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.
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.
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.
Jesoshaphat became king of Israel. The Lord was with Jesoshaphat because he walked in the ways his father David had in the early years. He had great wealth and honor. He was devoted to the Lord, and he removed the high places. He sent officials to teach the people throughout Jesus about God. There was peace, and many brought Jesoshaphat gifts. He became more powerful, and he built an army.
2 Chronicles 18:
There was peace between Aram and Israel for three years until Jehoshaphat king of Judah went to see the king of Israel, Ahab. Israel and Judah looked to make an alliance to take Ramoth Gilead back, but Jesoshaphat requested to inquire of the Lord first. The only prophet left was Micaiah whom Ahab did not like because he prophesied against him. All of the other prophets said to go to war and Micaiah was urged to agree. However, Micaiah refused, saying he could only say what the Lord had told him.
When Micaiah arrived when summoned for his inquiry unto the Lord, he told them that the Lord would entice them to go to war against Ramoth Gilead, but the war will be a disaster for them and that their leader would die. Zedekiah slapped Micaiah in the face, and he was ordered back to Amon to go to prison with nothing but bread and water till Ahab returns safely.
Ahab and Jehoshaphat defied Micaiah’s prophecy and went to battle for Ramoth Gilead. Ahab went disguised, while Jehosphaphat wore royal robes. The king of Aram only wanted to fight against the king of Israel, so they left Jehoshaphat alone. The king of Israel, Ahab, was hit by a random arrow. He died that night and his blood was licked by dogs as the Lord had prophesied. His son, Ahaziah, succeeded him as king.
2 Chronicles 19:
Jehoshaphat returned safely to the palace. The seer Jehu told him that the wrath of God was upon him because he made alliances with those who hate God. However, he did rid the land of Asherah poles and he does seek God. He appointed God-fearing judges to rule over his people. He appointed priests to administer the law and to settle disputes with the fear of the Lord. Amariah the chief priest will be over you in any matter concerning the Lord, and Zebadiah will be over youin any matter concerning the king. The Levites will be officials.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 2: 2 Chronicles 17-19
3a) Jehoshaphat stationed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah and put garrisons in Judah and in the towns of Ephraim. He sought God and followed his commands. He removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah. He sent officials to teach the people throughout Jesus about God. There was peace, and many brought Jesoshaphat gifts. He became more powerful, and he built an army. He built forts in Judah and store cities. He had large supplies in the towns of Judah. He kept experienced fighting men in Jerusalem.
b) Jehoshaphat had great wealth and honor. He put the fear of the Lord (Himself) on all the kingdoms surrounding Judah so that they did not make war with Jehoshaphat. Some Philistines brought him gifts and silver as tribute. The Arabs brought him flocks. He prospered.
4a) He risked God’s anger towards him. He risked his own life. He risked the lives of his own people.
b) Jehoshaphat returned safely to his palace despite his anger at him allying with Ahab who hated God.
c) LOL! Yep! I’d say every day, but there may be a couple of days I haven’t made one. God has always provided a way out. Always. And He has used it for good to be with Him and near him.
5a) “Consider carefully what you do because you are not judging for men, but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
b) We must all remember that the work we do, from our every day job to raising our kids, is for God, not for anyone else. He is with us, always, watching us. Everything we do is for Him and His glory.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 2: 2 Chronicles 17-19
I love reading the parallel accounts. It not only reinforces what is happening, but there’s always another nugget to be gleaned.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 2: 2 Chronicles 17-19
2 Chronicles 17:
The example is those who walked NOT in the ways of Israel.
Jehoshaphat is blessed by the Lord because he walked in God’s ways. He strengthened the kingdom. He brought the word of God to the people. Jehoshaphat and his kingdom was exalted above all other nations.
2 Chronicles 18:
King Ahab asked King Jehoshapat to ally with him against Syria. Ramoth-Gilead was only 40 miles from Jerusalem, the capital of Judah.
Jehoshaphat only picked prophets that told him what he wanted to hear. Knowing this Jehoshapat wanted to hear from a prophet of the Lord.
The two rulers sat at the gate of Samaria, which was a traditional place to make decisions. The unfaithful prophets all said what the king of Israel wanted to hear.
Apparently, Micaiah was already in prison (1 Kings 22:26). The assistants to King Ahab tried to persuade Micaiah to repeat the words of the 400 other prophets, but Micaiah refused. Ahab hated anyone who opposed him. Micaiah mocks the other prophets by repeated what they had said, and then tells the truth when prompted by Ahab.
