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24HoursThroughtheBible**Primarilysourcedfrom‘LearntheBiblein24Hours’,byDr.ChuckMissler,ThomasNelson

Hour7:TheMonarchy:Samuel,Kings,ChroniclesThe1stBookofSamuel1st&2ndSamuel(LXX:1st&2nd“Kingdoms”)(LatinVulgate:“Kings”)Principlecharacters:-Samuel-Saul-DavidMorgan:1SAMUEL:TRANSITION-THEFIRSTBOOKofSamuelcoversaperiodoftransitioninthehistoryofthenation.-Itdealswiththetransitionprocessfromthejudgestothekings.-Inthisbookwehavethehistoryofthepeoplefromthelastofthejudges,Samuel....-ThroughthetroubloustimesofSaul,-Inwhichthepeoplelearnedwhatgovernmentbymanreallymeant...-TothebeginningofthereignofthekingchosenbyGod,David.-EvenSamuelrepresentsatransitionfromSEERtoProphet,1Sam.9:9 9FormerlyinIsrael,whenamanwenttoinquireofGod,hespokethus:“Come,letusgotothe seer”;forhewhoisnowcalledaprophetwasformerlycalledaseer.),cf.1Sam.3:20WhatwastheconditionofthepeopleattheendofJudges?-Theywereinaterriblestateofdegeneracy-Itwasduringthisperiodthattheyhadinpractice,(perhapsnotritually)rejectedGodfrombeingKing.-Theclamorforanearthlykingwhichfollowedwasthenaturaloutcomeofthispracticalrejection.1Samuelfallsintothreesectionsaroundthenamesofthesethreemen.Samuel(1-7)Saul(8-15)David(16-31)-TheperiodsoftheirinfluenceoverlapSamuel(1-7)HisPreparation1-4:1aCrisisoftheArkandthePhilistines(4:1b-7:1)SamuelasJudge(7:2-17)

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HisPreparation1-4:1a-InthedarkandtroubloustimesTheLORDisseenworkingtowarddeliverance-Byansweringtheprayeroffaithintheheartofasimpleandtrustingwoman-Hannah.-Therewasmuchofhumanpassionmanifestinherdesire,-InbarrennesssheturnedtoJehovahasevidenceofhertrustinHim;-ThruherevidentfaithHepreparedawayforthefutureguidanceofthepeople.-ThruherboySamuelwhowasdedicatedforlifetotheserviceofGod.LifeatShiloh(2:12-36)-TherearetwosimultaneousthreadstothestoryoflifeatShilohintheyoungdaysofSamuelinIsrael:-DegenerationandRegeneration.-Thedegenerationandcorruptionofthepriesthoodwasappalling.-WithinthelivingboundariesoftheTabernacleSamuelwaspreservedfrompollution,-HegrewupinthefearoftheLordinaverycorruptenvironment.-Atlast,whileyetaboy,Samuelwasdistinctlycalled,-Thefirstmessageentrustedtohimwasaterribleone,regardingtheHighPriestandhissons.-DuringSamuel’speriodofgrowththeLordconfirmedhimbynotpermittinganywordthathespoketo failinfulfillment.CrisisoftheArkandthePhilistines(4:1b-7:1)-Inthemidstofthedisaster,hopingtosavethemselves,themenofIsraelcarriedthearkofGodintothe fight.-Itwasanentirelysuperstitioususethereof,andwasutterlyunavailing.-ExceptthatthePhilistinescapturedthearkitself.ThePhilistines‘have’theArk!(5-7:1)-Thehistoryoftheirpossessionofitisamostinterestingone,-Itrevealshow,whenapeopleofGod'failtobearwitnessforHimHebecomesHisownWitness’.-TheyfirstlodgeditatAshdod,inthehouseofthefishgod,Dagon,-Withdisastrousresultstotheidol.-WithspeedandinfeartheycarriedittoGath,andaplaguefelluponthepeople.-TheymovedithastilytoEkron,andpainfulandtroublesometumorsbrokeoutuponthepeople.-Ateachmovethejudgmentsbecamemoresevere,-PhilistiafoundthatshecouldconquerIsrael,itwasadifferentthingwhendealingwithIsrael'sGod.-Atlasttheydecidedtosendthearkback-AccompaniedbyofferingswhichrecognizedthattheirplagueshadbeenthevisitationofGod.-JoshuaofBeth-shemeshreceivedthearkinawayworthyofanIsraelite.-Adarkperiodoftwentyyearsisnowpassedoverwithoutdetailedrecord.-DuringthattimeIsraelwasunderPhilistinerulewithoutanydefinitecenterofworship.-DuringthisperiodSamuelwasadvancingfromyouthtomanhood,andthehourofhisleadership.-ThiswasusheredinbythelamentingofthepeopleafterGod.-Ofthishetookadvantage,callingthemtoreturntoHim,andputawayallstrangegods.-Theyobeyed,andweresummonedtoMizpeh.-Here,byadirectDivineintervention,thepowerofPhilistiawasbroken,andhercitiesrestoredtoIsrael.-Samuelerectedanaltar,andcalleditEbenezer(Rockofhelp).-ThismanofclearvisionrecognizedboththegovernmentofGodanditsbeneficentmethod.-TheLordhadhelpedthem,throughchastisement,tosorrowforsin,andthrusorrowtofreedomfrom oppression.

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SamuelasJudge(7:2-17)-Inabriefparagraphthestoryofhisactualjudgeshipistold.-AtRamahwashishome,andfromtherehejourneyedincircuitonceayeartoBethel,Gilgal,andMizpeh,-Thusmaintainingoversight,andadministeringtheaffairsofthepeople.Focusing......_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________SamuelisoneofthemostveneratedfiguresinIsrael’shistory.-1Samuelcoversabout115years:fromthebirthofSamueltothedeathofSaul(whenDavidis30).Samuel:TheLastoftheJudges(1Sam1-7).-Birthandyouth.-CallandOffice.-TimesandActs.-EqualedonlybyMoses.-EndstheperiodoftheJudges.-Headstheorderoftheprophets.-Foundedtheschoolsoftheprophets.-PlacesIsrael’sfirstkingonthethrone.-LateranointsDavid.-ConfrontsGoliath.-FleesSaulasafugitive.PhilistineThreat-OppressedIsraelfor40years.-Samsonhadonlytacticalsuccesses.-Arkwaslosttothembriefly(1Sam4).-DefeatedunderSamuel’sleadership.-MajornemesisforSaul.-UltimatelysubduedbyDavid.Self-Determination-Peopleclamorforaking.-To“gooutbeforeustofightourbattles.”(1Samuel8:20).-Requestborninacommitteemeeting,notaprayermeeting.-GodhadpromisedkingstoAbrahamfromthebeginning(Gen.17:6,16;35:11).-However,faithfulnesstoGodwastobetheirtoppriority(Deut.17:14-20).-1Samuel8:7AndtheLORDsaiduntoSamuel,“Hearkenuntothevoiceofthepeopleinallthattheysayuntoyou:fortheyhavenotrejectedyou,buttheyhaverejectedme,thatIshouldnotreignoverthem...”Samuelwarnsthemthatthiswillinviteaharvestofregrets..._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Saul(Chapters8-15)Thebooknowmergesintoitsseconddivision,whichhastodowithSaul.HisAppointmentasKing(8-10)HisReign(11-14)

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HisRejection(15)HisAppointmentasKing(8-10)-Thepeopleclamoredforaking.-TheoccasionoftheirrequestwastheeviladministrationofthesonsofSamuel.-Therealprincipleunderlyingitwasadesireontheirparttobe,astheysaid,"likeallthenations."-Theyhadbeenchosentobeunlikethenations,apeopledirectlygovernedbyTheLORD.-Samueldeclaredtothemwhattheissueoftheirwishwouldbeifitweregranted.Saul-Saulwasineverywayaremarkableman.-WhilecarryingouthisfamilydutieshewasledintocontactwithSamuel.-Whiletheywerealone,SamuelcommunicatedtohimhisDivineappointment.-ThistookplaceatMizpeh.-HereSaulmanifestedthefirstsignofweaknessofhischaracter,byhidingwiththe‘stuff’-Hishidingbehindthestuffisoftenquotedasevidenceofhismodesty,whicheventuatedinhisfailure.-Modesty,however,becomessinwhenitpreventsanymanfromsteppingatonceintoGod’scalling.HisReign(11-14)-Sauldidnottakeuptheresponsibilitiesofking,-InsteadhereturnedhomeatGibeahuntilstirredtoactionbytheAmmonite-Hegainedacompletevictoryoverthem.-SamuelimmediatelygatheredthepeopletoGilgal,andSaulwasconfirmedinthekingship.-OnthatoccasionSamueldeliveredwhatwaspracticallyhislastgreataddresstothenation.-SamuelunderstoodthatthesepeoplecouldonlybegreatastheyremainedloyaltothethroneofGod.-TwochaptersgiveanaccountofthewarsSaulwaged.-ItwasinthemidstofthefearwhichpossessedtheIsraelitesthatSaulmanifestedhis‘self’-independence-Byofferingsacrificeintheabsenceofandwithouttheinstruction,ofSamuel.-Theking'sdeteriorationincharacterismanifestinthefactthatheremainedidleinGibeahwithhisarmy insteadoffightingthePhilistines-ItwasatthistimethatJonathanmadehisgreatstrategicattackuponthePhilistines,whichresultedin theirrout.-SaulwascommissionedbyTheLORDthroughSamueltosmiteanddestroyAmalek-Followingthatcampaignoccurredthesinwhichfilledhissincuptothebrimandledtohisrejection.HisRejection(15)-Whilehewasvictorious,hewasdisobedientinthathesparedAgagandpartofthespoil.-SaulandSamuelareseeninstrikingcontrastatthispoint.-Saul,themanofgreatopportunity,miserablyfailing,andpassingalongthepathofdisobediencetoruin.-Whenhefailed,Samueldenouncedhimwithoutsparing,andtheninlonelinessmournedoverhim.Focusing....._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Saul:TheFirstoftheKings(1Sam8-15).Character-Appointmentasking.-PromisingBeginning.-LaterFollyandSin.-Earlypromise-Strikingphysicalsuperiority.

