sunset www.atozmomm.com bsf john

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 13, Day 4: John 9:24-34

SUMMARY OF JOHN 9:24-34

The Pharisees keep trying to trap the blind man, but the blind man refuses, staunchly defending Jesus. He tells them that it is obvious that Jesus is from God, or how could he heal him? They threw him out, not able to tolerate their hypocrisy and the man’s truth being told them.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 13, Day 4: John 9:24-34

9) They tried to put words in the man’s mouth by telling him to say that Jesus is a sinner.

10a) He states the facts, which are cut-and-dry. He was blind, but now he can see! What else matters?

b) The blind man makes sense, saying how could anyone other than someone from God heal his eyes.

c) They did not want to hear the Truth. They did not care; all they wanted was Jesus gone.

11) Good question. I would say with trials in my life and frustrations, He has strengthen me.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 13, Day 4: John 9:24-34

In hindsight, we see the ridiculousness of the Pharisees. At the time, the people were much afraid and much confused.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 13, Day 4: John 9:24-34

There is no argument against actions. Jesus healed. That was all that mattered.

Our experience of God’s goodness in our lives strengthens our faith.

The blind man pushed back on the Pharisees’ arguments that did not make sense. He does not understand how they don’t believe in Jesus with all of the physical evidence.

God chooses whether to hear sinners or not. Isaiah 1:15 and Psalm 66:18  In line with God’s character, He probably does.

The Pharisees were angry that the blind man was right. The blind man was excommunicated, yet, he had a heart for Jesus, and that’s all that matters.

Contact me today!

Christmas Gifts

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

the bread of life www.atozmomm.com bsf john

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 5: John 6:67-71

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:67-71

Jesus asked the 12 disciples if they wanted to leave, too. Peter answers by saying they have no where else to go. Jesus has the words of eternal life, and they believe he is the Son of God. Yet, Judas is the devil and will betray him.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 5: John 6:67-71

12a) It’s almost as if there is nothing else to do, so why not follow Jesus. Yet, they are with Jesus who will lead them. They have no one else.

b) It’s as if their faith is still not 100% sure, but they have gone this far, so why not finish it. It’s challenged me to be all in with Christ no matter what others say or do.

c) All other options in this world are empty, meaningless, and frankly, unhelpful. Only Jesus holds the truth. He is our only salvation. Prayer and the Word keep me with him.

13) Jesus chose us. It’s a privilege and an honor and one that must be treated as such. Jesus gets angry when he is rejected because he wants all of us to be his. It’s sadness, too.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 5: John 6:67-71

Peter is honest that there is no one else. It’s important to believe this wholeheartedly.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 5: John 6:67-71

map of kerioth where Judas Escariot is fromAs Peter said, there is no one else. There is no alternative. You choose Jesus and life or you choose death. The choice is yours.

Devil here means “slanderer” or “false-accuser” in the Greek.

Some will betray Jesus, yet it cannot affect our walk. Some in church are unbelievers, too. We must be wary of them.

Judas was from Karioth, as stated in all four gospels. Iscariot means ‘a man of Karioth.’

Kerioth was a city in the southern part of Judah (Joshua 15:25), south of Hebron in the dry Negeb.

Contact me today!

Christmas Gifts

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

old gargoyle www.atozmomm.com bsf study of john's gospel lesson 2

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 5: John 1:43-51

Summary of John 1:43-51

Jesus calls Philip in Galilee to follow him. Philip tells Nathanael that they have found Jesus of Nazareth, the one Moses wrote about in the Law.

Nathanael asks if anything good can come from Nazareth. He meets Jesus who tells him that there is no deceit in him because he saw him while still under a fig tree.

Upon hearing this, Nathanael believes Jesus is the Son of God. He tells him he will see great things, including ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 5: John 1:43-51

11) Jesus called Philip to follow him. Philip does and tells Nathanael, too.