On the right side of God sits the host of heaven on the left sits fallen angels. A fallen angel would lead Ahab into battle. Ahab would pay with his life for his fallen leadership, while Israel paid for following false gods.
Micaiah was met with violence upon this news and anger. Yet, God’s plans never fail.
Many Bible scholars are unsure why Jehoshaphat agrees to go to battle against God’s word. Maybe he wanted to save grace or perhaps he wanted to die. It was not a smart decision on either’s part.
Jehoshaphat cried out to the Lord, and he was saved.
The arrow that pierced King Ahab was not by chance; nothing is by chance with God. God orchastrated it.
The war ended with Ahab’s death.
Elijah prophesied about the dogs licking the blood of Ahab. 1 Kings 21:19 This just took place in a different location that prophesied.
We also see a prophecy come to fruition with 1 Kings 20:42, where Ahab spared Ben-Hadad’s life.
Despite the wealth of Israel, the people were spiritually poor.
2 Chronicles 19:
Jehoshaphat was saved by God’s mercy. Yet, he is still rebuked by God for his actions, but encouraged, too.
We see Jeru when he prophesies to Baasha the king of Israel (1 Kings 16:1, 16:7).
Jehoshaphat concentrates on bettering Jerusalem. He offers judicial reforms and improves the laws.
Remember, God’s wrath is His holy response to sin.
Do not worry about life, food, your body, and clothes. God takes care of the birds, and you are more valuable to God than them. Will worrying add an hour to your life? (In fact, all it does is take away an hour or more from your life).
Don’t worry about your clothes. The lilies of the field are more splendid than Solomon’s clothes ever were. If God clothes the lilies as such, won’t he clothe you, too?
Do not worry about your basic needs; God knows you need them. If you seek God’s kingdom and righteousness, all things will be given to you. Thus, don’t worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Focus on the day at hand.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 5: Matthew 6:25-34
13) Do not worry about life, food, your body, and clothes.
14a) God takes care of the birds’ needs and He clothes the lilies of the field.
b) Money and paying the bills.
15) If you seek God’s kingdom and righteousness, all things will be given to you.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 5: Matthew 6:25-34
Most of us know a worrier (or, that person may be you). God says to trust Him that He’s got it. If you think about all of the time you worry about “what ifs” (most of which never come true), that could be time you spent instead drawing nearer to God. We all have limited hours and days given to us: how are you spending yours?
For your kids:
For you:
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 5: Matthew 6:25-34
Life is more about your physical needs. Your spiritual needs should take precedence.
You have to work to eat so this passage is not saying sit around and hope God will feed you. Stress can kill you, so there is no point to worry. It’s about working and allowing God to do the rest.
You honor God and seek His kingdom when you do the right thing in the world, such as honoring others. We spend most of our time worrying about things we have no control over and that never come to fruition. Give it to God instead.
Don’t store up treasures on earth that will eventually disappear. Instead, store up treasures in heaven where nothing can destroy or steal them. Your heart is where your treasure is.
Your eyes are the light of your body. If you have good eyes, you’ll be full of light. If your eyes are bad, you’ll be full of darkness.
You cannot serve two masters. You cannot serve both God and money.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 4: Matthew 6:19-24
9a) Everything on earth can be collected and lost — material possessions, health, family, animals, etc.
b) The good they do in the world — helping others, doing God’s will, etc
10) Psalm 119:72: God’s word and laws are more important than silver or gold. Luke 12:15-21: Life is not about how many possessions you can accumulate. Jesus tells a parable about a rich man who produced a good crop and wanted to store it all up for years to come. But God said to him he will die that night so he won’t get all that he prepared for himself. Instead, be rich for God, not yourself. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18: Fix your eyes on what is eternal, and all of your troubles will achieve an eternal glory that is far greater that material items. Philippians 3:8: Everything is a loss in comparison to having and knowing Jesus who is your greatest possession. 1 Peter 1:4-5: Our inheritance is in heaven and it will never perish, spoil, or fade. It is shielded by God’s power until Jesus comes again.
11) God and money
12a) Probably material things. I work to pay the bills and have the things I want in this world. I work to raise my kids so they have everything good and easy in this world, too.
b) To treasure Him more. All things are from Him, so to recognize that when I get items I want, I’m getting them from God and a piece of Him as well.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 4: Matthew 6:19-24
Knowing who you work for and your motives is the first step towards working for God. It’s all too easy to work for things that, in the end, will never satisfy us. This is a slow process for many of us, but as our faith grows, so too will our treasure in heaven.
