of the great blessings in the world. There is a difference, however, between the wisdom that is of this world and the wisdom that comes from God. The wisdom that came from God brought many questions to Solomon’s mind, questions he could not answer. This resulted in the book of Ecclesiastes being written. Unfortunately, there are some who will take the wisdom they have individually accumulated and use that to direct life away from God. Solomon did the same, but in the end he came back to where he knew he should be (at least, that is what I want to think). Wisdom is not just knowledge but the proper using of that knowledge.
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Kings 25 

    1. Zedekiah was king, but his reign was only a short matter of time. He resisted Babylon and Babylon made him pay a dear price. Zedekiah lost his city, captives were taken, Zedekiah was captured, his sons killed before his eyes, then he lost his eyes, and into captivity he went. Jerusalem was sacked and ravaged. What people remained were only the poor; with no money, no food, no stature, they were also no threat. However, some radicals were very much a threat and the governor Babylon set up was murdered. No doubt, those who murdered thought they did the Lord a service!
    2. Application: Many people, after determining their own steps, think they are serving the Lord. Illustration: there might be a person in the congregation where you serve who thinks that he (she) is doing the Lord’s work. Unfortunately, that opinion is an opinion that is contrary to the opinion of the elders of the congregation. Now, there is a “battle” over which opinion holds sway; the one serving opines that his (her) opinion is just as valid as the elders (and it might very well be), but has failed to see that the elders of the congregation are the men whom the Lord put in position to lead. While this is not even as remotely as grievous as what we read in this chapter, it does illustrates a problem – even at its lowest level – when men begin to think more of themselves than the Lord’s church. Is this not all-to-common in the Lord’s church? These same people will one day have to answer for their own determination.
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 21, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Kings 24 

    1. Three kings are mentioned in this chapter: Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Mattaniah (Zedekiah). Assyria, at this time, was no longer the mighty power, but now Babylon was. As Judah looked upon Egypt to be of assistance, Babylon took away their ability to be of any assistance. All three Kings were subservient to Babylon.
    2. Application: 24:3 rings out loud when I give thought to our own nation. We slaughter the innocent (abortion) and call it choice. We authorize civil union and homosexual marriages and call it tolerance and a civil right. We have lost our moral compass and call it progressive. While we forget from where we came, the Lord remembers.
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 18, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Kings 23 

    1. Josiah’s restoration of Jerusalem and the temple. He rid all Jerusalem of its evil influence. This effort on his part was very pleasing to the Lord (23:1-25). Unfortunately, Judah had passed the point of no return as a nation (23:26-27). The Lord was determined to erase them off the map, if you will. It had begun some years previous, but by the death of Josiah, who tried to intercept Egypt’s effort to thwart Babylon (23:28-30), it moved along rapidly. Josiah’s son was seated on the throne, but he did not have his father faith. Soon he was deposed and the king of Egypt set a new king on the throne, also a son of Josiah. Unfortunately for the Judeans Egypt taxed the people heavily (23:31-37).
    2. Application: Josiah was the last great king of Judah, but even though he sought a restoration of the spiritual standing of his nation, the Lord was determined to remove their “candlestick.” There is a need for restoration. There is a need for restoration with regard to the individual; there is a need of restoration with regard to the family; and there is a need for restoration with regard to the religious community. This restoration, however, must be in accordance with the Lord’s way not our own. It is only the Lord who can restore properly, the rest of us have too much rust connected with our own individual efforts.
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 17, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Kings 22 

    1. Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh, became king and was a vile king. He also had a son and his name was Amon. He was also wicked; because of his wickedness he was disposed with his young son, Josiah, becoming king. Josiah was clearly of a different disposition. While he was king, God’s law lost for a rather long period of time was found and notice of this find was given to the king. The law was read in his presence and hearing and fearing what the Lord was going to do to the nation, he inquired of the Holy One of Israel. The Lord gave word and reassurance to him that two things would happen: first, what had been read will come to past and, second, it will not be in his life time.
    2. Application: Has the word of God been lost? Is it no longer in its place of residence that it ought to be? The bound Scriptures looks real nice sitting in the bookshelf; people know, when they come in to the room where the Bible has a prominent place on that shelf that there is an interest in spiritual things. This is what some might think, anyhow. Resting nicely on the book shelf just might correspond to that which occurred in Josiah’s day. The word of God was lost! For some today, though the book sits nicely, it is lost from within the heart (cf. Colossians 3:16). The “lostness” in this case, is not its location physically, but spiritually (in application). Does the word of God have a home in the heart, or does it have one foot in and one foot out? Is the door of the heart open where the cold wind can come in and freeze whatever warmth there is? The interesting (and unfortunate) thing about the book of the law being lost was that it was in the house of the Lord!
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 16, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Kings 21 

    1. After Judah’s great king, Hezekiah, died his young son became king over the small nation. At such a young age he had to have counselors. What direction might they have guided him? It’s not long before we know. So evil did Manasseh become that he replaced Jeroboam as a standard of evil – only he did it in Jerusalem. He reigned a long time, and by the Lord’s mercy only was he a saved man (21:1-18). Since the apple does not fall far from the tree, the route traveled by Manasseh, his son followed also (21:19-26).
    2. Application: How could such a righteous king as Hezekiah have come from his loins a son so evil like Manasseh? Perhaps many things could be said about how this might have happened. At the very least, I think, we can say this: Manasseh arrived at a point in in life where he willfully chose to go one direction and not another. Whatever influence might have corrupted him at a young age, he still had his father’s example and to that he could have turned – but he did not (until late in life).
     