12a) Skeptical. Prejudiced. Hesitant.

b) Kindly. Matter-of-factly. By telling him there is no deceit in his heart and proving who he was.

c)  Jesus has come to bring heaven to humanity. Jesus is the ladder or bridge to God for humanity.

13) Unsure. Put out feelers and keep giving God the glory. When you talk about Jesus, you never know who is listening.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 5: John 1:43-51

I love how everyone comes to Jesus differently. Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 5: John 1:43-51

So simple words (Follow me); such a profound impact on a life and on others.

Nathanael was prejudiced against those from Nazareth, as we see by his response. Jesus challenged him to come and see for himself.

Bible scholars differ on if Nathanael actually prayed under a fig tree or if this common expression of the times meant he meditated on the Scriptures.

All believers can expect to see greater things when they believe in Jesus.

Jesus is the link between heaven and earth. He came to bring us to heaven. Jesus is the mediator for us to God.

Jesus calls himself The Son of Man frequently because it was a title that referred to the Messiah.

4 Ways to Come to Jesus We See Here

  1. Preaching/spreading the Word about Jesus
  2. Witness by others
  3. Direct call by Jesus
  4. Overcame prejudices to find Jesus

All the Ways to Identify Christ

  • Eternal
  • Anointed with Holy Spirit
  • Lamb of God
  • Son of God
  • The Messiah, Christ
  • One prophesied about in the Old Testament
  • Son of God
  • King of Israel

Contact me with questions!

Great Resources for Our Study of the Gospel of John

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

picture of eagle people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 29 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 29, Day 2: Isaiah 40:21-31 and Micah 7:18-19

SUMMARY OF ISAIAH 40:21-31

Have you not known since the beginning that God is God? He sits enthroned above earth. He brings down princes. Who can compare to God or is his equal? Those who hope in God will not grow weary. They will soar on wings like eagles. He gives them strength.

Micah 7:18-19

God forgives sins. He shows mercy and compassion on us. His anger does not linger.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 29, Day 2: Isaiah 40:21-31 and Micah 7:18-19

3) Merciful. Bountiful. Beautiful. Omniscient. Heavenly. Incomparable. Holy.

4)

God’s Power: Isaiah 40:28-31, 2 Chronicles 20:6, 1 Chronicles 29:11, Jeremiah 32:27, Jeremiah 10:12, 1 Kings 17:1; 18-45, 1 Kings 17:2-6, 1 Kings 17:7-16, 1 Kings 17:17-24

God’s Supremacy: Isaiah 45:7–9, Lamentations 3:37–39, Isaiah 46:10, Isaiah 45:9-10, 1 Chronicles 16:31, Jeremiah 10:7, 1 Kings 18:16-38, Isaiah 6:1-4

God’s Compassion: Lamentations 3:22-23, Isaiah 30:18, Isaiah 49:13, Isaiah 63:15-16, Jeremiah 31:20, Isaiah 49:13, 2 Kings 13:22-23, Lamentations 3:22, 2 Kins 4:28-41, 1 Kings 21:27-29

5a) It’s God Himself telling us about Him and revealing himself. We can trust what God says about Himself, as it helps us to grow closer to Him. He completely revealed Himself to us through His Son, Jesus Crhist, and it helps us remember Him and what He has done for us.

b) That He is faithful. That he is merciful and compassionate. That He wants to bless me.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 29, Day 2: Isaiah 40:21-31 and Micah 7:18-19

Great verses and a great recap!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 29, Day 2: Isaiah 40:21-31 and Micah 7:18-19

Isaiah 40:21-31

God’s greatness is evident in all of Creation. God sits above us all. He is master since He knows the stars by name. Knowing God is in our lives should make a difference in how we live.

God gives us His strength. He gives it to us as we rely on Him, seek Him. We can soar above all things like eagles. Strength to go forward.

Micah 7:18-19

Who is like God in His mercy and compassion?

Contact me today!