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-Modest,direct,generous.-Laterdecline-Irreverentpresumption;willfulimpatience.-Disobedienceanddeceit.-FailuretodestroytheAmalekites.-TheWitchatEndor.SaulasKing-SaulwasaBenjamitefromGibeah(cf.closeofJudges!).-Setshiscapitalthere.-Earlyonheshowedpromise,Saulbecameimpatient:thePhilistineswerearrayedagainstIsrael;-SaulwastowaitforSamuelatGilgal;-Saulviolatedthepriest’sprerogative,offeringprearrangedsacrificestotheLord.-Followingshortly,Saulcallsthepriesttoaskforguidance,butrushesmenoff...etc.-HamanwillbeadescendantofAgag,thekingoftheAmalekites-IndesperationSaulseeksoutamediumwhowasherselfalarmedbySamuel’sarrival...-SamuelpredictingSaul’sdeaththenextdayatGilboaandthathewouldbewithSamuel.-Apromisingcareerendsinignominy.“Self”willmissthebestandcourttheworst.-Wonderfulopportunitiesinthemselves,donotcrownmen._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________DAVID(Chapters16-31)Wenowcometothethirdsectionofthebook,inwhichDavidistheprincipalfigure.Preparation(16-20)OntheRuninExile(21-27)ReturningtoaTragicEnd(28-31)Preparation(16-20)-Samuelwasrebukedforprolongedmourning,hewascommissionedtoariseandanointthenewking.-Throughthespirit-melancholyofSaul,Davidfoundhiswaytothecourt.-Thenimmediatelythetwomenareseeninthepresenceofanationaldanger.-Saul,notwithstandinghispositionandhisarmy,wasutterlyincompetent.-David,withouthumanresource,butconsciousofthetruegreatnessofhispeople-SureofthestrengthofGod,gainedhisvictoryoverGoliath.-OneofthemostcharminglovestoriesoftheBibleisthatofthefriendshipbetweenJonathanandDavid.-Coincidentwiththecommencementthereof,thehatredofSaulagainstDaviddeepened-Manifesteditselfindeeplylaidschemesandunworthymethods-Inwhichheattemptedtoridhimselfofhisrival.DavidFlees-Theseweretryingdaysfortheyoungmananointedtothekinglyoffice,-ItwasnaturalthatheshouldfleetoSamuelforprotection.-Saulfastbecameanirresponsiblemadman,-whileDavid,throughallthepainfuldiscipline,wasbeingpreparedfortheworkthatlaybeforehim.OntheRuninExile(21-27)-Atlastthelanditselfseemedtoohottoholdhim,andhetookrefugeinflight.-Theperiodofhisexilewascharacterizedbyvariedexperiences.-OncehefoundrefugeatAchishamongthePhilistines,andtherehadtofeignmadness.-ComingatlasttoAdullam,hegatheredaroundhimabandoftheoutcastsofhisownpeople.

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-DuringthisperiodSamueldied-TwicethelifeofSaulwasinDavid'shands,andoneachoccasionhesparedit.-SoterriblewasthepressureoftheselongdarkdaysthatDavidhimselfbecamepessimistic.-"Hesaidinhisheart,IshallnowperishonedaybythehandofSaul,"-HepassedintoGath,thustakingrefugeamongthePhilistines.ReturningtoSaul’sTragicEnd(28-31)-PerhapsthereisnochapterinOldTestamenthistorymoretragicthanthatofSaul'send.-ThelastmanifestationofhisdegradationwasthatofhisvisittothewitchofEndor.-ThemenofPhilistiabecameafraidofDavid,andhewasdismissedfromtheirmidst.-HereturnedtoZiklag,andfoundthatithadbeensackedbytheAmalekites.-Theclosingchapterofourbookisdrapedinsackclothandashes.-Ittellsthestoryoftheendofthecareerofoneofthemostdisastrousfailures.-Sauldieduponthefieldofbattlebyhisownhand.-Thechiefspiritualvalueofthiswholebookliesinthesolemnlessonsitteachesbythelifeandfailure anddeathofSaul.-Forevermorehisstoryproclaimsthefactthatgreatadvantagesandremarkableopportunitiesareno guaranteesofsuccess...-UnlesstheheartbefirmandsteadyinitsallegiancetoGodlyprinciplesandisloyaltoGod.Focusing...._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Goliath-GoliathdescendedfromZamzummim—(Deut.2:20-21);hybridsliketheAnakimandNephilim...-9feettall;professionalcombatant.-Davidpicksupfivestonesfromthebrook.-Why5stones?-Goliathfromafamilyof5!(2Sam21:18-21)._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The2ndBookofSamuelMorgan:2SAMUELTHEOCRATICMONARCHY-THISBOOKDEALSalmostexclusivelywiththehistoryofDavid.-Notwiththewholeofit,foritbeginsin1Samuel,andrunsoninto1Kings-Plusheisdealtwithfromanotherstandpointin1Chronicles.-2Samuelis,however,theprincipalhistoryofhiskingship-Thepeoplehadclamoredforaking.-Godfirstgavethemakingoneaftertheirownheart,‘aftertheorderofthePhilistines’(Leithart)-HethengavethemoneafterHisownheart.Therearethreemaindivisions:David'sRise(1-9)David'sFall(11-20)IllustrativeAppendix(21-24)David'sRise(1-9)Inthisfirstdivisionofthebooktherearetwomovements:-OnedealswithDavid'sreignoverJudah,-TheSecondwithhisreignoverthewholenationfromJerusalem

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David’sReignOverJudah(atHebronChapters1-4)-WeopenwithanAmalekitebringingnewsofhiskillingSaul,thinkingDavidwouldbepleased-Thestorywasevidentlyafabrication,BUTDaviddealtwithhimseverely-ThenhesanghisgreatstatelyanddignifiedlamentationoverthedeathsofSaulandJonathanAnointedkingofJudah,David'sfirstactwasthatofinquiringofGodastowhatheshoulddo.-ThespiritofSaul,whichwasthatofantagonismtoDavid,wasperpetuatedinAbner,Saul’sgeneral-AbnersetouttoconsolidatethekingdomofIsraelaroundthehouseofSaul.-David’sgeneralJoab,astrange,rugged,fierce,faithful,andveryloyaltoDavid.-ThestruggleofthetwohouseswasalongandwearyoneespeciallybetweenAbnerandJoab-But,asthechroniclerdeclares,"Davidwaxedstrongerandstronger,butthehouseofSaulwanedweaker andweaker."David’sReignOverAllofIsrael(5-10)-DavidhadwontheheartofallIsraelbyhisconsistentjustice-Thepeoplerecognizedthekinglyqualitiesoftheman-Andhewasatlastcrownedkingofthewholenation(chapter5).-HisfirstvictorywasthatofthetakingofJebus(whichisJerusalem,1Chron.11:4).-ApatternofweaknessinDavidmanifesteditselfatthispoint-Whenontheconsolidatedthrone,hemultipliedhisconcubinesandwives.-Victoriousinwar,thekingwasnotunmindfulthenationallifeofIsraeloverwhichhewascalledto preside.HisNationalActs-Hebroughtthearkintothecapital(chapters7&8).-FollowingcloselyishisgreatdesiretobuildtheTemple.-HeappealedtoNathan,whoadvisedhimtodoallthatwasinhisheart.-Itwasnot,however,inthewillofGodthatheshouldcarryoutthiswork-Nathanwassentbacktodeliverthebadnewswhichaffectedbothofthem.-BothNathanandDavidwerereadytosubmittothedeclarationofthewillofGod.-ThehouseoftheLordwasstillinhismind-Byhismanyvictorieshenotonlystrengthenedhisposition,buthegatheredaTemplebuildingtreasure.-Hewasyetgatheringinpreparationfortheworkofhisson.JonathanandDavid-Theking'sloveforJonathanwasstillfresh.-ThereisanexquisitetendernessaboutthestoryofDavidandJonathan’ssonMephibosheth.-ForDavid,thehouseofSaul,whichhaddonehimsomuchharm,wasredeemedbyhisloveforJonathan-DavidinquiredastowhetherJonathanhadanyseedalivetowhomhemightshowkindness-ThisinquirywasrewardedbythefindingofMephibosheth,whowaslameoffoot-TohimthekingrestoredthelandsofSaul,andsethimasanhonoredguestathisowntable.-TherecordproceedstogiveanaccountofvictoriesgainedoverAmmonandSyria(Chapter10).-ThesevictoriesandhowtheywerewonconstitutestheculminationofDavid'srisetopower-Thisvictoriousatmospherepreparesfortheterriblestoryofhisfall-Showingusthegeneralcircumstancesunderwhichthatfalloccurred.Focusing....._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________DavidAcceptedAsKingOverAllIsrael-HumanKinship:“Wearethyboneandthyflesh...”-ProvenMerit:“YouledusoutandbroughtinIsrael.”

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-DivineWarrant:“TheLordsaiduntoyou:Youshallbeacaptain-Asermoninitself:Christ’srightofkingshipoverourlives.Isthe“GovernmentofmylifeuponHis shoulders?”TheDavidicCovenant:2Samuel7-Affectsallthatfollows.-IntheScriptures.-Inthehistoryofmankind.-DivineConfirmationofthethroneinIsrael.-PerpetuityoftheDavidicDynasty.-DavidicCovenantisUnconditional.-MessianicImplications.Herearesomeverses2Sam7:11-13....11AlsotheLORDtellsyouthatHewillmakeyouahouse.12“Whenyourdaysarefulfilledandyourestwithyourfathers,Iwillsetupyourseedafteryou,whowillcomefromyourbody,andIwillestablishhiskingdom.13HeshallbuildahouseforMyname,andIwillestablishthethroneofhiskingdomforever.-DivineconfirmationofthethroneinIsrael.-PredictedperpetuityoftheDavidicDynasty:“House,”orposterity“Throne,”orroyalauthority“Kingdom,”orsphereofrule.2Samuel7:14-16Iwillbehisfather,andheshallbemyson.Ifhecommitiniquity,Iwillchastenhimwiththerodofmen,andwiththestripesofthechildrenofmen:Butmymercyshallnotdepartawayfromhim,asItookitfromSaul,whomIputawaybeforeyou.Andyourhouseandyourkingdomshallbeestablishedforeverbeforeyou:yourthroneshallbeestablishedforever.Allthree(v.16)FOREVER!Confirmedinv.29;36,37.WithanoathinPsalm89:35;Acts2:30.PerpetuityConfirmedPsalm89:29,35-37HisseedalsowillImaketoendureforever,andhisthroneasthedaysofheaven.OncehaveIswornbymyholinessthatIwillnotlieuntoDavid.Hisseedshallendureforever,andhisthroneasthesunbeforeme.Itshallbeestablishedforeverasthemoon,andasafaithfulwitnessinheaven. Acts2:30Thereforebeingaprophet,andknowingthatGodhadswornwithanoathtohim,thatofthefruitofhisloins,accordingtotheflesh,hewouldraiseupChristtositonhisthrone;-WhereisChristtoday?OnHisFather’sthrone.KeyPoints-DivineConfirmationofthroneinIsrael.-PerpetuityoftheDavidicDynasty.-DavidicCovenantisUnconditional.-MessianicImplications:“SonofDavid,SonofAbraham”(Mt1:1); “LionoftheTribeofJudah,” “RootofDavid”(Rev5:5)

