Author: Melissa Lynne

Day 125 – A Year in the Bible – 2 Chronicles 19-21

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2 CHRONICLES 19 – JEHOSHAPHAT RETURNED IN PEACE

Shouldst Thou Help and Love Them that Hate the LORD?
And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD. Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God. – 2 Chronicles 19:1-3

Jehoshaphat Set Judges in the Land
And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beer-sheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers. And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city, and said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment. Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts. – 2 Chronicles 19:4-7

Deal Courageously and the LORD Shall Be with the Good
Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem. And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass. And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king’s matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the good. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭19‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭

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2 CHRONICLES 20 – FEAR NOT, BE NOT DISMAYED

Ye Shall Not Need to Fight in This Battle
And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; and he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. – 2 Chronicles 20:13-17

And None Escaped
And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another. And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped. – 2 Chronicles 20:20-24

He (Jehoshaphat) Walked in the Way of Asa His Father
And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD. Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers. Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.

And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly: and he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Ezion-gaber. Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish. – 2 Chronicles 20:32-37

Wasn’t Jehoshaphat king of Judah more like his father than it looks like at first glance? From these passages we know he walked with the Lord for a season but then it says he joined himself with Ahaziah who was king of Israel and that Ahaziah did very wickedly. There were consequences to that alliance.

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2 CHRONICLES 21 – THE LORD WOULD NOT DESTROY THE HOUSE OF DAVID

Because of the Covenant and As He Promised
Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel. Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD. Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever. – 2 Chronicles 21:4-7

Covenant – A usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement; a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action.

Day 124 – A Year in the Bible – 2 Chronicles 16-18

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2 CHRONICLES 16 – THOU HAST DONE FOOLISHLY

King Asa Calls on the King of Syria
In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king’s house, and sent to Ben-hadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying, There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent thee silver and gold; go, break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me. – 2 Chronicles 16:1-3

The King of Syria Helps King Asa
And Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali. And it came to pass, when Baasha heard it, that he left off building of Ramah, and let his work cease. Then Asa the king took all Judah; and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha was building; and he built therewith Geba and Mizpah. – 2 Chronicles 16:4-6

Because Thou Hast Relied on the King of Syria, not the LORD
And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time. – 2 Chronicles 16:7-10

King Asa Sought Not to the LORD, but to the Physicians
And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians. – 2 Chronicles 16:12

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2 CHRONICLES 17 – THE FEAR OF THE LORD FELL UPON ALL THE KINGDOMS ROUND ABOUT JUDAH

The LORD was With Jehoshaphat
And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; but sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. 2 Chronicles 17:3-6

He Sent to His Princes to Teach
Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Ben-hail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. – 2 Chronicles 17:7

They Taught the Book of the Law of the LORD Throughout Judah
And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people. And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭17‬:‭9‬-‭10‬

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2 CHRONICLES 18 – LET THOU WORDS BE LIKE THEIRS AND SPEAK THOU GOOD

Is There Not Here a Prophet of the LORD?
And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day. Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king’s hand. But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭18‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭

There is Yet One Man
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla. And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat either of them on his throne, clothed in their robes, and they sat in a void place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭18‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭

What My God Saith, That Will I Speak
And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth-gilead, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king. And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good. And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak. – 2 Chronicles 18:11-13

Did I Not Tell Thee He Would Prophesy Evil?
And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand. And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD? Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace. And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil? – 2 Chronicles 18:14-17

Therefore Hear the Word of the LORD
Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left. And the LORD said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner. Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the LORD said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do even so. Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil against thee. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭18‬:‭18‬-‭22‬ ‭

If Thou Return in Peace, the LORD Hath Not Spoken By Me
Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king’s son; and say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace. And Micaiah said, If thou certainly return in peace, then hath not the LORD spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, all ye people. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭18‬:‭25‬-‭27‬ ‭

The King of Israel Disguised Himself
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went to the battle. Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that were with him, saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the king of Israel. And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him. For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from pursuing him. – 2 Chronicles 18:29-32