Cool Summer Ideas

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

picture of church habakkuk people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 28 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 28, Day 4: Habakkuk 3:1-15

SUMMARY OF HABAKKUK 3:1-15

After questioning God, Habakkuk now prays to God and praises Him for who He is and His goodness.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 28, Day 4: Habakkuk 3:1-15

11a) Habakkuk asks God to repeate his awesome deeds in his day and make them known. He asks him to remember mercy in his anger.

b) It’s a wonderful prayer, asking God to show up and do good deeds in our day like He did in the past. Habakkuk is humble, declaring God’s goodness. We all can be humble to God, declare His goodness, and ask Him to show up in our lives.

12a)

His glory covered the heavens
    and his praise filled the earth.
6 He stood, and shook the earth;
    he looked, and made the nations tremble.
The ancient mountains crumbled
    and the age-old hills collapsed—
    but he marches on forever.
9 You uncovered your bow,
    you called for many arrows.
You split the earth with rivers;

11 Sun and moon stood still in the heavens

    at the glint of your flying arrows,

    at the lightning of your flashing spear.
13 You came out to deliver your people,
    to save your anointed one.
You crushed the leader of the land of wickedness,
    you stripped him from head to foot.
14 With his own spear you pierced his head
    when his warriors stormed out to scatter us,
gloating as though about to devour
    the wretched who were in hiding.
15 You trampled the sea with your horses,
    churning the great waters.

b) God has always been there in the past and worked things out. He will continue to do so for me today.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 28, Day 4: Habakkuk 3:1-15

Love the prayer. Absolutely breathtaking.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 28, Day 4: Habakkuk 3:1-15

Habakkuk prays for revival of the people like in yesteryear. We should pray for personal revival. He prays for God to remember them and have mercy.

He praises God for His glory, His works, and for who God is.

When we remember what God did in the past, it helps us to remember what God can do in the present.

Contact me today!

Cool Beach & Pool Gifts

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

girl walking in field lamentations people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 27 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 27, Day 4: Lamentations 4

SUMMARY OF LAMENTATIONS 4

Jeremiah is lamenting the punishment and loss of the people. He compares them to gold that has lost its luster. And they are now destitute. All because of their sins that caused the Lord’s wrath. The Lord has scattered His people. Their punishment will end after the punishment is over.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 27, Day 4: Lamentations 4

9a) They and their. The people of Jerusalem. Us. The people of Jerusalem.  He. God.

b) The children of Zion are now pots of clay in a potter’s hand (they have gone from gold to clay). The people are heartless. The infant is thirsty. The children beg for food. The rich are destitute. Kings and royals are now dead. The princes are unrecognizable. Many will die of famine. Women cooked their own children for food.

c) We see the punishment of God’s people. But their punishment will end after this punishment.

10) The Lord has given full vent to his wrath; he has poured out his fierce anger. He kindled a fire in Zion that consumed her foundations. The enemies and foes entered the gates of Jerusalem. The Lord himself has scattered them; he no longer watches over them. The priests are shown no honor, the elders no favor. The Lord’s anointed, our very life breath, was caught in their (the enemies’) traps. God will punish their sin and expose their wickedness.

11) It’s good. It helps to keep me accountable and prevent me from sin. God’s judgment is just; everything He does is just. I think it’s helpful to know you are being watched, so you don’t sin.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 27, Day 4: Lamentations 4

It can be hard to read the troubling consequences of sin and God’s punishment. Yet, it serves as a lesson to us to not do/be the same.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 27, Day 4: Lamentations 4

Jeremiah uses comparison and contrast to point out how the people used to be versus what they are now.

Jeremiah laments the loss of the people who were as precious as gold. Everyone was punished by God; no one was exempt.

The nobility are unrecognizable. It is so bad that women cooked their own children for food.

God’s wrath was deep. The people wandered the streets, stepping on dead bodies and defiling themselves. The people were scattered and were shunned everywhere they went.

No one could escape as the Babylonians pursued them.

Edom was happy Jerusalem had fallen, but they would be punished soon for their sins.

Contact me today!

Cool Easter Books

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

jeremiah burning tree people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 25 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 3: Select Passages From Jeremiah

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 3: Select Passages From Jeremiah

7)

Jeremiah 2:5-6; 3:19-20: God’s people followed worthless idols and therefore became worthless themselves. They no longer sought the Lord. Instead, the people were unfaithful even when God gave them everything.

Jeremiah 4:6; 6:1: God is bringing destruction from the north.

Jeremiah 10:17-18: God will bring distress on His people. They will be captured and forced to leave the land.

Jeremiah 25:8-14: I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon,” declares the Lord, “and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy[a] them and make them an object of horror and scorn, and an everlasting ruin. 10 I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, the sound of millstones and the light of the lamp. 11 This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years.

12 “But when the seventy years are fulfilled, I will punish the king of Babylon and his nation, the land of the Babylonians,[b] for their guilt,” declares the Lord, “and will make it desolate forever. 13 I will bring on that land all the things I have spoken against it, all that are written in this book and prophesied by Jeremiah against all the nations. 14 They themselves will be enslaved by many nations and great kings; I will repay them according to their deeds and the work of their hands.”

8a)

Jeremiah 4:19-21: Jeremiah is distraught, in anguish. He must speak.

Jeremiah 9:1: Jeremiah cries for his people.

Jeremiah 10:23-25: Jeremiah pleads for God’s people. He asks God to pour out His wrath on other nations that do not acknowledge Him.

Jeremiah 15:16-18a: Jeremiah loved God’s word. He sat alone sometimes becuase of his obedience to God. Jeremiah was angry at being the bearer of bad news. He was in pain and did not know when it would end. He wondered about God’s goodness and power.

b) It bothers me, but it’s impossible to linger on or you will be like Jeremiah and let it consume you. I pray about it, and let God do the rest.

c) Lord, let me see those who need you and your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me pray over them to find you and to be open to you. Let me see what you see. Let me help who you want me to help. Let me be more like you. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 3: Select Passages From Jeremiah

I can’t imagine the burden that Jeremiah felt with his calling in life. To be the bearer of bad news, the one no one likes and the one everyone hates is tough. It was definitely by the will of God, that’s for sure.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 3: Select Passages From Jeremiah

God’s people are so ungrateful for what He has done for them that they dismiss Him. This has to pull at God’s heart.

Therefore, God will bring judgment.

Jeremiah is grieved for his people. He pleads with God for mercy and to judge the Babylonians for their evil, too.

Jeremiah feels alone sometimes because of his obedience, calling from God, and faithfulness to God. How many of us feel that way, too?

Jeremiah points out the people’s sins, tells them judgment is coming and to repent, and gives them hope.

Contact me today!

Best Easter Gifts for Bible Study

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

treat others like christ treats you people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 23 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 4: Micah 4-5

SUMMARY OF MICAH 4-5

Micah 4

In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established. Many nations will come and be judged. Disputes will be settled. There will be no more war.

The Lord will gather the remnant and rule over them in Mount Zion. They will go to Babylon, but will be redeemed.

Micah 5

A ruler will arise from Bethlehem. He will shepherd the people. The people will live securely. The remnant will be at peace. Yet, God will destroy and take vengeance on the nations that have not obeyed Him.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 4: Micah 4-5

9) That we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever.

10a) Jesus

b) Jesus will come from the clans of Judah. Jesus will shepherd his flock, and they will live securely.

11) Good question. It gives me hope on the days I feel little hope. It gets me through.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 4: Micah 4-5

Simple message, but powerful. Jesus will come and save.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 4: Micah 4-5

Micah 4

God will reign over Israel once she is restored during the Second Coming. The people will learn His ways. There will be no more war or fear.

Everyone will be blessed. The people will be gathered. But they will be punished in Babylon first and then delivered. Nothing and no one will be able to stand against the Lord.

Micah 5

The ruler or king will come from Bethlehem. He will care for his flock tenderly. He will bring peace.