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TheScarletThreadContinues-The“SeedoftheWoman” Gen.3:15 TheRace-Abraham Gen.22:18 TheNation-Jacob Gen.49:10 TheTribe-David 2Samuel7:11-13 TheFamilyDavid’sZenith-VictoriousWarrior,CleverGeneral;Subdues...1-PhilistinestotheWest(Saul’snemesis);2-SyriansandHadadezerintheNorth;3-AmmonitesandMoabitesontheEast;4-EdomitesandAmalekitesintheSouth.-ConstructiveAdministrator: –“Judgmentandjusticetoallthepeople.” –OrganizesPriesthoodinto24Courses.-MajorPoet,SongWriterofthePsalms_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________David'sFall(11-20)TheSinsandRepentance(11-12)ThePunishment(Chapters13-18)TheSinsandTheRepentance(11-12)-InalltheBiblethereisnochaptermoretragic,moresolemnandsearching-WarningusthruthetragedyofthestoryofDavid'sfall.-Carefullyponderingit,wenoticethelogicalstepsdownward,followinginrapidsuccession.-FirstDavidtarriedatJerusalem.-Itwasatimeofwar,andhisplacewaswiththearmy-BUTheremainedbehindinanidleatmosphereoftemptation.Inbriefestquotationswemayindicatehisdownwarddescent-"Hesaw,""hesentandinquired,""hetook."-Thekingisfallen,tothatinnerweaknesswhichhasalreadybeenmanifestedpriortothis-HissinagainstUriah,oneofthebravestofhissoldiers,wasevenmoredastardlythanthatagainsthis wife,Bathsheba.-Fromthemerelyhumanstandpointtheunutterablefollyofthewholethingisevident,-InayeartheprophetNathanvisitedhimandchargedhimwithhissin.-OnecanalmostimaginethataftertheyearofuntoldmiserythisvisitofNathancameasarelieftothe guiltyman(SeePs..32and51)-HisrepentancewasgenuineandimmediateafterNathan’sconfrontation.ThePunishment(Chapters13-18)-ThesincerityofDavid'srepentancewasmanifestedinhisattitudetowardshismanifoldpunishments.-Whenthechilddied,Davidworshipped.-ThesinofAmmonafflictedDavidgrievously,becauseitwasafterthepatternofhisownweakness-PerhapstheseverestsufferingofallcametohimthroughtherebellionofAbsalom.-TheheartlessnessandcrueltyofAbsalomfelllikeanavalancheofpainupontheheartofDavid-ItisquestionedwhetherhesufferedmoreinthedayofAbsalom'sshort-livedvictoryoverhim-Orinthedarkanddreadfulhourofhisdefeatandslaying.

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-HislamentoverAbsalomisaperfectrevelationofgrief.Restoration-Atlast,therebellionbeingquelled,thekingwasbroughtbacktothekingdom,-Therewasareconstruction,newofficersbeingappointedinthedifferentdepartmentsofstate.Focusing...._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________David’sTurningPoint-HisGreatSins(HonestyoftheScriptures):adultery;thenmurder.-CulminationofaProcess:startingwithprosperouseaseandself-indulgence.-Accumulatingwivesforbidden(Deut.17:17).-RemorseandRepentance(Psalm51).“AmanafterGod’sownheart...”(1Sam13:14;Acts13:22).-BathshebawasthegranddaughterofAhithophel,wholatercounselsAbsalomagainstDavid...YearsofSuffering-RemorseandContritiondidnotobliteratetheconsequences:incest,fratricide,intrigues,rebellion,andCivilWar.-NotallowedtobuildtheTemple(yethestillprepaidmostoftheexpenses...)-Seventimesdeclared:“YouaretheTempleofGod”:1Cor.3:9-17;6:19;2Cor.6:16;Eph.2:20,21;Heb.3:6;1Pet.2:5;4:17.TroublesintheFamily-Appearstoholdthekeytoour“software”architecture:Heart?Soul?Spirit?Mind?-“Theswordshallneverdepartfromthyhouse”-1stsonbyBathshebadied-Lossofmoralauthority:AmnonrapedDavid’sdaughterTamar;-AbsalomkilledAmnon;AbsalomledarebellionagainstDavid.-CounseledbyAhithophel:AdonijahseizedthekingshipfromSolomon.-[Remember,AhithophelisBathsheba’sgrandfather(herfather,Eliam,wasAhithophel’sson).]IllustrativeAppendix(21-24)TheGovernmentofGodandTheCharacterofDavid-Hereatthecloseofthefirstbookseveralmattersaredealtwith-Notinchronologicalorder;noristhereinanyrelationshipamongtheeventswrittenof-Theyillustratethetimeswhichhavebeenunderconsideration.-ThisappendixcontainsmatterswhichrevealthedirectgovernmentofGodand-TwoutterancesofDavidwhicharearevelationofhisrealcharacter-Plusanaccountofsomeofthedeedsofthemightymen,whichshowstheheroicspiritoftheperiod.-Theaccountofthefaminewasonewrittentogiveapurelynationallesson(Chapter21).-SaulhadbrokenfaithwiththeGibeonites.-Theguiltofhisactionhadneitherbeenrecognizednorcleared.-Thesinoftherulinghousewasthesinofthepeople-ItisnotedbyGod,andmustbeaccountedfor.-Itisbroughttolightbyfamine,whichwasonlystayedwhen,thenationhadcometoconsciousnessofits guilt,andrepentedthereofandbythesacrificeofthesonsofSaulThecharacterofDavidisrevealedintwoPsalms-Firstwefindthedeepestthings.

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-SuchconvictionsasthoseoftheabsolutesovereigntyofJehovah-Hisomnipotentpowertodeliver-ThenecessityforobediencetoHislaw-AssurancethatinthecaseofsuchobedienceHeeveractsforHispeople-TheseconstitutedtheunderlyingstrengthofDavid'scharacter.-InalllikelihoodthePsalmwaswrittenbeforehissin-Soitwillreadilybeunderstoodhowterriblewashissorrowashesubsequentlyrecognizedhisfailure.-Thesecondcontainsthelastwordsofthegreatking.-Theybreatheouttheconsciousnessofhisownfailure,andyetsingthesongoftheDivinefaithfulness.TheHeroicMenofDavid-ThereignofDavidwaspre-eminentlytheheroicageinIsrael'shistory.-Thisisdemonstratedinthelistofthemightymenandtheillustrationsoftheirexploitswhicharegiven.-Itisinterestingtorememberthatthesewere‘losers’whohadgatheredtohiminAdullam-Elsewheretheyaredescribedasindebt,indanger,anddiscontented.Thebookcloseswithoneotherpicture-RemindingusofthedirectgovernmentofthepeoplebyGod(Chapter24)-InthatHevisitedkingandnationwithpunishmentforthenumberingofthepeople.-Ithasbeenobjectedthattherewasnothingsinfulinthistakingofacensus-SeeingthatithadbeendonebeforeinthehistoryofthepeoplebythedirectcommandofGod.-BUTEx.30:11-16givestheproperprocessfornumberingthepeople.Itwasnotfollowed.-Butthereinlaythecontrastbetweenpreviousnumberingsandthis.-PreviouscensustakingwasbythecommandmentofGod.-Thisonewasdonefromsomedifferentmotive.-ThattheactwassinfulisevidentfromDavid'sconsciousnessthatitwasso-Aswehavesaid,themotiveundoubtedlyexplainsthesin.-Perhaps,whilethatmotiveisnotexplicitlystated,wemaygainsomeideaofitfromtheprotestofJoab, "NowtheLordyourGodadduntothepeople,howevermanytheybe,anhundredfold,andmay theeyesofmylordthekingseeit:butwhydoesmylordthekingdelightinthisthing?"24:3-Aspiritofvaingloryinnumbershadtakenpossessionofthepeopleandtheking-TherewasatendencytotrustinthestrengthofnumberstotheforgetfulnessofGod.-ThechoiceofDavidastopunishmentagainrevealedhisrecognitionofboththerighteousnessand mercyofJehovah.-HewantedthestroketocomedirectlyfromtheDivinehandratherthanthroughanyintermediary.TheThreshingFloor(24:18-25)-ThebookendswiththestoryoftheerectionofthealtarinthethreshingfloorofAraunahtheJebusite-Weseefinallytheman‘afterGod'sownheart’turningtheoccasionofhissinanditspunishmentintoone ofworship._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________1stKings:“DiscontinuancethroughDisobedience”1st&2ndKings(LXX:3rd&4th‘Kingdoms’,LatinVulgate:‘Kings’))Morgan:1KINGS:DISRUPTION-THETWOBOOKSofKingsappearintheHebrewBibleasone.-Theypracticallycoverthewholeperiodofkinglyruleovertheancientpeople.-InthereignofSolomon,thekingdomreachedtheheightofitsmaterialandmilitarymagnificence.-WithDavid’spassingthekingshipreallyceasedtobethemediumofDivinegovernment.

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-InsteadthepropheticperiodwasintroducedwiththeappearanceofElijah.FirstKingsmaybedividedthus:ThePassingofDavid(1-2:11)Solomon(2:12-11)Division(12-16)Elijah(17-22)ThePassingofDavid(1-2:11)-ThedaysofDavid'sfeeblenesscreatedtheopportunityforrebellionagainsthim-UnderAdonijah,JoabandAbiathar,theHighPriesttookpart.-TheseactionsthecrowningofSolomonbeforethepassingofDavid.-TheactionofSolomontowardAdonijahwascharacteristicofthebestsideofhisnature.-Itwasoneinwhichclemencyanddignifiedauthoritywereblended.-ThelastchargeofDavidwasoneinwhichheindicatedthepathofsafetyforSolomon.-ItwasthatofabsoluteloyaltytoGod.JoabandShimei-ThatpartofitinwhichDavidreferredtoJoabandShimeihasbeenveryseverelycriticized.-Muchofthiscriticismwouldbeimpossibleifsomeverysimplethingswereborneinmind.-First,Davidknewthesemenbyexperience,andappreciatedtheirdangertothestate.-Second,hehadkepthiscovenantwiththem,andsparedtheirlives.-Third,ineachcaseheleftthematterofhowtodealwiththeminthehandsofwiseSolomon-Finally,hiswordsconcerningthedeathofeacharepropheticratherthanvindictive.Solomon(2:12-11)1Kgs1-11KingSolomonReigned40years -Accession-TempleBuilt-ZenithofFameandGlory-DeclineandDeceaseActsofHisReign-Amongthefirstactsofthenewkinghedealtwiththeleadingmenofthekingdomwhoheldto treacherousimpulses.-Therewasnovindictivevengeance,buttherewasnovacillatingweakness.-EarlyinhisreignJehovahappearedtoSolomoninadream.-WiththatappearancecameSolomon'sgreatopportunity-HechosegreatwisdomfromGod-Itrevealedhisconsciousnessofpersonalinabilityforalltheworkplaceduponhim.-Godgavehimwhatheasked,andaddedthethingshemightalsohavechosen-Theaccountofhischoiceisfollowedbyapicture-Whereheisseenexercisingthegiftforwhichhehadasked,andwhichGodhadgrantedtohim.AdministrationofSolomon-Hegavehimselftoacarefulorganizationofhiskingdom,-Gatheringaroundhimacompanyofofficersofstate-Thesewerethedaysofthenation'sgreatestmaterialprosperity.-Thepeoplelivedinmerriment,anddweltsafelybeneaththeirownvinesandfigtrees.TheTemple-SolomonthenturnedhisattentiontobuildingtheTemple.

