Devoted to Scripture

Devoted to Scripture

By Devoted to ScriptureReligion & Spirituality
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Devoted to Scripture episodes

  • #144 Nehemiah 5-7

    Day 144 of the podcast, reading Nehemiah 5-7 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Nehemiah+5-7/

    This is day 144 of our journey.

    While the work on the wall is proceeding, Nehemiah is approached by the poor of the community who are being oppressed by the wealthy.  He mourns over this, then approaches the wealthy and condemns them for the mistreatment of their brothers.  The wealthy repent and repay the poor for the crimes they have committed.  As the wall nears completion, the surrounding nations redouble their efforts to distract Nehemiah and his work crews but God is faithful and grants them protection and strength for the task at hand.  The wall is completed after only 52 days of labor!

    Join me in Nehemiah 5-7 for the completion of the wall!

    Key verses:

    Nehemiah 5:9

    Then I said, “The thing that you are doing is wrong! Should you not conduct yourselves in the fear of our God in order to avoid the reproach of the Gentiles who are our enemies?  

    Nehemiah 6:9

    All of them were wanting to scare us, supposing, “Their hands will grow slack from the work, and it won’t get done.” So now, strengthen my hands!  

    Nehemiah 7:1

    When the wall had been rebuilt and I had positioned the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed,  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    16 min
  • #143 Nehemiah 1-4

    Day 143 of the podcast, reading Nehemiah 1-4 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Nehemiah+1-4/

    This is day 143 of our journey.

    Now that the temple of the Lord has been rebuilt, a report comes to Nehemiah in Susa telling of the condition of the wall of Jerusalem.  Nehemiah becomes depressed.  The king notices Nehemiah's depression and asks him about it.  God grants Nehemiah the courage to seek the assistance of the king in returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall.  Upon arrival in Jerusalem, he surveys the city and then calls the officials together to tell them his plan.  He also recounts the blessings of the Lord that would provide all they needed for the completion of the project.  The people of the city join together in the labor and make great progress on the wall.  Meanwhile, the neighboring nations are not happy that the wall is being repaired and attempt to cause trouble for the builders.  Nehemiah is warned and instructs the workers to carry a sword or a spear as they go about the construction.

    Join me in Nehemiah 1-4 as God helps Nehemiah to rebuild the wall.

    Key verses:

    Nehemiah 1:4

    When I heard these things I sat down abruptly, crying and mourning for several days. I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.  

    Nehemiah 2:17

    Then I said to them, “You see the problem that we have: Jerusalem is desolate and its gates are burned. Come on! Let’s rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that this reproach will not continue.”  

    Nehemiah 3:32

    And between the room above the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and traders worked.  

    Nehemiah 4:8

    All of them conspired together to move with armed forces against Jerusalem and to create a disturbance in it.

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    16 min
  • #142 Ezra 8-10

    Day 142 of the podcast, reading Ezra 8-10 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Ezra+8-10/

    This is day 142 of our journey.

    Today we begin with the list of men that came up with Ezra to Jerusalem. As they gather, Ezra declares a 3 day fast to pray for protection along their journey. When they arrive in Jerusalem, Ezra receives a report that many of the men of Israel have married foreign wives and thus defiled themselves and brought judgement upon the exiles. Ezra mourns for the people, then calls the elders together to discuss the proper response before the Lord. In the end, they agree to send their wives away so that they can remain pure before the Lord.

    Join me in Ezra 8-10 as Israel strives to separate themselves from the nations.

    Key verses:

    Ezra 8:21

    I called for a fast there by the Ahava Canal, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and seek from him a safe journey for us, our children, and all our property.  

    Ezra 9:15

    O Lord God of Israel, you are righteous, for we are left as a remnant this day. Indeed, we stand before you in our guilt. However, because of this guilt no one can really stand before you.”  

    Ezra 10:4

    Get up, for this matter concerns you. We are with you, so be strong and act decisively!”

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    17 min
  • #141 Ezra 4-7

    Day 141 of the podcast, reading Ezra 4-7 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Ezra+4-7/

    This is day 141 of our journey.

    The surrounding nations continue to harass the Israelites as they attempt to rebuild the temple. Today, we are witness to many letters sent between the governors of the region and the kings of Persia in an attempt to halt Israel's efforts. In the end, the annals are consulted and the original order given by Cyrus is found.  This ends the political debates and allows the people to bring God's temple to final completion. At this time, Ezra joins another batch of exiles returning to Jerusalem and begins to teach the Law of the Lord in Israel.

    Join me in Ezra 4-7 for the completion of the temple despite objections.

    Key verses:

    Ezra 4:24

    So the work on the temple of God in Jerusalem came to a halt. It remained halted until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia.  

    Ezra 5:5

    But God was watching over the elders of Judah, and they were not stopped until a report could be dispatched to Darius and a letter could be sent back concerning this.  

    Ezra 6:16

    The people of Israel – the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the exiles – observed the dedication of this temple of God with joy.  