God will deliver His people from their enemies (personified as Assyria here).

The remnant will win, and they will exalt the Lord.

Contact me today!

Best Valentine’s Day Gifts

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

hope in our suffering people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 22 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 22, Day 5: Psalm 46, Lamentations 3:22-23 & Others

SUMMARY OF PSALM 46 & LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23

Psalm 46: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. We will not fear. God is with us, our fortress. He can do all things.

Lamentations 3:22-23:Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 22, Day 5: Psalm 46, Lamentations 3:22-23 & Others

12) We are healed by Jesus’s wounds. We have peace because he died for us. Jesus takes away all of our sins when he suffered. He is our intercessor. Jesus will be at the right hand of God because of it.

13) Verse 1: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. It really doesn’t get any more comforting than this.

14a) We[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. James says the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Perseverance helps us to be more mature and complete in God, lacking nothing. Suffering gives us the courage to keep at it. We pray more when we suffer; we grow closer to God, too.

b) Because God comforts us in our suffering, we can comfort others in theirs. Suffering produces endurance and hope. We are tested by sufferings. Suffering can make us overjoyed when God’s glory is revealed. We are blessed because we have the Spirit of glory.

15) I am unsure. It might be to achieve my goals. To experience more. To grow my faith and perseverance.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 22, Day 5: Psalm 46, Lamentations 3:22-23 & Others

I love the theme of perseverance here. Persevering is hard to do, but often yields the best things in our lives. Trials help us to persevere and overcome, bringing us closer to God and giving us a sense of self-worth.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 22, Day 5: Psalm 46, Lamentations 3:22-23 & Others

God provides even in our suffering. He can provide comfort.

When we suffer, we expereince God’s nearness.

God knows exactly what we need to grow with Him.

If we never suffered, we might never truly depend on God.

Suffering allows us to long for heaven.

Be still is the idea for humanity to stop opposing God, for he is the Great I Am. Instead, surrender.

God is compassionate even in His judgment. Every day we have new hope, mercy, and compassion from God.

God is faithful, indeed.

Contact me today!

Best Valentine’s Day Candy

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 17 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 17, Day 3: 2 Kings 22:1-23; 20; 2 Chronicles 34

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 22:1-23; 20; 2 CHRONICLES 34

2 Kings 22:

Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. The book of the Law was found in the temple. Josiah tore his robes when he read the book because he knew none of the other kings had followed it.

The Lord responded by saying He would bring disaster on this place and its people, according to everything written in the book the king of Judah has read. 17 “Because they have forsaken me and burned incense to other gods and aroused my anger by all the idols their hands have made,[a] my anger will burn against this place and will not be quenched.’ 18 Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord: Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse[b] and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. 20 Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.’”

2 Kings 20:

When Hezekiah became ill, the prophet Isaiah said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” Hezekiah wept and the Lord promised to add 15 more years to his life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.’

Hezekiah showed the envoys his riches, and Isaiah prophesied that they would be carried away by Babylon. His son, Manasseh, succeeded him as king.

2 Chronicles 34:

Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He purged Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles and idols. Under his direction the altars of the Baals were torn down; he cut to pieces the incense altars that were above them, and smashed the Asherah poles and the idols. He repaired the temple of the Lord.

The book of the Law was found in the temple. Josiah tore his robes when he read the book because he knew none of the other kings had followed it. He read the book to the people and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord. Everyone in Jerusalem and Benjamin pledged themselves to it. Everyone followed the Lord as long as Josiah lived.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 17, Day 3: 2 Kings 22:1-23; 20; 2 Chronicles 34

6a)

2 Chronicles 34:1-2: Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.

2 Chronicles 34:3a: In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David.

2 Chronicles 34:3b-7: In his twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles and idols. Under his direction the altars of the Baals were torn down; he cut to pieces the incense altars that were above them, and smashed the Asherah poles and the idols. These he broke to pieces and scattered over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. He burned the bones of the priests on their altars, and so he purged Judah and Jerusalem. In the towns of Manasseh, Ephraim and Simeon, as far as Naphtali, and in the ruins around them, he tore down the altars and the Asherah poles and crushed the idols to powder and cut to pieces all the incense altars throughout Israel. Then he went back to Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 34:8:  In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, to purify the land and the temple, he sent Shaphan son of Azaliah and Maaseiah the ruler of the city, with Joah son of Joahaz, the recorder, to repair the temple of the Lord his God.

