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#533
In the wilderness we ever find the dark cloud,
disappointments, death... but remember Caleb! He wholly
followed the Lord for the 40 years in the wilderness.
Joshua 13.
2 KINGS 1
2 Kgs 1:1-2 Ahaziah is the new king of Israel (10
tribes). There must have been very poor training in
Ahab's home, because the son seems to have no knowledge
of God. When Satan gets hold of a person, their mind
becomes a slave to all kinds of wickedness. Here we see
the new king's mind completely under the power of Satan.
Notice what he does when he has this accident (there are
no accidents with God). Although he does not inquire from
God, the Lord was watching!
2 Kgs 1:3-4 The definite answer comes, not from the false
god, for it had no life, but from God Himself.
2 Kgs 1:5-16 Elijah (his name means "my God is the
Lord"), is given the job of bringing the Lord's
message. The king is very angry when someone goes against
his wicked ideas. He is going to use violence. (Do we get
angry when someone shows us Scripture which proves us
wrong?)
2 Kgs 1:17-18 God will always have the last word. (The
earlier in our life we learn this, the sooner we
believers are going to become happy). How many times did
you read "thus said the Lord" in this chapter?
#534
The faith of Ruth caused her to join herself with the
poverty of Naomi, and then get for herself the riches and
dignity of Boaz.
2 KINGS 2
2 Kgs 2:1-11 We have not heard of Elisha since the day
Elijah called him to follow him (1 Kings 19:19-21). No
doubt God was training His servant Elisha secretly for
the work he was to do. But here we see him learning his
lessons openly. Though he is going to be privileged to
witness something which had never been seen before by a
human being, he is to be tested.
2 Kgs 2:2-6 How many times does Elisha tell Elijah
"I will not leave thee"? The sons of the
prophets try to discourage Elisha from following Elijah.
Notice how many times they try.
2 Kgs 2:8 In Joshua 3, God stopped the waters of Jordan
for millions to pass over. He will now do the same thing
for two men!
2 Kgs 2:9-11 Here Elijah is a beautiful picture of the
Man Christ Jesus Who ascends to heaven. Elisha - a
picture of us, is left here on earth. Elijah asks Elisha
what he wants most. He asks for nothing on earth, nothing
material. His answer shows where his heart is. He wants
spiritual power. It must come from God. If Elisha is to
get his request, he must be watching "the heavenly
man", Elijah. (If we are going to have spiritual
power, it must be through keeping our eye on Christ. The
sight of Christ in heaven is the secret of power down
here. The martyr Stephen - Acts 7:55, is an example of
this). Elijah ascends to heaven (not in a chariot of
fire) but by a whirlwind.
2 Kgs 2:12-14 Elisha now becomes a representative of a
man in heaven. (This is what each believer is to be). The
effect on him was... firstly, he tore his old clothes. He
was finished with the old life. Secondly, he now has the
garment of the ascended man (Read 2 Corinthians 5:17 for
the way we should be living).
2 Kgs 2:15-18 These have no spiritual intelligence. (A
believer who stands afar off seldom knows the right path
to follow).
2 Kgs 2:19-22 Jericho, a city under a curse - Joshua
6:26, is a picture of this world. (Only Christ can make
the waters of this life sweet. And He does. Have you
experienced this in your Christian life?)
2 Kgs 2:23-25 People think that God will not punish those
who mock His love and grace! The sons of the prophets had
shown unbelief. The men in the city didn't care about the
ascension of Elijah. But these mock, so here is the
result.
#535
His discipline is the continual and unwearied exercise of
love which rests not now, in order that we may enter into
His rest. (He will rest in His love.)
2 KINGS 3
Getting friendly with a person who does not live in
obedience to the Word of God, always brings trouble.
2 Kgs 3:1-3 This king Jehoram only partly turns away from
following idols. (What a mistake this is for a believer!)
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, is a God-fearing man, and
should never have allowed himself to be friendly with
Jehoram. He should have kept separate.
2 Kgs 3:4-9 One compromise always leads to another. Now
the wicked king Jehoram is joined with the God-fearing
Jehoshaphat and the heathen king of Edom. No praying
before they start out!
2 Kgs 3:10 The God-fearing king isn't the one who
mentions the Lord first.
2 Kgs 3:11 Rather late! Had he inquired earlier, no doubt
he would not have been there! Here comes Elisha. What can
he do?
2 Kgs 3:12 Nice thing to have said about him!
2 Kgs 3:13 Elisha speaks fearlessly and plainly.
2 Kgs 3:15 There is such a mixture and so much confusion
that Elisha cannot discern the Lord's mind. He knew the
evils around him, but he did not yet know the remedy. The
minstrel playing music helps him to get the whole sad
situation out of his mind, so that he can find out God's
thoughts.