    • Eugene Adkins 6:17 am on May 16, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Morning Ron,

      Have you thought about how old Manasseh was in realtion to Hezekiah’s answered prayer for a longer life? If you remember how much extra time Hezekiah was given, then it’s obvious that Manasseh would not have been born if it were not for that! That was always such an interesting thought to me.

      Your application included some points that I used last Sunday morning. Good thoughts to keep in mind when a parent is struggling with blaming themselves for what their children have done. God bless, brother.

      • Ron Thomas 6:28 am on May 16, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        I have thought about it, Eugene, but probably not to the degree you have. Thanks for you kind words, brother.

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 15, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Kings 20 

    1. Hezekiah was a great king, but even great kings must meet their end. On this occasion the Lord’s prophet, Isaiah, told the king to prepare himself. Humbled and overwhelmed by the words of the prophet, the king asked the Lord to remember him (20:3). The Lord responds to this by telling Isaiah to turn around and let the king know the Lord heard the prayer and 15 years was added to his life (20:1-11). Hezekiah, however, struggled with something that cost him with an upbraiding remark from the Lord. In a matter of time all the wealth of Hezekiah’s and Judah would be plundered by the very people Hezekiah escorted around Jerusalem (20:12-21).
    2. Application: The Lord’s prophet, I would imagine, was disappointed in having to tell Hezekiah of the Lord’s disapproval with his latest actions. Yet, in this, there is a lesson. Godly people who are clearly faithful to the Lord struggles with their own various issues in life. It does not matter if it is greed, anger, lust, gossip, or anything else. For some it is there and the burden can be over-powering. Did Hezekiah struggle with pride? Whether he did or not, his response, it seems to me, should have been one of humility rather than what it was. Can’t we learn something here?
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Kings 19 

    1. The situation was dire at best, but because of Hezekiah’s devotion to the Lord, it was to the Lord he went for guidance. First, there are the king’s visitors (ambassadors) to the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah gives the king a good word of comfort (19:1-7). The word of Isaiah was given to the Assyrian representative, who returned to his own king, with the king then sending an official letter to Hezekiah (19:8-13). Hezekiah receives this letter and goes straight to the Lord in prayer. The Lord hears, answer, and with reassurance lets Hezekiah know that Assyria will cause Judah no problem (19:14-28, 32-37). So reassuring to Hezekiah was the Lord that the Lord gave Judah’s king comfort with regard to their ability to live off the land and even plant for future harvest (19:29-31).
    2. Application: What happened on that night is fantastic beyond measure! Of course, with the Lord, it is not any greater than Jesus walking on water, but the fact that so large a number of men died in one evening is beyond human description. Succinctly, the Lord states the number of men who died; it’s almost as if it was an insignificant occurrence. The greater point was that Hezekiah and Judah were saved. With 45 words (NKJV) the Lord states the fact of their demise. Outside the Bible there is also a recording of this tragic history by Herodotus, though with much myth. So great was this that some had to assign something natural because – and this is the point – who is that God that is all-so-powerful that something this great can occur so effortlessly? His name is YAH (Yahweh).
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:49 am on May 11, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Kings 18 

    1. Hezekiah, king over Judah, watched in horror as Assyria swept into Samaria and took captive a people to whom he had much in the way of association. Hezekiah, however, was not like any of the kings of Israel; he was a king highly devoted the Lord’s way (18:5). Sometime in his fourteenth year (or shortly thereafter) on the throne of the small kingdom of Judah, Assyria’s army comes to Judah with a monumental threat of siege and captivity, but it is not until the next chapter that we learn of the monumental catastrophe that befalls Assyria (18:17-37).
    2. Application: This chapter is set up as a great contrast to the events of the previous chapter. Hoshea was king over Israel, and though he was not as evil as the kings before him, still Israel had gone past the point of no return when they continued in their idolatry. Hezekiah, on the other hand, was considered a king as good as the great standard-bearer David. With Hezekiah’s kingdom being close to nothing more than a city-state, it was the Lord’s “kingdom” that protected him. No matter how large or how small, no matter who is for or who is against, when the Lord is on your side who can stand against you and be victorious?
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:46 am on May 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Kings 17 

    1. To Bible students this chapter is known as the chapter that outlines Israel’s captivity to Assyria. The first twenty-three verses of the chapter tell us exactly why the Lord sent them in to captivity. It had everything to do with their willingness to no longer follow the Lord’s way. It started with Israel’s first king (17:21), and continued with the people (17:22). Assyria came and besieged the city of Samaria and, in the end, carted off a large number of people into captivity. Sargon, Assyria’s king, gloated of his victory stating, “At the beginning of my royal rule I conquered the town of the Samarians … I led away prisoners 27,290 inhabitant of it and equipped from among them soldiers to man 50 chariots for my royal corps…” (Davis and Whitcomb, p. 431).
    2. With the land now bereft of people, the wild beasts (lions in particular) roamed the land. Even though the Assyrians repopulated the land, the beasts were entrenched and not easily removed. What’s interesting, however, is how the people interpreted the presence of the lions in the land. They merely considered Israel’s God as a local god, and nothing else (17:26-28). In any event, with the repopulation of the land, the religious ideologies brought for much confusion, and this religious confusion continued until the Lord walked the earth.
    3. Application: The obvious lesson of this chapter is in the Lord’s warnings going unheeded. It is evident that the people of the land did not regard the Lord’s prophets and their respective warnings. Thus, the Lord had had enough and He swept away the inhabitants of the land that He placed there to begin with; He placed them in a land that would encourage them to do one of two things (I suppose). In their new land they could refuse to learn from their experience and perpetuate the religious idolatry. Or, they could reflect on the words of the prophets and how the Lord actually did sweep them away from their homeland; on this reflection it could change them back into the people there were supposed to be at the start. That some did this because when the gospel was first preached, it was to Jewish assemblies that the Lord’s preacher went.
     

