Milo – Page 12

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

WORSHIP BRINGS REVIVAL
2 Chronicles 29–32

“In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the temple of the LORD and repaired them” (2 Chron. 29:3).

There is nothing as revitalizing for the believer as heartfelt worship of the Lord.

Background
During Hezekiah’s reign the Assyrians crushed the Hebrew kingdom of Israel and deported its citizens. Sennacherib then invaded Judah, expecting to do the same. Divine intervention alone saved the Southern Kingdom, and Judah remained an independent nation for another 136 years.
In telling the story of these pivotal years in Judah’s history, the author of 2 Chronicles emphasizes Hezekiah’s concern for the worship of God, indicated by the attention he gave to the temple and to the Passover. The author’s point is that the person or people who truly worship God find their faith renewed, and that God responds to a renewed faith by acting on behalf of His worshipers.

Overview
Hezekiah’s emphasis of worship is seen in his rededication of the temple (29:1–36), his celebration of Passover (30:1–27), and reorganization of the priests and Levites who served God (31:1–21). The king’s trust in God was rewarded as the Lord threw back Sennacherib’s invading force (32:1–23). Later Hezekiah became proud, but repented and was restored (vv. 24–33).

Understanding the Text
“Now I intend to make a covenant with the LORD” 2 Chron. 29:1–11. Hezekiah was stimulated to restore the worship of the Lord to Judah by the realization that his nation’s past troubles had come when his people turned their backs on God. Judah’s only hope was to return to God in full commitment. This the king was determined to do personally and nationally.
The leader who wants to influence others must first be fully committed himself.

“The whole assembly bowed in worship” 2 Chron. 29:12–36. Hezekiah immediately set the priests and Levites to work purifying the temple and themselves. When this was done, “early the next morning” the king gathered his officials and went up to the temple to worship.
Hezekiah’s action clearly demonstrated that worship was his first priority as king.
The immediate impact of this emphasis was internal. Those who worshiped found themselves singing praises “with gladness” and willingly bringing “sacrifices and thank offerings.” Worship remains the key to joy for the believer. And worship remains the key to spontaneous giving.
A modern church which neglects worship will not touch the hearts of its members or overcome contemporary materialism.

“Come to . . . Jerusalem and celebrate the Passover” 2 Chron. 30:1–31:21. Hezekiah invited believers in hostile Israel to celebrate Passover with his own people. The invitation was accepted by many, who joined in the joyful worship.
The result is striking. The text tells us that after participating in the worship experience, the Israelites who were there went through the countryside destroying the pagan worship centers and altars in Judah and in their own tribal lands.
Worship still stimulates commitment. If we need encouragement to remain fully committed to God in our daily lives, we can find that encouragement in worshiping God with others.
It’s one thing to share a spontaneous worship experience. It’s another to maintain the spirit of worship. Hezekiah carefully organized the priests and Levites who were responsible for temple worship.
You and I need to be as disciplined. We need to set aside daily time for worship as well as to meet with others in a church that makes worship a priority.
If we do attend to worship, Scripture’s commendation of Hezekiah will surely apply to us as well: “In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the Law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.”

“Hezekiah . . . cried out in prayer” 2 Chron. 32:1–23. Worship deepens our awareness of who God is, and thus strengthens our trust in Him. When Judah was invaded by the Assyrians and Jerusalem was threatened, Hezekiah turned immediately to the Lord. And God answered.
The most important thing we can do to enrich our prayer lives and deepen our trust in God is to worship Him. When worship is a vital part of our relationship with the Lord, we too have great confidence in prayer when troubles come.

“Hezekiah’s heart was proud” 2 Chron. 32:24–33. The author concluded with an account of Hezekiah’s pride and repentance. Not even an enriched worship life will keep us sinless. We human beings are always vulnerable to our sinful natures. Yet the text reminds us that “Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem.” The closer our relationship with the Lord, the more responsive we will be to His rebuke.

