Devoted to Scripture

Devoted to Scripture

By Devoted to ScriptureReligion & Spirituality
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Devoted to Scripture episodes

  • #134 2 Chronicles 13-16

    Day 134 of the podcast, reading 2 Chronicles 13-16 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/2+Chronicles+13-16/

    This is day 134 of our journey.

    Rehoboam's son, Abijah, reigned for only 3 years.  He made war with Jeroboam and, being greatly outnumbered, he called out to the Lord for help.  God helped him to defeat the much larger army and he was even able to take a few cities away from Israel. After he died, Asa became king. Asa followed God wholeheartedly at the beginning of his reign.  He had a great victory over the Cushites, defeating an army of 1,000,000 soldiers! He removed false gods from Judah and led the people to joyfully make a covenant with God.  Unfortunately, later in his reign, Judah was under attack and Asa called upon the nation of Syria to protect him instead of calling out to God.  Syria saved them from Israel, but eventually became a cause of Israel's oppression.

    Join me in 2 Chronicles 13-16 to see the results of following the Lord.

    Key verses:

    2 Chronicles 13:18

    That day the Israelites were defeated; the men of Judah prevailed because they relied on the Lord God of their ancestors.  

    2 Chronicles 14:12

    The Lord struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah. The Cushites fled,  

    2 Chronicles 15:15

    All Judah was happy about the oath, because they made the vow with their whole heart. They willingly sought the Lord and he responded to them. He made them secure on every side.  

    2 Chronicles 16:9

    Certainly the Lord watches the whole earth carefully and is ready to strengthen those who are devoted to him. You have acted foolishly in this matter; from now on you will have war.”  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    12 min
  • #133 2 Chronicles 9-12

    Day 133 of the podcast, reading 2 Chronicles 9-12 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/2+Chronicles+9-12/

    This is day 133 of our journey.

    The account of Solomon's reign concludes with a retelling of his wisdom, wealth, and influence. Completely missing from this account is any reference to the sins of his later life such as serving the gods of his foreign wives. The Chronicler is again emphasizing the positive aspects of the reign, rather than mentioning the king's failures.

    After Solomon's death, Rehoboam his son becomes king.  In his first decision as the reigning monarch, Rehoboam ignores the wise advice of the elders around him and instead listens to the advice of the young men he grew up with.  As a result, the kingdom splits and Jeroboam takes 10 tribes to become the nation of Israel. The tribes of Judah and Benjamin are faithful to Rehoboam, and even the Levites abandon their homes throughout the other ten tribes to move to Judah and continue to worship the true God.  Unfortunately, Rehoboam strays from the Lord and worships other gods, bringing judgement onto Judah in the form of oppression by the surrounding nations.

    Join me in 2 Chronicles 9-12 to see the consequences of listening to bad advice.

    Key verses:

    2 Chronicles 9:27

    The king made silver as plentiful in Jerusalem as stones; cedar was as plentiful as sycamore fig trees are in the foothills.

    2 Chronicles 10:8

    But Rehoboam rejected their advice and consulted the young advisers who served him, with whom he had grown up.

    2 Chronicles 11:14

    The Levites even left their pasturelands and their property behind and came to Judah and Jerusalem, for Jeroboam and his sons prohibited them from serving as the Lord’s priests.

    2 Chronicles 12:8

    Yet they will become his subjects, so they can experience how serving me differs from serving the surrounding nations.”  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    14 min
  • #132 2 Chronicles 5-8

    Day 132 of the podcast, reading 2 Chronicles 5-8 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/2+Chronicles+5-8/

    This is day 132 of our journey.

    With the completion of the temple of the Lord, Solomon holds a great festival to celebrate.  He brings the ark of the covenant into its place in the temple and he offers thousands of sacrifices to feed the people as they worship the Lord.  During the festival, Solomon prays a blessing over the people and worships the Lord for keeping his promises to his father David. The Lord, in turn, renews his covenant with the people and promises to always be with them and listen to their prayers. He also warns that, if they refuse to follow him, he will remove himself from their presence and allow hardship to come upon them.  But, in that case, the Lord is always faithful and he will forgive Israel and draw near to them once again if they will confess their sins and return to Him.

    Join me in 2 Chronicles 5-8 for the dedication of the temple of the Lord!

    Key verses:

    2 Chronicles 5:7

    The priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its assigned place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, in the most holy place under the wings of the cherubim.

    2 Chronicles 6:15

    You have kept your word to your servant, my father David; this very day you have fulfilled what you promised.  

    2 Chronicles 7:14

    if my people, who belong to me, humble themselves, pray, seek to please me, and repudiate their sinful practices, then I will respond from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.  

