His Steadfast Love Endures Forever. 2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles covers many of the same stories as in 1 and 2 Kings, from Solomon through to the time of exile. The focus however is on the kings of Judah, that is, the descendants of David. By contrast, Kings follows both Israel and Judah, but Chronicles mentions the king of Israel only when they directly inpact the history of Judah.

The book follows the ups and downs of the kings, their good and bad times. There were times of repentence and renewal as God's Law was found and followed. There were times of idolatry and pride. This was in a sense foreseen by Solomon, in his prayer of dedication for the temple (1 Chronicles 6). He makes a plea to God to listen to the prayers of his people, at all times. If (or when) a man sins against his neighbour, when Israel is defeated in battle, when there is no rain, when there is famine or pestilence or plague, when a foreigner enters, when anyone sins against God, when they are carried into exile - If any of these happen, and the people pray to God, then hear them and answer their prayers. Solomon knew that the people would sin ('for there is no one who does not sin') and that these disasters would come because of their sin. Yet he also knew that people would repent and turn back to God. And so they did. It's like Jesus speaking to Peter before his denial, "when you have turned again...". He knew that Peter would deny him, but he also knew that Peter would return ("when"). I guess this gives me, not a justification to sin, nor a casual acceptance of sin, but the comfort that my sin is not a surprise to God, and nor is it the end of the story. Time and time again, we see God restoring his people who repent.

This lineage (the kings of Judah) was the fulfilment of God's covenant with David, found in 1 Chronicles 17. "I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne will be established forever." There were many times when it looked like this line would come to an end, when the king and their brothers and sons seemed to be all killed in one fell swoop, or invasion and assassination appeared immanent. But God continually kept the line alive.

Once I finished reading 2 Chronicles, I went forward to the first chapter of Matthew. And there again was this (now) familiar line of fathers and sons. God continued his work, and it culminated in the birth of Jesus Christ, in and from this very lineage. God fulfilled his promise to David, not because of the deservingness of the descendants and followers whose heads turned every which way and only occasionally back to God. But because of his great love and purpose. So, the oft repeated cry of Chronicles, 'Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His steadfast love endures forever!'

He Tangata. 1 Chronicles

The first chapters of 1 Chronicles are some of those genealogies that make my eyes glaze over. In fact, this whole book contains the highest proportion of names that I've seen in any text outside a phone book. Every so often you'll get to one that you recognize: Look, there's Boaz who married Ruth, or there's Caleb who spied out the land. But mainly they seem to be unknowns, who lived out their lives without much hue or cry. Yet this was enough to be included in "all Israel", God's people. Because people matter. An old Maori proverb goes: "He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata! He tangata! He tangata!" What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! It is people! It is people!

Now I don't know if this is exactly how it went down, but maybe David got to a point where he decided 'I don't care about the individuals any more; I just want to find out how many people there are'. Maybe that's why God' response was 'When you reduce the people you are leading to just a number, you're missing the point', and he sent pestilence as punishment.

Many bible stories focus on the big personalities, the movers and shakers, like the judges or the kings. Chronicles shows the worth and even the necessity of the 'ordinary' folk. Those who work the pastures and raise their families during the span of the genealogies. Those who sing and play instruments. The workmen: 'stonecutters, masons, carpenters and all kinds of craftsmen'. Those 'having the care of the courts and the chambers, the cleansing of all that is holy'. Those whose role was to 'assist with the showbread, the flour, the wafer, the baked offering'. Those who kept the gates, and those who kept the money, and those who kept the divisions of soldiers in order (and those soldiers themselves). All these people and more served God. In fact, 'every willing man with skill in any kind of service' was of service the Solomon, God's king.

So then, how can we hold back the skills that we have? David prays 'For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you'. This 'all things' refers to both the talents of money, and the talents of skill. We can offer what we have no matter how small or large we think it is, for the service of God and people.

One more application: We can pray for, thank and encourage those who are serving faithfully behind the scenes in church and in the community, living 'ordinary' lives for an extraordinary God.

Adventure 23-26, II Chronicles: Where do our loyalties lie?

Continuing the theme of order from the previous book, there is a lot of detail given about the building and dedication of the temple, Solomon's wealth, and later the sacrifices of kings who turned back to God.