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-Thegreatnessoftheworkmaybegatheredfromtheaccountoftheenormouslaboremployed.-LiketheTabernacleofold,itschiefsplendorwaswithin!-Everythingwasencasedingold,neitherwoodnorstonebeingvisible.-TheTemplebeingfinished,itwassolemnlydedicated.-Withgreatcare,andimpressiveceremony,theycarriedthearkintotheHolyofHolies-ThegloryoftheLordfilledthehouse.-Thekingofferedthededicatoryprayerstandingbythealtarofburntoffering.-Atthecloseoftheceremoniesthejoyfulpeoplereturnedtotheirtents.-TheTemplewaserected,andthepresenceofGodwasvisiblymanifested.TheLORDnowappearedtoSolomonforthesecondtime-Declaringtohimthathisprayerwasheardandanswered-Remindinghimoftheconditionswhichthepeoplemustfulfill.Thematerialmagnificenceofthekingdomwasmarredbyamixtureoffailures-CitieswerepresentedtoHiram(ofLebanon),buthewasdissatisfiedwiththem.-Citieswerebuiltwithinthekingdom,buttheybecamehotbedsofevil.-Acommercewithotherlandswasestablished,-BUTitbecamethemediumofbringingintothelandthingswhicheffectedevil.-ThecomingofthequeenofShebarevealshowfarthefameofSolomonhadspreadabroad.-Anaccountoftheking'swealthcannotbereadwithouttheconsciousnessthattheweaker-Thebasernatureismanifestedintheaboundingluxurywithwhichhesurroundedhimself.SuddenlytheGloryPassedAway-Intherapidmovementswebeholdhisdegeneracyanddoom.-Hisalliancewithcommercialenterprisesledhimintocontactwithsurroundingpeoples-HegavehimselfovertoOrientalcustom,heallowedhishearttogoafterstrangewomenandtheirgods.-Thewrongthusbeguninvadedhigherrealms.-Hebuilttemplesforthestrangewomenwhocrowdedhisharem-Graduallytherefollowedthede-moralizationbothofthekingandhispeople,-Thenatlasttheterriblewordsarewritten,"TheLordwasangrywithSolomon."(11:9)-ThejudgmentofGodbegantooperateimmediately.-Adversarieswereraisedupagainsthim.-Inresponsetotheseductionsofhisownsensualnature.Focusing...._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Solomon-Accededwhen15yearsold(Josephus);-Adonijahattemptedtopreempt,butwasthwartedbyNathanandBathsheba-David,onhisdeathbed,instructsSolomonto“cleanhouse”thruoverduepunishments:Joab(forAbner), Shimei,etal.-AbnerwastheUncleofSaul;leaderofSaul’sarmy;introducedDavidaftervictoryoverGoliath;etc.-HeswitchesovertoDavid;arivalofJoab,whokillshim.-ShimeiwasaBenjamitewhocursedandthrewstonesatDavid;-Ostensiblyrepented,buthisfidelitywasindoubt.

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TheTemple-Preparations:CedarsofLebanon(vs.coarsersycamore);Hiram’sfriendshipwithDavid-DesigngiventoDavidbyGod!-183,300Workforce:30,000men(10,000/mon.shift);70,000carriers;80,000hewersinthemountains; and,3,300supervisors.OurPersonalArchitecture?-SeventimesNTdeclares:“YouaretheTempleofGod”:1Cor.3:9-17;6:19;2Cor.6:16;Eph.2:20,21;Heb. 3:6;1Pet.2:5;4:17.-Appearstoholdthekeytoour“software”architecture:Heart?Soul?Spirit?Mind?

The“MoltenSea”:1Kings7:23-IstheBible“Inerrant”?Whatabout1Kings7:23?1Kings7:23Andhemadeamoltensea,tencubitsfromtheonebrimtotheother:itwasroundallabout,andhisheightwasfivecubits:andalineofthirtycubitsdidcompassitroundabout.Solomon-Personallybrilliant,buthelackedmoralvigor;excessivelyself-indulgent..-Historically: -PeakofIsrael’sprosperity -VisitedbytheQueenofSheba -“Solomoninallhisglory...”TheZenithoftheKingdom-FromtheMediterraneantotheEuphrates.-FromtheRedSeaandArabiatoLebanon.-Tributarystatesheldinsubjection.-Canaanitesbecamepeaceablesubjectsorusefulservants.-ImmensetreasureswonbyDavid,supplementedwithoppressivetaxation.

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Solomon’sFailure-Israel’skingsshouldnotmultiplywealth,horses,orwives(Deut.17:14-20).-Solomondidallthree:hetradedinchariots,horses;indulgedmanyforeignwives(700+300!)-Fromtheverynationswarnedagainst-Heintroducedfalsegodsandfalseworship.-Solomon’sself-lifehaditsfullswingandintheend,turningawaysadandsickofitall,hesaysin Ecclesiastes:“Allisvanity...”TheApostasy-Hisexcessivetaxationalienatedhispeople.-Ledastraybyhiswiveshebuilttemplesto:Chemosh,Baal-Peor,obsceneidolofMoab;Moloch,thegod ofAmmon;and,Ashtoreth,goddessofSidonians-Adversariesstirreduparebellion:Ephraimbecamethecenterofdisaffection.RippedthroughDisobedience:TheKingdomwastornintwo1Kgs11:13WhereforetheLORDsaiduntoSolomon,Forasmuchasthisisdoneofyou,andyouhavenotkeptmycovenantandmystatutes,whichIhavecommandedyou,Iwillsurelyrendthekingdomfromyou,andwillgiveittoyourservant.NotwithstandinginyourdaysIwillnotdoitforDavidyourfather’ssake:butIwilltearitoutofthehandofyourson.HowbeitIwillnottearawayallthekingdom;butwillgiveonetribetoyoursonforDavidmyservant’ssake,andforJerusalem’ssakewhichIhavechosen.Division(12-16)1Kgs12-22DividedKingdom:80years-AccessionofRehoboam-KingsofSouthernKingdom(“Judah”)-KingsofNorthernKingdom(“Israel”)FollowingthedeathofSolomon-Anappallingstoryofthebreak-upanddegradationofthepeople-Coveringaperiodofaboutsixtyyears.-Thekingdomwastornintwo-Jeroboam'ssincursedthewholehistoryofthepeople.-ThejudgmentofGodproceededimmediately.-ItsfirststrokewasthatofthesicknessofJeroboam'sson,-TheprophetAhijahutteredthedoomofthemanandallthatwashisInthemeantimeJudahwasalsosinning-ThussoquicklyafterDavid,thenationwassteepedinidolatry-InJudahunderAbijamtheprocessofdeteriorationwentforward.-Thecorruptionwasnotuniversal-GodmaintainedalampinthemidstofHispeople.-WiththeaccessionandlongreinofAsatherewasahaltinthedownwardprogress.Israel’sConstantSin-InthehistoryofIsraelthegovernmentofGodcanbetraced,-Proceedinginaseriesofjudgmentsagainstthecontinuingsinofsuccessivekings.

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Focusing...._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-NadabthesonofJeroboamreignedfortwoyears,andhisinfluencewaswhollyevil.-AtlasthewasslainbyBaasha,whosucceededhim.-HecarriedoutthejudgmentofGodonthehouseofJeroboambythedestructionofallhissons,-butfortwenty-fouryearscontinuedinthesamelineofevil.-HewassucceededbyEla,amanutterlycorrupt,whointurnwasslainbyZimri.-HecarriedoutthejudgmentofGoduponthehouseofBaasha-Andafterfouryearsofcivilwardiedbyhisownhand.-Allthisisindeedappalling.-Thethroneofthechosenpeoplewaspossessedbymenofdepravedcharacter-Whocameintopowerbyconspiracyandmurder.-AfterthedeathofZimritherewasdivisioneveninthehouseofIsrael-HalfofthepeoplefollowingTibni,andhalfgatheringtoOmri.-Victory,however,waswithOmri,whoforsixyearscontinuedincoursesofevil.-HewassucceededbyAhab,whowasaveritableincarnationoftheforcesofsin.-HeunitedJezebelwithhimselfintheactualthroneofpower.-Shewasawomanofgreatstrengthofcharacter-Anappallinginstanceofthefactthatastrongwomanfallenisthemostterriblethinginhumanfailure.-Duringthisperiodtherewashardlyarayoflight,-BUTaremnantstillexistedloyaltoGod,theirtestimonywasoverwhelmedbyaboundingwickedness.TheDividedKingdom-Rehoboam’sFolly:ill-advisedexpansionofexcessivetaxation.-Jeroboam’s“Opportunity”:establishedalternativeworshipcenters,tobreakJerusalem’sholdonthe peopleandtheirneedtocometotheTempleatfeasttimes.-TwoGoldenCalves:DanintheNorth;BethelintheSouth.-TheNationsplitintotwo:TheNorthernKingdomunderJeroboam(“Israel”)-TheSouthernKingdomunderRehoboam(“Judah”)._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Elijah(17-22)-WiththeappearanceofElijahthevoiceoftheprophetwasraisedtothatofnationalimportance.-FromthispointonwardintheDivinegovernmenttheprophetwassuperiortotheking.-Elijahappearedwithstartlinganddramaticsuddenness.-Withoutapology,hedeclaredhimselfthemessengerofJehovah-Athiswordjudgmentfelluponthepeople.Carmel-ThestoryofthetrialbyfireonCarmelisfullofmajesty,andneedsnocomment.-ThelonelyfigureofElijahisthecenterofobservation-Withcalmdignityhestoodagainstthecombinedevilsofacorruptcourtandpriesthood.-HisvindicationbytheansweringfireofGodwasperfect.-TheslaughteroftheprophetsofBaalarousedtheireofJezebelandshesentamessagefulloffuryto Elijah.Elijah’sDiscouragement-Themanwhostooderectinthepresenceofsuchtremendousoddswasnowverydiscouraged-IhavefailedandthepeoplehavenotturnedbacktoGod:‘Iamnobetterthanmyfathers’-HewenttoHorebtoreportHisfailure,thinkingthathealonewaslefttoservetheLORD