    • Eugene Adkins 6:20 am on May 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      That is such and interesting, but sad, time for God’s people in the past with ramifications that would go far into their future.

      I just talked about the Samaritans the other day at work because someone tried to use them as an example of racism being ok because of the way the Jews looked at them! The human heart can be so desperate to justify itself sometimes.

      I also posted an article a couple of days ago that included this time period while discussing the “awesome power of God.” Check it out if you like – http://wp.me/p20YNR-9z

      Love these studies in Kings. Keep up the great work.

      • Ron Thomas 6:26 am on May 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        It is interesting, Eugene, how people will go to a particular length to justify something. The objective will stand back and marvel at the effort, but the subjective will stand in the midst and fail to see the forest because of the trees.

  • Ron Thomas 5:43 am on May 9, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Kings 16 

    1. Ahaz was king over Judah, and he did not follow the path of his father. For 16 years he thought he could reign over the nation without the Lord, but he failed to remember that it was the Lord who sustained his father (16:1-9). Ahaz had great failures, but it is one notable failure that is highlighted in this chapter. The king took upon himself the authority to change what the Lord decreed many generations before him. Having been overcome by Syria, the king of Judah thought it must have been Syria idol gods that brought them victory. Thus, he replicates the altar of burnt offering and demands to use it in Jerusalem. This destroyed the king (16:10-20).
    2. Application: As egregious as the king’s errors were, what stands out to me in this chapter is the High Priest. If he was a political man, then it would be easy to see what and why he did what he did. On the other hand, if he had any semblance of devotion to the Lord, how in the world could he have done what he did? It gets to a great question that each of us has to answer: when our backs are pushed up against the wall, to whom shall we render service?
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:38 am on May 8, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Kings 15 

    1. As Jeroboam served as king over Israel, and as Judah had her own king – who had found much disfavor with the Lord of late, the Lord placed a new king over Judah. His name was Azariah, otherwise known as Uzziah. He reigned 52 years and was considered a good king (15:1-7). The stability that Jeroboam II brought was now brought to an end, and Israel was in her final days. Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, all served as king within a year’s time. It was Menahem who gave some semblance of stability (reigned 10 years), but Assyria’s king, Pul, had to be used as a threat against any that would threaten him (Menahem). In truth, Menahem bought and paid for Assyria’s protection because they were a serious threat to Israel’s existence (15:8-20). Pekahiah, Pekah, Hoshea, all reigned as kings over Israel (15:21-31). When Uzziah died, as king over Judah, his son Jotham reigned in his stead (15:32-38).
    2. Application: From the Lord’s perspective, it is not how good a ruler is with regard to economic policy, with regard to domestic policy (in a broader expanse), with regard to foreign affairs, or with regard to political appointments. It is all a matter of where the Lord was placed in that person’s heart. With Israel, because he was not placed where He ought to have been, the Lord saw to their defeat. With Judah, some kings properly placed the Lord, and in this placement the king had assurance from the Lord. Down to our day will it be any different?
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:35 am on May 7, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Kings 14 

    1. Amaziah, king of Judah, was 25 years old when he came to the throne, and in the early years of his reign, he reigned with the Lord’s favor. However, as he grew older and he became arrogant (cf. 2 Chronicles 25), this led to his downfall (14:1-20). Jeroboam was considered a good king (by some) over Israel, he reigned a long time and their economic status was raised, but the Lord did not look favorably upon him (14:21-29).
    2. Application: 2 Kings paints a positive picture of Amaziah, with but an unfortunate event in his life. As you read 2 Chronicles, however, we soon learn that as the young king started, he did not finish. Arrogance and pride are the downfall of all who imbibe in them. When one begins to look on self higher than is reasonable and practicable others will help him see his way more clearly.
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 4, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Kings 13 

    1. Israel’s existence as a nation is not long, at this juncture. Already, to this time, each king in Israel’s monarchy has had the Lord’s disapproval (with regard to their actions and heart). What Jeroboam started each king perpetuated. Jehu gave some semblance to the Lord in some of his actions, and his son, when he became king, did the same; still he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam (13:1-9). The historical Record, in quick succession mentions the next two kings. First, the son of Jehoahaz, Jehoash (Joash), became king. He reigned 16 years, but the one all-important trait of his reign was in his failure to depart from Jeroboam’s sins as recorded in 1 Kings 12 (13:9-13). To succeed him was another man named Jeroboam (also known as Jeroboam II). Before Joash died, however, he had an interview with Elisha before the great prophet’s passing (13:14-19). Israel and Syria had skirmishes all the days of Joash (13:20-25).
    2. Application: Israel’s failing, as a nation, was seen in its leadership (more will be said on this in another chapter). Continually, we read of one of the king’s failing to depart from the sins of Jeroboam. You’ll recall that Jeroboam changed the Lord’s pattern of worship. So serious was this that the Lord did not forget and those who perpetuated this change were remembered for that.
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Kings 12 

