2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21
Core Claim
The passage in 2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21 demonstrates God's sovereignty over the kings of Judah, particularly Jehoram and Ahaziah, who walked in the ways of Ahab and made whoredom common among Judahites.
Commentary
The passage begins with Jehoshaphat's death and burial in the city of David (2 Chronicles 21:1-3).
Jehoram becomes king, kills his brothers, and makes whoredom common among Judahites (2 Chronicles 21:4-13).
Elijah prophesies against Jehoram for walking in the ways of Ahab and making Judah go astray (2 Chronicles 21:12-15).
The LORD stirs up Philistines and Arabians to invade Judah and take its possessions (2 Chronicles 21:16-17).
Jehoram dies from a disease that causes his bowels to come out (2 Chronicles 21:18-19).
Ahaziah becomes king, but is killed by Jehu while visiting Joram in Jezreel (2 Chronicles 22:1-9).
Athaliah destroys the royal family of Judah after Ahaziah's death (2 Chronicles 22:10-12).
Jehoiada hides Joash and makes him king with the help of the Levites and priests (2 Chronicles 23:1-11).
Athaliah is put to death for treason, and Jehoiada makes a covenant between himself, the people, and the king (2 Chronicles 23:12-21).
Doctrinal Links
- The doctrine of God's sovereignty over kings (2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21).
- The doctrine of the house of David as being preserved due to God's covenant with David (2 Chronicles 21:7, 12).
- The doctrine of whoredom and its consequences (2 Chronicles 21:13, 22:3-4).
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: The passage seems to portray God as being willing to destroy the house of David, but then it says he is not willing to do so. This appears to be inconsistent.
Response: This objection misunderstands the passage. God's willingness to destroy the house of David is conditional upon their obedience or disobedience. Since Jehoram and Ahaziah walked in the ways of Ahab, God was justified in bringing judgment upon them.
Response:
<objection>
Response: The passage seems to imply that Jehoiada and his sons are responsible for making Joash king.
Response: This objection is partially correct. While Jehoiada and his sons did play a significant role in making Joash king, they were acting under the authority of God's word (2 Chronicles 23:3).
Response:
<objection>
Response: The passage seems to portray Athaliah as being overly zealous in her destruction of the royal family.
Response: This objection is partially correct. While Athaliah was indeed zealous in her destruction, she was also acting under the influence of Satan (2 Chronicles 24:18-22).
Response:
Tensions
The tension between God's sovereignty and human free will is evident throughout the passage.
The tension between Jehoram and Ahaziah's disobedience and God's covenant with David creates a sense of irony.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the lesson from Jehoram's disobedience and death to our own lives?
- What does it mean for us to "walk in the ways of Ahab" and how can we avoid doing so?
- How can we demonstrate our commitment to God's covenant with David in our daily lives?
Romans 11:13-36
Core Claim
God's plan of salvation includes both Jews and Gentiles, with the Gentiles being grafted into the olive tree of God's people through faith.
Commentary
The passage begins by Paul speaking to Gentile Christians about his ministry among them (Romans 11:13).
He explains that his goal is to make his fellow Jews jealous so that some of them might be saved (Romans 11:14).
Paul uses the metaphor of an olive tree to describe God's plan with Israel and Gentiles, where branches were broken off due to unbelief but Gentiles stand through faith (Romans 11:17-24).
He contrasts God's severity towards those who have fallen with His kindness towards believers (Romans 11:22).
Paul warns Gentile Christians not to become proud of their position in the olive tree, reminding them that it is God's kindness that sustains them (Romans 11:20).
The passage also mentions a partial hardening of Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in (Romans 11:25), and quotes Scripture about the Deliverer coming from Zion to banish ungodliness from Jacob (Romans 11:26-27).
Paul explains that Jews are enemies for Gentile sake but beloved for their forefathers' sake, highlighting God's irrevocable gifts and calling (Romans 11:28-29).
The passage concludes by praising God's wisdom, knowledge, and mercy towards all people, quoting Scripture about the mind of the Lord being unsearchable (Romans 11:33-36).
Doctrinal Links
- **Covenant theology**: This passage assumes a covenantal understanding of God's relationship with Israel, highlighting the idea that God has made covenants with His people (Romans 11:27).
- **Atonement**: The passage implies that atonement is available through faith in Christ, and that Gentiles have been grafted into the olive tree of God's people through this faith (Romans 11:17-24).
- **Image of God**: This passage assumes a biblical understanding of human beings as created in God's image, highlighting the idea that all people are accountable to God and can receive mercy through faith (Romans 11:32).
Common Objections
**"Why does Paul say that a partial hardening has come upon Israel?"
Response: This is not to imply that God has rejected Israel forever, but rather that He has temporarily hardened their hearts so that the fullness of the Gentiles might come in (Romans 11:25).**
**"How can Paul say that Jews are enemies for Gentile sake but beloved for their forefathers' sake?"
Response: This highlights God's sovereign plan to use both groups for His purposes, and that His gifts and calling are irrevocable (Romans 11:28-29).**
**"What does it mean that the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable?"
Response: This means that God's election and salvation are not based on human merit or works, but rather on His sovereign choice and mercy (Romans 11:29).**
Tensions
The passage raises questions about the relationship between Israel and Gentiles in God's plan.