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-FulloftendernesswasthemethodofGodwithHisoverwroughtservant.-Attendingfirsttohisphysicalneeds,HethengrantedhimarevelationofHimself.-ItwasanewrevelationbywhichElijahfoundthatGodwasin"thesoundofgentlestillness."-Fromthistimeforwardonlyonceortwicedoesheappearagaininthenarrative.Focusing...._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________AhabTherestofthebookisoccupiedwiththestoryofthedownfallofAhab-Thefirstphaseofitwaspublic.-BenhadadcameintheprideofhismilitaryagainstSamaria.-BythevoicesofprophetsTheLORDspoketoAhab,-Who,actingundertheirdirection,gainedacompletevictoryoverhisenemies.-HefailedintriumphbymakingacovenantwithamanwhomGodhaddevotedtodestruction.-ThenextstepwasthatofhissininconnectionwiththevineyardofNaboth.Elijahsuddenlypresentedhimselfbeforetheking,-InwordsthatmusthavescorchedAhab’sinnersoulhepronounceduponhimtheterribledoomofhis wrongdoing.-ThethirdandfinalmovementinthedownfallwasthatofhisdisobedienceofthemessageofMicaiah.-Thearrow,shotataventuresofarasmanwasconcerned,founditstruemark.-Thus,endedthepersonalcareeroftheworstmanthateveroccupiedthethroneofIsrael.TheProphetElijah(LastSixChaptersof1stKings)-MinistrytotheNorthernKingdom.-NewTestamentspeaksofhimmorethananyotherOTprophet.-AppearstwiceinNT:Transfiguration(Mt17);Witness(Rev11).-PerformedEightMajorMiracles,including:-Suspensionofrainfor3-1⁄2years(1Kgs17);-ConfrontationonMt.Carmel(1Kgs18).QueenJezebel-DaughterofEthbaal,kingofSidonians.-WifeofKingAhabofIsrael(1Kgs16).-Synonymouswithcrafty,cruel,andmalicious.-Naboth’svineyardacquiredforAhabthroughaninquisition,falseaccusation,andexecution(1Kgs21).-Had450prophets(+400prophetsofthe“groves”).ConfrontationonMt.Carmel-ChallengedBaaltomatchaltarsandsacrifices.-Mockedthemopenly...-Afterdousinghissacrifice3timeswithwater,-Elijahcalledfiredownfromheavenanditconsumedhisoffering...-...thenheslaughteredthe450prophetsofBaal.-1Kgs18:21“AndElijahcameuntoallthepeople,andsaid,Howlongwillyouhaltbetweentwoopinions?iftheLORDbeGod,followhim:butifBaal,thenfollowhim.Andthepeopleansweredhimnotaword.”_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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The2ndBookofKingsMorgan:2KINGSCORRUPTIONSecondKingscontainsthemosttragicnationalrecordeverwritten...-FirstKingsendedwiththedarkdaysimmediatelyfollowingthedeathofAhab-AndthepassingintocomparativeobscurityofElijah.-ThisbookcentersfirstaroundElisha.-Israel’scoursefrom‘corruptiontocaptivity’isthentracedinsectionsalternatingbetweenIsraeland Judah.-Conspicuousbreakthroughsoflightareseenintheirhistory-TheyarecausedbythereignsofHezekiahandJosiah.Wemaydividethebookintofoursections:Elisha(1-9)Corruption(10-17)HezekiahandJosiah(18-23:30)Captivity(23:31-25)Elisha(1-9)-ThebookopenswiththestoryofthesinandsicknessofAhaziah-HesoughtcounselfromBaal-zebubthegodofEkron.-Elijah,whohadbeeninseclusion,suddenlyappeared,andprotestedagainsttheactionoftheking.-TwiceAhaziahattemptedtocapturehim-IneachcasetheanswerofGodonbehalfofHisservantwastheswiftjudgmentoffire.TransitiontoElisha-ThereissomethingpatheticandalmostweirdinthelaststoriesofElijah.-Elisha,uponwhomhismantlehadalreadybeencast,followedhimloyally,determinedtostandbyhim.-Havingwitnessedhistranslation,heatoncecommencedhisownministry-Twoincidentsarerecorded,onebeneficial,thehealingofthewaters,-Theotherpunitive,thedestructionofthetauntingyoungadults.-Thelastismisinterpretediflookeduponasanactofpersonalvengeance.-Itwasratheranevidenceofthesacrednessofhisoffice,-AndofthesinofrefusinghimasthemessengerofGod.Elisha-TheministryofElishastandsinmanyrespectsinvividcontrasttothatofElijah.-Thereisagentlenessaboutitwhich,inspiteofourselves,remindsusofTheMessiah-Insteadofsuddenlyappearingatcriticalmomentswiththunderandaflame-Heseemstohavemovedaboutamongstthepeopledoinggoodwhereverhecame.-Hemadeprovisionfortheneedofthewidowwhosecreditorswerethreateningher.-HeshowedkindnesstotheShunammitewomanwhohadshowedhimhospitality.-AtGilgalhepurifiedthepottage,andfedahundredmenwithtwentyloaves.-Duringallthistimehewasattheheadofthepropheticschoolastheirteacher-Journeyingfromplacetoplace,hebecameknowneverywhereasthemessengerofGod.HisLife-ThesimplicityofhislifeissuggestedbytheprovisionwhichtheShunammitewoman,wealthythough shewas,madeforhisevidentrequirements.-Hisapartmentwasalittlechamberonthewall,containingabedandatable,astoolandalampstand.

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-Hisdignityismanifestintheattitudetowardhim-Thiswoman,whowhenshetalkedtohim,stoodeverrespectfulofhisofficewhileinhisdoorway-TheaccountofthehealingofNaamanrevealsElisha'sperpetualattitudeofdignifiedloyaltytoGod.Focusing...._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ElishaasProphet-Herebukedtheking,whowasfilledwithfearatthecomingofNaaman.-HedemandedonthepartofNaamanabsoluteobedience,-Herefusedtotakeanythinginthenatureofpersonalreward-ForthatwhichhadbeenworkedbythehandofGod.-InthehourofnationalperilElisharoseabovethegentlerworkswhichchieflycharacterizedhisministry.-RevealingtheplansoftheSyrians,hesavedhispeoplefromperil,-ForetellingofthereliefofSamaria.-TheinfluenceofElishaisincidentallyseenintheconverseofthekingwithGehazi,-AndtherestorationofthelandsoftheShunammitewomanforthesakeoftheprophet.-VisitingDamascus,heforetoldthedeathofBenhadad,andHazael'sshareinthefuturesufferingofIsrael.-ThestoryofJudah'scorruptionisthentold,andthatoftheanointingofJehu-AndhiscarryingoutofthepurposeofDivinejudgmentinthecaseofthehouseofAhab.Elisha-ReceivesElijah’sMantle,-ElijahwastranslatedintoHeaven(2Kgs2).-Elishadesiresa“doubleportion”(2Kgs2:9)andperforms16majormiracles.-TypicalImplicationswithChrist-Elisha—Healingacts;gentlerwords;lifeoutofdeath.-Elijah—LikeJohntheBaptist.Corruption(10-17)-TherapidandfearfulcorruptionofthewholenationalternatesbetweenIsraelandJudah.-Bothsectionsofthenationareseensinkingdeeperandeverdeeperintosinanddecay.-JehuwasusedasthescourgeofGodinsweepingoutAhab'sposterity-AndinbreakinganddestroyingthepowerofBaalism.-Hisownstorywas,however,oneofpersonalfailure.-ThereignofJehoashinJudahlastedforfortyyears.-AllthatwasbeneficentinitwouldseemtohavebeenduedirectlytotheinfluenceofJehoiadathepriest,-InIsraelthestoryoftheprocessofcorruptioncontinuedunderJehoahaz.-HewassucceededbyJehoash,inwhosereignElishadied.TurningbacktoJudahwefindAmaziahonthethrone.-Successattendedhisarms,butissuedintheliftingupofhisheart,andhisfoolishchallengeofJehoash, kingofIsrael.-Defeated,heseemstohavebeenkeptaprisoneruntilthedeathofJehoash,-AndwasthensucceededbyAzariah,akatheUzziahofIsaiah'sprophecy.AscensionByMurder-TherefollowsasectioninwhichIsraelandJudaharebothseen-JeroboamII,occupiedthethroneofIsrael-InhisreignJonah,thesonofAmittai,exercisedhisministry.

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ThethroneofJudahwasoccupiedbyUzziah,-WhosereignwasinthemaincharacterizedbyobediencetotheDivinewill.-Yetthepeoplecontinuedtosin-Thekingwassmittenwithleprosy,whenheusurpedtherollofthePriestTurningagaintoIsrael,wehavethechronicleofaperiodthemostterribleinallitshistory.-Tothethronemansucceededmanbythewayofmurder.-ZechariahwasslainbyShallum.-Afteramonth'soccupancyofthethrone,ShallumwasslainbyMenahem-Whoreignedfortenyearsinevilcourses.-HewasatlastsucceededbyPekahiah,hisson,-Who,afterreigningfortwoyearsinpersistentevil,wasslainbyPekah.-Heoccupiedthethronefortwentyyears,butatlastwasslainbyHoshea.-Israelwaspracticallyunderamilitarydespotism-Downtroddenandoppressed,andsinningwithahighhandagainstGod.-InJudahthestateofaffairswasnotmuchbetter.-JothamfollowedUzziah,andwasinturnsucceededbyAhaz-DuringwhosereignthesinofJudahhaditsmostterribleexpression.-IsaiahwasutteringHismessage,andMicahalso-Sofarasthenationoritskingswereconcernedthetestimonyoftruthwaslost-ThenameofGodwasbeingblasphemedamongtheheathen.IsraelTakenCaptive-InIsraelHosheawasthelastofthekings.-ThestrokeofDivinejudgment,longhangingovertheguiltypeople,fell.-TheAssyrianShalmaneserfirstmadethemtributary,andafterthreeyearscarriedthemawaycaptive._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HezekiahandJosiah(18-23:30)-ThethirddivisionofthebookincludesthestoryofthereignsofHezekiahandJosiah-Withaperiodofreactionandsinbetweenthetwokings.-HezekiahdidrightinthesightoftheLord-Heinstitutedreformsmorewidespreadanddrasticthanhadbeenattemptedbyanyofhispredecessors.-Itwasduringhisreign,inthesixthyear,thatIsraelwascarriedawayintocaptivity.-ThisinitselfwouldhavearighteousinfluenceuponJudahforatimeatleast-Theprophetswouldcarefullypointouttherealreasonofthisjudgment.SennacheribandHezekiah-Whenhehadoccupiedthethroneforfourteenyearsamostformidablefoeappeared-TheAssyrianKingSennacherib.-Inthehourofperilheturnedtohisoldandtrustedfriend,Isaiah-WhochargedhimtoprayforthatremnantofGod'speoplewhichstillremained.-HealsoforetoldthejudgmentwhichwouldfalluponAssyria-Whichprophecywasfulfilledinthedestructionof185,000ofhisarmy-SennacheribescapedtoNineveh,onlytobeslainatthehouseofhisowngod.-ThelastthingsinthelifeofHezekiahweremanifestationsofhisweakness.-Yethisreignwasinmanyrespectsamostremarkableone.

