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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:1-4

Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick.  Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Festival was near.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

3) The Jewish leaders were out to get Jesus and have him killed. The time had not yet arrived for Jesus’ death, so he has to avoid any altercations with the Jewish leaders.

4) Jesus puts his needs aside and tends to his flock, the people. He had compassion on them and taught them. He considers his people important.

5) I would like to be more generous with my time and put others ahead of myself like Jesus. I would also like to serve more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

What a scene with Jesus preaching to the multitudes! Love it!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

We are in the region of Galilee where Jesus is teaching. The feeding of the 5,000 is recorded in all the other three Gospels, too.

John is the only one to mention the timeframe of the Passover.

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Summer Bible Study: Sermon on the Mount: Week 3, Day 2: Matthew 6:1-4

by atozmom, posted in WordGo Sermon on the Mount

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 6:1-4

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.

Questions for Matthew 6:1-4

3) All of Jesus’s examples teach to do these things for God and not for man’s recognition. We should also not be trying to lift ourselves up and take credit for things that are only possible through God. When you do things only for pride, that is sin. This brings to mind how we should give all the credit to God for all of our actions because nothing is possible without God.

4) God is the only one who should be exalted by us, not ourselves. God is always number one. God rewards us when we do things for Him. We try to earn God’s favor or the approval of others. We must do good deeds for God alone.

5) Unsure here. I really don’t care what others think of me. Yet, I know I do this. I can prevent this by always having God at the center of everything I do.

Conclusions to Sermon on the Mount Matthew 6:1-4

Good lesson on doing all things for God’s glory and not ours.

One must give and expect nothing in return, this includes thanks, praise, or recognition. We should give to those in need and recognize what He has given to us.

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Christ’s Life and Work: Week 4, Day 4: Matthew 27:45-56

by atozmom, posted in WordGo Christ's Life And Work

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 27:45-56

Jesus hung for three hours in this darkness. At the ninth hour, Jesus cries out to God, asking why He has forsaken him. Some who were there thought Jesus was crying for Elijah. They immediately ran to get a sponge and put wine vinegar on it. These people offered it to Jesus to drink. They waited to see if Elijah would come and save him. Jesus cried out again and then died. At that moment, the curtain in the temple was torn in two, the earth shook and the rocks split. Tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who were dead came to life. They came out of their tombs and appeared to many people after Jesus’s resurrection.

Those who were there with Jesus when he died, including the Roman centurion believed he was the Son of God. Many women were there who had followed Jesus from Galilee. These included Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zedebee’s sons.

Questions for Matthew 27:45-56

9) The women probably because I am a woman. Truthfully, any of the people. I would have felt helpless and would have just waited, praying.

10) To pay the price for sin, Jesus, God’s sinless Son, had to die. That is extreme and costly. His death should signal just how serious sin and its consequences are to God and should show us God’s great love for us with Jesus’ death.

11) The earth was clouded in darkness for three hours. Darkness is a symbol of sin. At that moment, the curtain in the temple was torn in two. This signifies that we all immediately had access to God. There would be no need for a priest to be the only one who could be with God. The earth shook and the rocks split. These are signs of God’s power and judgement. Tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who were dead came to life. They came out of their tombs and appeared to many people after Jesus’s resurrection. This shows what will happen when we will be resurrected.

Conclusions to WordGo Christ’s Life and Work Matthew 27:45-56

Jesus gave up his spirit for us. How amazing! We are made righteous by his death. We are free. Do you live in this freedom each and every day?

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Christ’s Life and Work: Week 1, Day 2: Acts 7:1-16

by atozmom, posted in WordGo Christ's Life And Work

Summary of Acts 7:1-16

Stephen’s speech to the Sanhedrin after his arrest.

Stephen tells us the back story:  God appeared the Abram/Abraham while he was still in Ur in Mesopotamia before he left for Haran and told Abram to leave Ur and to go to Canaan.  So he went to Haran.  Then after Terah, his father, died God sent Abram to Canaan.

God gave him no inheritance in Canaan but He promised him his descendants would possess the land.  God told Abram his children would be strangers in the land and would be enslaved for 400 years.  But God would punish that nation and afterward they will come back to Canaan to worship Him.  Here, God instituted the covenant of circumcision as a sign of this covenant.

Then Abraham had Isaac whom he circumcised.  Isaac had Jacob who became the father of the twelve patriarchs.

Joseph was sold as a slave out of jealousy. But God rescued him and gave him wisdom. He became ruler over Egypt and the palace. When there was a famine in Canaan, Joseph sent for his family. He brought them into Egypt and provided them with food.