DEVOTIONAL
Kneel Down and Worship
(2 Chron. 29)
The Hebrew words usually translated worship mean “to bow down” or “to prostrate oneself out of respect.” The underlying thought is that of showing reverence; of a growing awareness of who God is, and the expression of our awe and our praise. David Mains views worship as “praising God for who He by nature is.” That is, in worship we show our respect and appreciation by focusing our attention on one of His revealed attributes, and by thanking and praising Him for being this kind of Person.
This is the significance of the worship-based revival that Hezekiah led. Yes, that worship followed the ritual patterns that were established in Moses’ Law. But we need only read the text to realize that Hezekiah’s worship revival was a matter of the heart. Ritual served simply as a mode of expression.
For this worship, Hezekiah purified and consecrated himself, for God is holy (vv. 18–19).
For this worship, Hezekiah appointed a multitude of sacrifices, for God deserves our best (29:20–24).
For this worship, singers sang and trumpeters played, for God is the source of joy, and worship is to be joyful (vv. 25–28).
For this worship, Hezekiah and others brought rich gifts, for God has given us rich gifts, and we are privileged to return to Him some of what He gives (29:29–31).
And in this worship, Hezekiah and all Judah found a source of joy.
Whatever ways of worship we have today, if our worship is preceded by consecration, expressed joyfully and accompanied by gifts of our best, that worship will bring us joy and will deepen our trust in the Lord.

Personal Application
What place does worship have in your life and in your church?

Quotable
The Seven Modern Sins
Politics without principles.
Pleasures without conscience.
Wealth without work.
Knowledge without character.
Industry without morality.
Science without humanity.
Worship without sacrifice.-Canon Frederic Donaldson

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

JEHORAM TO HEZEKIAH
2 Chronicles 21–28

“Although the LORD sent prophets to the people to bring them back to Him, and though they testified against them, they would not listen” (2 Chron. 24:19).

The text of Chronicles highlights the righteous acts of Judah’s kings. Yet it’s clear that the spiritual condition of Judah after the time of Asa and Jehoshaphat did deteriorate. The flaws in Judah’s kings serve as warnings for you and me.

Overview
The focus on Judah’s kings continues, with reviews of the reigns of a series of morally and politically weak rulers: Jehoram (21:4–20), Ahaziah (22:1–9), Athaliah (v. 10–23:10), Joash (v. 11–24:27), Amaziah (25:1–28), Uzziah (26:1–23), Jotham (27:1–9), and Ahaz (28:1–27).

Understanding the Text
“He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel” 2 Chron. 21:1–20. Earlier kings showed that seeking and serving God was the path to national and personal blessing. Jehoram, who murdered his brothers and chose idols over the Lord, shows us that forsaking God leads to disaster. Though warned by the Prophet Elijah, Jehoram gave no thought to repentance. The resulting national disaster saw the rebellion of subject nations (vv. 8–10) and attacks by other hostile peoples (vv. 16–17). Jehoram himself died in agony of an “uncurable disease of the bowels” (vv. 18–19).

“His mother encouraged him in doing wrong” 2 Chron. 22:1–9. One source of Jehoram’s evil was his marriage to Athaliah, a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel who was as committed to evil as her wicked mother. Athaliah dominated her 22-year-old son, who ruled only one year before being killed by Jehu, who exterminated the family of Ahab in Israel. Ahaziah’s short life was so evil that he was accorded burial only because he was a descendant of godly Jehoshaphat, who was was still remembered with affection in Judah.
When we have parents and grandparents who set different courses in life, we can choose which example to follow. Ahaziah chose to be influenced by his mother. He did not have to choose her pathway.

“She proceeded to destroy the whole royal family” 2 Chron. 22:10–12. With her son dead, Athaliah decided to take the throne for herself. This broke tradition, but Athaliah was a determined as well as an evil woman. She killed all members of the royal family (except for a baby who was rescued and hidden away), and with no rival left, claimed royal power for herself. She held that power for some seven years, until the hidden child was revealed and crowned. Then she was killed by her own palace guards at the command of the high priest, Jehoiada.
Athaliah must have been an exceptional and forceful woman to have held the throne against all precedent. Yet how insecure any power gained and exercised by the wicked.

“Jehoiada the priest” 2 Chron. 23:1–21. The high priest, aware that God had promised to provide rulers for Judah from David’s family line, protected the hidden prince, Joash. He also organized a rebellion against Athaliah. It is significant that his uprising included all the priests and all the Levites as well as all off-duty palace guards. Yet not one betrayed the conspiracy to Athaliah! Athaliah undoubtedly reigned by terror and murder. The leader who sets himself or herself up as the enemy of his or her people creates a fear and hostility that ultimately leads to an uprising in self-defense.