2 Kgs 3:16-27 Elisha discovers that God is going to be
merciful and gracious. (What a God we have!)
#536
If He destroys our rest here, it is only to bring us into
His own rest.
2 KINGS 4
The story of a poor woman in verse 1 and of a rich woman
in verse 8. Both were blessed by the Lord. Then of
death... a husband dead (V. 1), a son dead, (V. 20) and
then "death in the pot" (V. 40). But the Lord
brought a blessing out of each. (See Lamentations
3:32-33).
2 Kgs 4:1-7 A woman who is in need, and nothing she can
do will fill her need. (God wants us to bring every
problem to Him. But He wants to make us realize our utter
helplessness before He steps in). God uses simple
things... empty things. Her faith kept on borrowing, till
there wasn't another available vessel. She separates
herself and her boys from outsiders, and the filling
starts! God was inside with her. (Our part is to provide
empty vessels. God's part is to fill them). Oil is a
picture of the power of the Holy Spirit.
2 Kgs 4:8 If you are anxious to please the Lord, yet find
the times difficult, this story cannot fail to encourage
you. The days of Elisha were very similar to ours.
2 Kgs 4:9 Notice the personal faith of this woman. She
was able to discern. But what a nice impression Elisha
left on them!
2 Kgs 4:12-17 A beautiful answer the woman gave - verse
13. (Is that where we dwell? Are "our people"
the Lord's people?)
2 Kgs 4:16 What God promises, He is able to perform. A
child is given.
2 Kgs 4:18-37 But she has still a greater lesson to
learn. And that is, that the life-giving God is also the
God of resurrection. The child has died but the Lord
gives it life again! Wonder of wonders. (Death has come
into our life too, through sin. But God has made us pass
from death, unto life - John 5:24). This woman is in the
"faith chapter" - Heb. 11:35.
2 Kgs 4:38-41 A delightful story in just four verses.
Even though there was a dearth (a famine) Elisha the
"man of God", provides a meal for these young
men. They were all facing him. The pot was large enough
to feed them all. It can be a lovely picture of Christ
(pictured in Elisha) feeding us with healthy teaching
(Jesus said "I am the living bread" John
6:51-57. It is good for us to be looking at the Lord
Jesus; as these men were facing Elisha).
2 Kgs 4:39 But someone thought he could improve the meal
by adding to it. (Just like false teachers are doing
these days). But it turned out to be poison.
2 Kgs 4:41 Meal, or flour; in Lev. 2, the meal offering
was very important. (For us it is a picture of the pure,
even, life of the Lord Jesus. When we have problems, look
up to the Lord Jesus in heaven, He said, "I am the
way, the truth and the life." John 14:6. That is
what He wants us to do constantly.) The meal remedy
worked, (and we today will find that He will speak to us.
Try Him.)
2 Kgs 4:42-44 Read it carefully, or you will miss what it
is saying. It is a miracle like Matt. 15:33-39. So we
have had three things happen. Death - resurrection and
food to sustain life. So we have these three also - (1)
we were dead in trespasses and sins. Eph. 2:1. (2) We are
born again into a new life. Eph 2:6 and (3) We have been
given food for our new life, the Word of God that we
might grow by it. 1 Peter 2:2.
#537
The same faith that sees glory at the end of the path for
us; sees God for us all through the path.
2 KINGS 5
A little picture of a great truth in the Bible, that
because Israel turned away from God (in spite of all His
mercies) He has turned to the Gentiles. But a little maid
(an Israelite) is used to bring a message to the
Gentiles. Watch for four messages given to others in this
great story.
2 Kgs 5:1 (Now Israel is in captivity and the Gentiles
have been allowed the victory). In this beautiful story
try and see for yourself how the "little maid"
is so faithful and trusting. Never had such a miracle
been performed before - Luke 4:27. Though while the
message was being passed from one to another - some told
it incorrectly. Nevertheless Naaman heard the true story
later. His great pride is broken down, he washes, and his
flesh becomes as the flesh of a "little child".
(When we accept Christ as Saviour, we are washed in His
precious blood, then we are "born again" - Luke
18:17).
2 Kgs 5:17-19 The "two" loads of earth speak of
the Jew and Gentile brought together - Eph. 2:15 and of
the "two or three" - Matthew 18:20. (The new
ground on which we worship God).
2 Kgs 5:20-27 Material gain (the love of money) has
spoiled many believers. When sin comes into the
believer's life he is soiled. Did you find the 8 messages
in verses 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13, and 22?