    2 Chronicles 8:15

    They did not neglect any detail of the king’s orders pertaining to the priests, Levites, and treasuries.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    17 min
  • #131 2 Chronicles 1-4

    Day 131 of the podcast, reading 2 Chronicles 1-4 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/2+Chronicles+1-4/

    This is day 131 of our journey.

    As God establishes Solomon's reign, Solomon asks for wisdom to rule the people of God justly.  God responds by blessing him with wisdom, riches, honor, and long life. At the beginning of his reign, Solomon sets out on the mission his father left for him and begins construction on the temple of the Lord.  He enlists tens of thousands to work at the construction. Solomon recognizes that the temple of the Lord is not really a home for God, as God cannot be contained by a building, but rather it is a place for God's people to worship him.  We see a listing of the many items created for the temple and for use in the worship of God. As Solomon sets up the two bronze pillars, he recognizes God's work as he names them Jachin and Boaz: "he establishes" "in strength".

    Join me in 2 Chronicles 1-4 to see God establish Solomon in strength.

    Key verses:

    2 Chronicles 1:10

    Now give me wisdom and discernment so I can effectively lead this nation. Otherwise no one is able to make judicial decisions for this great nation of yours.”

    2 Chronicles 2:6

    Of course, who can really build a temple for him, since the sky and the highest heavens cannot contain him? Who am I that I should build him a temple! It will really be only a place to offer sacrifices before him.

    2 Chronicles 3:17

    He set up the pillars in front of the temple, one on the right side and the other on the left. He named the one on the right Yakin, and the one on the left Boaz.  

    2 Chronicles 4:6

    He made ten washing basins; he put five on the south side and five on the north side. In them they rinsed the items used for burnt sacrifices; the priests washed in “The Sea.”  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    14 min
  • #130 1 Chronicles 27-29

    Day 130 of the podcast, reading 1 Chronicles 27-29 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/1+Chronicles+27-29/

    This is day 130 of our journey.

    In today's reading, David gives his final commissioning charge to Solomon.  He calls on his son to follow in his footsteps by following the Lord wholeheartedly through his reign. He rejoices and praises God for the many promises that God has given to David and to his people.  Then he calls on the people of Israel to follow his lead and give gifts to help with the building of the temple.  The people respond abundantly and everything needed for building the temple is provided.  In the end, David dies and Solomon is established as king in his place.

    Join me in 1 Chronicles 27-29 to see a father sending his son forward in the power of God.

    Key verses:

    1 Chronicles 27:23

    David did not count the males twenty years old and under, for the Lord had promised to make Israel as numerous as the stars in the sky.  

    1 Chronicles 28:9

     “And you, Solomon my son, obey the God of your father and serve him with a submissive attitude and a willing spirit, for the Lord examines all minds and understands every motive of one’s thoughts. If you seek him, he will let you find him, but if you abandon him, he will reject you permanently.  

    1 Chronicles 29:14

     “But who am I and who are my people, that we should be in a position to contribute this much? Indeed, everything comes from you, and we have simply given back to you what is yours.

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    15 min
  • #129 1 Chronicles 24-26

    Day 129 of the podcast, reading 1 Chronicles 24-26 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/1+Chronicles+24-26/

    This is day 129 of our journey.

    David continues to lay out the roles for the priests and Levites at the temple. He assigns them by lot to serve in the temple as gatekeepers, as musicians, and as priests. In each instance, all the leaders are taken as equal, whether descended from the firstborn or the youngest. As the returning exiles read these assignments it must have been thrilling to hear their family name mentioned to know where they belonged in the service of the Lord.

    Join me in 1 Chronicles 24-26 to see the many ways that men can serve God.

    Key verses:

    1 Chronicles 24:5

    They divided them by lots, for there were officials of the holy place and officials designated by God among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar.  

    1 Chronicles 25:7

    They and their relatives, all of them skilled and trained to make music to the Lord, numbered two hundred eighty-eight.  

    1 Chronicles 26:13

    They cast lots, both young and old, according to their families, to determine which gate they would be responsible for.

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    13 min
  • #128 1 Chronicles 21-23

    Day 128 of the podcast, reading 1 Chronicles 21-23 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/1+Chronicles+21-23/

    This is day 128 of our journey.

    As David's reign nears its end, David sins by counting his military men contrary to the Lord's command to simply trust in the power of God.  When God is displeased with David's actions and sends a pestilence to Israel, the King confesses his sin and calls out to the Lord for grace and mercy.  After this, David begins to assemble everything required for the building of the temple of the Lord.  He recognizes that Solomon is young and will need his help in building a temple that is worthy of God. He also gathers together all of the Levites and assigns them to roles in the temple preparations and daily care.  David wants to make everything as easy as possible for Solomon to succeed.

    Join me in 1 Chronicles 21-23 to see David setting his son up for success!