    1. Now, with the proper royal seed on the throne, and at such a young age, he needed proper guidance. Jehoiada, the High Priest, guided him along the way (until his death). In this period of time the king gave attention to the temple complex and noted its deterioration. The king took charge of the situation and contracted outside workers to work on the building (12:1-16). The remainder of the chapter does not spell out the quality of Jehoash’s reign, but it was not good (12:17-21; cf. 2 Chronicles 24:17-25).
    2. Application: When proper guidance is followed much good can result, but as soon at that guiding force is gone, if the foundations are not in place, then becoming a piece of drift wood is ever so present. Jehoiada lived over 100 years and was a powerful influence in the king’s life. It appears, however, that in the undergrowth of the king’s moral compass was a desire to be no longer bound by a higher principle.
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 2, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Kings 11 

    1. Jehu had completely purged two kings from authority over the totality of Israel. When Ahaziah was killed, his mother Athaliah took advantage of the opportunity given her to take the throne. For six years she reigned (11:1-3). When she took advantage of the opportunity, she thought she eradicated all threats to the throne, but she overlooked one. The High Priest, Jehoiada, took charge of watching over the young child (to be king), and at an appointed time declared his royal status (11:4-12).  Athaliah resists, but her resistance is futile (11:13-21).
    2. Application: The mother of the killed king, Athaliah, had sown the seed of her own destruction. It may have taken six years before the chickens came home to roost, but they did come home. Perhaps, during this time, she had ruled in a way that was pleasant, economic, and charitable; perhaps, as she looked at it, whatever evil she did, the people would forget and all would be well. The Lord did not forget, and neither did some of the people. Be sure your sin will find you out!
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 1, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    2 Kings 10 

    1. Jehu was determined to comply with the Lord’s wishes, and he now sets out to eradicate the king’s (Ahab’s) sons. This way there would no legitimate threat to the throne of Jehu (10:1-14). Moreover, Jehu was going to eradicate the false prophets from Israel. These false prophets, prophets of Baal, were leading the people as far away from the Lord as they could get. Jehu fixed this (10:17-28)! Jehu had some devotion to the Lord, but his devotion was corrupted (10:29-36).
    2. Application: It is hard on our ears to read what Jehu did to the prophets of Baal. One can only imagine that some were crying out for mercy, begging the assailant to spare life. A tender heart begins to waver at such thoughts. However, it is important to keep in mind what these false prophets were doing and where they were leading the nation – far more people died at the hands of this false religion than those who died in the temple complex. Though we don’t like to think about it, the way in which they died was more merciful than the “life” they were to “live” when in the Lord’s presence – from which they are going to be cast. With all the good that Jehu had done (10:30), why did he not live to please the Lord? The foundations instilled in youth are hard to shake!
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on April 29, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daily Bible Reading (Old Testament)   

    2 Kings 9 

    1. The nation Israel (northern kingdom) was in political disarray because their moral and spiritual compass was spinning every which way.  Joram was king over Israel, but the Lord had anointed a new king over Israel; his name was Jehu (9:1-13). With Jehu now the Lord’s chosen over the northern kingdom (Israel), he sets out to do exactly the bidding the prophet said for him to do (9:7-10). This was, most certainly, a bloody purging (9:14-37).
    2. Application: Be sure your sin will find you out, Moses said to the tribes who chose to live on the east side of the Jordan (Numbers 32:23). No matter the efforts or the lengths to which man will go, he can’t go far enough and he can’t expend enough effort and energy to out-distance the Lord. When I was growing up, a favorite acronym used wasCYB (though the letter B was not used, but a vowel was). I used it often; then I learned that the best thing to do was simply do the right thing; then no acronym would be needed. Israel and Judah were complaisant with one another, and it would be foolish to think they were not always looking behind them to be sure their tracks were covered and/or protected. In all this the Lord was forgotten. However, the Lord did not forget.
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on April 27, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daily Bible Reading (Old Testament)   

    2 Kings 8 

    1. Elisha’s work was, very much, noticed by the king. A famine on the land sent a woman and her son away for seven years; when she returned the king granted her request (8:1-6).  Elisha grants a request of him by the Syrian commander concerning the king’s health (8:7-15). Resuming the historical sequence, we are told of Jehoram reign over Judah. He was the son of the righteous king Jehoshaphat. Jehoram (also known as Joram) was an evil king; evil because of two things: his heart’s desire and his association with Ahab’s family (8:16-24). After his reign of eight years his son, Ahaziah, took the throne and reigned only one year. He, too, was an evil king (8:25-29).
    2. Application: Why is it that people fail to see that association with evil is only bad news? Surely they have been taught it to one degree or another, but still there is the association. Perhaps it has to do with what people consider to be evil. Jehoshaphat surely instilled in his family devotion to the Lord, but there came a diluted period of time where the term “devotion to the Lord” became a confused concept. Another reason is connected to one’s heart desire. The confused idea as to what is right is swirling in the brain, and when one adds to this his own inclinations, then a recipe for disaster is primed and ready to go!
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on April 26, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daily Bible Reading (Old Testament)   

    2 Kings 7 

    1. The king’s servant, with much disbelief, in fact did not live to see the “plunder” given to Israel. This chapter outlines how that all came about.
    2. Application: With much disbelief the king’s servant expressed himself. Of course, it is easy to understand how he could say what he did. Given human experience, his country’s deprivation, and the current circumstances of an enemy’s army just outside the door – what was he supposed to think? This might be expected when circumstances present themselves without a prophet of God. However, one was present and he had his credibility established by the Lord that any thoughtful, conscientious, and moderately religious person could see. His unbelief cost him his life.
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on April 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daily Bible Reading (Old Testament)   