#538
If I lose the joy of glory, difficulties become
insurmountable, for my heart does not know what it has to
contend for. Ps. 106:24.
2 KINGS 6, Verses 1-14
Elisha is able to adjust to all kinds of people - kings,
widows, lepers and now to men building a house. The
apostle Paul could preach to kings - Acts 26:1-2, and
pick up sticks for a fire - Acts 28:3. They were both
like our blessed Lord, Who designed and created the
world, yet could take up a little child in His arms.
2 Kgs 6:1-7 This story can be like a believer; he has the
truth "loaned" to him, but loses it. (Usually,
we start down that road when we stop reading the
Scriptures each day). He has to go back to the very spot
where he lost it.
2 Kgs 6:6 The "stick" (wood) can be a picture
of the cross of the Lord Jesus. We need to realize that
the death of Christ has paid for our sins.
2 Kgs 6:7 Then we reach out our hand and we are restored
and thankful.
2 Kgs 6:8-23 Once more we see God's grace working through
Elisha. This time it is to warn the king of Israel of the
secret plans of the enemy!
2 Kgs 6:11-14 The king of Syria sends a whole army to
catch one man. (The ungodly person realizes his weakness
against God and against God's people). So we need to
realize that if God is with us, it does not matter how
strong the enemy may appear.
#539
There is a burden of care in getting riches... fear in
keeping them... temptation in using them... guilt in
abusing them... sorrow in losing them.
2 KINGS 6, Verses 15-33
2 Kgs 6:15-17 To natural sight, Elisha's position was
hopeless. But to faith there is a bright side. (May verse
16 be our constant thought. It will be, if we live with a
tender conscience toward the Lord).
2 Kgs 6:19 Elisha was the "man of God" in
verses 6, 9, & 10, but notice it is missing here.
2 Kgs 6:20 Elisha was experienced with the power of God,
and wouldn't neglect showing the grace of God. (If we are
conscious of the grace, we will know the power).
2 Kgs 6:24-33 Now we come to Elisha's last great
appearance. Remember that Israel's own disobedience to
God had brought this famine on them. (Read the warnings
in Leviticus 26:21-29 and Deuteronomy 28:49-57).
2 Kgs 6:30 Notice that the king wore two things. He was
trying to be two things at once. Had he worn just the
last item mentioned, there would not have been this
famine. He was half-hearted in his humility. Sackcloth is
a picture of repentance and humility.
2 Kgs 6:25-32 Notice the contrast between what all the
people and the king were doing with what Elisha is doing
- Isaiah 26:3.
#540
Submission to the divine will is the softest pillow on
which to recline.
2 KINGS 7
2 Kgs 7:1 Through a message from the Lord, Elisha tells
what plenty there is going to be the next day! (Through a
message from the Lord, believers know that though they
pass through a world of violence and famine they have a
bright "tomorrow". And it may be today).
2 Kgs 7:2 But an unbeliever scoffs at the Word of the
Lord.
2 Kgs 7:3-16 Through four men who had leprosy the
wonderful discovery is made that God has acted. Nothing
else had caused the enemy to run - verse 5. The plenty
comes, according to the Word of the Lord.
2 Kgs 7:17-20 The king puts this unbeliever in a place of
responsibility, instead of dismissing him from his job.
But God acts if the king doesn't, and here is the
dreadful end.
#541
Oh to have Christ so before the eye as to be able to
judge everything in His light!
2 KINGS 8
2 Kgs 8:1 Neither the misery of the people of Israel nor
the mercy they received from God, turned their heart to
God! So Elisha tells this woman that the Lord has called
for a famine! (The Lord often speaks to us through the
circumstances He allows in our life, even when, it wasn't
our own actions that brought them on. The believer who
understands that is the Lord speaking is not disturbed by
them).
2 Kgs 8:4 You will remember the man who lied to Elisha
about Naaman - 5:20-27. Now we find him sitting, talking
with the unbelieving king. He is talking of the
"great things" Elisha had done. Nothing about
the Lord.
2 Kgs 8:5-6 The woman has her lands restored to her.
2 Kgs 8:7-15 When this king was in prosperity, he had
sent an army to capture Elisha - 6:14, but now in his
illness he sends Elisha a present! (The world, when it
faces a calamity, sometimes calls on God, but only for
selfish reasons).
2 Kgs 8:10 Elisha walked closely to the Lord, and
therefore knew His mind. Though the king could have
recovered, he was going to die by another means.
2 Kgs 8:11-12 Elisha is obviously affected by the
thoughts of what was ahead for his beloved people, not by
what was going to happen to the king of Syria.