    Ezra 7:10

    Now Ezra had dedicated himself to the study of the law of the Lord, to its observance, and to teaching its statutes and judgments in Israel.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    18 min
  • #140 Ezra 1-3

    Day 140 of the podcast, reading Ezra 1-3 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Ezra+1-3/

    This is day 140 of our journey.

    The book of Ezra begins with the proclamation of King Cyrus of Persia that the temple of the Lord would be rebuilt in Jerusalem. He grants permission for Israelites to return to their land to help with the project.  40000 Israelites return home after 70 years in exile.  As the foundations of the temple were laid, the people praise the Lord and celebrate.  Even though it is an answer to prayer and a fulfilled promise of God, many who were alive to see the original temple weep in regret as they remember what had been lost.

    Join me in Ezra 1-3 to see the people returning from exile!

    Key verses:

    Ezra 1:3

    Anyone of his people among you (may his God be with him!) may go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and may build the temple of the Lord God of Israel – he is the God who is in Jerusalem.  

    Ezra 2:1

     These are the people of the province who were going up, from the captives of the exile whom King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had forced into exile in Babylon. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own city.  

    Ezra 3:11

    With antiphonal response they sang, praising and glorifying the Lord:“For he is good;his loyal love toward Israel is forever.” All the people gave a loud shout as they praised the Lord when the temple of the Lord was established.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    13 min
  • #139 2 Chronicles 33-36

    Day 139 of the podcast, reading 2 Chronicles 33-36 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/2+Chronicles+33-36/

    This is day 139 of our journey.

    Today we read of the final kings of Judah.  King Hezekiah's son Manasseh inherited the throne of Judah and proceeded to undo all of the positive reforms that his godly father had made.  He turned completely away from the Lord until, as a result of his sin, God drove him into captivity in Assyria.  While there, Manasseh called out to God and truly repented.  God listened to him and restored Manasseh to his kingdom where he spent the remainder of his days serving and worshiping the Lord.  His son Amon was an evil king, following in the footsteps of his father's earlier years.  Amon reigned for only 2 years before being assassinated.

    Josiah became king at the age of 8, he sought the Lord and sent men throughout the land to purify it from all places of false worship.  He sent money to have the temple restored.  While the temple was being restored, the scroll of the law was found and read to Josiah.  Josiah mourned because he realized that the Lord's anger against the people was great for the many ways that they had broken the covenant over the years.  Josiah reinstituted temple worship and called Israel to celebrate the Passover.  The nation rejoiced and celebrated in a way that was unprecedented since the days of Samuel!

    After Josiah's death, 4 kings reign, but each does evil in the sight of the Lord.  In this time of spiritual darkness, the Babylonian empire moves in to overthrow the land and take God's chosen people into exile.  70 years later, we are told of King Cyrus of Persia as he allowed the people to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple.

    Join me in 2 Chronicles 33-36 for the final kings of Judah.

    Key verses:

    2 Chronicles 33:13

    When he prayed to the Lord, the Lord responded to him and answered favorably his cry for mercy. The Lord brought him back to Jerusalem to his kingdom. Then Manasseh realized that the Lord is the true God.  

    2 Chronicles 34:19

    When the king heard the words of the law, he tore his clothes.  

    2 Chronicles 35:18

    A Passover like this had not been observed in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet. None of the kings of Israel had observed a Passover like the one celebrated by Josiah, the priests, the Levites, all the people of Judah and Israel who were there, and the residents of Jerusalem.  

    2 Chronicles 36:16

    But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his warnings, and ridiculed his prophets. Finally the Lord got very angry at his people and there was no one who could prevent his judgment.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    21 min
  • #138 2 Chronicles 29-32

    Day 138 of the podcast, reading 2 Chronicles 29-32 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/2+Chronicles+29-32/

    This is day 138 of our journey.

    Today we focus on the great king Hezekiah and the reforms he brought to the land of Judah.  King Hezekiah's first official business was to reopen the temple of the Lord and to repair the damage done by his father.  When the temple had been repaired, he called for all Israel to celebrate the Passover again. The festival was the greatest that had been seen since the time of King Solomon.  He brought all forms of temple worship back to the people and reinstated the priests and Levites in their roles.

    Near the end of his reign, Judah was invaded by King Sennacharib of Assyria who proudly denounced the God of Judah. In response, the Lord destroyed Assyria by his power and rescued his chosen people.  King Hezekiah became a very wealthy and powerful man.  Over time, he became prideful and received punishment from the Lord but, in the end, he repented and was forgiven for his hubris.

    Join me in 2 Chronicles 29-32 to learn of the reign of King Hezekiah.

    Key verses:

    2 Chronicles 29:3

    In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the Lord’s temple and repaired them.

    2 Chronicles 30:2

    The king, his officials, and the entire assembly in Jerusalem decided to observe the Passover in the second month.  

    2 Chronicles 31:21

    He wholeheartedly and successfully reinstituted service in God’s temple and obedience to the law, in order to follow his God.  