    2 Kings 6 

    1. Extraordinary miracles in this chapter when one gives thought to it. I suppose, though, when one gives thought to any of the miracles recorded in Scripture they are all extraordinary.  Not only do we read of something physically impossible, iron floats (6:1-7), but we also read of a warrior army receiving charitable treatment (6:8-23). With the Lord, however, what is physically impossible becomes possible, yea, even certain. Certainty in a king’s decree, on the other hand, does not always come to pass (6:24-33).
    2. Application: It is so easy to become discouraged when facing some of life’s greatest travails. It does not matter exactly what one considers an affliction or not; when a stressful situation arises it is not always easy to know what to do or how to do it. Often, there are some who hang their head in despair, quickly conquered by the circumstances. Life’s circumstances are not, necessarily, an indication of the Lord’s approval or disapproval. So easy it is to interpret things along that line. In the nature of the case, our circumstance can be either the result of our doing or the result of another’s doing. The Lord’s approval is condition on one thing: our faithful response to Him. When we respond like this then who is it that can defeat us? Even if one’s life is extinguished, who can defeat a faithful child of God?
     

    • Eugene Adkins 7:08 am on April 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      No one questions a floating axe head, but they doubt whether or not God could’ve flooded the world and used a floating boat to keep His people safe. The “irony” of it all!

      Have a great day, Ron.

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on April 24, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daily Bible Reading (Old Testament)   

    2 Kings 5 

    1. Naaman, commander of the Syrian army, was plagued with a sickness that would have certainly prevented him from serving if he were an Israelite. As a Syrian he was not prevented. Highly regarded as a military man, on one occasion he sweeps into Israel, gains the victory, and brings captives back with him for his king’s service. One of Naaman’s captive now becomes his servant, and she notes his ailment and speaks about the Lord’s prophet in Israel. Naaman inquires of his king, and the king of Syria inquires of Israel’s king (5:1-7). Elisha calls for the Syrian commander to come to his home; the commander comes, and Elisha sends out a servant to tell him to go and wash in the Jordon, being sure to dip himself seven times. Embarrassed, the army commander goes into a fit of rage and leaves. He is persuaded to think differently, and having returned from the Jordon, he is a clean man (5:8-14). Naaman is amazed beyond measure; he is amazed to the point, it appears, of complete conversion to the God of Israel (5:15-19). Elisha’s servant, however, was “converted” in a different direction. He lost sight of the Lord and sought to gain what Naaman previously offered. Elisha was fully aware of Gehazi’s spiritual failings and declared that what left Naaman was to cling to his, now, one time servant (5:20-27).
    2. Application: When we lose sight of that which is of great value the direction we begin to take is one further and further away from the Lord. Paul marveled at the Galatians because they were doing such a thing as that (Galatians 1:6; 3:1). Recognizing the value of the Lord’s Way, why would anyone turn away from it? The answer lies in the influences in life. It starts with just a little nudge, and before long that little nudge has turned into a torrent and moved us so far away that we wonder if we can find our way back.
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on April 23, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daily Bible Reading (Old Testament)   

    2 Kings 4 

    1.  A poor widow woman seeks guidance from God’s prophet in how to relieve her economic burden (4:1-7).  A young mother is told by Elisha that she will bear a child; when she did, some years later, the child died. Going to the prophet, she laments and mourns. Elisha goes to her home and appeals to the Lord for the child. The grants the prayer request (4:8-37).
    2. Application: Whether one was economically deprived, suffer a loss of a loved one, or have nothing to eat, in each case God provided. Our Lord said something about the Lord God providing when we seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on April 20, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daily Bible Reading (Old Testament)   

    2 Kings 3 

    1. After Ahab died Moab’s king justified himself in rebelling against the burden placed on and against him by Ahab (some political disarray occurring in Israel). Israel’s king, Jehoram, aligns himself with two other kings (from Judah and Edom) and proceeds to bring Moab back in line. After seven days of searching the king of Israel begins to grown apprehensive (panic?) about the Lord having brought them out to this wandering in order for Moab to be the victor (3:1-12). The king of Judah, Jehoshaphat, makes an inquiry concerning whether or not God’s prophet is in their midst. Elisha is present and makes it plain that were it not for the king of Judah, he would not serve at the king’s pleasure (3:11-19). The Lord’s prophet gave encouraging words to the kings and shortly thereafter victory was theirs (3:20-27).
    2. Application: The Moabite Stone has attested to the historicity of the king of Moab. I always write in the margin of my Bible things of this sort. Do I need, however, an archaeological find to attest to the veracity of Scripture? I do not, but surely it is an encouraging point of interest when it is unearthed. On the same note, when the king of Israel had been given testimony from the Lord with regard to what was going to happen, and did happen, did he take that information and “write it down in the margin on his brain”? Perhaps we might ask the same question of us.
     

    • Eugene Adkins 6:56 am on April 20, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I love it too when new historical findings back up what the Bible has been teaching all along; but I sure am glad that we don’t have to go digging to dig into the truth God’s Word aren’t you? Have a great day brother.