2 Kgs 8:13 The man Hazael does not know his own heart.
2 Kgs 8:14-15 The murderer takes the throne!
2 Kgs 8:16-29 The sad story of many people.
#542
Circumstances wouldn't trouble, if they didn't find
something in us contrary to God, they would rustle by as
the wind. God deals with that in us which hinders
communion and prevents seeking rest in Him alone. Heb.
4:13
2 KINGS 9, Verses 1-24
2 Kgs 9:1-4 It may be difficult for you to sort out the
kings of the two kingdoms in the land of Israel. Not one
of the kings of the 10 tribes (called the "kingdom
of Israel") obeyed the Lord. Their wickedness
brought on themselves the severest punishment of God, as
we are now going to read. So prepare yourself,
remembering that the Lord had warned them.
2 Kgs 9:1-4 Elisha, the Lord's prophet, doesn't get
involved with this new king over the kingdom of Israel.
He sends one of the sons of the prophets to proclaim him
king.
2 Kgs 9:4-26 But there were two messages delivered to
this other man. (l) To tell him that he was to be king;
(2) to tell him to punish the house of Ahab for all its
wickedness. Both messages appeal to Jehu's nature. He
carries out the second with great energy. God was
punishing for the evil, but Jehu was doing it to
strengthen his own position as king.
#543
Be assured that a testimony in the last days will be
attended by peculiar difficulties and trials, because it
is further on in the evil day.
2 KINGS 9, Verses 25-37
2 Kgs 9:25 If you would like to trace something
interesting, look back into the history of king Ahab and
see what the Lord said would happen - 1 Kings 21. Read it
to see why and how God had made the promise that
punishment would come.
Just stop for a moment and try to think how awful it is
going to be for our unsaved friends and relatives when
they die, to suddenly realize that they are lost and will
be in hell forever, because they didn't believe the Word
of God which had so plainly told them that they would be
damned if they did not believe. Read 2 Thess 2:12.
But, may we who are believers, remember the precious
blood of Christ which was shed so that we would never,
never be punished for our sins... He took the punishment.
May we realize the awfulness of one sin.
Many, many years went by, but here we read of the field
of Naboth again! Neither Ahab nor Jezebel escaped.
#544
The present circumstance which presses so hard against
you is the best shaped tool in the Father's hand to
chisel you for His glory.
2 KINGS 10, Verses 1-17
We could never understand the awful events in these
verses unless we remember two things, (1) that a perfect
and holy God has put them in the Bible, and (2) that He
sooner or later punishes every sin that is ever
committed. (Either you will be cast into hell for your
sins, or Jesus has been punished for every one of your
sins).
2 Kgs 10:1 Samaria was the capital, Jezreel was a place
in Israel; Jerusalem was the capital of the kingdom of
Judah.
2 Kgs 10:2-3 King Jehu uses these strange methods to do
what God had told him to do.
2 Kgs 10:4-5 The leaders of Israel are afraid, for they
suspect something is going wrong.
2 Kgs 10:6-7 The severe punishment from God falls on
these seventy princes, the sons of wicked king Ahab.
2 Kgs 10:9-11 Not only the princes, but all these four
groups. It was total removal from the earth of all those
who had served Ahab. (Remember this is a picture of God's
righteous punishment of every unrepentant sinner today.)
2 Kgs 10:12-17 These men, who had come from the King of
Judah, were killed on orders from Jehu, he even boasts of
his zeal for the Lord in all that he was doing!
#545
Examine many of our troubles and we'll find our own name
stamped on them, as the manufacturer.
2 KINGS 10, Verses 18-36
God was acting for a different purpose than Jehu was.
Jehu was doing all this to strengthen himself as king.
Both purposes were being accomplished!
2 Kgs 10:29-30 But God saw exactly what the heart of Jehu
was like.
2 Kgs 10:31-36 You would think that Jehu would have
learned something about God from all these things, but
no. He was just like millions today, thinking that God
doesn't notice everything, even the heart of the man who
was carrying out His purposes.
#546
No difficulties can stand when God is there, and we
cannot stand when He is not there.
2 KINGS 11
Now we go over to the other line of kings ... the kings
of Judah. We find murder and violence there, too. But try
to keep the two kingdoms separate, Judah and Israel.
2 Kgs 11:1-3 This wicked woman, (the daughter of king
Ahab, called the daughter of Omri, who was the father of
Ahab, 8:26), murders her grandchildren and takes the
throne of Judah herself. But one of the little boys is
saved and hidden from Athaliah for six years.