    2 Chronicles 32:7

    “Be strong and brave! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic because of the king of Assyria and this huge army that is with him! We have with us one who is stronger than those who are with him.

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    22 min
  • #137 2 Chronicles 25-28

    Day 137 of the podcast, reading 2 Chronicles 25-28 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/2+Chronicles+25-28/

    This is day 137 of our journey.

    Today we read about the reigns of 4 kings of Judah. The religious life of Judah during these reigns was a roller coaster.  King Amaziah started out well by following the Lord as he led Judah into battle, but, after defeating Edom, he took their gods back home and began to worship them.  King Uzziah followed the Lord well as long as his advisor Zechariah was alive, but then he decided to go into the temple and offer incense before the Lord (a job assigned only to the priests).  God struck him with a skin disease until the day he died. King Jotham finally served the Lord for his whole life and grew strong because he was determined to serve God.  Last, we see King Ahaz.  King Ahaz followed the ways of the surrounding nations worshiping other gods, as a result, the Lord humiliated Judah.  They were defeated over and over.  These defeats caused Ahaz to move further and further from the Lord as he worshiped gods from the nations that defeated him.

    Join me in 2 Chronicles 25-28 to see the roller coaster of religion in Judah.

    Key verses:

    2 Chronicles 25:2

    He did what the Lord approved, but not with wholehearted devotion.

    2 Chronicles 26:16

    But once he became powerful, his pride destroyed him. He disobeyed the Lord his God. He entered the Lord’s temple to offer incense on the incense altar.  

    2 Chronicles 27:6

    Jotham grew powerful because he was determined to please the Lord his God.  

    2 Chronicles 28:19

    The Lord humiliated Judah because of King Ahaz of Israel, for he encouraged Judah to sin and was very unfaithful to the Lord.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    16 min
  • #136 2 Chronicles 21-24

    Day 136 of the podcast, reading 2 Chronicles 21-24 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/2+Chronicles+21-24/

    This is day 136 of our journey.

    The death of Jehoshaphat ushered in a dark period in the days of Judah. His son Jehoram became king and led the people away from the Lord. His reign was so bad that "no one mourned when he died." His son Ahaziah replaced him and continued to do evil for his brief 1 year reign.  When he died, his mother, Athaliah, daughter of Ahab, executed the entire royal line so that she could be queen and lead Judah into deeper idolatry. One son of Ahaziah was rescued. This young man, Joash, was raised in the temple by Jehoiada and when he was 7, Jehoiada set him up as king and had Athaliah executed for her crimes. Joash's reign began as a glimmer of light. He served God well for the entire time that Jehoiada was alive to advise him.  But, as soon as Jehoiada died, Joash listened to the advice of ungodly men and abandoned the Lord, God of Israel. Despite his strong start as king, he eventually led the people in worshiping other gods.

    Join me in 2 Chronicles 21-24 to see how low we can fall when we allow the ungodly to influence us.

    Key verses:

    2 Chronicles 21:20

    Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. No one regretted his death; he was buried in the City of David, but not in the royal tombs.  

    2 Chronicles 22:10

    When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she was determined to destroy the entire royal line of Judah.  

    2 Chronicles 23:21

    All the people of the land celebrated, for the city had rest now that they had killed Athaliah.  

    2 Chronicles 24:17

    After Jehoiada died, the officials of Judah visited the king and declared their loyalty to him. The king listened to their advice.

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    17 min
  • #135 2 Chronicles 17-20

    Day 135 of the podcast, reading 2 Chronicles 17-20 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/2+Chronicles+17-20/

    This is day 135 of our journey.

    Jehoshaphat replaced Asa as king after his death. Today, we get four chapters dedicated to his deeds.  Jehoshaphat served God well at the beginning of his reign.  He sent teachers throughout Judah to teach the law of the Lord to everyone. In battle, he cried out to God for help, and God delivered mightily.  But, Jehoshaphat made an alliance with King Ahab of Israel.  This alliance led to his eventual downfall as he allowed himself to be drawn away from the Lord. This is a reminder that the friends we choose matter in that they can lift us up or they can just as easily drag us down.

    Join me in 2 Chronicles 17-20 to see the reign of Jehoshaphat in good times and bad.

    Key verses:

    2 Chronicles 17:9

    They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the scroll of the law of the Lord. They traveled to all the cities of Judah and taught the people.  

    2 Chronicles 18:1

    Jehoshaphat was very wealthy and greatly respected. He made an alliance by marriage with Ahab,  

    2 Chronicles 19:9

    He commanded them: “Carry out your duties with respect for the Lord, with honesty, and with pure motives.  

    2 Chronicles 20:12

    Our God, will you not judge them? For we are powerless against this huge army that attacks us! We don’t know what we should do; we look to you for help.”

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    17 min

About Devoted to Scripture

From the publisher's feed

This will be a daily posting of my trip through the Bible. I will be reading the NET aloud. Each day I will introduce the passage with a brief commentary. But mostly I will simply be reading the Word of God for you.