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ManassehandAmon-Thencomestheaccountofoppositereaction,whichwasmanifestedintworeigns-Bothutterlyevil,thatofManassehlastingforfifty-fiveyears,andthatofAmonlastingfortwo.-Manasseh'ssinwasnotmerelyoneofpersonalwrongdoing-Butalsoofthedeliberateundoingofwhathisfatherhadbeenatsuchpainstoaccomplish.-AfterabriefreignoftwoyearsAmonwasslainbyhisservants.Josiah-WiththeaccessionofJosiahtherecamethelastattemptatreformation-Beforethefinalsweepingawayintocaptivity.-HisfirstactwasthatoftherestorationoftheTemple.-Inconnectionwithitcamethediscoveryofthebookofthelaw.-TheconditionofaffairsinJudahmaybegatheredfromthefactofsuchafinding.-SosadlywastheTempleneglectedanddeserted-Thatitwouldseemasthoughneitherkingnorpriestknewofthewhereaboutsofthisbook.-Thereformationproceededalongdeeperlinesastheresultofitsdiscovery.-SofarasJosiahwasconcernedthewholeprocedurewastheoutcomeofsincerityandloyalty.-Thepeople,however,werenotfollowingtheleadoftheking.-TherewasnoturningontheirparttoGod-ConsequentlytherewasnoturningonthepartofGodfromHispurposeofjudgment.-Josiahwasgatheredtorestbeforethefallingofthefinalstrokeinto.......Captivity(23:31-25)-Thejudgmentsfellatlastinrapidsuccession.-Jehoahazsucceededtothethrone-NotwithstandingallthathadbeendoneduringthereignofJosiah,-Returnedimmediatelytoevilcoursesinhisbriefreignofthreemonths.-HewasdeposedbythekingofEgypt,-JehoiakimwassetuponthethroneastributarytoPharaoh.-Forelevenyears,asthevassalofEgypt,hecontinuedinevilcourses.Babylon-HethenbecametributarytoBabylonunderNebuchadnezzar.-Finally,Jehoiachin,whosucceededJehoiakim,wascarriedawaybyNebuchadnezzar-InhisplaceZedekiahwasmaderulerastherepresentativeandvassalofNebuchadnezzar.-Hisoccupancyofthepositionlastedforelevenyears-Duringwhichhealsocontinuedinevilcourses.-IntheprocessoftimeherebelledagainstthekingofBabylon,andwascaptured.-Thepictureofthismanistragicandawful.-Witheyesputout,andboundinfetters,hewascarriedtothecourtofhisconqueror-ThetypeandsymboloftheconditionofthepeoplewhohadrebelledagainstGod-Theyhadbeenbrokeninpieces.Captivity-Thus,onthehumansidetherecordendsintragicanddisastrousfailure.-Thosewhoseeyesarefixedupontheeternalthrone,theDivinepurposemustbeaccomplished.-Thepeoplewouldpass70longyearsofservitudeandsuffering-DuringwhichtheywerestillwatchedoverbytheironeandonlyKing-Bytheseveryconditionsbeingpreparedforco-operationinthefuture

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Focusing....._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________TheTwoKingdomsTheNorthernKingdom–Israel:-19Kingsreigned250years;7differentdynasties-AssyrianCaptivity,721B.C.(noreturn).TheSouthernKingdom–Judah:-20Kingsreigned370years;1dynasty:TheDavidic-BabylonianCaptivity,606B.C.(70years).TheDavidicDynasty-Davidisthestandardofmeasure.-God’sFaithfulnessinpreservation.-DeathofAzaziah,Joashpreservedfromtheusurper’sswordbyJehosheba.-Childless(beforebeinghealedfromdeath)Hezekiah,underAssyriansiege.-BloodcurseuponJeconiah(Jer.22:30)bypassedthruthevirginbirthofChrist.ObjectLessonsIgnoredThehistoryofmanteachesusthatmanlearnsnothingfromhistory.—GeorgWelhamFriedrichHegel -WiththeexceptionsofHezekiahandJosiah,thedowngradecontinuedinJudah.-HezekiahbecamethegreatestkingsinceDavidandSolomon-Manasseh,thewickedestandlongestreigning.-ThecaptivityofJudahandthedestructionofJerusalemareemphaticallyascribedtothesovereignhandofYHWH.ThePriceofCompromise-Reuben,Gad,1⁄2tribeofManassehhadsettledeastoftheJordan-Reuben,Gad,1⁄2tribeofManasseharethefirsttogointocaptivity(1Chr.5:25,26)-13yearslatertheothertribesoftheNorthernKingdomaredeported-Assyriansappeartohavebeenthemostinventiveintorture.-Policyofreplantingcaptivesobliterateethnicidentities;therefore,no“return”fromexile.The10“Lost”Tribes?-ANon-BiblicalMyth-LevitesemigratetoSouth(2Chr.11);-Faithfulfromall12tribesmigratetotheSouth-IdolworshipersmigratetotheNorth-AllfreedbyPersiansin536B.C.-All“12Tribes”evidentinpost-exilerecords-Ezra,Nehemiah,etal.;-NewTestament:James,Peter,etal._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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1stChronicles:TheHouseoftheLORDMorgan:1CHRONICLES:THETEMPLE,DESIREDANDAPPROACHED-ThetwobooksofChroniclescovertheperiodofhistoryalreadystudiedin1stand2ndKings.1Chronicles:TheTemple,DesiredandApproached-Theyrecordthishistory,however,fromanentirelydifferentstandpoint.-TheoutlookisalmostexclusivelyconfinedtoJudah-ThechroniclerneverreferringtoIsrael(thenorth)exceptincasesofabsolutenecessity.-WithinthetribeofJudah,moreover,thehistoryisthatofthehouseofDavid-Allothermattersbeingreferredtoonlyastheyaffect,orareaffectedby,theDavidicline.TheTemple-Moreover,thestoryofthesetwobookscentersaroundtheTemple.-ThechiefmatterinDavid'sreignishisinterestinpreparingforit-WithregardstoSolomonthechiefinterestisinbuildingit.-Thedistinctivenoteofthebooksisthatofspiritualityanditsbearingonthenationallife.-Inthefirstcertaingenealogiesaregiven,whichleaduptoDavid,andproceedfromhim.-Thenthestoryofhistimeistoldinitsrelation,pre-eminently,toSpirituallife.-IthasbeentrulysaidthatwhiletheKingsdescribethehistoryfromthepropheticstandpoint-Chroniclesdescribeitfromthepriestlyview.ThebookmaybedividedintotwopartsGenealogies(1-9)David(10-29)Focusing...._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Genealogies(1-9)Israel’sMainGenealogies(1Chr.1-9)-AdamtoJacob.-JacobtoDavid.-DavidtoZedekiah.-TribalAllotments.FromAdamtoNehemiah-TheperiodincludedinthesegenealogicaltablesisthatfromAdamtotherestorationunderNehemiah.-Thetablesarenotexhaustive-ButserveaclearlydefinedpurposeinthattheyindicatetheDivinechoices-ThechannelsthroughwhichGodmovedtotheaccomplishmentofHispurpose.-Sideissuesaretracedincertaindirections,butonlyastheytouchuponthelineoftheDivineprogress.-Thisfactisillustratedattheverybeginning.AdamtoDavidtoCaptivity-TheonlysonofAdammentionedisSeth.-ThroughhimthelineistracedthroughEnochtoNoah.-ThenthegenealogiesofJaphethandHamaregiven-BecauseoftherelationshipoftheirdescendantstothechosenpeopleofGod.-ThedirectlineoftheDivinemovementistakenupthroughShem-AndfindsanewdepartureinAbram.

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-ThereisanotherdigressionfromAbraminthetracingofthedescentthroughIshmael,-AlsothatthroughthesonsofKeturah,Abraham’swife.-ThedirectprocessioncontinuesthroughIsaac.-AthirdexcursiontracesthedescendantsofEsau.-ThroughIsraeltheprogramiscarriedforward.-Histwelvesonsarementioned,andallofthemaresubsequentlyreferredtoexceptDanandZebulun.-ThedirectlineofinterestintracingtheDivinemethodpassesthroughJudah-AndsoonthroughJessetoDavid.David-Ofhissonsnineteenarenamed,butfurtherdescentistracedthroughSolomonandthekingsofJudah-Ontotheperiodofcaptivity.Observations-Intracingthesegenealogiesitisinterestingtonoticehowchoiceisbaseduponcharacter-HowintheDivineprogressthereisconstantdeviationfromthelineofmerelynaturaldescent.-TheactualfirstbornofthesonsofIsraelwasReuben-Buthethroughsinforfeitedthebirthright,whichpassedtoJoseph.(see1Chron.5)-Andyetagain,thePrinceforetoldwastocome,notthrough‘firstborn’Joseph,butthroughJudah.-Alongsectionisdevotedtothepriestlytribe,dueperhapstoChroniclesemphasisontheTemple.LeviticalPriesthood-InthefinalmovementthegenealogiesofeachofthesonsofLeviculminatedinthepersonofoneman,-KohathinHeman,thatofGershominAsaph,thatofMerariinEthan.Saul-Thisdivisionendswiththestoryofthedeathofthekingchosenbymen.-Itisaterriblepictureofamanofmagnificentcapabilitygoingdowninutterruin.-Routedbyhisenemies,hediedbyhisownhandinthemidstofthefieldofdefeat.-Thereasonofsuchfailureisclearlydeclared.-HetrespassedagainstGod,andthensoughtcounselofonewhohadafamiliarspirit.-Magnificentindeedwastheruin,butitwasruin.-Saulwasamanthanwhomnootherhadgreateropportunities,buthisfailurewasdisastrous.SaulWasSet-UptoSucceed!-Ofgoodstandinginthenation,-DistinctlycalledandcommissionedbyGod,anointedwiththeSpirit-HonoredwiththefriendshipandcouncilofSamuel-SurroundedbyabandofmenwhoseheartsGodhadtouched-Everythingwasinhisfavor.-Fromthebeginninghefailed,andstepbystepdeclinedinconductandcharacter,untilhepassedaway-Havingfailedhimself,anddraggedhisnationtosuchconfusionasthreateneditsveryexistence._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________David(10-29)David’sReignatJerusalem(1Chr.10-29)Inthisdivisionofthebooktherearefourmovements-AnointedoftheLord.-TheArkoftheLord.-TheCovenantoftheLord.

