Month: October 2022

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 9, Day 2: 2 Kings 4:1-7

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 4:1-7

The widow spoke to Elisha, saying her husband, a believer, is dead and now her boys are about to be enslaved to pay his debts. Elisha asked her what she had in her house. She said oil. He told her to gather empty jars from her neighbors and then to pour oil into all of them. The oil did not stop flowing until all the jars were filled. Elisha told her to sell the oil to pay her debts and live off the rest.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 9, Day 2: 2 Kings 4:1-7

3a) The widow’s boys are about to be enslaved to pay the debts of her dead husband. Then, there would be no one to care for her, too.

b) Why did her husband, a believer, have to die? Why did her sons have to pay the price of her husband’s debt? How were they all to live now? What would happen to them? Why must she and her sons suffer?

c) Through Elisha, He told the widow what to do and gave her a way to pay her debts and still have money to live. God provided everything she could need.

4a) God always cares for His people. He cares for those who ask Him for things and who are willing to obey Him and take action on their own behalf. God always has a way if only we’ll listen.

b) Many times. Financially many times. Friendships. Granting me the longings of my heart.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 9, Day 2: 2 Kings 4:1-7

I don’t remember this story, and it’s such a cool one! Great stuff about God’s provision for His people!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 9, Day 2: 2 Kings 4:1-7

There was no bankruptcy in ancient times. The debt had to be paid, and that usually meant with slave labor, even children.

She poured her one jar of oil out in faith, and the other jars were filled with oil. Note the woman had to take action and follow God’s directions in faith — as well all should.

Note the number of jars determined the blessing. The oil would not stop flowing till all the jars she had gathered were filled.

The world is full of suffering, and God allows it often to grow our faith in Him. Suffering tests our faith.

Elisha asked the simple question of “How can I help?” This is a question we all should ask others around us who are suffering.

God provided faithfully and abundantly in the widow’s life. He wants to do the same in ours.

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Friday Digest BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF PEOPLE OF THE PROMISE: KINGDOM DIVIDED LESSON 8

  • God’s work always continues, even after you’re gone
  • God’s grace and mercy are unbounded
  • God holds people accountable for how they react to Him
  • God’s timing is always perfect
  • Times of great need allow God to display His great power
  • One believer can make all the difference
  • God pursues us to the end
  • Great victory often contains great sadness or sacrifice
  • Embrace the role God has given you

TAKE AWAY: The consequences of rejecting God are severe.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 5: 2 Kings 3:20-27

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 2:20-27

Water appeared as God promised.

The Moabites mistook the water for blood and assumed that all the kings killed each other. They ran to the camp of Israel who fought them. They slaughtered the Moabites and destroyed their towns, covering the fields in rocks, stopping up the springs, and cutting down the trees.

The King of Moab tried to break through to the King of Edom but failed. He offered his firstborn son as a sacrifice on the city wall. The israelites withdrew.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 5: 2 Kings 3:20-27

13) God provided water, which was mistaken as blood by the Moabites, which got them off balance for the war ahead.

14) All of the land of Moab was destroyed, prompting the king to sacrifice his firstborn son to their gods. This causes the Moabites to hate the Israelites for what they did to their land and for forcing them (in their minds) to make such a sacrifice to their gods.

15) That He is faithful. That He answers prayers. That He wants the desires of our hearts to come true.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 5: 2 Kings 3:20-27

Great victory often contains great sadness or sacrifice (such as the pagan sacrifice of the son).

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 5: 2 Kings 3:20-27

Sometimes what God tells us to do doesn’t make sense until it’s done.

God uses the ditches to save the men in more ways than one: with water and with confusion to the enemy.

The king of Moab was desperate when he sacrificed his son. He wanted to honor his gods and help give his people courage in the face of the enemy.

The Israelites saw the sickening sacrifice and left.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 4: 2 Kings 3:1-19

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 3:1-19

Joram (or Jehoram) son of Ahab became king of Israel during the reign of Jehoshaphat king of Judah and reigned 12 years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, but he did get rid of the sacred stone of Baal.

Moab had to pay tribute to Israel with lambs and wool. But when Ahab died, Moab rebelled. Joram set out to control the rebellion. He asked Jehoshaphat to help, which he agreed to do. They set out through the desert of Edom and the king of Edom joined them. However, they marched for 7 days when they ran out of water. Jehoshaphat was the only one to seek God in this situation, asking for a prophet.

