A WHOLE MAN

2 Chronicles 19-21: How to Pray? Jehoshaphat's reign is marked by reform and a desire to lead Judah in righteousness, yet the people's hearts remained far from God (20:33). When Judah was threatened by a vast alliance of enemies, Jehoshaphat responded not with military might but with humble, dependent prayer. His approach teaches us how to seek the Lord: he prepared his heart, sought the Lord alone (20:3), declared God’s sovereign power (20:6), remembered His past faithfulness (20:7), stood on His promises (20:8–9), and confessed total dependence on God (20:12). This prayer points us to Christ, our perfect intercessor, who teaches us to pray in faith to our sovereign, covenant-keeping God—trusting Him for deliverance, both temporal and eternal. May our prayers have eyes set on the Lord for who He is, what He has done, and trust in what He will do. 2 Chronicles 22-25: Wise and Foolish Counsel. : After Athaliah seizes the throne and seeks to wipe out the Davidic line (22:10), God...

  1 Chronicles 25-28: Zeal for the Lord. These chapters continue David’s meticulous preparations for the Temple—organizing musicians, priests, Levites, and officials, and amassing the resources needed for its construction. Though he has everything in place—materials, manpower, and a heart full of zeal—David submits to God’s will and refrains from building, acknowledging that the task belongs to Solomon by divine appointment. His exhortation to the people to “observe and seek out all the commandments of the LORD” (28:8) and to Solomon to “serve Him with a whole heart and with a willing mind” (28:9) highlights that worship must be governed by God’s word, not human impulse. True zeal is not self-directed but obedient; it points forward to Christ, whose perfect obedience and priestly work secure our right worship before the Father. 1 Chronicles 29-2 Chronicles 2: Greatness. Second Chronicles opens in this way, "Solomon the son of David established himself in his kingdom, and the LORD ...

1 Chronicles 2-5 and 6-9: Genealogies. According to 2 Timothy 3:16–17, every word of Scripture—including the genealogies—is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. Though these chapters may be difficult to read, they remind us that Scripture is not merely for information but for transformation. Each name represents a life and a story known to God, though hidden from us. These genealogies do not exalt the achievements of man, but reveal the sovereign hand of God, faithfully working through generations from Adam to Abraham, to David, and through the tribes of Israel. Rather than stress, these names should stir in us joy and awe—God is building His people and fulfilling His redemptive purposes. The ultimate fulfillment of these genealogies is found in Christ, the promised Seed, through whom the true people of God are gathered. Let these chapters lead us to glorify God, to pray for faithfulness in our lives and in the generat...

  Reflection: What makes for a good king? In the books of Kings, we see a recurring contrast: kings who "did what was right in the sight of the LORD" and walked in the ways of David, and those who "did what was evil in the sight of the LORD" and followed the ways of Jeroboam (1 Kings 15:3; 2 Kings 17:21). This contrast not only serves as a theological framework for understanding the kings' reigns, but it also illustrates the deeper biblical themes of covenant faithfulness and rebellion. A good king, according to God’s standard, is one who upholds His covenant, leads the people in righteousness, and fosters worship of the true God. In contrast, a bad king follows the path of idolatry, disobedience, and pride, as seen in the reigns of kings like Jeroboam and Ahab. As you read through the Kings, reflect on the spiritual condition of each ruler, recognizing that the actions and heart of each king point to the greater need for a perfect King, Jesus Christ, who would ...

Reflection: Originally a single book, Kings was divided into two parts in the Jewish tradition with the printing of the Bomberg Rabbinic Bible (Venice, 1517) (Cogan Mordechai, 1 Kings , pg. 84). Together with Samuel , Kings chronicles the entire period of Israel's monarchy. The reigns of David and Solomon initially offer hope, showing the fulfillment of God’s promises, as their leadership marks a stark contrast to the chaotic times of the judges. However, this era of peace and prosperity is short-lived. After Solomon's death, the kingdom divides, and a downward spiral begins. Despite the ministries of prophets like Elijah and Elisha, Israel’s heart continues to turn toward idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal. As we journey through Kings , we witness the relentless depravity of man, but we are also reminded of God’s unshakable promise to David—that He would raise up a son to sit on the throne and establish an everlasting kingdom. This promise keeps us looking forward, n...