I Kings 22:51-53; II Kings 1 It’s a short reading today, so if you are a bit behind, now’s your chance to catch up. But I have to admit that I am a bit puzzled (not to mention irritated) that the schedule provided by The Chronological Study Bible would zing us through the entire book …
Author Archives: John S.
May 26 / II Chronicles 17-20
II Chronicles 17-20 Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat! What a contrast there is between Jehoshaphat of Judah and Ahab of Israel! Whereas Ahab actively pursues policies opposing the LORD, Jehoshaphat runs toward the LORD. He continues Asa’s efforts to eliminate idolatry in Judah. Further, he sends a number of preachers throughout Judah to instruct the people in the …
May 25 / I Kings 20-22:50
I Kings 20-22:50 There is plenty to think about in today’s reading, but three things in particular stick out for me. First, in Ahab’s victories over Ben-Hadad, it should be abundantly clear that the LORD grants these victories for His own name’s sake. These victories are not a reward for Ahab’s (or Israel’s) good behavior. …
May 24 / I Kings 16:21-19:21
I Kings 16:21-19:21 Today we meet wicked King Ahab and his adorable wife, Jezebel. Together they strongly institute Baal worship in Israel, furthering Israel’s descent into idolatry. We also meet Elijah, who appears quite suddenly, with no backstory, no build up to establish who he is or what authority he might have. Elijah just appears …
May 23 / II Chronicles 12-16
II Chronicles 12-16 Chronicles gives us some details that we do not get in Kings. We see some positive features of both Rehoboam and Abijah, and shortcomings in Asa. Asa is still clearly the most godly of these first three kings of Judah, as he works to eradicate idolatry. But late in his reign, after …
May 22 / I Kings 14:21-16:20; II Chronicles 10-11
I Kings 14:21-16:20; II Chronicles 10-11 We now have a divided kingdom. As I mentioned yesterday, Chronicles focuses on the southern kingdom of Judah and mostly ignores the northern kingdom of Israel. But Chronicles cannot ignore Israel entirely because what happens there often affects Judah, too. We see that today in II Chronicles 11:13-17, where …
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May 21 / I Kings 12-14:20
I Kings 12-14:20 Yesterday we read that the LORD declared that He would tear ten tribes away from Solomon’s son and give them to Jeroboam. Today, we see the fulfillment of that declaration. Solomon is dead, and his son ascends to the throne, but before Rehoboam can establish himself, Jeroboam (the LORD’s chosen man, whom …
May 20 / I Kings 11; II Chronicles 9:29-31
I Kings 11; II Chronicles 9:29-31 Fool! How else should we describe Solomon in the end? Here he is, endowed with more wisdom than anyone else, yet he chooses to ignore its first principle that he himself stated: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One …
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May 19 / Song of Songs
Song of Songs 1-8 If you thought we raced through Ecclesiastes, well, we’re picking up the pace today, running through the entirety of Song of Songs in a single day. We are again pulling from last year, but note that Carol jumped in then to lead the commentary. See:
May 18 / Ecclesiastes 9-12
Ecclesiastes 9-12 See: