11/11 Reading (2 Kings 13-15; Psalms 60-64)

2 Kings 13: Jehu’s son, Jehoahaz, became king of Israel. This was followed by Joash. Elisha dies in this chapter, but it’s unclear who follows him. The chapter ends with description of God displaying compassion towards Israel while they are being mistreated by Aram.

2 Kings 14-15: Amaziah rules over Judah. He starts to win some battles and directly challenges the king of Israel, Joash, to a fight. King Joash warns Amaziah this wouldn’t work in his favor, but he refused to listen. Joash and Israel defeat Amaziah and Judah. Joash dies and was succeeded by Jeroboam II, followed by Zechariah, then Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, and Pekah. Amaziah (Judah) was followed by Azariah and then Jotham. As with previous kings, the kings of Israel “did what was evil in the Lord’s eyes” and the kings of Judah “did what was right in the Lord’s eyes.”

Psalm 60: The psalmist is seeking God’s help, wondering if God has left the army or if God is angry with them. The psalmist implores God to return and keep his promise to protect them, arguing that human help is worthless and only divine help will save them.

Psalm 61: The psalmist is asking God to help him get to the temple and enjoy the protection the temple affords him. He then ends it with asking God to keep the King on the throne forever.

Psalm 62: The psalmist proclaims that only with God in your life will you truly find rest and strength. I like that he even challenges the importance of wealth.

Psalm 63: The psalmist pours on the praise to God throughout this psalm. The notes in the CEB study bible say that verse 3 “is one of the most eloquent statements of faith in the whole Bible” (p. 907 OT). Here’s that verse: “My lips praise you because your faithful love is better than life itself” (63.3).

Psalm 64: The psalmist asks God for help and protection from those who mean to do him harm.