Grace Institute: The Writings : Chronicles Part 6

Chronicles Survey of the Old Testament: The Writings Fall 2006

The Kingdom of Judah (2 Chronicles 10-36)

Beginning in Chapter 10, a shift occurs in the narrative. The Chronicler is shows Gods grace to a stubborn people. The Southern Kingdom swings back and forth from Idol worship to true worship of Yahweh. The intention is to show what true worship of God looks like. The demonstration of proper temple worship is important for the returning remnant. The author uses each king of Judali to trace the spiritual history of the nation.

Reign of Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 10-12)

• Spiritual State: Evil
• Age: 41
• Reign as King: 17 years

Solomon has died and his son Rehoboam ascends to the throne. When the news of Solomons death reaches Egypt, Jeroboam returns to Israel. He meets with Rehoboam and seeks better living conditions. Rehoboam rejects the advice of his fathers associates. Instead, Rehoboam increases taxes and makes working conditions harsh.

Rehoboam splits the Davidic Kingdom in two. Ten tribes are in the north and two tribes remain in the South. Rehoboam gathers a large army to reunify the kingdom. Speaking through the prophet Shemaiah, God tells the people to return to their homes. Ironically, the people obey.

The priests and the Levites leave the Northern Kingdom and return to Jerusalem. This material is not included in the book of Kings.

Rehoboam continues to increase in power. He places his sons in key political positions through out Judah. Rehoboam facilitates Idol worship and abandons the Law of the Lord. God disciplines Rehoboam by sending Shishak, the king of Egypt. The people respond with humility and God removes his chastening hand. Rehoboam ruled in Jerusalem 41 years. The monarchy continues with his son Abijah

Reign of Abijah (2 Chronicles 13)

• Spiritual State:
• Age:
• Reign as King: 3 years

The Chronicles records a scathing message about the rebellion of the northern tribes when Abijah, of Judah, fought Jeroboam. The northern kingdom is rebuked for replacing the Davidic throne, making new priests, and worshipping golden calves. God delivers Jeroboams army into the hands of Judah during the battle. Jeroboam never recovered control of the northern kingdom after this battle.

Reign of Asa (2 Chronicles 14-16)

• Spiritual State: Good
• Age:
• Reign as King: 41 years

Asa becomes King of Judah when his father Abijah dies. The Chronicler gives more information about Asa than the book of Kings. That is because Asas experiences illustrated the main points the author was driving home to his readers. Asa is considered a righteous man. He removed the idol worshipping alters in the hill country. He enjoyed peace and prosperity during his reign.

Zerah the Cushite attacked Judah. Cush was located in modem day Ethiopia. God granted victory to Asa. The Cushites were routed and fled.

Asa continues to spiritual reform Judah. He gains confidence and courage when the prophet Azariah speaks to him.

The Chronicler records Asas lack of faith in Yahweh. The northern kingdom of Israel surrounded Judah and blocked all commerce. Instead of trusting Yahweh to provide a solution, as God did with the Cushites, Asa buys the allegiance of the King of Aram.

Asa seeks an alliance with a pagan King. This action was denounced by Gods prophet. Asa does not respond with humility. He throws the prophet into prison and oppressed others. God disciplines Asa with a physical ailment but he refuses to repent. Asa started by following God but his final days were filled with spiritual failure.

Reign of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17-20)

• Spiritual State: Walked with God
• Age:     35
• Reigned as King: 25 years

Jehoshaphat is a bright spot in the story. Early in his reign he walked with the Lord. His enthusiasm brought spiritual reforms through out the kingdom. Several chapters are dedicated to his reforms. He commissioned priests to teach the Law throughout Judah. Ultimately, Jehoshaphat became a prideful person. His early years provided spiritual awareness for the people but he departed from the faith of his youth as he grew older.

Chapter 20 records his prayer of dedication which is similar to Solomons at the temple dedication. Jehoshaphat based his prayer for deliverance on Gods promises.

Jehoshaphat made alliances with other kingdoms in order to gain political stability in the geographic region. His alliances included Ahab of Samaria. King Jehoshaphat fell short of the complete obedience that is required of Gods servants.

Reigns of Jehoram, Ahaziah & Joash (2 Chronicles 21-24)

King Jehoram (2 Chronicles 21)

• Spiritual State: Evil
• Age:     32
• Reigned as King: 8 years

Jehoram was evil in the sight of the Lord. His first act was to murder his brothers to gain full control over the throne. The author presented a classic example of the consequences of disobedience. This is the first king in which the chronicler is totally negative.

As Jehoram makes battle plans he receives a message frorn Elijah the prophet. This is the only place in Chronicles where Elijah is mentioned.

King Ahaziah (2 Chronicles 22)

• Spiritual State: Evil
• Age:     26
• Reigned as King: 1 year

Ahaziah did evil in the eyes of the Lord by worshipping the Baals and forming an alliance with the king of Israel. He died at the hands of Jehu.

Queen Athaliah (2 Chronicles 22:10-23:15)

• Spiritual State: Evil
• Age
• Reigned as Queen: 6 years

After the death of Ahaziah, his mother slaughtered all the descendents to the throne. She consolidated her power and took control of the kingdom. The Chronicler did not have much interest in Athaliah because she was not of the Davidic line. She was the daughter of Ahab.

The returning exiles were in a similar situation. No descendant of David is on the throne in their day. By rebuilding the temple they hoped that God would fulfill his promises.

