Milo

APRIL 1

Reading 91

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

MARCH 31

Reading 90

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

MARCH 30

Reading 89

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

2 Chronicles

MARCH 29

Reading 88

SOLOMON’S TEMPLE 2 Chronicles 1–4“Solomon gave orders to build a temple for the Name of the Lord” (2 Chron. 2:1).The temple Solomon built was not large, but in quality and workmanship it was the best he could create. We need not do great things for God. But whatever we offer Him should represent the best that we can do.

Definition of Key Terms

Temple.

The Jerusalem temple, which housed the ark of the covenant, symbolized God’s presence with His people. All the religious celebrations and all Israel’s sacrifices were to be held there, in the presence of the Lord. Because the temple was fully identified with the public worship of God, the attitude of a king toward the temple was an urate measure of his piety. A major feature of the revivals led by godly kings was always purification and/or repair of the temple, and revitalization of temple worship. This fact is reflected in 2 Chronicles, which in each description of Judah’s godly kings emphasizes the ruler’s restoration of temple rites. The emphasis on the temple in the Chronicles reflects conditions in the writer’s day. A small group of Jews had ventured back to Judah from Babylon, intent on rebuilding the temple. After years of delay the temple was completed, but only after the Prophet Haggai reminded the Jews that the promised Messiah, the descendant of David destined to reestablish Israel, would come to God’s house and fill it with glory (Hag. 2:6–9). Thus the temple must be ready, and God’s people must worship there while awaiting the promised Offspring of David. The writer’s purpose in the Chronicles, then, was to demonstrate God’s faithfulness to His promises to David, and to encourage worship while waiting expectantly for God to keep the rest of the Davidic Covenant. The Jews must gather around God and His temple and wait. Cherubim. The word seems to be a general term for various winged, supernatural beings who symbolize the holiness of God (cf. Ezek. 1:4–14; 10:1–22). We have no clear evidence to suggest how they were depicted on the inner walls of the Jerusalem temple.

Overview

Solomon pleased God by asking for wisdom to lead the Lord’s people (1:1–17). He ordered construction of a temple dedicated to God (2:1–10), and obtained help from King Hiram of Tyre (vv. 11–18). The temple (3:1–17) and its golden decorations and furnishings (4:1–22) are described.

Understanding the Text

“Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom” 2 Chron. 1:1–13. Solomon had flaws. But 2 Chronicles focuses our attention on Solomon’s concern for Israel’s spiritual welfare, demonstrated in his building of the temple. In this and other ways Solomon foreshadowed the King yet to come from David’s line. The similarity is emphasized when we first meet Solomon. He had been appointed ruler, and immediately called all Israel together to worship the Lord. When invited by God to ask for a gift, he chose “wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people.” The selfless request pleased God, who granted him wisdom, and added the riches and honor which Solomon had not requested. The story emphasizes aspects of Christlikeness that are to characterize us as well. We too are to bring others to meet and worship the Lord. We too are to put others first, and seek gifts that enable us to serve. “The king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones” 2 Chron. 1:14–17. First Kings devotes considerable space to descriptions of Solomon’s wealth, wisdom, and commercial ventures. Second Chronicles hardly mentions these, but goes into great detail about Solomon’s concern for the temple. To this commentator on history, the spiritual is far more important than material splendor. The Chronicler’s emphasis is a valid reminder that none of our worldly accomplishments are as significant as our spiritual achievements. “The temple I am going to build will be great” 2 Chron. 2:1–18. The chapter lists some of the preparations Solomon made. The number of men involved, as well as the vast amounts of timber, stone, and precious metals, are impressive. Yet Solomon clearly expressed a basic truth. The temple would be great “because our God is greater than all other gods.” It’s true that God deserves our best. But it is important to remember that God Himself is our glory, not the monuments we erect to Him. The Jerusalem Temple. The wonder of the Jerusalem temple was not in its size, but in the wealth and workmanship expended on it. The temple was long and narrow. At 90 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 40 feet high, it was about the size of a modern suburban house. The description given here in 2 Chronicles 3–4 does not provide enough details for an accurate portrayal, but the temple probably looked much like the drawing above.

DEVOTIONAL

Come Share (2 Chron. 2)

The women who ran our Backyard Bible Clubs were concerned. A number of the clubs were held in neighborhood homes where the moms weren’t Christians. Now some of those moms wanted to teach! In some ways their doubts must have reflected Solomon’s as he wrote to Hiram, king of Tyre. Though Tyre had maintained friendly relationships with David, the two nations were of diverse race and religion. Yet Solomon’s letter not only offered to purchase lumber and hire workmen, but even requested a skilled metalworker to supervise his Hebrew artisans! In effect Solomon invited Hiram to have a significant role in constructing a temple dedicated to Israel’s God! Two things are striking about this passage. Solomon went to a Gentile to help him build God’s temple. And that Gentile acknowledged God as no mere local deity, but the One “who made heaven and earth.” Israel had an exclusive relationship with the Lord, rooted in the Abrahamic Covenant and confirmed in history by God’s acts on His people’s behalf. Yet Isaiah spoke frequently of a day when Gentiles will flock to God, called by the bright light of Israel’s Messiah (Isa. 11:10; 42:6; 49:6). The temple of Israel was to be a temple for all mankind. As Jeremiah 16:19 predicts: To You the nations will come from the ends of the earth and say, “Our fathers possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good.” That day of universal salvation is foreshadowed in the fact that God permitted the Gentile Hiram of Tyre to contribute so much to the Jerusalem temple. And the conversion of the Gentiles is foreshadowed by Hiram’s recognition of God as Maker of heaven and earth. Interestingly, the women who ran our Backyard Bible Clubs decided to make the hostesses “teacher’s helpers.” In that role several, like Hiram of old, came to know the Lord.

Personal Application

When others seem responsive to God, welcome them.

Quotable

“Take care not to frighten away by stern rigor poor sinners who are trying to lay bare the shocking state of their souls. Speak to them rather of the great mercy of God, and make easy for them what is at best a difficult task. Be especially gentle with those who from weakness of age or sex have not the courage to confess the ugly things they have done. Tell them whatever they have to say will be no news to you. Sometimes people are helped by your telling them about your own lamentable past.”—Francis Xavier

2 Chronicles

INTRODUCTION

Second Chronicles continues the postexilic author’s commentary on history. The author showed that God was faithful to His promise to David, whose descendants held the throne of Judah in an unbroken line. The author also evaluated each king by his dedication to God, expressed in his concern for the temple built by Solomon. None of these kings fulfilled God’s promise of a ruler from David’s line destined to establish a righteous, eternal kingdom. So the tiny Jewish community in Judah was to look ahead expectantly, and continue to serve the Lord until the promised Ruler came.

OUTLINE OF CONTENTS

I.	Solomon, the Temple Builder	2 Chron. 1–9
II.	Role Call of Judah’s Kings	2 Chron. 10–36