Elisha was amongst them. They called for him, and only because of the presense of Jehoshaphat did Elisha prophesy. The Lord said through Elisha to dig ditches that the Lord would fill with water for everyone and their animals. The Lord will hand Moab over to you.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 4: 2 Kings 3:1-19

10) King Joram did evil in the eyes of the Lord, but he did get rid of the sacred stone of Baal. King Joram set out to control a rebellion, and he managed to unite Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom, too. This is great influence, indeed.

11a) Moab refused to pay tribute to Israel with lambs and wool. Jehoshaphat, King of Judah and the King of Edom

b) Jehoshaphat had made peace with Israel. (1 Kings 22:44).

c) They got lost and ran out of water.

d) Jehoshaphat called for Elisha to ask for God’s help.

12) One, don’t go wandering in the desert without enough water and no sense of direction. Two, don’t partner with unbelievers. Three, seek God when you’ve messed up. Four, do whatever God tells you to do.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 4: 2 Kings 3:1-19

Again, we see God’s great mercy when he not only provides water that the men need to save their lives, but He also grants them victory over their enemies.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 4: 2 Kings 3:1-19

Fun Fact: Joram is the 9th evil king over the kingdom of Israel.

Jehoshaphat was more experienced in battle than Joram, which is why he was asked which way to attack the Moabites.

Note how Joram immediately assumes God will not help them, and they have been sent into the hands of the Moabites; whereas, Jehoshaphat seeks God here. Joram blames God.

The three kings humble themselves and go to see Elisha who only agrees to speak to them because of Jehoshaphat. Note how it’s good to be friends with believers.

Note the spiritual power of music here.

God would provide water but in a miraculous way, leaving no doubt it’s from Him.

Note how God has them work first (by digging ditches) before they are rewarded (with life-giving water). God is preparing the people for a blessing by giving them a task they can do, not a task that is insurmountable.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 2:13-25

Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak and used it to part the Jordan River and cross over. The company of prophets recognized that the spirit of Elijah rested on Elisha. Still, they wanted to go and look for Elijah and Elisha let them at their insistance. They looked for three days with no sign of Elijah.

Elisha purified the water of Jericho using salt, saying the Lord healed the water. As Elisha went to Bethel, he was jeered at by some youths. He cursed them and two bears mauled 42 of them. He then went to Mount Carmel and then to Samaria.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

7a) He allowed Elisha to have Elijah’s cloak. He allowed Elisha to part the Jordan River the same way Elijah had done. None of the company of prophets found Elijah.

b) In order to leave no doubt who would be taking Elijah’s place as God’s chosen spiritual leader after Elijah’s departure.

8a) It seems that Elisha took the insults personally and had the youth hurt. Plus, they are youth. Young people do dumb things and say dumb things. The punishment seems severe for just jeering.

b) It must have been in a malicious tone and against God to have such dire consequences. Plus, when you consider that they were mocking Elisha then they were also mocking God, then the punishment makes sense.

9) Matthew 7: 6-23 tells us that you can tell by their fruits or works. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 tells us to have confidence in what we know is God’s word.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

It’s hard to read the jeering section. Yet, we were not there and cannot hear the tone of the youths (who may have been older since men lived longer back then). Odds are, the words were threatening and insulting enought for Elishat to ask God to intervene.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

The picking up of the cloak by Elisha demonstrated him picking up the torch passed from Elijah.

The parting of the Jordan River shows that Elisha inherited the same power that Elijah had since God answered Him.

By Elisha asking “Where it the God of Elijah?”, he’s asking where’s the God who performed miracles, provided for Elijah, and gave Elijah strength during his ministry? That’s the God Elisha is seeking (as we all should).

Remember that Joshua cursed anyone who rebuilt what God has destoryed (Joshua 6:26; 1 Kings16:34). God’s grace and mercy are unbounded here.

The youths were from Bethel that has many pagan places of worship. They basically told Elisha to die when they said “go up” referring to Elijah ascending to heaven. This thus mocked Elisha and the God he served, as well as rejected God. For most of us know, the consequences happen at death. Here, God sent a clear message the consequences of rejecting Him. God’s timing is always perfect.

Note Elisha cursed the men, but God provided the consequences. Elisha left it up to God to do this.