A Certain Man Drew a Bow and Smote the King of Israel
And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: therefore he said to his chariot man, Turn thine hand, that thou mayest carry me out of the host; for I am wounded. And the battle increased that day: howbeit the king of Israel stayed himself up in his chariot against the Syrians until the even: and about the time of the sun going down he died. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭18‬:‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭

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Such important lessons in our reading in 2 Chronicles today. Seek the Lord, and He shall be found. He promises that He will be with you while you are with Him. Seek men, men’s words and opinions, and the things of this world and suffer the consequences you have allowed into your life.

Lord, help me remember this lesson and Your promises as I go forth today and in the days ahead. Help me to seek You and You alone every step of the way. I ask this in the precious and holy name of Jesus! Amen

Day 123 – A Year in the Bible – 2 Chronicles 13-15

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1 CHRONICLES 13 – WE HAVE NOT FORSAKEN THE LORD OUR GOD

Abijah Reigns Over Judah
Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam began Abijah to reign over Judah. – 2 Chronicles 13:1

Abijah Set the Battle in Array
And Abijah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valour. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭13‬:‭3‬

Have Ye Not Cast Out the Priests of the LORD?
And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David; and ye be a great multitude, and there are with you golden calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods. Have ye not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, the same may be a priest of them that are no gods. – 2 Chronicles 13:8-9

God Himself is with Us for Our Captain
But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and the priests, which minister unto the LORD, are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites wait upon their business: and they burn unto the LORD every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense: the shewbread also set they in order upon the pure table; and the candlestick of gold with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of the LORD our God; but ye have forsaken him. And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper. – 2 Chronicles 13:10-12

The Children of Judah Prevailed
And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind: and they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. Then the men of Judah gave a shout: and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. And the children of Israel fled before Judah: and God delivered them into their hand. And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men. Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers. And Abijah pursued after Jeroboam, and took cities from him, Beth-el with the towns thereof, and Jeshanah with the towns thereof, and Ephrain with the towns thereof. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭13‬:‭14‬-‭19‬ ‭

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2 CHRONICLES 14 – IN THY NAME WE GO UP AGAINST THIS MULTITUDE

Abijah Slept with His Fathers, Asa His Son Reigned in His Stead
So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years. – 2 Chronicles 14:1

King Asa Did that Which was Good in the Eyes of the LORD
And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: for he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: and commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him. And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest. – 2 Chronicles 14:2-6

LORD, It is Nothing with Thee to Help
And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah. Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. – 2 Chronicles 14:9-11

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2 CHRONICLES 15 – IF YE SEEK HIM, HE WILL BE FOUND OF YOU

The LORD is With You, While Ye Be with Him
And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: and he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries. And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God did vex them with all adversity. Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.
2 Chronicles 15:1-7

Day 122 – A Year in the Bible – 2 Chronicles 10-12

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2 CHRONICLES 10 – REHOBOAM FORSOOK COUNSEL OF OLD MEN AND TOOK COUNSEL FROM THE YOUNG

Rehoboam Is King, Jeroboam Returned Out of Eygpt
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was in Egypt, whither he had fled from the presence of Solomon the king, heard it, that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt. – 2 Chronicles 10:1-2

Ease the Grievous Servitude and We Will Serve Thee
And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spake to Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee. And he said unto them, Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed. – 2 Chronicles 10:3-5

King Rehoboam Forsook the Counsel With the Old Men
And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people? And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, – 2 Chronicles 10:6-8a

King Rehoboam Took Counsel with the Young Men
and (king Rehoboam) took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him. And he said unto them, What advice give ye that we may return answer to this people, which have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat the yoke that thy father did put upon us? And the young men that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins. For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. – 2 Chronicles 10:8b-11

What Portion Have We in David?
And when all Israel saw that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: and now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents. – 2 Chronicles 10:16

