Navigating the Worlds of Science and Religion
2 Chronicles 23: This chapter tells of the efforts to overthrow Athaliah as Jehoash starts to grow up. A priest, Jehoiada, takes over and brings together the people to overthrow and ultimately kill the Queen so Jehoash can become king. This effort ultimately proves to be successful and he becomes king at the age of 7.
Continue reading “12/7 Reading (2 Chronicles 23-25; Colossians 4)”
2 Chronicles 20: This chapter focuses on Jehoshaphatās military victory over the Moabites and Ammonites. According to the notes in the CEB study bible, this chapter ārepresents the longest and most detailed account of a war in the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles. The story has no parallel in the book of 1 and 2 Kingsā (p. 693 OT). Pretty cool and pretty interesting. The battle actually doesnāt take place between Judah and the invaders. They pray to God for help and he tells them through a messenger that they are not to be afraid because he will fight this battle for them. Sure enough, God wipes them out without any trouble. This makes all other people fear Judah because they realize that God is on their side. The chapter ends with some explanation of the rest of his reign and then focuses on a second error that he made. He formed an alliance with Israelās king and built many ships. This angered God and he destroyed all of the ships because of this sin by Jehoshaphat. Tsk tsk.
Continue reading “12/6 Reading (2 Chronicles 20-22; Colossians 3)”
2 Chronicles 16: Now we get to the end of Asa. This happens because instead of following the advice given to him earlier (trust in God), he makes a pact with another King when he is attacked by Israel. A seer, Hanani, told him this was a mistake to not rely on God and he will suffer for this. Asa gets angry and throws Hanani into jail. Asa is then afflicted by a disease in his feet and dies. Thereās an interesting verse here: āBut even in his illness he [Asa] refused to seek the Lord and consulted doctors insteadā (2 Chron. 16.12). No wonder some refuse to seek medical attention when they are ill. Verses like this just strengthens the resolve of those who choose to solely rely on the power of prayer when they or a loved one are afflicted with something. Not good!
Continue reading “12/5 Reading (2 Chronicles 16-19; Colossians 2)”
2 Chronicles 13: Rehoboamās son, Abijah, takes over. He goes to war with the northern kingdom and wins, even though he is vastly outnumbered. In his speech to the people of the northern kingdom, he apparently pushed the narrative that Davidās line is the only true royal line and the temple is the only legitimate place to worship. As with his father, he had a bunch of wives, 14.
Continue reading “12/4 Reading (2 Chronicles 13-15; Colossians 1)”
One of the things Iāve started to notice throughout this journey is how I feel connected to things in a different way. Iāve always been a big fan of Christmas songs (just ask my lovely bride). Itās one of my favorite times of the year. However, this year feels a little different. I feel a different type of connection to the music and the discussions than I have in years past. I mentioned this to one of my F3 brothers and he said this made perfect sense because the words have a different meaning now. Thatās probably it, but I want to go deeper. I need to go deeper. The only problem is that nothing is coming to mind at the moment. One thing that I need to do better is to write down these thoughts as they hit me and then compile them into one of the reflections like this.
Continue reading “12/2 Reading (2 Chronicles 10-12; Psalms 70-72)”
2 Chronicles 7: After Solomon concluded his prayer in the previous chapter God sends down fire from heaven as a sign. We then learn about a big celebration amongst the people. Finally, this chapter ends with Solomon meeting God a second time. In this meeting God tells Solomon that he will work listen to the people when they pray in the temple and he will honor his vow to David as long as Solomon and his successors continue to follow Godās commands. As we learned earlier, that doesnāt happen.
Continue reading “12/1 Reading (2 Chronicles 7-9; Romans 16)”
2 Chronicles 4: This chapter provides a detailed description of the equipment inside the Temple.
Continue reading “11/30 Reading (2 Chronicles 4-6; Romans 15)”
Introduction to 2 Chronicles: This book begins with the Solomonās reign and shifts to focus on the history of Judah during the divided monarchy and exile. I noticed that there is no mention of the Northern Kingdom in the introduction. This comes from the NRSV introduction: āThe writer excludes the independent history of the Northern Kingdom because he regards both the kingship and the sanctuaries of this new state as an affront to God (13.4ā12)ā (p. 617). Kinda harsh.
Continue reading “11/29 Reading (2 Chronicles 1-3; Romans 14)”
1 Chronicles 28: As I read the notes to this chapter I was reminded of the fact that Iām surprised that there is so much difference between Chronicles and what was in Samuel and Kings. Itās most likely because the Chronicler wants to put people like David in a better light, but that doesnāt make it right. For example, the notes for this chapter point out that in 2nd Samuel, it wasnāt entirely clear at first who would succeed David. There was even an attempt of a rebellion by Adonijah. In 1st Chronicles, David apparently made it clear that Solomon would be his successor.
Continue reading “11/28 Reading (1 Chronicles 28-29; Romans 13)”
1 Chronicles 25: Organization of the temple musicians by David.
Continue reading “11/27 Reading (1 Chronicles 25-27; Romans 12)”