Great reads here!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 4: Matthew 6:19-24
Earthly treasures are temporary and fade away; heavenly ones are permanent.
It’s helpful to think that the work we do for others will be everlasting.
We need light to see by. By being generous, we bring light to others and to our lives, too. As you probably have experienced, you are more productive when you focus on one task, and not on multiple tasks.
An evil eye meant someone who was jealous and envious of his neighbor, loved money, and was not charitable.
Our body needs all of our parts to work well, so if your eyes are bad, so is the rest of your body.
You cannot worship two gods. Use your money to serve God and therefore others. Anyone can be greedy, even those who don’t have much.
Pray to God unseen so you are not trying to impress men in order to give the impression you are righteous. Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Pray the Lord’s prayer. Forgive those who sin against you, and God will forgive you for your sins.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 3: Matthew 6:5-13
6) Pray to God not to be seen or to please others, but instead isolate yourself so it’s just you and God alone together. Do not pray just to pray many words. God knows what you need. Honor God, pray for daily needs, forgiveness, and help with sin.
7) God is holy and sacred.
God’s sovereign will be done in my life.
Give us our needs for the day.
Forgive our sins and let us forgive others
Help us to resist the devil and overcome sin.
8 ) It teaches me to honor God and acknowledge all of the good he does in my life and to ask for forgiveness of my sins.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 3: Matthew 6:5-13
I love how Jesus instructs us, and we aren’t left to our own devices. The Lord’s prayer is a great prayer example given to us to follow, so you don’t have to guess. On those days when you don’t know what to pray, this is a wonderful go-to.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 3: Matthew 6:5-13
PRAYING
You should not pray to be seen. They insult God. Praying on street corners and in public without the right heart is not what Jesus wants.
Instead, pray in your room. This Greek word for “room” was a storeroom where treasures were kept.
Pray with meaning and not with words to impress God. Instead, let your words be few Ecclesiastes 5:2:
God knows our wants and our prayers before we speak them. We pray not to communicate these to Him, but instead to show God our hearts and desires and increase our faith in God.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
It’s important to remember that the Lord’s prayer is just a model that shows relationship, reverence, trust, and dependence on God.
Recognize who you are praying to (Our Father in Heaven). Jews of the day rarely used “Father” for God as it was too intimate for them. God is in heaven, holy and glorious. Our Father includes everyone.
God’s name, kingdom, and will above all else.
List your needs — bread, forgiveness, and strength to resist temptation. Debts here refers to our sins. We all face temptation (James 1:13),, but we all have ways out.(1 Corinthians 10:13).
Praise God. Many Bible scholars agree the last line of the Lord’s supper was added later on since most early transcribers omitted it.
Be careful to not do acts of righteousness before men; if you do, you won’t have any rewards from your Father in heaven. Instead, all you will have is man’s applause and recognition, when you really want/need God’s. Do not give to the needy for yourself and for recognition (let your left hand know what your right hand is doing). Instead, give in secret. The Father will know and will reward you.
Pray to God unseen so you are not trying to impress men in order to give the impression you are righteous. Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Pray the Lord’s prayer. Forgive those who sin against you, and God will forgive you for your sins.
Do not fast in order to appear pious for men. Instead, don’t let others know you are fasting and look good while fasting. Your Father will see you and reward you.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 2: Matthew 6:1-18
3a) Be careful to not do acts of righteousness before men; if you do, you won’t have any rewards from your Father in heaven.
b) About giving to the needy: Do not give to the needy for yourself and for recognition (let your left hand know what your right hand is doing). Instead, give in secret. The Father will know and will reward you.
About prayer: Pray to God unseen so you are not trying to impress men in order to give the impression you are righteous. Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Pray the Lord’s prayer.
About fasting: Do not fast in order to appear pious for men. Instead, don’t let others know you are fasting and look good while fasting. Your Father will see you and reward you.
All of Jesus’s examples teach to do these things for God and not for man’s recognition.
4) Jesus says to shine God’s light in Matthew 5:14-16. In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus says to not parade your good deeds around in order to seek man’s approval. Instead, God knows what you do, and you will be rewarded. Christians are to do good works so others can see God, but these works are not to be done in order to be seen doing these good works by others.