2 Kgs 11:4-16 The plot and its result.
2 Kgs 11:17-21 It is so beautiful to see that in the
middle of this story of murder and treason, a faithful
man, Jehoiada the priest, is thinking about the Lord, and
how he can bring the people back to Him! For awhile he
succeeds.
#547
That with which we should be occupied, is not our
circumstances but what God intends by them.
2 KINGS 12
Jehoash (sometimes called Joash - verse 19) was faithful
to the Lord while this priest lived. Jehoash seemed to
rely on the priest Jehoiada more than on the Lord. (We
make a great mistake when we look up to men. We will
always be disappointed if we do). Remember, we are now
reading about the kingdom of Judah, (Not one of the kings
of Israel after the division had really turned back to
the Lord...but some of the kings of Judah did. This was
one of them).
2 Kgs 12:4-6 This faithful priest is lovely to read
about. When he died he was so well thought of that he was
buried among the kings of Judah in Jerusalem (2
Chronicles 24:16). Now the temple is repaired. Notice how
bad the condition of it was. (When we turn back to the
Lord, we realize how far away we have been. But it is a
happy time when we realize that coming back to the Lord
surely makes us notice the condition of His house. Only
then do we have the energy to "repair it")
#548
There is nothing the body suffers which the soul may not
profit by.
2 KINGS 13
2 Kgs 13:1-13 Jehoahaz, king of Israel (don't confuse the
two kingdoms), not only took over the kingdom from his
father, but his sins as well. God had rewarded his father
for his obedience, 10:30, but punished him for his
idolatry, but there is no sign of returning to the Lord.
2 Kgs 13:14-21 The faithful life of Elisha has been long.
He lived under kings Jehoram (son of Ahab), Jehu,
Jehoahaz of Israel and Joash (king of Judah). We come now
to the evening of his days, his sun is about to set. Many
of us believers have stood at the bedside of a faithful
old Christian. What a great experience this can be. Here
we stand by such an one.
2 Kgs 13:15-19 Elisha uses this to encourage the king
against their old enemy - Syria.
2 Kgs 13:21 Even in the hour of death, God shows His
power. Possibly a glimpse into the future, when Israel
itself shall be miraculously brought back to life (after
the church has been caught away to glory). Also look at
Daniel 12:2.
#549
It would appear that we are approaching the last moments
of tranquillity.
2 KINGS 14
2 Kgs 14:1-4 For a moment it might appear that king
Amaziah was going to restore the worship of the Lord
according to His Word. But he only went part way. There
was only one place to worship the Lord. They thought it
would be all right to have other places called "high
places". In this case, they weren't for idol
worship, but for the Lord. But they didn't please the
Lord, for He had given careful instructions as we have
often read together.
2 Kgs 14:8-14 There were many attempts to heal the
division of Israel and Judah, and it certainly was God's
desire that they should be one. But the fault lay in the
giving up of the worship of the Lord. The result here is
that Jerusalem (God's center) is attacked. The gold from
the temple of God is stolen, and the wall is broken down.
2 Kgs 14:15-25 No returning to God or His Word. No doubt
there was much worshipping going on, but it was not of
God. The result was only sorrow.
2 Kgs 14:26-27 What words! God saw the bitterness, they
didn't.
#550
God may permit and arrange events for the manifestation
of sin... never in order to produce it.
2 KINGS 15
2 Kgs 15:1 Don't confuse this king Jeroboam, King of
Israel with the first king of the divided kingdom of
Israel.
2 Kgs 15:4 & 35 Almost the same as in chapter 14:4.
People worshipped where they chose. As you read this
chapter, with all its changes, confusion, and
godlessness, you must realize that this is just before
Israel (the 10 tribes) is swept away. To our day they
have never been found. But they are somewhere, for they
are to be gathered back into the land of Israel after we
are gone! (In this chapter we see a reflection of our own
days; for many believers today are worshipping God the
way they think is right). The Word of God has little
power over their life. (Each one of us should ask
himself, "Am I willing to bow to what I know the
Word of God is saying to me?")
#551
It is good to remember that the Hand that arranges our
circumstances and shifts the scenes, has behind it the
heart that takes account of the sparrow in its fall.
2 KINGS 16, Verses 1-10
The story of Ahaz, king of Judah. He had a good father
(15:32-38) to show him the right way of the Lord. He is a
picture of believers who stubbornly refuse to change
their ways to conform to the Word of God (see Hosea
4:17). A person who persists in following his own way, is
often led away into worse error. This king is an example.
