Today, we continue our journey through the Bible with today’s study of 2 Chronicles. May we remember to ask God to show us what He wants us to learn? Psalm 19:14; “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.”
As we study the Bible alone or in a group setting, I think there are several questions we can ask ourselves to help us dig deeper. The five questions are as follows:
- What does the scripture say about God?
- Then what does the scripture say about me?
- Does something in this passage challenge me?
- What gives me hope in this passage?
- Is anything unclear to me?
I hope these questions help you as much as they help me.
2 Chronicles
- Author: Esra, according to Jewish tradition
- Audience: The exiles who returned from captivity
- Date Written: about 430 B.C
- Length: 36 Chapters
- Key Words: House (referring to the House of the Lord or Temple)
- Key Verses: “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
- Key People: Solomon, the queen of Sheba, Rehoboam, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, Joash, Uzziah, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Josiah
Summary of 2 Chronicles:
Although 1 and 2 Chronicles repeat much of the material in 1 Kings and 2 Kings, the author uses a different approach to it as he looks at the events from a diverse perspective. The book of 2 Chronicles was written after the exile, recording the more positive events in Judah’s history while leaving out many negative ones. 2 Chronicles stresses obedience to God, detailing the successes of obedient kings and the failures of disobedient kings. In addition, the book strongly condemns idolatry and unfaithfulness.
For us today, 2 Chronicles reminds us that idolatry still exists in more muted forms, like money, status, and busyness. Nevertheless, its message is still relevant: Put God first in your life and allow nothing to stand between God and yourself. We also see how the power of prayer can lead to success and victory.
Sections of the Book:
The book of 2 Chronicles has three sections which are:
- Reign of Solomon (Chap 1-9).
- Rehoboam (Chap 10).
- Kings of Judah (Chap 11-end)
Messages in 2 Chronicles:
Three themes permeate the book of 2 Chronicles: God’s promise to David of an eternal throne, God’s desire to abide in his holy temple, and God’s ongoing offer of forgiveness.
The message for us today in 2 Chronicles is that seeking, believing, obeying, serving, and loving the Lord is required for a robust and healthy faith in Christ and a victorious life in Him. Nothing less will satisfy the Lord or the most profound craving of our souls.
We also see God’s characteristics displayed in the following ways in the book:
- He is good – 30:18
- Great – 2:5
- Just – 19:7
- Long-suffering – 33:10-13
- Powerful – 13:4
- True – 6:17
Final thoughts:
The book of 2 Chronicles shows us that the great temple built by Solomon did not last forever. Just 150 years later, it needed repairs. But today, the temple of the Lord lives on in each of His followers because of the Holy Spirit dwelling within. So those who belong to Jesus become His temple. And this temple is not made by human hands but by the will of God. The Spirit who lives within us will never depart from us and will deliver us safely into the hands of God one day. No earthly temple contains that promise.
Lessons from the Bible
Each book of the Bible contains lessons for us to learn and historical information. We must study God’s Word to see what to do and what not to do in life. Paul reminds us of the importance of the words within the text in 2 Timothy 3.
2 Timothy 3:14-17; “14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Prayer
Grant me the understanding and knowledge of You and Your word. As I open my Bible to read the scriptures, it gives me wisdom and discernment. And even as I sit and listen to the pastor, preacher or apostle reveal what Your Holy Book is speaking into my life, help me see and understand. Help me know Jesus Christ and how He lived His life so I can follow in His precious footsteps.
So many people have told me they find these historical books “boring.” What they miss (and what I missed for a long time) is the many lessons for us today about living a godly life in the midst of an ungodly culture. These books are incredibly relevant in 2022!
That’s what I’m learning too. Thanks Ava. Blessings
Always enjoy these summaries ma’am; as I’m always learning something new from your perspectives Ms. Yvonne. Thank you so much.
Thanks JD. I am learning lots along the way. Blessings
This is a great presentation of 1 Chronicles, Yvonne. You provided the important details and offered guidance for study. We continue to be blessed by your father’s thorough notes!
Thanks Melinda and God bless
So good, Yvonne! I love how every book of the Bible teaches me new and important things about God and God’s nature that were true then and today.
Me too. I’m learning so much. Thanks Jessica and God bless
What a wonderful exercise you’re doing–spiritually and mentally. I love that God had His hand on the throne from David’s time until Christ’s. That we can trace the lineage is amazing. Thanks for this good work, Yvonne. God bless!
Thanks so much Nancy. I love doing all this research and everything I’m learning. Blessings
Wonderful summary, Yvonne. I’ve always loved this book. It does show that idolatry exists, even today it’s alive and well. And while 2 Chronicles 7:14 is a favorite, this verse has been my life verse since college: “For the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth, so that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NASB)
That’s a great life verse Karen. He sees us everywhere and everything. Blessings