5) I tend to not care at all what others think. It can be easy to fall into the trap of putting up appearances, however. God and His opinion are all that matter.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 2: Matthew 6:1-18
Good lesson ensuring you are working for God and not others. We can fall into this trap just because we aren’t cognizant of it.
Great reminder of God’s grace!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 2: Matthew 6:1-18
This passage is warning us of worrying too much about your image, rather than who you truly are. Don’t do things for appearances; do them for the right reasons.
Applause and attention of men fade away quickly; God’s rewards are eternal.
Jesus speaks to giving, praying, and fasting since they were and still are so central to the Jewish faith and now Christians as well.
GIVING
Giving alms to the poor was expected of people, and it was counted as righteous. Doing so makes you a hypocrite if they are acting pious when they truly are not.
Hypocrite has ancient Greek origins of meaning “an actor.” However, its meaning changed to playing roles on a stage instead. Instead, give and not know you are giving because you are generous.
PRAYING
You should not pray to be seen. They insult God. Praying on street corners and in public without the right heart is not what Jesus wants.
Instead, pray in your room. This Greek word for “room” was a storeroom where treasures were kept.
Pray with meaning and not with words to impress God. Instead, let your words be few Ecclesiastes 5:2:
God knows our wants and our prayers before we speak them. We pray not to communicate these to Him, but instead to show God our hearts and desires and increase our faith in God.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
It’s important to remember that the Lord’s prayer is just a model that shows relationship, reverence, trust, and dependence on God.
Recognize who you are praying to (Our Father in Heaven). Jews of the day rarely used “Father” for God as it was too intimate for them. God is in heaven, holy and glorious. Our Father includes everyone.
God’s name, kingdom, and will above all else.
List your needs — bread, forgiveness, and strength to resist temptation. Debts here refers to our sins. We all face temptation (James 1:13),, but we all have ways out.(1 Corinthians 10:13).
Praise God. (Many Bible scholars agree the last line of the Lord’s supper was added later on since it was omitted by most early transcribers.
FORGIVENESS
You must forgive if you are to be forgiven by God. It is not an option.
In the beginning, every human spoke the same language. Then, they began to build the Tower of Babel that would reach the heavens and make a name for themselves. The Lord came down to see what they were up to. Instead, the Lord scattered them and confused their languages so they couldn’t come together and do this building again.
BSF STUDY QUESTIONS GENESIS: LESSON 7, DAY 5: GENESIS 11:1-9
13) They were building the tower to make a name for themselves, not make a name for God.
14a) Power, greed, self-worth, acknowledgement, and to be equal with God.
b) Personal Question. My answer: Everywhere.
15) God redirects, like a parent would. He doesn’t destory mankind, but He does what is best for them and that is in this instance to break them up so they would be more likely to rely on Him rather than themselves.
16) Personal Question. My answer: That man would not be about self-aggrandisement, but instead seek God and credit God in all things. God wants us to work together for His glory, not for ours.
Conclusions BSF STUDY QUESTIONS GENESIS: LESSON 7, DAY 5: GENESIS 11:1-9
God scatters the people for their own good. Our culture always talks about brining everyone together; yet, here we see what happens when we do come together in such a manner. Perhaps God knows what’s good for us after all and maybe separate is not such a bad thing.
End Notes BSF STUDY QUESTIONS GENESIS: LESSON 7, DAY 5: GENESIS 11:1-9
God commanded everyone to spread out and populate the land in Genesis 9:1 Instead, they build a city in Shinar (Babylon) in this passage.
Brick making was a common building material in ancient times. Tar was and still is used for waterproofing, such as in Noah’s ark an Moses’ basket (Exodus 2:3). Some scholars believe that the tar indicates the people still thought they would be killed again by another flood. However, this is speculation as tar is a common building product.
Were the People Really Reaching for Heaven?
Bible Scholars believe they were trying to reach the heavens, and most believe this tower was real.
God may have came down to earth as Jesus. The “us” is the Holy Trinity. God scattered the people for our good out of mercy. He could have killed us all again if He had wanted.
I find it interesting that God acknowledges that man can do anythien when they come together. This is powerful for us today. Although we’re divided, it appears God wants it so.
Language is unique to man that it can only be explained as a gift from God. As man scattered, differences in the people slowly developed due to the limited gene pool. Yet, the world is incredibly diverse — just as God wanted it to be.
Man is still man — a sinner at heart. Only a perfect man, Jesus, can save.