2 Kgs 16:10-18 Ahaz, king of Judah, goes to visit the
king of Assyria. But God wants His people to keep
separate from those people who worship idols. Notice what
appeals to his eyes! He prefers this altar to the one
which God had designed (Exodus 27:1-2). Did this please
God? Of course not. (Many believers today think that it
is perfectly correct to learn a bit from different
religions. Denominations which borrow from Judaism and
the other religions are doing this. Pray that our eyes
might be opened to see the errors into which Satan is
leading many believers. All done to rob the Lord Jesus of
the glory He deserves.)
#552
When our life is reviewed, we'll not remember the
happiness so much as the sorrows for these drew us closer
to a sympathizing Jesus.
2 KINGS 16, Verses 11-20
2 Kgs 16:11 The priest back at home, who should have been
a guardian of God's truth, weakly goes along with the
king's plans and makes an altar, copying the plan which
the king had sent him. (Many believers today are doing
the same thing. They are worshipping at altars that are
copies of the Old Testament Jewish laws. For instance,
having a building which is called the house of God - this
is copying the temple idea. God says He doesn't live now
in temples (buildings) made with hands - Acts 17:24, but
He lives in every believer - 1 Cor. 6:19. Or having one
man, appointed by the congregation, who does all the
preaching, and who alone is allowed to give the bread and
wine at communion (this is copying the priest idea from
Leviticus, and quenches the Spirit of God - Eph. 4:30. 1
Thes. 5:19). And God says that now all believers are
priests - 1 Peter 2:5 and that all believers are equally
important - 1 Cor. 12:14. If our own will (what we think)
takes over, we will not be able to see anything wrong
with these things - Job 34:32.
2 Kgs 16:12-13 He probably thought that it was very
attractive looking. The human mind must have some form of
religion, and if left to itself, always goes to something
attractive to the eye, but which is really idolatry. See
verse 2 for God's opinion. We all need to be reminded
that the Word of God, as guided by the Holy Spirit, is
the only authority.
#553
The Lord Jesus is no security against storms, but He is
perfect security in storms.
2 KINGS 17
God's patience has run out. We have read a long sad
story. God sent warning after warning, prophet after
prophet, but they refused to listen to any of them. Now
the enemy comes. The kingdom of Israel (the 10 tribes) is
swept away, never to return for the 2,600 years which
have gone by since then.
We are living in exactly the same conditions. The Word of
God has no effect on most people, and little effect on
believers. Indifference (not caring) is the disease of
our days. In Revelation 3:16, God is speaking about the
last days of the church's history on earth - we are there
now. Read what He says He is going to do with the
professing Christians... just what He did with the
kingdom of Israel in today's chapter. Read carefully. It
is just like today. Don't think of it as applying only to
the unsaved. True believers are poisoned by false
teaching as never before.
Our voice is feeble, but we raise it for God and His
truth. Are you continuing on in the poison of compromise
and the traditions which men have established, and refuse
to accept God's warning in His Word? God wants all
believers to separate from religious evil - 2 Cor. 6:17.
As you read the chapter, notice how many times it says
that they did not listen or obey... verses 7 to 12, 14 to
17, 22, 40.
2 Kgs 17:36 The God who had so mercifully redeemed these
people out of Egypt, Who had led them across a trackless
wilderness for forty years, Who had given them the good
land... where they ate without scarceness, and lacked
nothing in it (Deut. 8:7), now has to turn them out of it
for disobeying Him - see Hosea 9:17. So it is a sad
story. (But we wonder how many readers are willing to say
to the Lord - "Yes, I want to put Thee above all my
present thoughts and obey Thee".)
#554
God's will is better than all opportunities, if we are
clear as to that will.
2 KINGS 18, Verses 1-16
2 Kgs 18:1-8 Now back again to the kingdom of Judah. In
the whole story of king Hezekiah, we see what can be done
when the heart is turned toward God. If only the other
kingdom had done this! Notice how the Lord was pleased,
and helped him.
2 Kgs 18:9-12 The Assyrians had taken the other kingdom
captive. Its capital was Samaria. The reason why the
enemy could win was not because they were stronger, but
because of what we read in the 12th verse.
2 Kgs 18:13-16 Eight years later, the Assyrian army
returns to do the same thing to the kingdom of Judah. But
will it succeed? Will king Hezekiah also be disobedient,
or will he turn to the Lord? He had a very disobedient
and foolish father - 16:10-20, and it would have been
easy for him to follow his father's ideas. At first, when
Assyria took the other towns of Judah, Hezekiah pays a
tribute. But this was not trusting the Lord. It only put
off the evil day.
#555
All my responsibilities and duties flow from the place
I'm in.