“After the death of Jehoiada. . . . they abandoned the temple of the LORD” 2 Chron. 24:1–27. Joash served God only as long as Jehoiada lived. The influence of this high priest is seen in that he chose wives for the king, the traditional role of a parent (vv. 2–3), and in the concern shown in Joash’s early years for the temple. But when the positive influence of Jehoiada was withdrawn, Joash’s personal character was revealed.
We can judge a person’s character only after he or she has matured and begins to make his or her own choices. The choices Joash made led to disaster for him and defeat for his nation.

“But not wholeheartedly” 2 Chron. 25:1–26. The next king, Amaziah, did choose the Lord, but failed to follow Him wholeheartedly. His reliance on God was shown by dismissing a hundred thousand hired Israelite mercenaries when told to do so by a prophet. Because of his obedience, Judah won a great victory. But Amaziah inexplicably began to worship the gods of the nation he had defeated! Despite another prophet’s warning, Amaziah went to war with Israel and suffered defeat.
Amaziah was taken and apparently kept captive in Israel. He was returned, possibly to create internal problems, as his son had been crowned king of Judah while he was captive. In the political infighting that followed Amaziah was forced to flee to Lachish, where he was killed.
A brief, early flare of faith is no substitute for lifelong commitment. Our only protection from potential disaster is consistent, daily commitment to the Lord.

“As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success” 2 Chron. 26:1–23. Uzziah, who is also called Azariah, is yet another example of a king who was successful only as long as he remained committed to the Lord. He was a vigorous and active person who restored Judah to power (vv. 6–15), but when powerful was “unfaithful” to the Lord. Uzziah’s contempt for the Lord is shown by his violation of laws governing temple ritual. The king was stricken with leprosy while in the temple, and lived in isolation the rest of his life (vv. 16–21), while royal business was conducted by his son, Jotham (v. 21).

“Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the LORD his God” 2 Chron. 27:1–9. Jotham’s 16-year reign was a time of blessing, marked by dominance over nearby nations. While the Lord blessed the nation on account of Jotham, “the people . . . continued their corrupt practices.” True revival must touch the people of God as well as leaders.

“He . . . made cast idols for worshiping the Baals” 2 Chron. 28:1–27. The catalog of the sins of Ahaz is truly terrible, including the fiery sacrifice of his own sons. National disasters followed, as Judah was successfully invaded by the Syrians and the Israelites. Only intervention by the Prophet Oded kept the Israelites from taking thousands of the people of Judah to Israel as slaves.
These defeats did not turn Ahaz to God, but rather led him to beg Assyria for help against Syria and the Philistines. The Assyrians were only too happy for an excuse to expand westward—a movement which “gave [Ahaz] trouble instead of help.”
The text says that “in his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD.”
How true this always is. Under the pressure of troubles, human beings tend to reveal what is in their hearts. The believer is drawn closer to the Lord. The unbeliever turns against him in anger and frustration (see vv. 24–25).

DEVOTIONAL
Borrowed Faith
(2 Chron. 23–24)
I was brought up in a Christian home, rich in love and acceptance. I went to church, lived a moral life, and believed in Jesus. It wasn’t hard to do. After all, I was surrounded by people who believed; people who in simple, quiet ways, lived their faith.
Yet after two years in the Navy I realized that I had to make personal decisions of my own. Influenced by the teaching of Donald Grey Barnhouse, I began to study my Bible. I started and led a noon Bible study on my base. And I became active in a nearby local church.
I realized that at home I’d been living on borrowed faith. Out on my own, I learned that I had to develop and nurture a faith of my own.
This is a lesson that the life of Joash teaches as well. Joash was a good and godly king—as long as he was surrounded by people who believed, like the priest Jehoiada who raised him. It wasn’t hard for him to live a good life, or even to “believe.” But when Jehoiada died, Joash found that a borrowed faith is never enough.
When Joash began to make decisions on his own, he made wrong ones. He abandoned the temple of the Lord and worshiped idols. He and his people refused to listen to the prophets who warned them. Joash even killed the son of the man who had raised him, when that son confronted him concerning his sins. Ultimately, because king and people had forsaken the Lord, disaster came. Joash, who chose evil, was killed in his bed by officials who conspired against him.
The story of Joash underlines two important truths. First, we can’t tell from a child or young person’s early life what his future will hold. So, while we can rejoice in signs of early spiritual growth, we can’t afford to become complacent. We need to keep on praying for our children, that as they mature they will develop their own personal and growing faith in God.
Second, we need to examine our own lives, to make sure we’re not living on borrowed faith. For faith to be real, you and I need to take responsibility for our own choices—and to make sure that our choices are guided by a personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord.

