Day 28: 2 Kings 16-25
So in the end the Israelites get carted off by the Assyrians and Samaria was resettled. Thus became the hodge podge of combined religions that existed in Jesus' day. That was really cool for me to kind of understand that a little. Good foreshadowing and good background for later.
Now into the meat of things. My favoritist kings are in these verses: Hezekiah and Josiah. Hezekiah, there was no one like him, either before or after him. Josiah, I see him as a champion of the LORD. Both men had hearts that yearned after God, but although Hezekiah did what was right in God's sight and he destroyed the high places and Asherah poles that the kings before him failed to do. He did some other pretty amazing things too, like bringing water into Jerusalem (I think it was an aqueduct). So Hezekiah was pretty awesome. He was also peeps with Isaiah, as in the prophet. That's not to say that Hezekiah didn't make his fair share of mistakes and his response to the LORD's saying that disaster will come to Israel/Judah was relief that he would be safe. (I'd probably have the same reaction). Still it is not perfect, but Hezekiah followed after God without turning from him. He was faithful, not without fault, but faithful. On the downside again, he fathered, perhaps the most wicked king Judah would ever know, Manasseh and he did not do what Josiah would do - bring back the Law.
So after Manasseh and Amon comes the second boy king, Josiah. He was eight when he became king. He brought back the heart to Israel. He found the Law of Moses and his reaction, I love his reaction. He tears his robes in absolute grief for not having followed God as he should. It's the most appropriate response and its sincere. If only my sincerity for my sin and neglect would be as much. And then his next response is also wonderful, he inquires of the LORD and what does the LORD say, "I have heard you" (2 Kings 22:19).
It's beautiful. I may sound rather gushy, but I love the heart of these two kings. I love how Josiah doesn't just keep the Law to himself, but he calls all the people, "This is what we should be doing! Let us consecrate ourselves to the LORD anew." That's his job as king, to set an example and to bring the people closer to their Heavenly King. Again, that may sound simplistic or trite, but sometimes God is pretty basic. That's usually all he really wants is the basic things. It doesn't mean he doesn't want us to question or think, but when it comes down to it, what He wants most is obedience and surrender. That obedience and surrender is a safe thing because God is good and loving and just and if we share faith in his Redeeming Son, then we have nothing to fear.
This is why I love the Old Testament. This is why I love these kings, the good ones; my heart breaks for the ones who follow evil. They've missed it. I cheer when Israel is shown mercy and my heart is wrenched when destruction and punishment befall them. My heart is wrenched, but I know it is also justified because I ultimately trust that God knows so much better than I.
Josiah is the last blazing beacon of hope before Judah falls. There is redemption, it is a long time coming, but through it all God is faithful. The rest of the story will only prove this more and more.
Day 29 & 30 1 Chronicles 1-23
So Chronicles is not the easiest of reads as anyone can attest. Not only is it chock-full of genealogies, but it is also a retelling of the history of Judah. It's not a complete repeat of Kings, but it is a retelling of those things dealing with the kingdom of Judah. So be prepared to hear some things again.
On a bright note, it may add some different insight to what has been said before. I found out that Joab was David's nephew. At least that's what I think I can tell from the genealogy (1 Chron 2:13-17). It's always fun to see where the odd sister is listed. Makes me smile because I know God appreciates women and their names are there for a reason. (Like all the kings of Judah listed their mommas.)
Here we see more of the militaristic exploits, like how many men were exactly with David across the tribes of Israel. Small but interesting details, at least to me. Couple of questions though, Elhanan killed Goliath's brother, but 2 Samuel says he killed Goliath. A copy error or another name for David? I've heard both explanations and both are plausible. Neither one takes away from the truth of God's word. What happened, happened: David killed Goliath. Perhaps someone else killed his brother or perhaps David had another name. Seemed to be a lot of that going around: Abram/Abraham, Jacob/Israel, Saul/Paul... The second question I have, did God incite David or Satan? Contradiction? No I don't think so.
Ultimately all things are under God's control, even Satan. God allows Satan certain freedom, like us. So, God could have allowed Satan to do what Satan desired, which ultimately achieved God's purpose: David repented and sought the LORD instead (another example would be Job). God is not evil or vindictive though. God hardened Pharaoh's heart/Pharaoh hardened his heart. Either way, God's will was accomplished: by such wonders and divine miracles His people were released from bondage. Perhaps this is too simplistic for you, but trust me, I spent a lot of time questioning this in the past. I understand. Keep asking, keep wrestling, but always point your questions to God and to His people and to prayer. God will not abandon your seeking. He did say, you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart (Jer 29:13). I don't question this as much anymore. Now it's more of trust. I still question, but this, I've let it go to God. I pray that someday you will be able to take whatever is keeping you mired below and release it to Him. It is freeing.Enough for now. Blessings all!
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