2 KINGS 18, Verses 17-37
The three representatives of the Assyrian king meet the
representatives of king Hezekiah. They do their best to
discourage any trust in the Lord or in anyone else. They
apparently knew that Hezekiah was trusting in the Lord,
so they mock the Lord really.
2 Kgs 18:32 The enemy offers them an imitation of their
own wonderful land - Deut. 8:7-8. The enemy's land was
certainly not anything as good as their own land of
Israel. Satan's prizes are false.
2 Kgs 18:37 Not having faith in the Lord as Hezekiah had,
these three men are very upset, and bring the message to
Hezekiah.
#556
A silent heaven is the greatest mystery of our existence.
2 KINGS 19
2 Kgs 19:1 Though he is upset, he does the best thing...
he goes to tell the Lord. (What a grand thing for us to
remember!)
2 Kgs 19:2-5 Secondly, he sends to Isaiah, God's prophet.
(It is good to talk to believers who live close to the
Lord when we are troubled. They often have a message from
the Lord for us.)
2 Kgs 19:6-7 Isaiah's message. Could the king fear after
hearing such assurance?
2 Kgs 19:8-13 But the enemy doesn't slow down.
2 Kgs 19:14-19 This time Hezekiah takes the enemy's
letter right to the Lord. We can read his actual prayer -
short and direct.
2 Kgs 19:20-34 God reviews the whole case, telling in
more detail than Hezekiah probably knew, of the proud
boasting and plans of the enemy. Then God tells what
would really happen.
2 Kgs 19:35-37 One angel destroys 185,000 in the enemy
camp in one night.
#557
We're living in a day which could be described as
civilized heathenism.
2 KINGS 20
2 Kgs 20:1 The king gets a serious illness. But by the
power of God he is restored. Sometimes the Lord has to
speak to us through an illness to draw us closer to Him
(See 1 Peter 1:6,7).
2 Kgs 20:2-3 He prays, and God hears and cures him.
2 Kgs 20:4-7 God promises him these years.
2 Kgs 20:8-11 Love and power are combined in God. A great
miracle is also performed. Hezekiah has a lot to be
thankful for. We would surely think that a man who has
experienced such great things from the Lord would never
make a mistake... would walk carefully.
2 Kgs 20:12-13 But look at what he does! The human heart
cannot stand success unless it leans on the Lord.
Hezekiah doesn't say a word about the Lord having given
him all his wealth.
2 Kgs 20:14-21 One thing can be said for him, he took it
humbly from the Lord.
#558
Circumstances bring out the cause of failure.
2 KINGS 21
Hezekiah's son Manasseh was born during the additional 15
years which God gave to the father, for he was only 12
when he became king. Apparently, any teaching he may have
received from his father didn't make much impression on
him.
2 Kgs 21:2-9 The details of his wickedness are clearly
given us. Notice again that the acts were religious evil.
He built many altars.
2 Kgs 21:10-16 With equal detail, God tells what He will
do as the result of this wickedness. Though the Lord is
so longsuffering and merciful, He is holy, and sin must
be punished, though the punishment may be delayed. Read
Ecclesiastes 8:11. This verse describes the world today.
2 Kgs 21:19-26 His son Amon followed the father in his
wicked ways. What a dreadful end he had.
#559
If I can't overcome where I am, I can't anywhere.
2 KINGS 22
We could expect that the next generation would continue
the downward and disobedient life. But suddenly we see a
bright star in the darkness... king Josiah, Amon's son.
2 Kgs 22:3-7 These verses seem to indicate that the young
king earlier had ordered the repairing of the temple.
2 Kgs 22:8-20 While clearing the dirt out of the temple
they come across a copy of the Word of God - (Just the 5
books of Moses - Genesis to Deuteronomy). This apparently
had been lost for many years. Notice the effect it has on
the king. (This is what we all need to learn. If the Word
of God does not change our life, it is because we are
careless and indifferent. Read Isaiah 66:2, for a good
promise). King Josiah did this. Though God was going to
punish the people, He would spare the king from seeing
it. (There can be no growth in the soul of any one of us
unless we separate from the evil around us. 2 Tim.
2:19-26).
#560
We see the END, but do we see the way?
2 KINGS 23, Verses 1-14
2 Kgs 23:1-2 Having read the Word of God himself, the
next important step was to have it read to all the
people. It would not have been right just to tell the
people about the Word. He wanted them to hear the words
for themselves. That is why we say repeatedly that the
purpose of Chapter-A-Day outlines is to encourage you to
read the Word of God for yourself and have it affect you.
2 Kgs 23:3 He doesn't ask them to do what he was not
doing himself. The italic letters (not in the original
writings) give the impression that the people first made
the promise. But it was really the king. Then the people
agreed.
