Week 17: 1 Chronicles 25-2 Chronicles 18

 

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 his God was with him and made him exceedingly great" (1:1). Although Solomon is described as "establish[ing] himself", the real reason for his ascent and maintenance of the throne is God; which Solomon recognizes (1:8). And though God is described as being "with him", Solomon also had a heart like David and sought the Lord, keeping with Him. A man is not great if they become king. Nor are they great if they conquer their enemies. A man is great, if the Lord is with him and if he is with the Lord.

2 Chronicles 3-6: What a Wonderful God we serve. These chapters recount the completion and dedication of the Temple, but the true focus is on the glory and faithfulness of God. Though the structure is magnificent, it is God's presence filling the Temple (5:14) that makes it glorious. Solomon acknowledges that it is God who has fulfilled His promise to dwell among His people (6:10), and that though man sins (6:36), God abounds in steadfast love (5:13), hearing the prayers of the repentant and granting forgiveness (6:39). All worship, all praise, and all hope rest in the God who dwells with His people and remembers His covenant with His Anointed, Christ, in whom God dwells bodily and through whom we draw near.

2 Chronicles 7-10: Undone. The description of Solomon's accomplishments is astounding. Lacking modern technology, during his reign he is able to build "the house of the Lord and his own house" (8:1), rebuild and fortify the cities (8:2), make gold common and silver as nothing (9:20), and import a whole zoo of animals (9:21). His accomplishments and wisdom are recognized by nations near and far. Yet, like all men, Solomon dies and we learn very quickly that everything that has been built by man can be undone. Rehoboam is not like his father, Solomon, or his grandfather, David. He is unwise and causes the kingdom to be divided. The fleeting nature of human kingdoms reminds us that only Christ builds a kingdom that cannot be shaken;a kingdom that will never end, never be divided, and will endure forever in righteousness.

2 Chronicles 11-14: Two Altars. The conflict between Jeroboam and Rehoboam and his sons can be described as a war of two altars. In the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Jeroboam had "appointed his own priests for the highplace and for the goat idols and for the [golden] calves that he had made" (11:15), while the Southern Kingdom of Judah while Judah retained the Temple and the worship of the true God. Success was found, not in possessing the correct altar and high places of worship, but in worshipping the correct God. When Rehoboam "abandoned the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him", they were defeated by Egypt (12:1). However, when His sons trust in the Lord and worship Him, they defeat armies far superior than theirs, Ethiopians and Israel. These historical battles point to a deeper spiritual reality: victory over sin and Satan does not come through outward religion or self-made worship, but by faith in the living God—a faith fulfilled in Christ, who is our true altar and the only means of victory.

2 Chronicles 15-18: Lying Spirits. Like a wreck that forces you to do a double take, 2 Chronicles 18 records an event which causes us to pause and consider what is being said. In that passage, the prophet Micaiah reveals that the LORD, from his throne, sought a spirit to "entice Ahab the king of Israel" and one steps up stating that he would "be a lying spirit in the mouth of these your prophets" (18:21). This forces us to pause because 1) Would God use a lying spirit, 2) the consequence for a prophet to speak a word not from the Lord meant death, and 3) the prophets are called God's prophets. However, when we consider the sovereignty of God, we quickly dispose of the first conundrum. Secondly, it is true that a prophet whose word did not come true should be killed, but we must recall that these prophets were from the Northern kingdom so they likely were false prophets. Also, Jehoshaphat's request to hear from "another prophet of the LORD" reinforces this fact that these prophets were, in fact, not the Lord's mouthpieces. Also, a lying spirit lies. So, it is likely he was not telling the truth. One thing we know for sure however is that the Lord only speaks the truth and that He is sovereign over all things. Pray that we are not deceived but abide in Christ who is the way, the truth, and the life.

Family Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to worship God on His terms, not ours?

2. Why do human kingdoms, leaders, and accomplishments fail—but God's kingdom lasts forever?

3. How can we guard our hearts against being deceived—whether by others or by ourselves?