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on April 19, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daily Bible Reading (Old Testament)   

    2 Kings 2 

    1. Elijah, the Lord’s prophet, is now preparing to pass his mantle to Elisha. Elijah’s reputation as the Lord’s prophet was almost too much for another to try and measure up to. However, Elijah called out unto Elisha, and Elisha answered that call. When Elijah asked what he could do for his pupil, Elisha asked for something that Elijah considered difficult. Stipulations in place, it was granted to Elisha if he complied. That he did (2:1-12). Elisha received a “double portion of Elijah’s spirit (2:9), and the remainder of the chapter illustrates Elisha as work serving the Lord and His people (2:13-25).
    2. Application: It is tremendously difficult to follow in the steps of another when the one replaced has become an icon of sorts. Yet, it has to be done. What kind of person can do this? One who does not look to self to compensate for inadequacies in himself; rather, he looks to God to be able to do the task before him (or her). Can you imagine following King David? For preachers it can be a rather difficult thing to follow a man who was in a singular location for a period of time; that man could very well be an “icon” to the congregation and the community. How can the next man bear up under that? He needs to be himself and not someone else. He needs to accentuate his abilities and improve on those that he feels is lacking. He needs to not allow himself (or others) to compare with the previous servant. He needs to put his nose to the grind and do the Lord’s work. He needs to trust the Lord.
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on April 18, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daily Bible Reading (Old Testament)   

    2 Kings 1 

    1. The chapter is stark in its message. Elijah, God’s prophet, had been persecuted, harassed, and rejected by Ahab and his family for a little while now. With Ahab’s son on the throne, at the nearness of his two years, seeks guidance from an idol – a tremendous affront to the Lord (1:1-3). The Lord sends Elijah to the king’s messengers to let them/him know that he will not recover from his injuries. The king seeks to arrest Elijah but over one hundred men lose their lives in the effort (1:4-12). Finally, a third group of men come, humbly, before the prophet; the Lord lets Elijah know it is safe to go with them. When he arrives to the king, God’s prophet repeats the same message that the king will not survive his injuries (1:13-18).
    2. Application:  Whether the message of God comes from an ordinary man, like Elijah talking to the king’s servants, or it comes directly from God’s messenger himself, the message is the same. It matters not who the carrier is; those true to the Lord will repeat what the Lord said. A second lesson that is worth noting is that God’s messenger carries with him God’s protection. That does not mean that God’s servant won’t suffer harm or death, but it does mean that the one (or ones) who hurt God’s messengers will answer to the Lord in such a way that it will not be pleasant.
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on April 17, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daily Bible Reading (Old Testament)   

    1 Kings 22 

    1. Ahab’s last days are recorded in this chapter. War with Syria was enjoying a pause, but now there was a desired allegiance with Judah to reclaim what was taken by Syria (22:1-4). The king of Judah, Jehoshaphat, was willing to align him and his army with Israel to reclaim the land, but he desired guidance from the Lord before they undertook the action. The king’s prophets came and told him that the Lord would grant victory, but in this Jehoshaphat was not convinced of their credibility (22:7). The king of Israel mentions one more, but is cautious about him because his message is “always” negative. That prophet, Micaiah, comes and says the same thing as the previous prophets. However, Ahab knows better than that; this message is not a message of the Lord (22:5-16). The prophet gives the Lord’s true message, and the king is not disappointed in the trend of his messages to him (22:17-23). The other prophets were very put out, and especially Zedekiah. They let the true prophet of God know rather plainly (22:24-28)! The two kings prepare to go to battle and, sure enough, the king of Israel dies in battle. Knowing the Lord’s word, the king of Israel sought to disguise himself, only to have the Lord “find” him (22:29-40). The remainder of the chapter has brief words on Jehoshaphat’s reign over Judah for twenty-five years and Ahab’s son, Ahaziah, reigning for two years over Israel. Jehoshaphat’s reign was considered favorably by the Lord; not so for Ahaziah (22:41-53).
    2. Application: Every time I read this chapter I can’t help but think that when the Lord declares something, that something is as good as done! Ahab was warned by the Lord’s prophet that he would not survive the battle. Instead of taking precaution toward piety, he takes precaution toward a disguise; Jehoshaphat, on the other hand, was fully garbed in royalty (and thus vulnerable), but the Lord protected him. Having gone into battle v. 34 pointedly (no pun) states the king’s battle wound. A soldier drew his arrow randomly, and the arrow penetrates where the armor does not cover. When the Lord is against you, you stand no chance! Conversely, when the Lord is on your side, you can’t be defeated.
     

    • J. Randal Matheny 3:20 pm on April 17, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Ahab’s disguise is so pathetic! So are our attempts at weaseling out of the Lord’s judgments. Thanks, Ron.

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on April 16, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daily Bible Reading (Old Testament)   

    1 Kings 21 

    1. Ahab now turns his attention to a field adjacent to his property. Evidently this field was more than simply a vineyard for a vegetable garden, but that it had a production capability that also produced perfume to be sold (Miller, p. 293). The king seeks this land, but is refused. Turned away, his wife plots a way to get the land from Naboth, who refused to sell (21:1-10). With the plot implemented, Naboth is falsely accused, condemned and executed in order for the king to get the desired land.(21:11-16). The prophet Elijah confronts the king and exposes the plot, as only the Lord and the implementers could have known it. So overwhelmed with guilt, the king humbles himself before the Lord (21:17-29).
    2. Application: The king sold himself to do evil. This gets to a point that plagues more people today than is realized. At what price will one commit an evil? Many will answer this easily enough and say there is no amount of money that can cause one to do evil. Another (others) will allow the economic circumstances of their situation dictate their price. This applies to insurance claims, tax refunds and payments, over-charging and under-paying in particular situations, etc. the gravity of one’s situation may be different, the price paid may be different, but the ultimate quality of the action is the same.
     