Israel Rebelled Against the House of David Unto This Day
But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. Then king Rehoboam sent Hadoram that was over the tribute; and the children of Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. But king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. And Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day. – 2 Chronicles 10:17-19

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2 CHRONICLES 11 – THE THING IS DONE OF ME

Ye Shall Not Go Up and Fight Against Your Brother
And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam. But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭

They Walked in the Way of David and Solomon
And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers. So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭11‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭

Abijah Dealt Wisely
And Rehoboam made Abijah the son of Maachah the chief, to be ruler among his brethren: for he thought to make him king. And he dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city: and he gave them victual in abundance. And he desired many wives. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭11‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭

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2 CHRONICLES 12 – REHOBOAM FORSOOK THE LAW OF THE LORD AND ALL ISRAEL WITH HIM

Rehoboam Forsook the Law of the LORD
And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him. – 2 Chronicles 12:1

They Have Humbled Themselves
Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak. Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous. And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭12‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭

When He Humbled Himself the Wrath of the LORD Turned
So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king’s house; he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made. Instead of which king Rehoboam made shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the chief of the guard, that kept the entrance of the king’s house. And when the king entered into the house of the LORD, the guard came and fetched them, and brought them again into the guard chamber. And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the LORD turned from him, that he would not destroy him altogether: and also in Judah things went well. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭12‬ ‭

He Prepared Not His Heart to Seek the LORD
So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam was one and forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother’s name was Naamah an Ammonitess. And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭12‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭

Day 121 – A Year in the Bible – 2 Chronicles 7-9

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2 CHRONICLES 7 – MINE EYES SHALL BE OPEN AND MY EARS ATTENT

The Glory of the LORD Filled the House
Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’s house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. – 2 Chronicles 7:1-3

I Have Heard Thy Prayer
Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD, and the king’s house: and all that came into Solomon’s heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected. And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. – 2 Chronicles 7:11-12

If My People…
If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. – 2 Chronicles 7:11-16

As for Thee
And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments; then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel. – 2 Chronicles 7:17-18

But if Ye Turn Away
But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations. And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house? And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭19-‭22‬ ‭

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2 CHRONICLES 8 – THE HOUSE OF THE LORD WAS PERFECTED

My Wife Shall Not Dwell in the House of David
And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come. – 2 Chronicles 8:11

All was Done According to the Commandment of Moses and Orders of David
Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the LORD on the altar of the LORD, which he had built before the porch, even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles. And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges, to praise and minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required: the porters also by their courses at every gate: for so had David the man of God commanded. And they departed not from the commandment of the king unto the priests and Levites concerning any matter, or concerning the treasures. – 2 Chronicles 8:12-15

The House of the LORD was Perfected
Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭8‬:‭16‬

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2 CHRONICLES 9 – SOLOMON REIGNED FORTY YEARS

All the Kings of the Earth Sought to Hear Solomon’s Wisdom
And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart. – 2 Chronicles 9:22-23

Solomon Slept with His Fathers
And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. And Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭9‬:‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭

Day 120 – A Year in the Bible – 2 Chronicles 4-6

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2 CHRONICLES 4 – AN ALTAR OF BRASS

Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the heights thereof. – 2 Chronicles 4:1

Summary of the Brazen Castings
1. Pots (cauldrons)
2. Shovels (2Chr. 4:11,16)
3. Basons
4. Two pillars (2Chr. 3:15-17)
5. Two pommels (bowls) of the chapiters for tops of pillars (2Chr. 4:12)
6. The two chapiters
7. The two wreaths to cover the pommelsof the chapiters for tops of the pillars
8. The four hundred pomegranates on the two wreaths; two rows of pomegranates on each wreath, to cover the two pommels of the chapiters on the tops of the pillars (2Chr. 4:13)
9. The ten bases for the ten small lavers
10. The ten lavers for the bases (2Chr. 4:14)
11. One large molten sea (2Chr. 4:15)
12. The twelve great oxen under the sea
13. Many pots for various uses (2Chr. 4:16)
14. Fleshhooks
15. Many other articles of brass used in the service of sacrifices
16. The brazen altar (2Chr. 4:1)