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-TheTempleoftheLord.-ThestoryofDavid'scrowning,eventsareconnectedwiththearkofGod-Theaccountofhisreign,andmattersconcerningthebuildingoftheTemple.-ThechroniclerpassesoversevenyearsinwhichDavidreignedoverJudah-AndcommenceswiththecrowningatHebronoverallIsrael.-ImmediatelyafterhehadbeenrecognizedaskingofthewholenationhecapturedJebus(Jerusalem)-Whichbecamethecityofhisheart,andthemetropolisofthenation.Focusing...._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________David’sMightyMen-Theaccountofthemightymenandtheirdeedsisfullofcolor.-ItisparticularlyinterestinginviewofwhatthesemenwereinthedaysofDavid'sexile.-Acompanyindebt,indanger,anddiscontented,theybecame"mightymenofvalor...trainedforwar,"-TheironeunifyinginspirationbeingtheirloyaltytoDavid.-Thusheentereduponhiskingdomunderthemostauspiciouscircumstances.DavidandTheArk-ThetruestrengthofhiskingdomismanifestinhisanxietyconcerningthearkofGod.-IthadbeenatKiriath-jearim,andneglectedforlongyears.-Henowsethimselftobringitintothemidstofthepeople-Arecognitionofthenation'srelationshiptoJehovah.-Thelongneglectofthearkwouldseemtohaverenderedthepeopleunfamiliar-Withalltheregulationsforitsmovement,whichtheyattemptedbyadeviceoftheirown.-Theswiftjudgmentonthemanwhostretchedoutahandtosavetheark-ItisevidenceatonceofthepresenceofGodamongHispeople,-AndofthenecessityforperfectconformitytoHisalreadygivenminuteinstructions.-ThestatementisnowmadeofDavid'smultiplicationofwives.-Thesilenceofthechroniclerconcerninghissinisremarkablethroughoutthisbook.-TwovictoriesoverthePhilistinesaredescribed.-AgainDavidturnedhisattentiontotheark,bringingitupfromthehouseofObed-edomtoJerusalem.-Companiesofinstrumentalistsandsingersaccompaniedtheark,-Withhighjubilationitwasbornebythepriestsintothetentprepared.-Oneshadowfellacrossthebrightnessoftheday.-ItwasthatofthemockeryofMichal,Saul'sdaughter.-Theincidentillustratestheperpetualinabilityoftheworldly-mindedtoappreciatethegladnessofthe spiritual.-Thechroniclergivesusthepsalmsungbythetrainedmusiciansonthisoccasion.-ItisacompilationofpartsofthreetobefoundinthePsalms-Itisageneralascriptionofpraise-MergingintoacalltoremembertheworksofGod,andHisgoverningcovenantwiththepeople.-ThepresenceofthearkinthecityseemstohavecreatedthedesireintheheartofDavid-Toprovideforitapermanentandmoreworthyresting-place.-OfthisdesirehespoketoNathan,who,actingwithoutDivineconsultation,chargedhimtogoforward.-Bothprophetandking,however,hadtolearnthatGod'swayarenotman'sways.-WhileDavid'sdesirewasnotgranted-IncommunionwithGod,hehadbeenbroughttotheplaceofarestingworshipper,-HewaspermittedtomakegreatpreparationforthebuildingoftheTemplebyhisson.

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ThenextsectiontellsthestoryofDavid'sreign,-Firstgivestheaccountofhisvictoriesoversurroundingfoes.-InviewofhisdesiretobuildtheTempleofGod-Itisofspecialinteresttonoticehowinallthesewarshewasamassingtreasurewiththatendinview.-ThevictoriesofDavidwerethedirectresultofGod'sblessinguponhim.-Yetinthemidstofthemhesinnedhisgreatestsin-NotwithstandingthefactthatinhisdeepesthearthedesiredtobuildGod'shouse.-Onestatementinthisbookisallthatinanysensecanbeconstruedintoareferencetothatsin."But DavidstayedatJerusalem."1Chron.20:1DavidNumbersthePeople-ThecauseofDavid'sactioninnumberingthepeopleisdistinctlystatedtobeSatan.-Thereinliesarevelationofitsnature.-TheonesinofSatanisthatofprideandambition,andthiswasthesinofDavid.-IntheplacewherethemercyofGodoperatedinstayingtheplagueresultingfromhissin-DavidchosetobuildthehouseofhisGod.-ThethreshingfloorofOrnantheJebusitewaschosenasthesiteoftheTemple.-DuringthelatterdaysofDavid'slifethedeepunderlyingdesirebecameagainthesupremematter.-InperfectacquiescencewiththewillofGod-Hegaveupallthoughtofbuilding,andsethimselftopreparingeverythingforSolomontocarryout.-Hischargetohissonisfullofbeauty.-HefranklytoldhimhowGodrefusedtopermithimtobuild,andnamedthereason.-Hewascareful,moreover,toteachSolomonthathisappointmenttobuildwasofGodDavidandTempleWorship-HisinterestintheTemplewasnotonlymanifestedinhismaterialpreparation.-HepracticallyabdicatedthethronetoSolomoninordertosupervisethesettinginorderoftheworship.-ArrangementsweremadefortheworkoftheLevites-Withgreatcareandremarkabledemocracyofchoicethecoursesofthepriestswerenextsetinorder.-Itiseasytoimaginewhatdelightthepoet-kingtookinarrangingthesongserviceofthenewTemple.-Musichadplayedaveryimportantpartinhiscareer.-HisskillthereinhadbeenhisfirstintroductiontoSaul.-Hispsalmsbreathethespiritofthevariedexperiencesthroughwhichhepassed.-Thedaysofhissimplelifeasashepherd-Theperiodofhisexileandsuffering,thehoursofbattleandweariness-Thetriumphofhiscrowning,theagonyofhissin,thejoyofpardon-Theseandmanyotherexperiencesarereflectedinthegreatcollection.-AndnowattheendhegavehimselftoarrangingtheserviceofsongintheTemplewhichwastobebuilt.-Finallyhearrangedthecoursesoftheporters-Thedutiesofsuchashadchargeofallthestoressetapartforthesacredwork.LastThingsofDavid-BeforecomingtothelastchargesofDavid-Inaparentheticalsection(chapter27),-WehaveanideaoftheinternalorderofthekingdomunderthegovernmentofDavid.-ThischapterisastrikingrevelationofthefactthatthegreatnessofDavidasaking-Wasnotconfinedtohisvictoriesinwar.-Hewasnolessgreatintheartsofpeacefuladministration.

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-Thetillingoftheground,anditscarefulcultivation-Therearingofcattle,andallmatterspertainingtotheinternalwelfareofhispeople-Werearrangedforunderdulyqualifiedandappointedoversight.-ThereisnodoubtthatunderthereignofDavidtheHebrewpeoplerealizedtheirgreateststrength-Thoughtheydidnotreachtheheightoftheirmaterialmagnificence.-FundamentallyamanofGod,-Davidwasalsoawarrior,apoet,andanadministrator,-andwithhispassingthedayofHebrewgreatnesspasseditsmeridian.ThebookendswithanaccountofthesolemnchargehegavetoSolomon-TheceremonyinwhichhegavetotheLordallthathehadgatheredforthecarryingoutoftheworkof theTemple.David’sDeath-FinallythechroniclerdeclaresthatDavid"diedinagoodoldage,fullofdays,riches,andhonor."-Ithadbeeninverytruthagreatreign.-Throughvariedexperiencesthekinghadcomeatlasttothehighestthatwasinhim-AsPauldeclared,"afterhehadinhisowngenerationservedthecounselofGod,hefellonsleep."_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2ndChronicles:TheTemplevs.TheThroneMorgan:2CHRONICLESTHETEMPLE,POSSESSEDANDABANDONED-ThisisreallythesecondhalfoftheoneBookofChronicles.-Theessentialvaluesarethesameasthosein1Chronicles.-Thehistorycentersroundthereligiouslifeofthepeople-ConfinedtoJudahandtheDavidiclineofkings.-DegeneracyresultedfromneglectofthehouseofGodanditstruespirituallife-Eachreformwasassociatedwithreturntoitslifeandcentrality.-Thestoryisaverysadone,openingwithallthegloryofSolomon'sreign-EndingwithcaptivityandthepatronageofCyrus.Itsbroaddivisionsare:Solomon(1-9)TheKingsofJudah(10-36)Solomon(1-9)Solomon’s40Years’Reign(2Chr.1-9)-EarlyEstablishment.-BuildingtheTemple.-AllHisGlory.ThisbookopenswiththestoryofSolomon'senteringuponfullpossessionofhiskingdom-TakingupthegreatworkentrustedtohimofbuildingtheTemple.-Hecommencedbygatheringthepeoplewithhimtoasacredactofworship.-Godmethiminaspecialvisionofthenight,asaresultofwhichwisdomwasgrantedtohim-Thepromisewasmadeofgreatmaterialprosperity.-ThenfollowedthedaysofIsrael'sgreatestglorysofarasmaterialthingswereconcerned.-Prosperityisalwaysamoreinsidiousdangerthanadversitytothemanoffaith.