Leaving that theme behind, in this book I considered the emphasis on loyalty - particularly to the Lord, and the kings' trust in Him. Solomon's pray in chapter 6 seems to be a forewarning of what is coming. He acknowledged the reality that he and future kings would sin against the Lord - for there is no one who does not sin - and the Temple is to be a place to bring the people back to God in repentance. But they did not often do so.

For almost all the kings we have a short statement that sums up their life, and showed where their loyalty lay. They either did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, or did evil.

There are more grey 'report cards', though. Amaziah did what was right, but not with a whole heart - not fully loyal to God. This becomes clear after his conquest of Edom. He sought God's help to conquer the nation, which was granted. He then took Edom's idols, and set up places of worship for them. Some gratitude!

The other example is Jehoshaphat, who was courageous in the sight of the Lord. He seems to be similar to others who did right in the Lord's eyes, but his marriage alliance and willingness to be hang around and go to war alongside the evil house of Ahab trains his record. He leaves a good personal testimony in terms of his insistence on consulting the Lord's prophet before war, but doesn't follow the advice well. He also sets a strong example of faith as he goes into battle with only musical instruments and praise to God. However, his divided loyalty between God and the house of Ahab seems to lead the next generation to turn away from God. This breaks a line of kings that did 'what was right in God's sight'. Jehoram and Ahaziah both turn away from God, and are even closer to the house of Ahab. Jehoram also marries the house of Ahab, and his wife Athaliah rules as queen for a short time when Ahaziah is killed, continuing the evil reign.
This reason for this change in the line of kings from good to evil does not lie solely with Jehoshaphat, but his alliance with the house of Ahab does seems to be a major contributor. It reminds me of the importance of seeking Godly companions, and not making strong alliances with people whose loyalty does not lie with God, for they will try to drag my loyalty to Him away.

Jehoiada turns the next king's loyalty back to the Lord, and his faith in protecting Joash as a child and setting him up as king is remarkable testimony to his loyalty to God. Joash reigns well while Jehoiada lives, but turned back to idolatry when Jehoiada died, ignoring the warning of Jehoiada's son Zechariah.

Hezekiah also shows strong loyalty to God in the face of very difficult circumstance. In today's terms, Sennacharib's invasion could be thought similar to the US or China invading NZ, or any other small country. Unlike other kings before him, Hezekiah turns not to other kings about him for help, but turns to the Lord, and the Lord rewards his loyalty and smites the Assyrian army Himself. In the end of his days his heart turned to pride and self-interest, but he did humble himself before God when confronted.

Manasseh his son began with his loyalty fixed on idolatry and false gods, but humbled himself and turned his loyalty to God. His son also turned to idols, but his loyalty did not change, refusing to humble himself.

Finally, we get to Josiah! How good it is to see the testimony of a man who turned the people back to following God, and where the people did not turn away from God all the days of his life! He was a loyal king indeed, loyal first to God, and to his people in leading them to God - reminding them of the law, and turning all again to the feasts held in remembrance of all that God had done for them. Challenging to think about how loyal I am to the people around me in reminding them of all God has done!

The final kings are not loyal either to God or to their word when conquered by Babylon. Yet God is shown loyal to His word by Isaiah - Cyrus proclaimed the return of the captives to Judah.

So where do our loyalties lie? With God, or with idols (whatever form they take today)? If to God, is our heart constant, or do we hold something back - or compromise our witness by allying with evil. And do we seek to remind others of God and draw their loyalty to Him (through His power of course, not our own)?