Summary of the Gold Work
1. The many vessels
2. The golden altar
3. The table for the showbread (2Chr. 4:19; 1Ki. 7:48)
4. The ten candlesticks (2Chr. 4:20)
5. Their lamps (2Chr. 4:20-21)
6. The flowers for the lamps (2Chr. 4:21)
7. The tongs
8. The snuffers (2Chr. 4:22)
9. The basons (2Chr. 4:22; 4:8)
10. The spoons (2Chr. 4:22; 1Ki. 7:30)
11. The censers (2Chr. 4:22)
12. The entrances of the temple
13. The doors of the holy and most holy places
14. The walls and ceilings (2Chr. 3:5)
15. The interior decorations (2Chr. 3:5-7)
16. The nails of the inner temple (2Chr. 3:9)
17. The upper chambers (2Chr. 3:9)
18. The cherubim (2Chr. 3:10-13)
19. The ten tables for candlesticks (2Chr. 4:7-8)
20. The altar of incense (1Ki. 7:48)
21. Hinges (1Ki. 7:50)

(Lists taken from Dake Study Bible Notes)

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2 CHRONICLES 5 – BY REASON OF THE CLOUD

The Priests Could Not Stand to Minister
And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course: also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:) it came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God. – 2 Chronicles 5:11-14

I love 2 Chronicles 5:14. Why couldn’t the priests stand? The Bible tells us…for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

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2 CHRONICLES 6 – AN HOUSE OF HABITATION FOR THEE

An House of Habitation for Thee and a Place for Thy Dwelling For Ever
Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever. And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of Israel stood. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who hath with his hands fulfilled that which he spake with his mouth to my father David. – 2 Chronicles 6:1-4

Heaven and the Heaven of Heavens Cannot Contain Thee
But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built! – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭6:18‬

Day 119 – A Year in the Bible – 2 Chronicles 1-3

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2 CHRONICLES 1 – WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE

Give Me Now Wisdom and Knowledge
In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead. Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great? – 2 Chronicles 1:7-10

Wisdom and Knowledge is Granted Unto Thee
And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like. – 2 Chronicles 1:11-12
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2 CHRONICLES 2 – A WISE SON ENDUED WITH PRUDENCE AND UNDERSTANDING

Solomon Determined to Build an House
And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom. – 2 Chronicles 2:1

Who Is Able to Build Him an House?
Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel. And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods. But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him? – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬-‭6‬

Because the LORD Hath Loved His People
Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because the LORD hath loved his people, he hath made thee king over them. Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭

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2 CHRONICLES 3 – THE MOST HOLY HOUSE

Solomon Began to Build at Jerusalem in Mount Moriah
Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭

Solomon Built the House of God as Instructed David
Now these are the things wherein Solomon was instructed for the building of the house of God. The length by cubits after the first measure was threescore cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits. And the porch that was in the front of the house, the length of it was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the height was an hundred and twenty: and he overlaid it within with pure gold. And the greater house he cieled with fir tree, which he overlaid with fine gold, and set thereon palm trees and chains. And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim. He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubims on the walls. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬-‭7‬ ‭

The Length was According to the Breadth, Twenty Cubits and He Overlaid it with Fine Gold
And he made the most holy house, the length whereof was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits: and he overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents. And the weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. And he overlaid the upper chambers with gold. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭

Two Cherubims and A Vail of Blue, Purple, and Crimson
And in the most holy house he made two cherubims of image work, and overlaid them with gold. And the wings of the cherubims were twenty cubits long: one wing of the one cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub. And one wing of the other cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was five cubits also, joining to the wing of the other cherub. The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward. And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubims thereon. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬-‭14‬ ‭