Questions for Acts 7:1-16

3) He was confident that he was not guilty, and he sets out to prove so using the word of God. Stephen shows God’s faithfulness to His people throughout history. He is a man full of God’s grace and power (Acts 6:8). He is addressing the Sanhedrin as brothers.

4) God is faithful. God does what He says He will do. He never abandons His people. He guides them. He grows them in their faith. He is there always. All of this is meaningful as I know God has my back always and I can go to Him with anything.

5) I appreciate his knowledge of the Bible and how he uses it. He is never negative. He is positive in his response to others. I would like to be the same way.

Conclusions to WordGo Christ’s Life and Work Acts 7:1-16

Stephen was full of God’s grace and falsely accused, which many can relate to. Yet, he would not be silenced. He is the epitome of what to do when you are mistreated by others.

He uses God’s word, God’s power, and God’s purpose for his life to live his life.

You can receive God’s grace anywhere. You can forgive anyone with the power of God. You can reconcile with others, too.

Use God’s word as your sword and rely on Him for the power to wield it.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 30, Day 5: Facing Outward

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

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 30, Day 5: Facing Outward

11) I wish I had a definitive answer to this question, but, truthfully, this is so hard to know. It’s hard to know how you impact others. One day, we all will know on the other side of heaven. That being said, I tried to impart what I learned to my family and friends.

12) I was challenged to be more open to others, more accepting, and to meet people where they are at rather than expect them to be in the same place I’m at. I was challenged to let God handle my anger towards others and let Him be the definitive judge.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 19, Day 2: Selected Passages From Isaiah 1-39

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

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 19, Day 2: Selected Passages From Isaiah 1-39

3a) Isaiah 1:1-15; Isaiah 3:1-4:1: Rebelled against God. They are corrupt. They have forsaken the Lord and turned their backs on Him. Their offerings are meaningless. Their hands are full of blood. Their words and deeds are against the Lord. They parade their sin like Sodom.

The elders and leaders of his people:
“It is you who have ruined my vineyard;
    the plunder from the poor is in your houses.
15 What do you mean by crushing my people
    and grinding the faces of the poor?”
6 The Lord says,

    “The women of Zion are haughty,
walking along with outstretched necks,
    flirting with their eyes,
strutting along with swaying hips,
    with ornaments jingling on their ankles.

Chapters 28-31: Their hearts are far from God. Their worship of God is based on merely human rules they have been taught/ They sought the protection of Egypt. Chapter 28’s sins are because the people are wicked and self-reliant. They rely on Egypt and go to Egypt.

b) Isaiah 1:24-25; 5; 7:18-25; 39:5-7: God will turn His hand against you;[a] I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities. God will destroy Judah and the people. They will be desolate.  Lord will use a razor hired from beyond the Euphrates River—the king of Assyria—to shave your head and private parts, and to cut off your beard also. There will be only briers and thorns instead of vineyards. The people will be carried off to Babylon.

4a) Isaiah 1:16-17:

  1. Wash 
  2. Make yourselves clean.
  3. Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
  4.  Stop doing wrong.
  5. 17 Learn to do right; seek justice.
  6.   Defend the oppressed.[a]
  7. Take up the cause of the fatherless;
  8.  Plead the case of the widow.

b) Isaiah 1:18-20: God makes people’s sins white and pure. If people are willing and obedient, they will prosper. If they resist and rebel, they will be devoured by the sword.

5a) The messages might have encouraged them and offered them hope because God will take care of them and punish them.

b) God is just. He is faithful. God defends His people. God cares for His people.

6) God always puts me where He wants me, even if it’s in difficult spots or circumstances. I am to grow with Him during these times.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 19, Day 2: Selected Passages From Isaiah 1-39

We see God’s mercy will ultimately end when it’s time to face the piper.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 19, Day 2: Selected Passages From Isaiah 1-39

God fulfills His promises one way or another. He warns His people over and over again, in mercy giving them time to repent. When God has had enough, He gives out consequences, which are devastating.

God uses other nations to enact His judgment on His people.

God offers to cleans us through the blood of Jesus. All we have to do (and all Judah had to do) was to surrender to God and obey. Seems simple but how many people turn from God in the face of this choice?

Yet, there is hope in Christ. There is always hope.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 17, Day 5: 2 Kings 23:31-25:30; 2 Chronicles 36

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

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 23:31-25:30; 2 CHRONICLES 36

2 Kings 23:31-25:30

Jehoahaz[a] was twenty-three years old when he became king. The king of Egypt dethroned him in Jerusalem and imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents[b] of silver and a talent[c] of gold. 4 The king of Egypt made Eliakim, a brother of Jehoahaz, king over Judah and Jerusalem and changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But Necho took Eliakim’s brother Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt.

Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God. The Lord sent Babylonian,[a] Aramean, Moabite and Ammonite raiders against him to destroy Judah, in accordance with the word of the Lord proclaimed by his servants the prophets.

Jehoiachin was eighteen[e] years old when he became king. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He surrended to Nebuchadnezzar. He made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place and changed his name to Zedekiah.

Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king. 19 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

Now Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army. They laid seige to Jerusalem and eventually captured it. They bound Zedekiah after killing his sons and putting his eyes out. He burned God’s temple and took Judah into captivity.

In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the year Awel-Marduk became king of Babylon, he released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison

2 Chronicles 36:

Jehoahaz[a] was twenty-three years old when he became king. The king of Egypt dethroned him in Jerusalem and imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents[b] of silver and a talent[c] of gold. 4 The king of Egypt made Eliakim, a brother of Jehoahaz, king over Judah and Jerusalem and changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But Necho took Eliakim’s brother Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt.

Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God. He was taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar as a prisoner.

Jehoiachin was eighteen[e] years old when he became king. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. 10 In the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar sent for him and brought him to Babylon, together with articles of value from the temple of the Lord, and he made Jehoiachin’s uncle,[f] Zedekiah, king over Judah and Jerusalem.

Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king. 12 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God, and all the people became even more unfaithful to God.

God brought Babylon up against his people. God gave them all into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his successors until the kingdom of Persia came to power, Cyrus king of Persia would begin building God’s temple once again.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 17, Day 5: 2 Kings 23:31-25:30; 20; 2 Chronicles 36

11)

Jehoahaz. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

Jehoiakim. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.  Jehoiakim paid Pharaoh Necho the silver and gold he demanded. In order to do so, he taxed the land and exacted the silver and gold from the people of the land according to their assessments.

Joehoiachin. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

Zedekiah. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke the word of the Lord. He became stiff-necked and hardened his heart and would not turn to the Lord, the God of Israel. 14 Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful, following all the detestable practices of the nations and defiling the temple of the Lord, which he had consecrated in Jerusalem.

12a) God sent warnings to his people via messengers. He brought consequences down on them for their sin. He took their kings away in captivity and gradually he took them, too.

b) The messengers were mocked. They continued to sin. They continued to follow other gods. No one learned.

c) God is faithful even when you are not.

13) God postponed judgment for hundreds of years. God gave His people every chance. The consequences were just.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 17, Day 5: 2 Kings 23:31-25:30; 20; 2 Chronicles 36

Finally, the conclusion to Judah’s built-up sins. There were glimpses of light, but too few to make up for the darkness.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 17, Day 5: 2 Kings 23:31-25:30; 20; 2 Chronicles 36

2 Kings 23:31-25:30

Essentially, all of Judah’s final kings (who only reigned a total of 24 years) did evil in the eyes of the Lord as they were all exiled to Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar makes Judah a servant nation mainly because of where it was located near his enemies of Egypt and Assyria. The first invasion was 605 B.C. Jerusalem would be invaded again in 597 and 587 B.C. Jehoiakim rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, and it did not go well. He died, and more evil kings reigned.

Jerusalem was sacked, and the people were carried away by Nebuchadnezzar in 597. It was completely destroyed in 586 B.C. The skilled people were taken; the poor were left in Jerusalem. Jedekiah was made king by Nebuchadnezzar. He did evil and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar despite Jeremiah’s warnings Jeremiah 32:1-5. Zedekiah arrested Jeremiah and imprisoned him.

Jerusalem was under seige and finally fell. Zedekiah was taken prisoner and killed as prophesied (Ezekiel 12:13). The city was destroyed along with the temple. More people were taken except the poor. Gedaliah is made governor. He is killed. 2 Kings ends with King Jehoiachin receiving kindness from Babylon.

2 Chronicles 36:

The last 4 kings of Judah were evil. The Lord’s message is rejected, but the messengers were mocked. Jerusalem is destroyed. The people would be captives of Babylon for 70 years. They could return to their land when Persia conquered Babylon in 539 B.C. God allowed Persia to conquer the Babylonians when it was time to send his people back home. Isaiah 44:28-45:7 and Jeremiah 51:57-58 (Exodus 23:10-11).

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 2: 2 Kings 15:8-31; 17

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

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 15:8-31; 17

2 Kings 15:8-31

Zechariah son of Jeroboam became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned six months. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechariah. He attacked him in front of the people, assassinated him and succeeded him as king. So the word of the Lord spoken to Jehu was fulfilled: “Your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.