One descendant on the throne, Joash, was hidden. When the boy reached the age of 7, he was crowned king of the leaders of Judah. Queen Athaliah was put to death.

King Joash (2 Chronicles 23)

• Spiritual State: Good
• Age:7
• Reigned as King: 40 years

Through the influence of Jehoiada the priest, Joash remained faithful to God. He brought spiritual reform and repaired the temple. After the death of his mentor Jehoiada, Joash was influenced by government officials to abandon his reforms. Joash compromised and allowed idol worship. Zechariah (Jehoiadas son) confronted King Joashs sin. The king had him stoned to death.

Reigns of Amaziah & Uzziah (2 Chronicles 25-28)

King Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25)

• Spiritual State: Good
• Age 25
• Reigned as King: 29 years

The author selected three events from Amaziahs reign to teach important spiritual lessons.

1. Amaziah followed the Mosaic Law faithfully in dealing with the people who had killed his father.
2. The king partially obeyed God in his war with the Edomites (v. 5-16).
3. The king disobeyed God by attacking Israel late in his reign.

God grants Amaziah victory in battle at Seir. This victory led to Amaziah downfall as he became prideful. God brought the king of Israel into battle against Amaziah. Jerusalem was plundered and precious articles were taken from the temple.

King Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26)

• Spiritual State: Good
• Age:     16
• Reign as King: 52 years

Uzziah was an outstanding leader and spiritual reformer of Judah. His name means Yahweh is strong. He built the fortifications and strengthened Jerusalem. He had success against the Philistines and attempted to eradicate idol worship. However, Uzziah lost his humility and became prideful. The king took personal credit for his success. He entered the temple to burn incense. God had given explicit instructions that only the priests could perform this temple ritual. The priests stopped Uzziah but not before he was instantly struck with leprosy.

King Jotham (2 Chronicles 27)

• Spiritual State: Good
• Age:     25
• Reign as King: 16 years

Jotham continued the reforms of his father Uzziah. He made improvements to the temple and did extensive work on the walls of Jerusalem. The only negative detail that the Chronicler includes is a reference to idol worship. Apparently, Jotham tolerated idol worship and did not actively stop the practice.

King Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28)

• Spiritual State: Evil
• Age:     25
• Reign as King: 16 years

Prophet:

As with other kings, the author selected three events to teach spiritual lessons.

1. Ahaz worshipped idols
2.  He sought help from Assyria instead of trusting God.
3.  He made sacrifices to foreign gods.

Ahaz is one of the evil kings of Judah. God punishes his sin by bringing the Arameans. The Arameans delivered over 200,000 prisoners into the hands of the King of Israel. A faithful prophet of God delivered a message that all prisoners should be released and treated well. The Israelites released them with food and clothing.

King Ahaz asked for help from the King of Assyria to fight against the Edomites. Ahaz plundered the temple treasure to pay the King of Assyria. Gods anger burned against Ahaz.

Reign of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29-32)

• Spiritual State: Good
• Age:     25
• Reign as King:

The Chronicler gives more space to Hezekiah than any other king. He stands in contrast to the evil King Ahaz. Yet this good king was not totally faithful to God. Five major events are recorded about this King:

1. Cleansing of the Temple
2. Passover
3. Establishing proper worship
4. Invasion of Sennacherib
5. Humility of Hezekiah

Hezekiah reinstitutes the Passover and improves temple worship. Proper worship is a central theme to the author of the book. The ground work is being laid for Ezra to promote appropriate worship.

When Sennacherib of Assyria invades Jerusalem, Hezekiah trusts the Lord for deliverance. In a remarkable story, the angel destroys the army of Sennacherib.

As with other kings, Hezekiah becomes proud. He started strong and ended weak.

Reigns of Manasseh & Josiah (2 Chronicles 33-35)

King Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33)

• Spiritual State: Evil
• Age:     12
• Reign as King: 55 years

Manasseh was an evil king who reigned for 55 years. He worshipped the gods of other nations and placed idols in the temple. God spoke to Manasseh and the people through prophets but they paid no attention.

Manasseh was taken prisoner by Assyria. While in chains, Manasseh humbled himself and prayed to the Lord for deliverance. God heard his prayer and brought him back to Jerusalem. He made some modest improvements in the spiritual condition of Judah but he still compromised.

King Amon (2 Chronicles 33)

• Spiritual State: Evil
• Age:     22
• Reign as~ King: 2 years

Amon was an evil king like his father. He died prematurely at the hands of his officials.

King Josiah (2 Chronicles 34-35)

• Spiritual State: Good
• Age:     8
• Reign as King: 31 years

Josiah is a bright spot in the history of Israel. He passionately brought reform to the people and walked with the Lord. He removed the idols and cut down the alters of the baals. The temple was in disrepair and Josiah directed the priests to make the necessary repairs.

While the temple was under repair, the book of the Law was discovered. For many years, the Torah was neglected and unknown throughout Judah. When the Law is discovered, Josiah humbles himself. God declares that disaster is coming upon the people for their disobedience. The coming punishment will be after Josiahs reign as king. Josiah is killed in battle against the king of Egypt.

Fall of Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 36)a

The last chapter of the book is a quick summary of the last four kings of Judah. The authors purpose is to show Gods direct involvement in their history. The exile was caused by following idols instead of the living God of heaven. Proper temple worship is a theme in the book.

The book ends with the decree of Cyrus which serves as a bridge to the book of Ezra. The entire mood of the book is set by the ending. Rather than ending with the failure of man, the Chronicler concluded by focusing our attention on the faithfulness of God.

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