Two Pillars Named Jachin and Boaz
Also he made before the house two pillars of thirty and five cubits high, and the chapiter that was on the top of each of them was five cubits. And he made chains, as in the oracle, and put them on the heads of the pillars; and made an hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains. And he reared up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz. – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭

Day 118 – A Year in the Bible – 1 Chronicles 26-29

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1 CHRONICLES 26 – DAVID MADE RULERS FOR EVERY MATTER PERTAINING TO GOD AND AFFAIRS OF THE KING

The Spoils Helped Maintain the House of the LORD
Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD. – 1 Chronicles 26:27

Officers in All the Business of the LORD
And of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred, were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward in all the business of the LORD, and in service of the king. – 1 Chronicles 27:30

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1 CHRONICLES 27 – JONATHAN DAVID’S UNCLEAN WAS A COUNSELLOR, A WISE MAN, AND A SCRIBE

And Hushai the Archite was the King’s Companion
– And over the king’s treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, was Jehonathan the son of Uzziah:
– and over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub:
– and over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite: over the increase of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite:
– and over the olive trees and the sycamore trees that were in the low plains was Baal-hanan the Gederite: and over the cellars of oil was Joash:
– and over the herds that fed in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds that were in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai:
– over the camels also was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the asses was Jehdeiah the Meronothite:
– and over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagerite. All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David’s.
– Also Jonathan David’s uncle was a counsellor, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king’s sons:
– and Ahithophel was the king’s counsellor: and Hushai the Archite was the king’s companion:
– and after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the general of the king’s army was Joab. 
– 1 Chronicles 27:25-34

I found it interesting that God had recorded in His Word not only the details of assignments but also who was assigned to each task for those that stood with king David. There were so many ways to serve. Some were over the gardens, some over vineyards, some over cattle, some over camels, some over people. Some were counselors, some were warriors, and at least one was a friend. If you are blessed to have been divinely assigned to stand alongside someone, I believe God is writing down the details in His chronicles just as He did of these.

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1 CHRONICLES 28 – GOD WILL BE WITH THEE, HE WILL NOT FAIL THEE NOR FORSAKE THEE

Keep and Seek All the Commandments of the LORD Your God
Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building: but God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood. Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel: and of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day. Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭28‬:‭2‬-‭8‬ ‭

Know Thou the God of Thy Father
And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it. – 1 Chronicles 28:9-10

Be Strong and of Good Courage
And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭28‬:‭20‬ ‭

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1 CHRONICLES 29 – ALL THAT IS IN THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH IS THINE

With Perfect Heart They Offered Willingly to the LORD
Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. – 1 Chronicles 29:9-15

It is true that if you give willingly to the Lord, you will rejoice.

Day 117 – A Year in the Bible – 1 Chronicles 22-25

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1 CHRONICLES 22 – THEN SHALT THOU PROSPER

If Thou Takest Heed to Fulfil the Statutes and Judgments Which the LORD Charged Moses
And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death. Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the LORD God of Israel. And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God: but the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight. Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever. Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee. Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed. – 1 Chronicles 22:5-13

Now Set Your Heart and Your Soul to Seek the LORD
Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD. – 1 Chronicles 22:19

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1 CHRONICLES 23 – DAVID MADE SOLOMON KING OVER ISRAEL

When David was Old and Full of Days
So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬ ‭

Stand Every Morning to Thank and Praise the LORD
and to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even; and to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the LORD in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, according to the order commanded unto them, continually before the LORD: and that they should keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the holy place, and the charge of the sons of Aaron their brethren, in the service of the house of the LORD. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭23‬:‭30-‭32‬ ‭

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1 CHRONICLES 24 – DIVIDED AND ORDERED

Divided
Now these are the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. – 1 Chronicles 24:1

Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors of the house of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar. – 1 Chronicles 24:5

Divide – to divide, share, plunder, allot, apportion, assign, impart

Ordered
These were the orderings of them in their service to come into the house of the LORD, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, as the LORD God of Israel had commanded him. – 1 Chronicles 24:19

Order – The classification of priests according to their service ; to arrange

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1 CHRONICLES 25 – SEPARATED AND NUMBERED

Separated
Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service. – 1 Chronicles 25:1

Separate – to divide, to make a distinction, to divide into parts, to be set apart

Numbered
So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight. And they cast lots, ward against ward, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar. – 1 Chronicles 25:7-8

Number – to be counted

What I got from our reading today was that everyone had a job to do. We see the word “division” used in a positive way. They were divided, ordered, separated, and numbered with no partiality because as we see here, David divided them by the casting of lots.