42 men is a lot and there were probably more. It could have been a mob jeering at Elisha, which could quickly get out of control and then needed to be dispersed before Elisha was hurt. Note the word “mauled.” It is possible these men were not killed, just hurt.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 2:1-12

Elijah and Elisha were on their way to Gilgal. Elijah tried to make Elisha stay behind instead of accompanying him to Bethel, but Elisha insisted on going. He also insisted on going to Jericho and the Jordan. 50 prophets stood at a distance while Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the Jordan River with it. It divided so they could cross on dry ground.

Elijah asked Elisha if there was anything he wanted before he was taken to heaven. He asked to inherit a double portion of his spirit. Elijah said if he sees him when he is taken, he will have it. A chariot of fire and horse of fire appeared, separated them, and took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha cried out and then saw him no more. He took his own clothes and tore them in grief.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12

3) Close. Elisha did not want to let Elijah go.

4) Elisha asked Elijah to inherit a double portion of his spirit, probably meaning to be as wise as he was.

5) A chariot of fire and horse of fire appeared, separated them, and took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. It’s a cool way to get to heaven. It’s very unique, so it makes me wonder just how important Elijah must have been to not have to suffer death like we all have to.

6a) God cares for all of His people, providing their every need.

b) He always provides. Always.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12

I love this scene. So encouraging and inspiring. I love the relationship between Elijah and Elisha, too. Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12

Commentators believe that Elijah is testing Elisha’s devotion as he moves from place to place as his death nears.

Elisha could have asked for wealth, but instead he wanted the Spirit of God. The double portion refers to the what the first born son receives Deuteronomy 21:17. Itshows Elisha’s commitment to continue Elijah’s work.

Elijah had the strength of Israel with him. We’ll see these same words uttered at Elisha’s death (2 Kings 13:14)

Fun Fact: Only 2 men in the entire Bible, Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah, avoided death to get to heaven.

The company of prophets were most likely prophets in training.

Elijah’s miraculous crossing of the Jordan is reminiscent of Moses’s parting of the Red Sea as the Israelites fled Egypt.

Elijah to Elisha foreshadows John the Baptist to Jesus. One preceeded the other and followd with reconciliation and healing. God is preparing His people for His Son.

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Friday Digest BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF PEOPLE OF THE PROMISE: KINGDOM DIVIDED LESSON 7

  • God shows up when you place complete trust in Him
  • Only God has what we need
  • Never compromise your core values
  • Compromise can be costly
  • God handles all of our problems, big and small
  • God is always in control. Knowing this gives you peace
  • God’s timing is perfect
  • Talk to God in prayer always
  • Humans fail; God never does
  • Pray, serve, wait

TAKE AWAY: Only God truly knows.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 5: 2 Chronicles 20:31-21:3

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 20:31-21:3

Jehoshaphat reigned in Jerusalem 25 years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. The high places were not removed, and the people still has not set their hearts on God. Later, Jehoshaphat made an alliance with the evil king Ahaziah, king of Israel, to build trading ships. The Lord destroyed the ships as punishment for this alliance.

Jehoshaphat died and Jehoram his son succeeded him.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 5: 2 Chronicles 20:31-21:3

13a) Both. It was corrective as a consequence of aligning with a wicked king and protected Judah and Jehoshaphat from having to deal with Israel and risk more pagan ways introduced to their country.

b) He has many times moved me away from those who would cause me to sin. God is good.

14) For the most part, Jehoshaphat did right in the eyes of the Lord with only a few stumbles. As humans, we all do this. That is our goal. To walk most of the time with the Lord, and when we fall, to get right back on the path of the Lord.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 5: 2 Chronicles 20:31-21:3

I loved learning about Jehoshaphat. Didn’t know/remember much about him. Great king with some faults like we all have. Great examples of God being with His people. Good stuff.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 5: 2 Chronicles 20:31-21:3

The writer of Chronicles does not set the fault of the people still not walking in the ways of the Lord as Jehoshaphat’s fault, which is true. There’s only so much control you have over your people as a king.

1 Kings 22:48-49 is the parallel passage of the wrecked ships. Another offer of alliance with Ahaziah after this failed one was refused by Jehoshaphat. He learned his lesson (which is a great lesson for us, too!).