Personal Application
How do your daily choices reflect your own personal commitment to God?

Quotable
Think not that faith by which the just shall live
Is a dead creed, a map correct of heaven,
Far less a feeling fond and fugitive,
A thoughtless gift withdrawn as soon as given:
It is an affirmation and an act
That bids eternal truth be present fact.-Hartley Coleridge

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

TWO GODLY KINGS
2 Chronicles 14–20

“As for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded”(2 Chron. 15:7).

The activities of two godly kings identify characteristics of spiritual revival we can apply to our personal lives, and to our churches. Mistakes of each king warn us away from spiritual dangers.

Overview
Asa relied on the Lord when Judah was invaded (14:1–15), and led his nation to swear fresh allegiance to the Lord (15:1–19). In old age Asa became autocratic and failed to rely on God (16:1–14). Jehoshaphat showed zeal for the Lord, and Judah became wealthy and powerful (17:1–19). His error was in allying himself with Israel’s evil Ahab (18:1–19:3). Yet Jehoshaphat remained committed to God and worked to implement Moses’ Law in Judah (vv. 4–11). He also relied on the Lord when invaded (20:1–17), and demonstrated faith by praising the Lord even before the subsequent victory (vv. 18–30). He lived and died a godly king (vv. 31–37).

Understanding the Text
“Seek the LORD . . . and . . . obey His laws” 2 Chron. 14:1–7. The chapter begins with a general evaluation of Asa and describes Judah’s prosperity. Spiritual commitment is the foundation for national as well as personal well-being. Seeking the Lord is the first step in every revival.

“Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You” 2 Chron. 14:9–15. The second step in revival is seen in Asa’s response to an invasion by the Cushites, or Ethiopians, then dominated by Egypt. He called on his people to rely on the Lord. Asa’s active trust in God was well founded, as the Lord gave Judah a decisive military victory.

“Do not give up” 2 Chron. 15:1–19. Seeking God and relying on Him are only the first steps. As Azariah the prophet reminded Asa, we must be persistent in our commitment.
This quality was demonstrated in Asa’s call to all Judah and the many Hebrews who had left apostate Israel and settled in the south. The nation gathered at Jerusalem in Asa’s 15th year, and wholeheartedly agreed to actively and eagerly seek the Lord and to serve Him only. Revival may be stimulated by an individual, but comes only when God’s own, as a people of God, achieve a shared commitment to the Lord.
Yet how important the leader and his or her full commitment is! This quality is shown by Asa, who deposed his grandmother as Queen Mother, a very significant role in ancient court life, because she went after idols rather than sought the Lord (vv. 11–18). If God is to use us to bring revival to His people, you and I must cleanse our lives of everything contrary to godliness.

“Because you relied on the king of Aram, and not on the LORD” 2 Chron. 16:1–14. Even a vital, spiritual revival is no guarantee of continuing godliness. We must be careful to keep our hearts fixed on God. Some 17 years after Asa stimulated revival in Judah, the king himself failed to seek or to rely on the Lord. Rather than trust God for victory when threatened by Israel, Asa paid the Arameans (Syrians) to attack them, not knowing that the Syrians would become an even greater threat in the future. When rebuked by a prophet, Asa imprisoned him. He began to oppress others, and even when he contracted a severe disease Asa failed to turn to the Lord.
What a warning for us. Just because we relied on the Lord in the past is no guarantee of the future. The only way to ensure continued blessings is to actively seek and trust God each new day.

“Only from the physicians” 2 Chron. 16:12. This criticism of Asa does not mean we should not go to a doctor when ill. Asa was not wrong to seek help from physicians. He was wrong to seek help “only” from physicians. We Christians rely on God, who often chooses to work through medicines and the medical profession.

“His heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD” 2 Chron. 17:1–6. Jehoshaphat too is introduced with a brief summary of his spiritual commitment. While not blameless, he too was a godly man concerned with the spiritual well-being of his people.