DAY 116 – A Year in the Bible – 1 Chronicles 19-21

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1 CHRONICLES 19 – LET THE LORD DO THAT WHICH IS GOOD IN HIS SIGHT

David Sent Messengers to Comfort the Children of Ammon
Now it came to pass after this, that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon died, and his son reigned in his stead. And David said, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father shewed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him. But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land? Wherefore Hanun took David’s servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away. Then there went certain, and told David how the men were served. And he sent to meet them: for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return. And when the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent a thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of Syria-maachah, and out of Zobah. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬-‭6

Let Us Behave Ourselves Valiantly
Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight. So Joab and the people that were with him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle; and they fled before him. And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem. And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians that were beyond the river: and Shophach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭19‬:‭13‬-‭16‬ ‭

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1 CHRONICLES 20 – AT THE TIME KINGS GO OUT FOR BATTLE

But David Tarried in Jerusalem
And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it. And David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set upon David’s head: and he brought also exceeding much spoil out of the city. And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem. – 1 Chronicles 20:1-3

The Giants Fell By the Hands of David and His Servants
And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued. And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver’s beam. And yet again there was war at Gath, where was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were four and twenty, six on each hand, and six on each foot: and he also was the son of the giant. But when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David’s brother slew him. These were born unto the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants. – 1 Chronicles‬ ‭20‬:‭4-‭8‬ ‭

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1 CHRONICLES 21 – SATAN STOOD UP AGAINST ISRAEL

Satan Provoked David
And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beer-sheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it. And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel? Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem. And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all they of Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah was four hundred threescore and ten thousand men that drew sword. But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king’s word was abominable to Joab.
1 Chronicles 21:1-6

Things were going well for David, but as we have all experienced, when things are going well, Satan tries to get in there. Satan incited David to number the people of Israel. In other words, David wanted to take a census. David put that task on Joab. Joab was totally against David’s plan but did as he was ordered. Joab counted everyone except the tribes of Levi and Benjamin. The Bible doesn’t say why he didn’t count these two tribes.

God is not pleased. David admits to God that he’s done a foolish thing and begs for forgiveness. God sends a message to David and tells him to pick a punishment. 1. Israel has to suffer three years of famine. 2. Israel has to have three months of enemy attacks. 3. There will be three days of God’s wrath and pestilence. David’s choice was number 3. So, God plagues the entire country, and 70,000 people die. Then God sends an angel to destroy Jerusalem. At the last minute, God reconsiders.

God ordered the angel to stop right as the angel is standing with sword drawn and ready to smite at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. David sees the angel and begs God to spare the people since he was the one who sinned. God’s angel tells David to make an altar there. So David asks Ornan to sell him the property. Ornan sees the angel too and tries to give David the land and everything we would need, including the sacrifice.

But king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.
1 Chronicles 21:24

So David paid 600 shekels of gold, and he built the altar. God was pleased, and God told the angel to put away his sword. Because of all that happened in that place, David decides this is the place to build a temple. But the Bible ends the chapter saying that because of the fear David felt at seeing the angel’s sword, he was afraid to worship there.

What is the lesson here? Even if (or especially if) things are going well for you, listen to good counsel and inquire of the Lord before you act. Every action we take affects the Body as a whole. Every action! 

Please help us all, Lord, to stop and inquire of You…and then listen to Your voice or the voice of those You send to speak into our lives and situations.