It also highlights the tension between God's severity towards those who have fallen and His kindness towards believers.
Application Questions
- How should Gentile Christians respond to their position in the olive tree of God's people?
- What does it mean to "continue in God's kindness" (Romans 11:22)?
- How should we understand God's sovereignty and election in light of this passage?
Psalm 22:1-18
Core Claim
God is present with His people in times of distress, yet He may seem distant or unresponsive.
Commentary
The psalm begins with David's cry to God in a time of great suffering (v. 1).
David addresses God as "My God" five times, emphasizing their close relationship (vv. 1, 2, 8, 9, 10).
The psalm highlights the contrast between God's holiness and His seeming absence from David's life (v. 3).
David recalls God's past deliverance of Israel and his own trust in God (vv. 4-5).
The psalm describes the mocking and scorn that David faces from others, who question God's presence with him (vv. 6-8).
Despite this suffering, David affirms God's sovereignty and care for him (v. 9).
The psalm vividly portrays David's physical suffering and feeling of abandonment (vv. 14-17).
The image of dogs and evildoers mocking and dividing David's belongings underscores the depth of his humiliation (v. 16).
Doctrinal Links
- **Covenant theology**: This passage assumes a covenantal understanding of God's relationship with Israel, highlighting the idea that God has made covenants with His people (Romans 11:27).
- **Atonement**: The passage implies that atonement is available through faith in Christ, and that Gentiles have been grafted into the olive tree of God's people through this faith (Romans 11:17-24).
- **Image of God**: This passage assumes a biblical understanding of human beings as created in God's image, highlighting the idea that all people are accountable to God and can receive mercy through faith (Romans 11:32).
Common Objections
<objection> God seems distant or unresponsive in this psalm, which contradicts the idea that He is always present with His people.
Response:
> Response: This psalm highlights the mystery of God's sovereignty and presence amidst suffering. While God may seem distant, He remains actively involved in His people's lives (Psalm 22:1-2).
Response:
<objection> David's words in this psalm suggest that he has lost faith in God's deliverance.
Response:
> Response: This interpretation misunderstands the psalm's context and purpose. David's cry is not a rejection of God's sovereignty but an expression of his deep trust in God, even amidst suffering (Psalm 22:4-5).
Response:
<objection> The image of dogs and evildoers mocking David seems to contradict the idea that God is always victorious over evil.
Response:
> Response: This psalm portrays the reality of evil and suffering in this world. However, it also affirms God's ultimate triumph over evil and His care for His people (Psalm 22:9-10).
Response:
Tensions
The apparent contradiction between God's holiness and His seeming absence from David's life.
The tension between David's trust in God and his experience of suffering and abandonment.
The difficulty of understanding why God allows suffering and evil to exist.
Application Questions
- How can we respond with faith and trust when we face suffering or feel abandoned by God?
- In what ways can we affirm God's sovereignty and presence amidst the challenges of life?
- What does it mean to "be not far from me" in times of trouble, as David asks (Psalm 22:19)?
Proverbs 20:7
Core Claim
The righteous person's behavior of walking in integrity leads to a positive outcome for their children, resulting in them being blessed.
Commentary
The term "righteous" emphasizes moral uprightness, highlighting the importance of living a virtuous life.
Integrity refers to being honest and morally sound, demonstrating a commitment to doing what is right.
The description of the righteous person as one who walks in integrity suggests a consistent and deliberate choice to live with moral character.
This behavior has a direct impact on their children's well-being, indicating that family relationships are influenced by the parents' values and actions.
The blessing mentioned may be spiritual or material, but it is clear that the outcome is positive and desirable.
The use of "blessed" in this context suggests a sense of divine favor or approval.
This verse emphasizes the importance of modeling virtuous behavior for future generations.
Doctrinal Links
- This verse is linked to the doctrine of the image of God, as it emphasizes the importance of living with moral character and integrity.
- It also relates to the concept of covenant, highlighting the responsibility that comes with being part of a community or family.
- The idea of blessing in this verse connects to the broader biblical theme of divine favor and approval.
Common Objections
**What about those who are righteous but do not have children?**
Response: This objection highlights the potential limitation of the verse, which may not apply universally. However, it does not negate the principle that living with integrity has a positive impact on one's life and relationships.
**How can we measure or quantify "integrity"?**
Response: While measuring integrity can be challenging, the verse emphasizes the importance of striving for moral uprightness and honesty in our actions.
**Is this verse only applicable to families?**
Response: Although the verse mentions children, its principles can be applied more broadly to all areas of life, emphasizing the value of living with integrity.
Tensions
The verse may create tension between those who prioritize material success and those who emphasize spiritual growth.
It may also raise questions about how to balance individual responsibility with family obligations.
Some readers may struggle with the idea that a person's behavior can directly impact their children's well-being.
Application Questions
- How can we model virtuous behavior for future generations?
- In what ways can living with integrity impact our relationships and communities?