“They taught throughout Judah” 2 Chron. 17:7–19. The text introduces us to yet another characteristic of spiritual revival. Revival is rooted in a return to the Word of God. Jehoshaphat stimulated revival by organizing “Bible studies” in all the towns of Judah!
Once again building on solid spiritual foundations led to national prosperity and strength (vv. 10–19).

“He allied himself with Ahab” 2 Chron. 18:1–19:3. Jehoshaphat’s error was to “help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD” (19:2). The believer who seeks revival is not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers.
While Jehoshaphat remained personally committed to God (cf. 18:6), his close association with the evil Ahab led to a disastrous military defeat. Later the Israelite princess he married to his son, Athaliah, would murder their descendants so she could take the throne for herself (22:10). The lesson is a vital one for us.

“Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality” 2 Chron. 19:4–11. Jehoshaphat saw to it that the Word was taught throughout Judah. But he did more. He established officials to administer the Law. That is, he saw to it that the Law was lived in Judah.
To maintain revival it’s not enough to know the Word of God. We must put it into practice, as our rule and guide to daily life.

“Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD” 2 Chron. 20:1–13. Again the text returns to the theme of relying on the Lord. When Judah was invaded, the king called on his people to actively seek God, and led his nation in prayer. “We have no power to face this,” the king confessed. And so “our eyes are upon You.”
Revival is kindled and maintained by a sense of our deep personal need for God’s help always. Keeping our eyes on the Lord as sole source of help is a vital key to spiritual renewal.

“He did what was right” 2 Chron. 20:31–37. King Jehoshaphat was not without flaws. The text reminds us of this by telling of another time when he unwisely entered into a joint venture with Israel (vv. 35–37). And despite his efforts and his example, the people failed during his reign to set their hearts on God (v. 33). Yet he “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.”
This, the epitaph of all the godly kings of Judah, is an epitaph we might well desire for ourselves. We may accomplish less than we set out in life to do. But if we do what is right in the eyes of God, we have lived successfully and well.

DEVOTIONAL
Praise before Victory
(2 Chron. 20)
I suppose we all know that it’s appropriate to thank and praise God for His goodness even though we sometimes forget. This passage, however, points up an unexpected aspect of praise. We can praise before we experience His goodness. We can praise before we receive what we request.
Threatened by a massive invasion force, Jehoshaphat called on all of Judah to look to God. The king himself led in prayer, confessing Judah’s lack of power and expressing total reliance on God. In response God spoke through the Prophet Jahaziel and promised victory. “The battle is not yours, but God’s,” the prophet proclaimed. “Stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you. . . . Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you” (v. 17).
Immediately after receiving this word from God, the king and the people fell down to worship. And then in a “very loud voice” some of the Levites stood up and began to praise God.
The danger was still ahead. The invading army still threatened. But God’s people began to praise Him before the promised victory was won!
The next day God did provide victory. Ancient armies were often composed of a variety of peoples, some hired as mercenaries and others engaged as allies. In this case God caused the various peoples who composed the invading force to annihilate each other before Judah’s army even arrived! The praises that resounded over the slain enemy were so loud and heartfelt that the place was given a new name: Beracah, the “Valley of Praise.”
One day when final victory is won, as we stand with Jesus in God’s eternal kingdom, our shouts of praises too will be loud. Yet we too are called to praise now.
When we’re afraid, we’re called to praise.
When we’re discouraged, we’re called to praise.
When we face any enemy, we’re called to praise.
And praise we can! For we too have the promises of God. You too can “go out and face [difficulties] tomorrow.” You too can know that “the LORD will be with you.”
And this, the assurance of God’s presence with us, is cause for praise. Praise even before victory.

Personal Application
When discouraged or afraid, praise God that He most surely will be with you.

Quotable
“Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.”—C.S. Lewis

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

DAVID’S DESCENDANTS FALL
2 Chronicles 10–13

“He and all Israel with him abandoned the Law of the LORD” (2 Chron. 12:1).

God kept His promise to David. His descendants did rule on Judah’s throne. But when David’s descendants abandoned God, judgment followed. Even those covered by the promises of God cannot sin impudently.

Overview
Rehoboam’s attitude caused the northern tribes to rebel and set up the rival kingdom of “Israel” (10:1–19). Those faithful to God left Israel to settle in Judah (11:1–23). When Rehoboam abandoned God’s Law, the Lord permitted Egypt’s Shishak to invade Judah (12:1–16). The next king of Judah, Abijah, defeated Israel in battle because he “relied on the LORD” (13:1–22).