7a) He tore his robes and inquired of the Lord about the consequences of those who acted before him.

b) You truly can’t grow with God until you do acknowledge your weaknesses before Him.

8a) Nevertheless, the Lord did not turn away from the heat of his fierce anger, which burned against Judah because of all that Manasseh had done to arouse his anger. 27 So the Lord said, “I will remove Judah also from my presence as I removed Israel, and I will reject Jerusalem, the city I chose, and this temple, about which I said, ‘My Name shall be there.

b) God heard Josiah and postponed punishment: “Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.’”

Josiah read the Law to the people and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord. Everyone in Jerusalem and Benjamin pledged themselves to it. Everyone followed the Lord as long as Josiah lived.

c) I hope rightly. I hope I repent and turn to His ways and not mine. This is not always the case, I’m sure. I’m unsure on the recent experience.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 17, Day 3: 2 Kings 22:1-23; 20; 2 Chronicles 34

I love reading about the good kings much more than the bad kings. It gives me hope for the human race.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 17, Day 3: 2 Kings 22:1-23; 20; 2 Chronicles 34

2 Kings 22:

Josiah followed the Lord. He repaired the temple. According to 2 Chronicles 34, the repair of the temple happened after Josiah committed to the Lord at age 16 and began getting rid of idolatry in Judah. The book of the Law is found and read. Deuteronomy 31:24-27, tells us that there was a copy of the Book of the Law beside the ark of the covenant from Moses on. But, the book had been neglected for so long due to bad kings.

  •  Deuteronomy 17:18-20 says each king was to have a personal copy of the law, and he was to read it.
  • Deuteronomy 31:9-13 commands the entire law to be read to an assembly of the nation once every 7 years at the Feast of Tabernacles to remind the people of God’s word.

There was apublic reading of the law in Joshua 8:34, during the reign of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:7-9), more than 500 years later, and in the reign of Josiah  (2 Chronicles 34:30), more than 250 years after Jehoshaphat. There could have been more readings, too.

A spiritual revival happened, especially in Josiah. He sought the Lord, and the Lord says judgment is coming, but he spares Josiah due to his faithfulness and postpones judgment of the people. We’ve seen this a lot in this study where God takes pity on his people when they repent and postpones judgment (Ahab,1 Kings 21:25-29). This should encourage us.

2 Kings 20:

God extends Hezekiah’s life 15 years when He tells him that he will die (which is kind of God). He does this because he was faithful to the Lord. We know from 2 Kings 18:2 and 2 Kings 20:6 that Hezekiah was 39 years old when God told him he would die soon. This is also recorded in Isaiah 38.

Hezekiah prayed to God, and God answers (something we all should do). God confirmed his prophecy with a sign (another thing God did not have to do but does out of mercy for us).

Next, we see Hezekiah sin by being prideful of his riches that God gave him. He did not testify about God to these envoys either. This is a sin that God addresses. God says they will be taken away to Babylon, but Hezekiah is joyous because it won’t be in his day.

Hezekiah did not finish well. Will you?

2 Chronicles 34:

Josiah was a good king who worked to end idolatry in Judah. He restored the temple and discovered the book of the Law again. Josiah is overjoyed and goes to God. God answers. He will punish his people but not in Josiah’s time. Josiah will be gathered to his people.

Josiah renews God’s covenant and helps the people to follow God’s ways.

Josiah finishes well. Will you?

Contact me today!

Great New Year Gift Ideas

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases