12/9 Reading (2 Chronicles 29-31; Psalms 73-74)

2 Chronicles 29: This is the first of four chapters focusing on Ahazā€™s son, Hezekiah. According to the CEB study bible notes this length is second to only David and Solomon, indicated the Chronicler felt Hezekiahā€™s reign was pretty good. This chapter focuses on his work to restore the Temple. He establishes rules again and rededicated the temple to God.

2 Chronicles 30: This chapter focuses on Hezekiah leading the people in a celebration of Passover. The first part of this chapter focuses on preparation for Passover including his invitation to the northern tribes. The second part describes Passover itself. It was a time of intense celebration and happiness.

I actually just read something about how German and British soldiers agreed to a temporary truce in 1914 (WW I) on Christmas day and celebrated together. I had read that before, but that is such an incredible story.

2 Chronicles 31: In this chapter Hezekiah reestablished the priestly and levitical divisions. He implemented reforms to make sure temple worship was funded and included the necessary personnel.

Psalm 73: The first psalm of Book 3. The notes in the CEB study bible indicate that this psalm is usually identified as a wisdom psalm, but it turns into a prayer that ā€œfunctions like a profession of faithā€ (p. 919 OT) at verse 15.

Psalm 74: According to the notes this psalm is ā€œa communal prayer for help, which probably originated with the fall of Jerusalem in 587 BCE (see Ps 44)ā€ (p. 921 OT). Initially the psalmist points out his/her complaints and the suffering they are enduring during this troubling time. They then stress Godā€™s power historically. In a sense, they are buttering him up. The psalm ends with the psalmist asking God to not forget them during this troubling time.

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