Frances R Havergal:

1. Who is on the Lord’s side? Who will serve the King?
   Who will be His helpers, other lives to bring?
   Who will leave the world’s side? Who will face the foe?
   Who is on the Lord’s side? Who for Him will go?
   By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine,
   We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!
2. Not for weight of glory, nor for crown and palm,
   Enter we the army, raise the warrior psalm;
   But for love that claimeth lives for whom He died:
   He whom Jesus saveth marches on His side.
   By Thy love constraining, by Thy grace divine,
   We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!
3. Jesus, Thou hast bought us, not with gold or gem,
   But with Thine own lifeblood, for Thy diadem;
   With Thy blessing filling each who comes to Thee,
   Thou hast made us willing, Thou hast made us free.
   By Thy grand redemption, by Thy grace divine,
   We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!
4. Fierce may be the conflict, strong may be the foe,
   But the King’s own army none can overthrow;
   ’Round His standard ranging, vict’ry is secure,
   For His truth unchanging makes the triumph sure.
   Joyfully enlisting, by Thy grace divine,
   We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!
5. Chosen to be soldiers, in an alien land,
   Chosen, called, and faithful, for our Captain’s band;
   In the service royal, let us not grow cold,
   Let us be right loyal, noble, true and bold.
   Master, wilt Thou keep us, by Thy grace divine,
   Always on the Lord’s side—Savior, always Thine!

Adventure 20-22, I Chronicles: A house in order

Having just read the previous books, there is perhaps a tendency to think we have heard all the stories before. In a way that is true - we have read most of the stories already, but the different emphasis here gives us further insights and is here for our learning. In addition, there are other small stories and extra details we haven't seen in the previous books.

There is a beauty of order in this book. Aptly named, of course, as 'chronicles' does imply a sense of order. The record of the genealogies, the mighty men, the gifts for the temple, and David setting his house in order before he died.

The book starts with the genealogies, which are important for 2 main reasons. First they are an important part of history - showing connections and proving lineage. Secondly, there are reminders as we read through that though we know some of these names with familiarity, God knows each and every one intimately. Short snippets give us a peak into the life of some characters - such as the verse about Jabez:

Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!" And God granted what he asked. 

(1Ch 4:10)

As we leave the genealogies and begin the history, we get a brief mention of Saul, simply as a setting for the life of David. Not a pleasant epitaph, but an fitting one:

So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the LORD in that he did not keep the command of the LORD, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. He did not seek guidance from the LORD. Therefore the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse. 

(1Ch 10:13-14)

We have an account of the men that fought with David. Again, small snippets, but keen insights into the character of men that surrounded David both when he was hiding from Saul and in the early years of his reign. We also see why Joab was made the commander of the army - the first to strike the Jebusites at Jerusalem.

When we come to the story of the ark going up the Jerusalem, we have a bit more detail than in the previous record in II Samuel. The first attempt was made with the ark on a cart  - and the people accompanying it were not the Levites. It should never have been attempted like this. The death of Uzza is not a matter of everything going well until that point, but more the tipping point that brought the judgment of God for not following His commands regarding His ark. The next time they went to take up the ark, they listened, and had the appointed people carrying the ark, as commanded in the law. Purification was made, and sacrifices offered. Things were done in order, and it pleased God.

'Order' does not mean dry, stoic, or unemotional, though, as seen in this very story. David shows unbridled joy and praise to God in dance and singing as the ark is brought in, even though his wife despises him for it. (In II Samuel, we learn she is punished for that - not mentioned here, perhaps as the emphasis is on the actions of the king.)

Except for a brief interlude describing David's sin in numbering the people, the rest of the book centres around the preparations for the temple, and the continuance of the throne. These two concepts are linked, and switch back and forth - David wants to build the temple, God says no, but promises to always have someone of the Davidic line on the throne. Then in the descriptions of the preparations, David advises both Solomon and the people, preparing both to continue on following God after his death. Just because he couldn't build the temple, didn't mean he wasn't going to do absolutely all he could to help.

It is an important point to meditate on, and an important principle to live by. We may not get the jobs we want, or be able to perform the activities we desire to (good though they may be), but just because someone else gets the responsibility (and credit) for the job/activity does not prevent us from helping in an unofficial role, if we are able to.

Perhaps the most important lesson from this book, though, is the example left by David in preparing Solomon and the people for after his death. I am reminded of our reading in Joshua - the advice/encouragement given to Joshua at the start by God, and the speech by Joshua to the people at the end of his life have remarkable parallels here. The advice given to Solomon in Chapter 22 is perhaps on Solomon's mind later when he asks for wisdom from God. Like Joshua and Moses before him, David reminds the people of what God has done, and exhorts them to stay true to God. He also reminds them of the youth of Solomon, and exhorts the people to support the young king. He gives his own wealth, and encourages the people also to be generous with theirs - a recognition of the truth that people care more when they have invested their own wealth into something - this was not David's temple, or Solomon's - it was the people's place to worship God, and they all had a stake in it. They were not forced, but gave willingly with a perfect heart, led by the example of a man after God's own heart.