    • Eugene Adkins 6:28 am on April 16, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I have always felt sorry for Naboth. There was no better vineyard in all the land to him and money couldn’t convince him otherwise.

      Thanks for your Kings studies, Ron.

      • Ron Thomas 6:38 am on April 16, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        I think the same as you, Eugene. What a tragedy that was to be a mere pawn in the evil hands of another. This gets to the question (or consideration) of what is known as “pointless suffering.”

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on April 13, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daily Bible Reading (Old Testament)   

    1 Kings 20 

    1. The king of Israel, Ahab, was threatened by the king of Syria. Willing to submit, Ahab changed his mind when he understood that the king of Syria took too much upon himself in this humiliating exercise. With a little bit of bantering between the kings, the matter gets underway (20:1-12). Before the battle actually gets underway, a prophet comes to the king and reassures him that Syria’s large army will be defeated by Israel, the Lord taking the lead. This occurs, and the prophet tells the king that Syria will attack again in the spring (20:13-22). Israel’s king, again, took victory out of the hands of Syria when spring came (20:23-30). However, at this point of glory for Israel’s king, it is taken out of his hands because he failed to do the Lord’s bidding (20:31-43).
    2. Application: Adam Clarke said that the Syrian king changed the leaders in his army because the replaced kings, “were not acquainted with military affairs, or they had not competent skill. Put experienced captains in their place, and fight not but on the plains, and you will be sure of victory.” If it were only a matter of competence! We don’t want to minimize the necessity behind being competent, but one can have much training and still fail to do an adequate job; in the Civil War this is illustrated with General George B McClellan. Competency is good, but when the Lord is on your side no matter the quality of training and experienced gained, one can’t overcome the Lord!
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on April 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daily Bible Reading (Old Testament)   

    1 Kings 19 

    1. After the great contest – that was really no contest at all – after that event, the queen threatens Elijah with death (19:1-2). Considering the great victory just a while ago, it appears disappointing the Elijah would flee to save his life; nevertheless, that is what he does (19:3-4). Having fled he is “intercepted” by the Lord’s servant (19:5-7), and having come to Mount Horeb the Lord speaks to him about his fleeing (19:8-10). Elijah replies to the Lord that he is no better than those who came before and that he is the only faithful one remaining. The Lord answered Elijah in a number of ways for Elijah’s benefit (19:11-14), but the ultimate answer to alleviate Elijah’s apprehension was to go and do the Lord’s bidding (16:11, 15). Moreover, Elijah was simply wrong when he thought he was the only remaining one. Having received this charge from the Lord Elijah sets out to call the Lord’s next prophet when Elijah is no longer around (19:19-21).
    2. Application: Zeal for the Lord has eaten me up! Some of the rabbis of long ago stated and reaffirm this remark of the Lord to Elijah concerning his zealotry: “Elijah wanted God to punish Israel, but God said to him, ‘They abandoned My covenant, not yours; they dismantled My altars, not yours; they killed My prophet, not yours. Why are you more zealous than I?’” (ArtScroll, 1 Kings, p. 190). In our zeal to serve the Lord, do we have more zeal than the Lord that we want to “execute” the Lord’s will before He does? Whether the rabbis properly understood the passage or not it sure does speak truth just the same. Our anxiety, when it occurs, is to do the Lord’s will and leave all “executions” of His plan to Him.
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on April 11, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daily Bible Reading (Old Testament)   

    1 Kings 18 

    1. About three years later the Lord tells His prophet to present himself to the king. The famine was severe and Ahab took the initiative to seek a remedy for the livestock. During this time, presumably, the king’s wife takes her own initiative and kills the Lord’s prophets – perhaps blaming them for the deprivation (18:1-6). Obadiah, the Lord’s servant, is now approached by the prophet that he might seek an “interview” with the king. Obadiah is frightened by this request, but Elijah reassures him (18:7-16). The king arrives and immediately calls Elijah a “troubler of Israel” on account of the famine. Elijah rejects such an appellation and says the problem actually rests with Israel’s leadership in the king (18:17-18). In order to demonstrate who is the real “troubler of Israel,” Elijah calls upon the king to round up all his prophet and “let’s have a showdown.” This satisfies the king and the “contest” is on. Elijah takes advantage of the opportunity and calls for the attention of the inhabitant of the land concerning their determination to waver back and forth as a piece of drift wood. The contest unfolds and it was soon seen that there was no contest at all (18:19-38). Having demonstrated His authority, Elijah calls upon the people to round of the liars (false prophets) and render the Lord’s judgment against them (18:39-40).  The king was amazed and humiliated in the presence of the people, but the king was also granted a reprieve when the Lord said rain was forthcoming (18:41-46).
    2. Application: There are so many people today that follow “Baal” worship. It may not be worship like it was back then, but it is worship just the same. The Lord, already having demonstrated His authority, people just the same cast Him to the side. They do this because they want to. Whatever influence there may be in this world, it is because people want to leave that they leave the Lord. There will be a contest one day (judgment day), but on that occasion there will be no opportunity to declare one’s side of the contest. It will be entirely one-sided!
     