    Key verses:

    1 Chronicles 21:24

    King David replied to Ornan, “No, I insist on buying it for top price. I will not offer to the Lord what belongs to you or offer a burnt sacrifice that cost me nothing.

    1 Chronicles 22:11

     “Now, my son, may the Lord be with you! May you succeed and build a temple for the Lord your God, just as he announced you would.

    1 Chronicles 23:28

    Their job was to help Aaron’s descendants in the service of the Lord’s temple. They were to take care of the courtyards, the rooms, ceremonial purification of all holy items, and other jobs related to the service of God’s temple.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    14 min
  • #127 1 Chronicles 17-20

    Day 127 of the podcast, reading 1 Chronicles 17-20 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/1+Chronicles+17-20/

    This is day 127 of our journey.

    As David continues his reign, a deep desire to build a temple for the Lord is kindled in his heart.  God tells David that he is not the man to build the temple because of his many military battles.  But, God promises David that his son will reign in his place and will build a temple for the Lord. Not only that, but the Lord promises David that his dynasty will last forever! David rejoices in God and praises him for his faithfulness.  

    Chronicles continues to show David in a positive light as the writer mentions the battle surrounding the events of David's greatest sin, but fails to specifically mention David's faults. Perhaps, this narrative is viewed though the lens of grace...as if we are seeing David's life through the eyes of a forgiving God who washes away our darkest moments as we repent and turn our lives over to him.

    Join me in 1 Chronicles 17-20 to see God's promise to David.

    Key verses:

    1 Chronicles 17:27

    Now you are willing to bless your servant’s dynasty so that it may stand permanently before you, for you, O Lord, have blessed it and it will be blessed from now on into the future.”  

    1 Chronicles 18:7

    David took the golden shields which Hadadezer’s servants had carried and brought them to Jerusalem.  

    1 Chronicles 19:13

    Be strong! Let’s fight bravely for the sake of our people and the cities of our God! The Lord will do what he decides is best!”  

    1 Chronicles 20:8

    These were the descendants of Rapha who lived in Gath; they were killed by the hand of David and his soldiers.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    13 min
  • #126 1 Chronicles 13-16

    Day 126 of the podcast, reading 1 Chronicles 13-16 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/1+Chronicles+13-16/

    This is day 126 of our journey.

    Again we are reminded of the greatness of David as he brings the ark of the Lord into Jerusalem.  At first, he does so with great rejoicing, but without much thought for the sacred procedures that God has put in place for worship.  As a result Uzzah, while guiding the ark, reaches out and touches it to stabilize it, and is killed. David mourns greatly over this death.  But, then, David does research and realizes that God has set the Levites aside as the ones that are supposed to be carrying the ark and leading the worship of the Lord. So, with greater understanding and obedience, David attempts, once again, to bring the ark into Jerusalem but this time he does things the proper way.  As they bring the ark in, David is dancing before the Lord and singing worship to his name.

    The Lord is truly great and worthy of our praise.  But as we praise, we must always strive to praise him in a way that is honoring to him. As Jesus would announce so many years later, "True worshippers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth."

    Join me in 1 Chronicles 13-16 to see an example of true worship.

    Key verses:

    1 Chronicles 13:10

    The Lord was so furious with Uzzah, he killed him, because he reached out his hand and touched the ark. He died right there before God.  

    1 Chronicles 14:16

    David did just as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer.  

    1 Chronicles 15:2

    Then David said, “Only the Levites may carry the ark of God, for the Lord chose them to carry the ark of the Lord and to serve before him perpetually.”  

    1 Chronicles 16:25

    For the Lord is great and certainly worthy of praise,he is more awesome than all gods.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    15 min
  • #125 1 Chronicles 11-12

    Day 125 of the podcast, reading 1 Chronicles 11-12 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/1+Chronicles+11-12/

    This is day 125 of our journey.

    In today's reading we again see the bias of the writer of Chronicles. He does not emphasize every aspect of the story as was done by the writers of Samuel and Kings.  Today, we see David set up as king in place of Saul, with no talk of the civil war that surrounded he ascension to the throne.  All Israel rallied to David's side to make him king.  Mighty men came to him to protect and support him.  David's line is firmly established.

    Join me in 1 Chronicles 11-12 to see the beginning of the Davidic line in Israel.

    Key verses:

    1 Chronicles 11:3

    When all the leaders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the Lord. They anointed David king over Israel, in keeping with the Lord’s message that came through Samuel.  

    1 Chronicles 12:18

    But a spirit empowered Amasai, the leader of the thirty warriors, and he said: “We are yours, O David! We support you, O son of Jesse! May you greatly prosper! May those who help you prosper! Indeed your God helps you!”So David accepted them and made them leaders of raiding bands.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    12 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.