2 Chronicles 19-20; 2 Kings 1; Psalm 22; Matthew 3
2 Chronicles 19-20
King Jehoshaphat of Judah is another illustration of the complexity of human character. The Scriptures consistently show that no one is perfect. Even the kings of Judah, who were mostly God-fearing and positively influenced the people, had their flaws. Jehoshaphat did much to return the people to the worship of God: "Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the Lord, the God of their fathers" (2 Chronicles 19:4). Establishing a system of governance through judges, he urged them, "Now let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery" (2 Chronicles 19:7).
However, like other men of faith, Jehoshaphat had a character trait that caused him problems. For some reason, he repeatedly tried to ally with the kings of the northern kingdom of Israel, first with Ahab and then with Ahaziah. Perhaps he did this with good intentions (to reconcile the divided nation), but God condemned this because the kings of Israel were wicked.
Nonetheless, Jehoshaphat's general knowledge of and devotion to God allowed him to act with trust in God during a severe test of his faith, the attack by the Moabites and Ammonites. His heartfelt humility and understanding of complete dependence on God led to a miraculous victory granted by Him.
2 Kings 1
The book of 2 Kings opens with the story of King Ahaziah of Israel, who, after injuring himself, sends messengers to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the God of Ekron, instead of seeking the Lord. This apostasy prompts Elijah to intercept the messengers with a stern message from God, condemning Ahaziah for not seeking the God of Israel. This chapter highlights the continued struggle between the worship of the true God and the idols that had pervaded the northern kingdom of Israel.
Psalm 22
Psalm 22 is a Messianic psalm that prophetically speaks about Jesus Christ. In many ways, King David foreshadowed the Messiah, the ultimate King of God's people. The Lord allowed David to experience similar situations that the Messiah would later go through more thoroughly. Jesus Christ and the New Testament authors quote Psalm 22 multiple times: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1). "They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing" (Psalm 22:18).
Matthew 3
The main purpose of John the Baptist's ministry was to introduce the Messiah to the people. His preaching and call to repentance were necessary to prepare the people's hearts, emphasizing the importance of a severe attitude toward God and His promises. In His baptism, Jesus identifies Himself with all other sinful people, showing He is one of them. The central element of this identification is the testimony of the Father: "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased'" (Matthew 3:17).
King Jehoshaphat of Judah is another illustration of the complexity of human character. The Scriptures consistently show that no one is perfect. Even the kings of Judah, who were mostly God-fearing and positively influenced the people, had their flaws. Jehoshaphat did much to return the people to the worship of God: "Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the Lord, the God of their fathers" (2 Chronicles 19:4). Establishing a system of governance through judges, he urged them, "Now let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery" (2 Chronicles 19:7).
However, like other men of faith, Jehoshaphat had a character trait that caused him problems. For some reason, he repeatedly tried to ally with the kings of the northern kingdom of Israel, first with Ahab and then with Ahaziah. Perhaps he did this with good intentions (to reconcile the divided nation), but God condemned this because the kings of Israel were wicked.
Nonetheless, Jehoshaphat's general knowledge of and devotion to God allowed him to act with trust in God during a severe test of his faith, the attack by the Moabites and Ammonites. His heartfelt humility and understanding of complete dependence on God led to a miraculous victory granted by Him.
2 Kings 1
The book of 2 Kings opens with the story of King Ahaziah of Israel, who, after injuring himself, sends messengers to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the God of Ekron, instead of seeking the Lord. This apostasy prompts Elijah to intercept the messengers with a stern message from God, condemning Ahaziah for not seeking the God of Israel. This chapter highlights the continued struggle between the worship of the true God and the idols that had pervaded the northern kingdom of Israel.
Psalm 22
Psalm 22 is a Messianic psalm that prophetically speaks about Jesus Christ. In many ways, King David foreshadowed the Messiah, the ultimate King of God's people. The Lord allowed David to experience similar situations that the Messiah would later go through more thoroughly. Jesus Christ and the New Testament authors quote Psalm 22 multiple times: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1). "They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing" (Psalm 22:18).
Matthew 3
The main purpose of John the Baptist's ministry was to introduce the Messiah to the people. His preaching and call to repentance were necessary to prepare the people's hearts, emphasizing the importance of a severe attitude toward God and His promises. In His baptism, Jesus identifies Himself with all other sinful people, showing He is one of them. The central element of this identification is the testimony of the Father: "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased'" (Matthew 3:17).
Posted in Reading Bible Together