Adventure 26 2 Chronicles 29-36

Challenged to read 2 Chronicles 29-36 http://www.bartleby.com/108/14/29.html

Re-discovering the relevance of God's word for each generation is an exciting adventure. This video is an attempt to link the text with American culture http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZmdwls8g4E
This video is trying to teach American kid's the story of King Hezekiah http://vimeo.com/23161959
How can you take part in this adventure of discovering the relevance of God's word for your generation and within your culture? What have you learnt about God?

Adventure 25 2 Chronicles 21-28

Challenge to read 2 Chronicles 21-28 http://www.bartleby.com/108/14/21.html

 

Yup, the video is pitched at an 8-year-old American boy, so it is not particularly nuanced. The text is definitely better. In your mind, at what age do most people embark on adventures?  What did you learn today?

Adventure 24 2 Chronicles 11-20

Challenged to read 2 Chronicles 11-20  http://www.bartleby.com/108/14/11.html

The tone and style of Chronicles seems well suited to the audience of returned exiles living in the time of Nehemiah and Ezra and also to those still exiled in Babylon. They deal with many tough issues and are probably having an adventure they would rather not have. On one hand, they face enemies who seemed more powerful, on the other hand they are trying to return and re-establish their home in Canaan.The book of Chronicles contains all the elements/doctrines that are contained in Kings concerning both the legal and Levitical codes, but it also stresses the elements of faith, humility, and hope.  Do you see these elements in the chapters you read today?

(Taken from http://markhaughwout.com/Bible/Chronicles_Kings_comparison.htm)

Adventure 23 2 Chronicles 1-10

Challenged to read 2 Chronicles 1-10 http://www.bartleby.com/108/14/1.html

An overview http://www.ivpress.com/bible/2chron/

What are the adventures involved in a building project? How does Solomon organise national worship of God?  What does it show you about God?

Adventure 22 1 Chronicles 21-29

Challenged to read 1 Chronicles 21-29 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%2021&version=WEB

David purchased a threshing-floor for the site of the Temple (1 Chronicles 21–22), but then Yahweh told him that he would not be permitted to build a temple. The task of building therefore passed to David's son and successor Solomon. 1 Kings 6:1–38, 1 Kings Chapter 7, and Chapter 8 describe the construction and dedication of the Temple under Solomon. If you are interested in music of that time read http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/jamieson-fausset-brown/1-chronicles/1-chronicles-25.html

How can building a Grand Design be an adventure? What does the detailed preparation tell you about David and God?

Adventure 21 1 Chronicles 11-20

Challenged to read 1 Chronicles 11-20 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%2011&version=WEB

How do adventures and adventurers get idealised in our memories? How could draw us closer to God?

Adventure 20 1 Chronicles 1-10

Challenged to read 1 Chronicles 1-10 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%201&version=WEB

An overview http://www.ivpress.com/bible/1chron/
There is lots of genealogies in the first nine chapter that have 3 functions: the familial or domestic, the legal-political, and the religious.
In the domestic area an individual’s social status, privileges and obligations may be reflected in his placement in the lineage (see 7:14–19); the rights of the firstborn son and the secondary status of the children of concubines are examples from the Bible.
In the political sphere genealogies substantiate claims to hereditary office or settle competing claims when the office is contested. Land organization and territorial groupings of social units may also be determined by genealogical reckoning—e.g., the division of the land among the 12 tribes. In Israel military levies also proceeded along genealogical lines; several of the genealogies in Chronicles reflect military conscription (5:1–26; 7:1–12,30–40; 8:1–40).
Genealogies function in the religious sphere primarily by establishing membership among the priests and Levites (6:1–30; 9:10–34; Ne 7:61–65).
Taken from http://www.biblica.com/niv/study-bible/1-chronicles/

What do all the names tell you about God?