Understanding the Text
“Be kind to these people” 2 Chron. 10:1–19. Rehoboam’s arrogance was the immediate cause of Israel’s rebellion. While the “turn of events” was “from the LORD,” Rehoboam’s foolishness serves as a healthy reminder. Use of authority, and the attitude of a person with authority, either wins or loses the allegiance of others.
Being kind to people is not only good leadership. It is the way Christians are called to live.

“So they obeyed the words of the LORD” 2 Chron. 11:1–4. The furious Rehoboam mustered an army to subdue the north. His plans for war were interrupted by the Prophet Shemaiah, who spoke not only to Rehoboam but to “all” in Benjamin and Judah. The text says “they” responded to the prophet’s command not to fight against their brothers. Perhaps the king was one of the “they,” but it seems likely it was the people rather than the king who responded to God’s word.
There are times when we should not obey the law of the land. When human law conflicts with God’s commands, we, like the men of Judah, are to obey God.

“Those from every tribe of Israel” 2 Chron. 11:5–17. In the north Jeroboam abandoned the ritual commands of the Old Testament and set up a counterfeit faith. He set up golden calves, ordained any who would serve as priests, and replaced the required religious festivals to be celebrated at Jerusalem with festivals of his own.
This apostasy forced the Levites and all “who set their hearts on seeking the LORD” to abandon the north and move into Judah. The strength of this movement is seen in the fact that Judah could muster only 180,000 soldiers when the kingdom divided, yet some 18 years later was able to field an army of 400,000!
How wise God was in commanding Judah not to fight their brothers. Fighting might well have hardened the hearts of those God intended to seek Him.
We too win many more to the Lord by loving them than by fighting them.

“You have abandoned Me” 2 Chron. 12:1–5. After a poor start, Rehoboam acted wisely as king, strengthening his kingdom. But with his defenses complete, the king and all Judah “abandoned the Law of the LORD.” God abandoned Judah to be invaded by Egypt under Pharaoh Shishak. Shishak’s description of his invasion is described in a temple inscription found in Karnak, Egypt. The Egyptian stripped the temple of the treasures David and Solomon had gathered, and Judah became a subject nation.
God is faithful to those who remain faithful to Him. He is also faithful to discipline His own when we abandon Him. The invasion was not intended to harm Judah. In fact, the vast wealth that was lost had been dedicated to God! In one sense it cost God to discipline His people.
Let’s remember when we are disciplined that God’s punishment is motivated by a love which cost Him far more than it can ever cost us.

“The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves” 2 Chron. 12:6–16. Two things are of note here. First, Judah is spoken of as “Israel.” This is not a mistake in the text, though the Northern Kingdom rather than the south bore that name. The people of Judah were “Israel,” in that all in the north who sought God had moved to Judah. The true, spiritual Israel of God lived in the south, and it was true Israel God now disciplined.
The second thing of note is that the king and people responded appropriately to discipline. They acknowledged the justice of God: they confessed that they deserved the punishment. The text says, “Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the LORD’s anger turned from him.”
Psalm 51:17 applies the lesson to you and me. “A broken and contrite heart, O God,” the psalmist says, “You will not despise.”