    • TIM 2:08 pm on April 11, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      SINCE NO CHURCH OF CHRIST WANNABE PREACHER MAN WOULD DARE ADMIT IN ACTS 10 VERSE 47, THE MAN WAS SAVED BEFORE BAPTISM. THEY ALWAYS WANT TO BAPTIZE THEM. WATER EVERYWHERE. BAPTSIM IS NOT REQUIRED FOR SALVATION. IT IS THAT SIMPLE.

      • Eugene Adkins 2:43 pm on April 11, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Hello Tim. So I guess you’re saying God’s word contradicts itself then because Acts 2:38 (in comparison to your “wannabe preacher man” statement) has a Holy Spirit baptized, “real deal preacher” telling people to be baptized for the remission of sins. He just so happens to be the same exact preacher that said what you’re quoting/wresting in Acts 10:47.

        Now, if you would kindly study God’s word in a way that allows scripture to complement itself instead of making scripture contradict itself, you would find that Jesus says concerning those who believed the gospel preached to them (like the people in Acts 2 did) that “he that believes and is baptized shall be saved.” (Mark 16:15-16).

        Take Mark 16:16 and then look at Acts 10:43 and add it to Acts 2:38 and what do you have? You have people who believed and were baptized, and they received the forgiveness of their sins. You do realize that Cornelius and his household were baptized don’t you? (Acts 10:47-48).

        It is that simple my friend.

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on April 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daily Bible Reading (Old Testament)   

    1 Kings 17 

    1. We are introduced, abruptly, to the prophet Elijah. With the king’s actions and reputations being what they were, the Lord calls upon Elijah to give the king warning of the pending drought that was to come for a period of time (17:1). After giving the king the Lord’s message the prophet fled into the wilderness to be cared for by the Lord (17:2-7). From there Elijah went out of Israel and into Sidon to be cared for by the Lord via a widow woman who was preparing her last meal. Elijah reassures her and for a period of time the widow mother and Elijah are cared for through the drought (17:8-16). During this time the widow woman loses her son, and to Elijah she comes with a complaint. Elijah, feeling her anguish appeals to the Lord for the mother and for the deceased son, the Lord granting him his request (17:17-24).
    2. Application: It is clear that the drought brought on by the Lord was the consequence of the evil leadership of the king and Israel. Is there ever a time in this country of ours that we have not experienced something similar? We can’t say for sure, but it surely is possible. On this point, though, it must be noted that the Lord does not regard what we call natural occurrences (or disasters) as something evil. If anything it might have a purging quality.
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on April 9, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daily Bible Reading (Old Testament)   

    1 Kings 16 

    1. Baasha, king of Israel reigned twenty-four years, but the only thing really known about his time on the throne was that it was full of wickedness (16:1-7). After Baasha was dead his son, Elah took the throne and reigned two years, but died in a drunken stupor as he was murdered by Zimri (16:8-14). Zimri no more took the throne to reign that he was dead in less than a month by suicide (16:15-20). A good deal of turmoil in Israel begins to die down with Omri becoming king; he became king in a violent struggle, and it was through him that Israel had an established capital (Samaria). Though Omri brought stability, his legacy was not a good one (16:21-28). After Omri died, his son Ahab assumed the throne and his reputation as a king, from the Lord’s perspective – which is the only one that counts – was not good (16:29-34).
    2. Application: If this chapter did nothing else, it illustrates the chaos of politics when the Lord’s way is cast to the side – especially in a kingdom (country) that has a charter from God. In our country the Lord’s way has been cast to the side. We do not have to the same degree the chaos they did, but we do have it. As a country “we” don’t know what is morally right or wrong – though many in the political arena think they do. In the final analysis, however, the confusion that reigns brings to conclusion that we are confused!
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on April 6, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daily Bible Reading (Old Testament)   

    1 Kings 15 

    1. Rehoboam had a son who became king after his death; his name was Abijam, and there was not much to say for his reign. He reigned three years and was in constant conflict with the king of Israel. Though there may not be much to say as in this chapter, when one looks as 2 Chronicles 13, we have a different picture. Even with that, however, coming back to 1 Kings 15, we learn that Abijam had love toward the Lord, but “his heart was not loyal to the Lord his God” (15:3).
    2. The Kings of Judah followed this line: Rehoboam, Abijam, and now we are introduced to Asa (15:9-24). Asa is identified as a king who was loyal to the Lord, and for forty-one years he reigned. His heart was loyal to the Lord, but this loyalty became a bit confused later in life; near the end of his time on the throne the king of Israel (Baasha) threatened the king (15:16-22; 2 Chronicles 16).
    3. The Kings of Israel followed this line: Jeroboam and Nadab (15:25-32). Nadab was son of the wicked (and rejected) king Jeroboam. Nadab reigned two years and was killed in battle (a siege) by Baasha, thus bring the “dynasty” of Jeroboam to an abrupt end, just as the Lord declared would occur (15:29-30; 14:14). In his place Baasha reigned, and he reigned a rather long time (15:33-34).
    4. Application: We are now in the part of Israel’s recorded history where the story of one come after another is told to us. Many of these kings reigned a rather long period of time, and whatever economic good they might have done is of no real consequence to the Lord; it was always a matter of where their heart resided (cf. 2 Chronicles 16:9). In this there is a powerful lesson: while our country focuses on economics, what does the Lord see in regard to loyalty to Him? Do we think we can stand indefinitely because we are a “power-player” in the world of economics and militaristically?
     

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