2 Kgs 23:4 The first job was to get rid of the
corruption. And this is always God's order. Believers
don't learn God's truth until they are willing to
separate from what they know is wrong in their life -
Isaiah 1:16-17.
2 Kgs 23:5 Then the religious evil had to be put away.
(Do you understand what this means in your life?)
2 Kgs 23:6-14 Does he say "oh, what is the harm in
that?" or "everyone is doing it, so it might be
all right?" No. He decided everything by what God's
Word said. (Are we?)
2 Kgs 23:12 Notice the last word in verse 4... Bethel
(also in verses 15 & 17). Now turn back to 1 Kings
12:26-29! This was hundreds of years before. See
Ecclesiastes 3:15, (last part). God doesn't change. He
had foretold 350 years before that "a child...
Josiah" would destroy the altar of Bethel. 1 Kings
13:2. Not only is Josiah's name in the Bible 350 years
before he is born, but also that he would do this to the
very same altar!
#561
We understand the work FOR us, but do we understand the
work IN us?
2 KINGS 23, Verses 15-37
2 Kgs 23:15-20 While king Josiah was ordering all these
idolatrous things to be destroyed, he noticed some places
where people had been buried (sepulchers). There were the
places where the bones of the false prophets who had
lived many, many years before. His eye caught a name
which was engraved on a sepulcher. The men told him that
it was the grave of that man of God who had lived about
350 years before (1 Kings 13:1, 30). So we see the two
results... preservation for the two prophets, and
destruction for all which was not of God.
2 Kgs 23:21-23 One of the reasons this Passover was never
equaled before or after it, was because everything was
done according to God's Word! (What a message for every
one of us today).
2 Kgs 23:24 Remember that idolatry is always connected
with worship. The human heart is never satisfied unless
it has an object to worship. (Today Satan is succeeding
in deceiving millions through his cults with religious
appearance. Even true believers are being led away from
the truth of Scripture).
2 Kgs 23:25 Those awful conditions were no hindrance to
this king. Read carefully what it says about his
faithfulness. Notice it was with his spirit (heart), soul
and body (might).
2 Kgs 23:26-27 In spite of the faithfulness of the king,
God would not change from the severe punishment He had
already announced (Read Jeremiah 15:4).
2 Kgs 23:29-37 The punishment commences. Judah loses its
faithful king Josiah, and gets two evil kings, both being
the sons of Josiah. The kingdom of Judah is under the
control of the king ("Pharaoh" means king. Like
Caesar, Kaiser, Czar).
#562
My need today... not self-justification but
self-renunciation... not avenging wrongs but enduring
them.
2 KINGS 24
Four kings of Judah come and go within 23 years. Jehoahaz
reigns only 3 months (23:31), Jehoiakim, 11 years
(23:36), Jehoiakin 3 months (24:8), and Zedekiah 11 years
(v. 18). The Lord's name is mentioned 10 times in the
chapter. Notice the circumstances surrounding each time.
God had repeatedly warned the kingdom of Judah of what
would happen if they were disobedient.
They paid no attention... they saw the kingdom of Israel
(the other ten tribes) carried away into captivity. They
paid no attention... and now God acts! All is utter
confusion. Firstly they were under the control of Egypt.
Now comes Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon and they are
under Babylon. Everything was falling apart. Do you see
the same thing happening today in our countries? And for
the same reason - disobedience to the Lord.
#563
Under all circumstances, in all places, at all times,
we're to pray. Prayer is the constant attitude of
dependence on God.
2 KINGS 25
2 Kgs 25:1-21 Here is the sad end of the story of
disobedience to God. This beautiful land which God had
given to Israel, has been lost to them, and now Judah is
being taken captive to Babylon. They will remain there
for 70 years; then a faithful little remnant will be
brought back. God always has His few.
2 Kgs 25:22-26 Most of the people who remained in the
land turned to Egypt for help. (God had told them to
submit to the king of Babylon and He would preserve
them). But they refused and are destroyed (read of the
same incident in Jeremiah 43).
So we come to the end of this book of 2nd Kings, with
many incidents, some bright but most dark; about many
men, women, youths and children, some faithful, some
unfaithful to God. How will your and my life show up when
it is reviewed before the Lord Jesus Christ? This is our
only opportunity to live faithfully for Him. Prov. 14:23
says "In all labor there is profit". But in the
believer's life no labor brings richer, more lasting
fruit, than the patient, prayerful reading and living of
God's Word. Many have found this to be a life of joy.( We
believers cannot progress, but will go down and down,
unless we are willing to step out of the religious evil
which is all around us. Does this strike a chord in your
heart?)
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