DEVOTIONAL
Gott Mit Uns
(2 Chron. 13)
You could find these words on the belt buckles of the Kaiser’s German troops in WWI. You can find a similar slogan on our coinage: “In God We Trust.” But when do words like these mean something? When do they become a door that opens for us God’s intervention and help?
Perhaps Abijah, David’s great-grandson, has the answer. Oh, Abijah was no spiritual giant. The Book of Kings tells us that Abijah, who became king after Rehoboam, “committed all the sins his father had done before him” and that “his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD” (1 Kings 15:3). Yet the Chronicler selects one incident in which Abijah’s reliance on the Lord led to direct divine intervention.
Abijah was forced into a war with Jeroboam of Israel, though he had only half the troops. Yet Abijah shouted out a warning to the enemy! Judah, Abijah said, had been faithful to God. It had maintained the required services at the temple which God Himself had chosen, which was served by Levites and priests whom God had ordained. On the other hand, Israel came to battle carrying golden calves which they honored as gods, with priests God had neither called nor ordained.
Based on Judah’s faithfulness in observing the requirements for worship which the north had forsaken, Abijah proclaimed “God is with us; He is our Leader. . . . Men of Israel, do not fight against the LORD, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed” (v. 12).
Some might dismiss Abijah’s words as mere psychological warfare. Others might criticize him for maintaining that worship rituals proved true devotion to the Lord. But the text tells us that God did deliver Judah. They were “victorious because they relied on the LORD, the God of their fathers.”
What’s fascinating is that, despite Abijah’s failings and the sins of Judah, God did come to their aid! Abijah may have had more claim to divine favor than Israel, but nothing he or Judah had done really merited God’s intervention. Still, when Judah relied on the Lord—and because they relied on the Lord-God did act.
It’s the same for you and me today. We can’t claim perfection. We fail God too often. We can’t even claim to be better than folks who don’t go to church. Going to church in itself scores no points with God. But when we are in need, we can do the one thing Abijah and Judah did which did win God’s favor. We can abandon self-confidence, and rely completely on God.
It is trust, not being right, and not even being righteous, that brings God to our aid.

Personal Application
Rely on God to help, not because He owes you, but because of who He is.

Quotable
Lord,
I crawled across the barrenness
to You with my empty cup
Uncertain
in asking any small drop of refreshment.
If only I’d known You better
I’d have come running with a bucket.-Nancy Spiegelberg

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

SOLOMON’S ACHIEVEMENTS
2 Chronicles 5–9

“May Your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, this place of which You said You would put Your Name there” (2 Chron. 6:20).

Solomon’s early concern for God’s glory, and the wisdom that attracted rulers of surrounding nations, serves as an example of the ministry of the Davidic Ruler yet to be born.

Background
Types. A “type” is an Old Testament person, event, or institution that corresponds in some significant way with a New Testament person, event, or institution. Solomon, as one who became king in accordance with God’s promise to David, corresponds in some ways to THE Descendant of David, Jesus Christ, who will fulfill all elements of that promise and rule forever. The Chronicler selected those achievements of Solomon which exemplify the ministry of the coming Messiah. Specifically the Chronicler draws our attention to Solomon’s concern for God’s glory, shown in the dedication of the temple. He also draws our attention to the fact that Solomon’s fame spread across the ancient world, and drew Gentiles to Israel. As Isaiah 60 says of the Messianic Age, “Nations will come to Your light, and kings to the brightness of Your dawn. . . . And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD” (vv. 3, 6). In these things at least Solomon is a type, or example, of the Messiah that the Chronicler was sure would come.

Overview
Solomon’s concern for God was shown in bringing the ark to the temple (5:1–14), in praising God for fulfilling His promise (5:1–11), in dedicating the temple with prayer (vv. 12–42) and sacrifice (7:1–10), and was confirmed by God’s appearance to Solomon (vv. 11–22). The prominence of Solomon’s kingdom (8:1–18), fame (9:1–12), and splendor (vv. 13–31), suggest the glories of a messianic kingdom to come.

Understanding the Text
“The priests then brought the ark of the LORD’s covenant to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple” 2 Chron. 5:1–14. When construction was complete, the temple furnishings were carried in by the priests. The occasion was one of great celebration. Every priest was consecrated in order to carry out the massive sacrifices. The most significant act was placing the ark of the covenant in the holy of holies, where it would remain, unseen except once each year by the high priest. The temple, bright with the beauty of the gold and craftsmanship lavished on it, was nothing apart from the presence of the ark within it. All its beauty was a tribute to that object which symbolized the forgiving presence of God.
Today God is present within the hearts of believers. No miracle of medical science can scan our hearts and detect the divine Spirit. But, like Solomon, we can lavish concern on providing the Lord with as beautiful and holy a residence as possible. Through the beauty of our lives others may sense the reality of the God within, who is the source of all our love and goodness.

“While the whole assembly of Israel was standing there” 2 Chron. 6:1–11. Like Solomon, the believer today speaks both to other human beings and to God. What do we say to others? Solomon’s theme as he spoke to all Israel was simple. “God is faithful.” God had promised David that Solomon would sit on his throne, and that Solomon would build a temple for the name of the Lord. What God said had now been fulfilled. So Solomon reminded Israel of the divine promise, and praises God for His faithfulness.
When we share our faith with others it’s usually more effective to witness to God’s faithfulness than to engage in a theological argument. We too can testify that God has kept His Word to us, and point others to the promises He makes to them in Christ.

“Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD” 2 Chron. 6:12–42. What do we learn from what Solomon said to the Lord? For one thing, we learn that there is no situation in which God’s people cannot call on God to forgive, and to restore lost blessings.

“My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place” 2 Chron. 7:1–16. Solomon dedicated the temple to the Lord, and in response fire fell from heaven and the glory of the Lord, as a visible cloud, filled it. This evidence that God chose to dwell in the temple moved an awestruck Israel to worship and praise.
This was undoubtedly what some have called a “mountaintop experience.” It was a moment in time when God’s people experienced His presence; when they felt especially close to the Lord and were, for the moment, wholly dedicated to Him.
The problem with mountaintop experiences is that sooner or later we find ourselves again in the valley. The emotion fades; the pressures of daily life intrude. All too often we even make unwise choices and wander from God’s pathway. Then, suddenly, we realize we’ve lost that intense glow, that sense of dedication, that overpowering love for God, we felt on the mountaintop.
How do we recover after we’ve wandered deep into some dark valley? After God had revealed His glory to an ecstatic Israel, He gave this prescription to Solomon. “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
There is a way back.
Humble yourself.
Pray and seek God’s face.
Turn from wicked ways.
God promises to hear, to forgive, and to heal. God remains on the mountaintop, as His presence remained in the Jerusalem temple. However deep our valley, God invites us to turn, and climb back to Him.

“Pharaoh’s daughter” 2 Chron. 8:1–11. In ancient times treaties were frequently sealed by the marriage of a royal daughter to a foreign king. However, Egypt resisted this custom. The fact that Solomon was given Pharaoh’s daughter in marriage is strong evidence of the reputation, power, and glory of Israel and of Solomon himself.

“You have far exceeded the report I heard” 2 Chron. 8:12–9:30. The splendor of Solomon’s kingdom and his worldwide reputation exemplifies the influence David’s future, greater Son will have. The Chronicler emphasized Solomon’s successes, but the story of the visit by the Queen of Sheba is particularly important. She represents all the Gentiles, who will come to Jerusalem in the Messiah’s day to learn from the One who will fulfill all God’s promises to David.
The story is significant for us too. We are to attract non-Christians to Jesus by the quality of our lives. The sour believer who grimly confronts every acquaintance with real or supposed sins is not the kind of witness God calls to the stand to testify to His goodness.

DEVOTIONAL
When to Pray
(2 Chron. 6)
The better we know God, the more comfortable we are in prayer.
This simple truth is illustrated in Solomon’s prayer dedicating the Jerusalem temple. Solomon understood completely that God is transcendent. “The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You,” Solomon cried. “How much less this temple I have built?” Yet Solomon also realized that God is present, here and now. “Will God really dwell on earth with men?” The wonderful and amazing answer is, “Yes!” And, in Solomon’s day, the symbol of that vital, living presence of God with men was the temple God had chosen as the place to put His name.
But do we truly realize that God, who is too great to be contained in the vast universe, is with us always? Or do we at times forget His commitment to be “with men”? Certainly when we’ve sinned, or fallen short in some awful way and are overcome by shame, we’re likely to feel far from God. And even to feel that He has left us too.
Perhaps that’s why Solomon goes on in his prayer to list occasion after occasion when God’s hand would lie heavy on Israel, and to ask that then, when Israel is furthest from God, He might hear “when a prayer or plea is made by any of Your people Israel.”
What a reminder for us, as we read Solomon’s long list of times when there is a need to pray but we may hesitate in fear or doubt. God has committed Himself to be “with men.” Because God transcendent is also God present with us, we can come to Him even when we feel farthest away, and know that He hears our prayer.

Personal Application
God is never farther than a prayer away.

Quotable
“Come now, little man! Flee for a while from your tasks, hide yourself for a little space from the turmoil of your thoughts. Come, cast aside your burdensome cares, and put aside your laborious pursuits. For a little while give your time to God, and rest in Him for a little while. Enter into the inner chamber of your mind, shut out all things save God and whatever may aid you in seeking God; and having barred the door of your chamber, seek Him.”—Anselm of Canterbury