God’s mercy shown through when he wrecked the ships. This prevented Jehoshaphat from an ungodly alliance — something none of us want.

It is presumed that the gift of fortified cities to Jehoshaphat’s other sons got them away from the influence of Jehoram, so they would not be seen as a threat.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 4: 2 Chronicles 20:14-30

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 20:14-30

The Lord spoke via the prophet Jahaziel in response to Jehoshaphat’s prayer. He told them that they should go out to meet the army tomorrow and to not be afraid. The battle is the Lord’s battle, and they won’t have to fight it. The Lord will deliver them to Judah. Everyone bowed down in worship of the Lord.

The next day, Jehoshaphat and the people went to meet the enemy, singing praises to the Lord. The Lord set up ambushes and turned the armies of the enemy against one another. They slaughtered each other, leaving no one left alive to fight. Jehoshaphat found lots of plunder amongst the men and carried it way, taking three days to do so. They praised God for what He had done.

When the other neighbors of Judah heard how the Lord had destroyed the enemies of Judah, the fear of God came upon them and Judah was at peace.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 4: 2 Chronicles 20:14-30

10) God rewarded Jehoshaphat’s prayer handsomely, completely annihilating the enemy without Jehoshaphat having to lift a finger. The Lord set up ambushes and turned the armies of the enemy against one another. They slaughtered each other, leaving no one left alive to fight.

11) Stand firm in the Lord, and God will deliver your enemy. Do not be afraid or discouraged. God will be with you.

12a) They sung praises to God, thanking Him. They had total faith God would do what He said He would do. And God did! They never lost faith; they never wavered.

b) Thank God for His faithfulness each and every day. That He is in control and will work things out as they are meant to be worked out. And, He will answer prayers in unexpected ways.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 4: 2 Chronicles 20:14-30

Powerful stuff! God shows up when asked and delivers more than expected. God is good.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 4: 2 Chronicles 20:14-30

It still took faith to show up even if the people didn’t have to battle. Oftentimes, the Lord gives us work to do to help strenthen our faith even though He has got it.

Jehoshaphat still consulted with his people, as a good king should. Since the singers went first, this showed that Jehoshaphat believed in God with total faith since they would be the first to be killed if God had not shown up.

Faith won the battle, but it was the praise that exhibited faith.

Jesus fought and won our final battle for us over sin; all we have to do is have faith in Jesus and believe.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 3: 2 Chronicles 20:1-13

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 20:1-13

Jehoshaphat inquired of the Lord about the threat from the Moabites, Meunites, and Ammonites. The people fasted to ask the Lord. Jehoshaphat prayed to God, praising God and telling Him how they had spared Moab and Ammon when they came out of Egypt and now they are repaying them with war. He says he does not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. Every man, woman, and child stood before the Lord, waiting.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 3: 2 Chronicles 20:1-13

6) The Moabs and Ammonites were threatening war against Judah, and they did not know what to do.

7a) The people fasted to ask the Lord. Jehoshaphat prayed to God, praising God and telling Him how they had spared Moab and Ammon when they came out of Egypt and now they are repaying them with war. He says he does not know what to do, but our eyes are on the Lord.

b) Panic usually. Then a calmer mind. Then ask others. And ask God for help.

8 ) “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” This is most of us most of the time. Even when you don’t know what to do, God does, so lean on Him.

9) Moving. Unsure what to do, so I’m just praying and waiting for His timing.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 3: 2 Chronicles 20:1-13

Love, love, LOVE verse 12. We have no power and no knowledge, but God does! And praise Him for that!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 3: 2 Chronicles 20:1-13

Seek God, and He will do great things!

Fasting in the Bible is a sign that you are 100% relying on the Lord and His power.

Great example of prayer here.

  • Recognize the power of God
  • Recognize God’s work
  • Prayed God’s word
  • Put total reliance on God
  • Stand and wait on God to answer

Powerful prayer model, indeed.

Commentators often point to Jehoshaphat’s prayer as the model prayer. It begins with adoration of God, reminds God of His former promises, sets forth a problem, and asks for help. Then, Jehoshaphat thanks God in advance for the answer.

This is how we should all pray. Talking to God. In our good moments and our bad. When we wake; before we sleep, and all throughout our days. We need God in the good and the bad. No matter how muddled your prayers, God knows. That’s all that truly matters. So open your heart to Him today.

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