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SolomonandTheTemple-SolomondevotedhimselftohisgreatworkofbuildingtheTemple.-InallfundamentalessentialsitwasonthepatternoftheTabernaclewhichMoseshadmade.-Itsproportionsandrelationswereidentical,butitwaslarger.-Theperiodoccupiedinbuildingwassevenyears.-Theworkbeingcompleted,withfilialandgodlycare-Thekingcarriedintothesacredenclosureallthathisfatherhadcollectedanddedicatedtothepurpose.-Thus,nearlyhalfamillenniumaftertheExodus,-Thechosenpeoplewerefoundintheland,havingakingonthethrone-ATempleinthemidstofthechiefcityatthecenterofthenationallife.-Theonlyprinciplesofpermanence,however,arefaithfulnessandpurity-Alreadytheelementsofdecaywereatworkintheheartofthekingandamongthepeople.TempleDedication-Theworkofconstructionbeingcompleted-Therefollowedthegladandsolemnceremonyofdedicationbythepeople,andconsecrationbyGod.-Withawe-inspiringdignitythearkofGodwascarriedtoitsresting-place.-AsattheerectionoftheTabernacleofold,sonowinthenewTabernacle-Godansweredtheworkofmanasthecloudofglorypossessedandfilledthesacredplace-Inthepresenceofthatmanifestationthekingpronouncedablessingonthepeople-WhichmergedintoablessingofferedtoGod.-Afterpraisethekingofferedhisprayer-WhichwasgreatinitscomprehensivenessandinitsunderstandingoftheheartofGod.-Astheceremonieshadbegunwithsacrificeandsong,sotheyclosed-ThegreatestworkofSolomon'slifebeingnowcompleted-Godappearedtohiminasecondvision,-Hefirstdeclaredthattheworkdonewasaccepted,andtheprayerofferedheardandanswered.-Then,withthetendernessandfaithfulnessofinfinitelove-Herestatedforthekingtheconditionsofhissafety.Solomon’sAdministration-Thenfollowstherecordofcertaindoingsofthekinginmattersofadministration.-Heconsolidatedtheinternalstrengthofthenationbybuildingcities.-Heorganizedthelaboroftheconqueredpeopleswithinhisdominions.-HesetinordertheTempleworship.-Heenlargedhiscommercialactivities.-ThefameofSolomon'swisdomattractedthequeenofSheba,-Whocameprincipallytodiscusswithhimcertainproblemsonhermind.-Hewelcomedherwithfinecourtesy,andansweredherquestionstohersatisfaction.-ThechroniclerendsthestorywiththeaccountofthewealthSolomongathered-Themagnificencewhichcharacterizedhisreign.-Noaccountofhisfailureandfallisgiven.-Thepurposeofthewriterwasserved-WhenhehadmadecleartherelationshipexistingbetweenloyaltytotheTempleofGodTheKingsofJudah(10-36)Judah’sHistorytotheExile(2Chr.10-36)-TheDivisionoftheKingdom.-The20KingsofJudah.

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-DeportationtoBabylon.Focusing....._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-Despotismisseldomtransmissible.-ThatSolomonhadbeenanautocrat,andhadruledwithahandofironunderthegloveofvelvet-IsevidencedbythewordsofthemenofIsrael:"Yourfathermadeouryokegrievous."-Withhisdeathmenbreathedanew,anddiscoveredtheirheavychains.TheNationSplitsinTwo-AsaresultofthequarrelbetweenJeroboamandRehoboam,thenationwasrentintwain.-Tentribesrevolted;thehistoryofthebookgathersroundthekingsofJudah,beginningwithRehoboam.-Throughouthisreign,andthatofAbijah,therewaswarbetweenIsraelandJudah-Andaprocessofcorruptioninthekingdom.-Asareignedforalongperiod,andintheearlieryearsgavethenationsomegleamsofabetterorder.-Inthelatteryears,however,hesadlyfailed,turningtoSyriaforhelp.-WiththeaccessionofJehoshaphat,aperiodofdefinitereformationopenedforJudah.-Hecommencedbyorganizingwhatinthesedayswouldbecalledspecialmissions-ConductedthroughthecitiesofJudahbyrepresentativeprinces,theLevites,andthepriests.-Coincidentwiththisactivitywithin,aremarkablefearoftheLordfelluponthepeopleswithout-TheyceasedtomakewaruponJehoshaphat.-Economicallyhestrengthenedhiskingdombythebuildingofcastlesandcities,-Bycommerce,andbythecarryingoutofmanyworks.-AfterawhilehehadastrangelapseinhisloyaltytoGod,inthathemadeaffinitywithAhab-PerhapsthemostevilkingthateversatuponthethroneofIsrael.-Hisrepentance,however,wasmanifestinthenewmissionwhichhepresentlyundertook-TobringhispeoplebacktotheLord,andtoconsolidatetheinternaladministrationinrighteousness.-Hewasundoubtedlyamanofsimpleandyetsplendidfaith.-Thisisseeninthestoryofhow,whenhiskingdomwasthreatenedwithpowerfulandterribleinvasion-Hegatheredhispeopleabouthimandprayedandtheanswerwasnotdelayed.-Itwasamomentbrightwithlightamidthedarkness.-OncemoreinthehistoryofHisownpeoplethearmoftheLordwasseenactinginstrength-ThestoryofJehoshaphat'slifeandreignconcludeswithabriefstatementofyetanotherlapse-InthathemadecommercialallianceswithAhaziah,thekingofIsrael.-Hisenterpriseswereunsuccessful,becauseGodbrokehisshipsinpieces.FromJehoshaphattoDarkness-WiththepassingofJehoshaphatanotherperiodofdegeneracyanddarknesssetinoverJudah.-Hewassucceededbyhisfirstborn,Jehoram,amanofutterlyevilnature,-Heattemptedtomakehisthronesecurebythemurderofhisbrothers.-InthemidstofhiswickednessamessagecametohimbywritingfromElijah.-Itwasaterriblesentenceofjudgment,whichwasfullycarriedoutaftereightyearsofreign.-HewasimmediatelysucceededbyAhaziah,hisyoungestson,-WhosebriefreignofoneyearwasinfluencedforevilbyAthaliah,hismother.-Darkandterribledaysfollowedhisdeath,duringwhichthiswoman,Athaliah,reignedovertheland.-HerfirstactwasthatofthedestructionofalltheseedroyalofthehouseofJudah,-ExceptJoash,whowasrescued,-ForsixyearspreservedwithinthetemplebyJehoshabeath,andthehighpriest,Jehoiada.

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ThereformunderJoashwasreallyduetotheinfluenceofthismanJehoiada.-Itcenters,asalwaysinthisbook,aroundtheTemple.-WhileJehoiadalived,worshipwasmaintained,-Butafterhisdeaththekingwhohadbeenzealousinreformbecamedeterminedinwickedness.TheaccountofthereignofAmaziahopenswitharemarkablestatement:-"HedidthatwhichwasrightintheeyesoftheLord,butnotwithaloyalheart."2Chron.25:2-Notwithstandingthegeneraldirectionofhislife,thewholeheartwasnotsetupondoingthewillofGod-Consequentlythereignwascharacterizedbyfailure.-Uzziah,whosucceededhim,andreignedfifty-twoyears,wasamanofstrongcharacter-Theearlypartofhisoccupancyofthethronewascharacterizedbytrueprosperity.-Thelastyearsofhisreignwerefullofsufferingandsadness.-Inanevilmomentofprideheenteredintothesacredcourts-ViolatedtheancientorderofGodconcerningtheofferingofsacrifices.-Hewassmittenwithleprosy,andlivedforthelatterpartofhislifeasaprisonerisolatedfrommen.HewassucceededbyJotham,whoreignedinequity,andrefrainedfromhisfather'ssin.-Duringthewholeofthisperiod,however,thecorruptionofJudahwentforward,-ThegreatministryofIsaiahcommenced.ThereignofAhazwasmarkedbyterribleandrapiddegeneracy.-Withappallingfearlessnessherestoredalltheevilsofidolatry,-EvenincludingtheterribleofferingofchildrentoMoloch.-Theevilofhischaracterismanifestinthefactthat-Calamitiesdidnotseemtohavetheeffectofrousinghimtoconsciousnessofhissin.-"InthetimeofhisdistressdidhetrespassyetmoreagainsttheLord,thissamekingAhaz."WiththeaccessionofHezekiahagreatchangecameoverthelifeofJudah.-Amongallthereformingkingshewasundoubtedlythemostremarkable.-ThiswasinallprobabilityduetotheinfluenceofIsaiah.-Hisreformationcommencedinhisowndeepconsciousnessofthewretchedconditionofthepeople.-HisfirstreformingactwasthatofcleansingthehouseofGod,andrestoringitastheplaceofworship.-HethenmadearrangementsforthekeepingofthePassover-WithalargenessofheartsentmessengersthroughoutIsrael-Invitingthemtocomeandtakeparttherein.Onlyaremnantresponded.-Theobservanceofthefeastwasfollowedbytheworkofreorganizationinthenation.-Specialnoteismadeofthethoroughnesswithwhichthekingcarriedoutthework.-"IneveryworkthathebegantodointheserviceofthehouseofGod,andinthelaw,andinthe commandments,toseekhisGod,hediditwithallhisheart,andprospered."Hezekiah’sGreatTrial-ThencameatrialofhisfaithintheinvasionofSennacherib.-Inthepresenceoftheperilhisheartdidnotfail.-Heactedpromptlybystoppingthesupplyofwater,bystrengtheningthefortifications-Mobilizinghisarmy,andthensoughtrefugeinprayerandinfellowshipwiththeprophetIsaiah.-Thechroniclerthenbrieflyrelatesthestoryofhisillness,andofthatfailurewhichcharacterizedhislast days.

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ManassehthesonofHezekiahseemstohavesethimselftothemostwillful,persistentformsofevery abomination.-ThestronghandofGodwasstretchedoutagainsthim,andhewascarriedawayinirons,brokenand defeated.-InhisdistresshecriedoutforhelptoGod.-Hisrepentancewasevidentlythechiefsubjectinthemindofthechronicler-ItconstitutesawonderfulpictureofthereadinessofGodtopardon.Amon,oncomingtothethrone,followedtheearlierexampleofhisfather-Wassoutterlycorruptthathisownservantsconspiredagainsthimandslewhim.ThestoryofthereignofJosiahisfullofbrightness.-Ascendingthethronewheneightyearsold,attheageofsixteenhebegantoseekafterGod.-Fouryearslaterhesethimselftotheactualworkofreformation.-ItwasduringthecleansingoftheTemplethatthebookofthelawwasdiscovered,-theresultofwhichwasastillgreaterdeterminationonhisparttoreformthenation.-HeobservedthePassover-Followingthestoryofhisdeath,wereadofthelamentationofthepeople.-Thereformationunderhimwasdueentirelytotheirloveforhim-ANDnottoanyreturnontheirparttoGod.-Thestoryoffinalmovementsinthedownwardcourseofthenationconcludesthebook.-Jehoahazreignedforthreemonths.-HewasdeposedbythekingofEgypt,whoappointedJehoiakim.-AfterelevenyearsofevilcourseshewascarriedawaybyNebuchadnezzartoBabylon.-HewassucceededbyJehoiachin,whoalsowascarriedawaybyNebuchadnezzar.-Zedekiah,appointedbyNebuchadnezzartothesuccession,rebelledagainsthim,-andcontinuedhisevilcoursesforelevenyears.-TheChaldeanscarriedtheremnantawaytoBabylon.-ThebookcloseswiththestatementoftheproclamationofCyrus,whichalsoopensthebookofEzra._____________________________________________________________________________________________________