Menahem son of Gadi went from Tirzah up to Samaria. He attacked Shallum son of Jabesh in Samaria, assassinated him and succeeded him as king. He reigned in Samaria ten years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned two years. Pekahiah did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

Pekah killed Pekahiah and succeeded him as king. He reigned twenty years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

Hoshea son of Elah conspired against Pekah son of Remaliah. He attacked and assassinated him, and then succeeded him as king.

2 Kings 17

Hoshea son of Elah became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned nine years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria.

All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Kuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 2: 2 Kings 15:8-31; 17

3a)

  • Zechariah son of Jeroboam became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned six months.
  • Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechariah. He reigned one month.
  • Menahem son of Gadi. He reigned 10 years.
  • Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned two years
  • Pekah killed Pekahiah and succeeded him as king. He reigned twenty years.
  • Hoshea son of Elah became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned nine years.

b) Probably chaotic. There were assassinations at every turn. There was no stability. Then Shalmaneser king of Assyria attacked and took the Israelites captive and deported them.

4) Israel had been paying Shalmaneser king of Assyria tribute to avoid an invasion. Instead, Hoshea went to the king of Egypt instead and quit paying tribute, so the king of Assyria attacked and took the Israelites captive and deported them.

5a)  All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God. They worshiped other gods and followed the practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before them, as well as the practices that the kings of Israel had introduced. The Israelites secretly did things against the Lord their God that were not right. They set up sacred stones and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every spreading tree. At every high place they burned incense. They did wicked things that made God angry. Thye forsook all the commands of God, so exile was their punishment.

b) Well, as we’ve seen, they get attacked and deported. God’s blessings turn to judgment, and anything can happen. Life becomes even harder without God.

c) Lots of ways. We can look to other people, material things, other items we own, have, or want. Ultimately, every path is empty.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 2: 2 Kings 15:8-31; 17

Lots of history here and a good insight into just how turbulent ancient times were.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 2: 2 Kings 15:8-31; 17

In 2 Kings 15, we see 5 kings that reigned over Israel in a short amount of time.

Note that all did evil in the eyes of the Lord except Shallum, whom the writer does not say whether he was good or bad. It’s probably safe to assume he was bad.

Assyria moved many conquered nations and peoples to their lands. The land of Israel is not reduced to a small piece of land.

2 Kings 17 tells about the complete fall of Israel into the hands of the Assyrians.

Hoshea and Israel were subjects under Assyria and paid them money. However, Hoshea hoped to find help with Egypt. When Assyria found out, they attacked Israel, showing no mercy. Hoshea needed to turn to the Lord for help, not Egypt.

It took Assyria three years to conquer Israel, but they did. They deported all but the poor to Assyria.

It had been a short 200 years and many kings (19 in total) since Solomon when Israel was united when the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell.

It has been reported that Assyrians would lead captives away naked and pierced. Truly humbling for God’s people — all because God was ignored.

When Israel was resettled by the Assyrians, God is angry because they did not fear Him. He sent lions to show His power. Priests were sent, but the people still forsook God.

It’s simple — obey God and be saved. Yet, this is the ulimate example of Israel’s failure to do so.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 4: 2 Chronicles 7:14

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

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 4: 2 Chronicles 7:14

8a) 17 Old Testament books. 18 if you count the Book of Revelation

b) Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Elisha

9a) The details of the encounter: “I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.” I love Isaiah’s answer: Here am I! That should be all of our responses to God’s call on our lives.

b) “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. “I have put my words in your mouth.” The details here of what God said. I think we all want God to call us in this fashion!

10) The truth of their prophecies lend them credibility for current people and future generations so that they can be believed. Speaking into current situations grabs people’s attention and is a chance to bring more people to God. Both reinforce the truths of God, His word, and His chosen prophets.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 4: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Another great lesson on following God’s words and calling for your life.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 4: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Humble yourself, pray and repent, seeking God’s face. Turn your heart and your life over to God. God will hear and forgive you if you do.

Major Prophets

  1. Isaiah
  2. Jeremiah
  3. Lamentations
  4. Ezekiel
  5. Daniel

Minor Prophets:

  1. Hosea
  2. Joel
  3. Amos
  4. Obadiah
  5. Jonah
  6. Micah
  7. Nahum
  8. Habakkuk
  9. Zephaniah
  10. Haggai
  11. Zechariah
  12. Malachi

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 2: 2 Chronicles 17-19

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

SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 17-19

2 Chronicles 17:

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.

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