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 Jehoshaphat’s military victory over the Moabites and Ammonites. According to the notes in the CEB study bible, this chapter “represents 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 Kings” (p. 693 OT). Pretty cool and pretty interesting. The battle actually doesn’t 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 Israel’s 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. There’s an interesting verse here: “But even in his illness he [Asa] refused to seek the Lord and consulted doctors instead” (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: Rehoboam’s 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 David’s 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)”