2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21
Big Idea
The book of 2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21 describes the reigns of Jehoram, Ahaziah, and Joash, highlighting God's judgment on the house of Ahab and His preservation of the Davidic covenant.
Commentary
Jehoshaphat dies and is buried in Jerusalem.
Jehoram becomes king, kills his brothers, and makes whoredom common among Judahites.
Elijah prophesies against Jehoram for walking in the ways of Ahab and making Judah go astray.
The LORD stirs up Philistines and Arabians to invade Judah and take its possessions.
Jehoram dies from a disease that causes his bowels to come out.
Ahaziah becomes king, but is killed by Jehu while visiting Joram in Jezreel.
Athaliah destroys the royal family of Judah after Ahaziah's death.
Jehoiada hides Joash and makes him king with the help of the Levites and priests.
Athaliah is put to death for treason, and Jehoiada makes a covenant between himself, the people, and the king.
The house of David is preserved due to God's covenant with David.
Jehoram and Ahaziah both walk in the ways of Ahab and make whoredom common among Judahites.
Elijah prophesies against Jehoram for his evil deeds.
Claims
- God's judgment is poured out on the house of Ahab due to their wickedness.
- The Davidic covenant ensures that a descendant of David will always sit on the throne.
- Jehoram and Ahaziah are punished for walking in the ways of Ahab and making Judah go astray.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The Philistines and Arabians invade Judah because they are angry with Jehoram's actions.
Correction
The LORD stirs up the Philistines and Arabians to invade Judah as a judgment on Jehoram.
Misunderstanding
Athaliah destroys the royal family of Judah out of revenge for her son's death.
Correction
Athaliah destroys the royal family of Judah because she seeks to eliminate any potential claimants to the throne.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the principle of God's judgment on wickedness in our own lives?
- What are some ways that we can preserve and honor the Davidic covenant in our churches and communities?
- How can we learn from the mistakes of Jehoram and Ahaziah, and avoid walking in their footsteps?
Romans 11:13-36
Big Idea
The Gentile believers in Rome should not become proud of their position, but rather continue in God's kindness and fear His severity.
Commentary
Paul speaks to the Gentiles about his ministry among them and explains the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in God's plan.
He warns Gentiles not to become proud of their position and contrasts God's severity with His kindness towards both groups.
The olive tree is a metaphor for God's plan with Israel and Gentiles, where branches were broken off due to unbelief but Gentiles stand through faith.
A partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in, but all Israel will be saved as it is written.
The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable and not dependent on human merit.
Paul quotes Scripture to emphasize God's sovereignty and mercy towards all people.
Claims
- A partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in.
- The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.
- God has consigned all to disobedience, that He may have mercy on all.
- From Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The olive tree is a symbol of Jewish superiority
Correction
The olive tree represents God's plan with both Israel and Gentiles.
Misunderstanding
Paul is saying that Gentile believers are better than Jewish unbelievers
Correction
Paul is emphasizing the kindness and severity of God towards both groups, not comparing their worth.
Application Questions
- How can you apply the concept of God's kindness and severity to your own life?
- What does it mean for you to be grafted into the olive tree, and how should that change your behavior?
- How can you avoid becoming proud of your position as a Gentile believer in Rome?
Psalm 22:1-18
Big Idea
The Psalm 22 is a prayer of distress by David, expressing his feelings of abandonment and suffering.
Commentary
The Psalm begins with David's cry to God in verse 1, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
David addresses God as "My God" five times throughout the Psalm.
The Psalm highlights God's holiness and past deliverance (verses 3-5).
David feels scorned and mocked by others (verse 6-8).
He recalls God's past care and trustworthiness (verses 9-10).
Trouble is near, and David asks for God's presence (verse 11).
Many enemies surround David, like strong bulls of Bashan (verse 12).
David describes his physical suffering and feeling abandoned (verses 14-17).
Dogs and evildoers mock and divide David's belongings (verses 16-18).
Claims
- God is holy and enthroned on the praises of Israel.
- God has delivered His people in the past.
- David trusts in God, despite his current suffering.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
- The Psalm is a prayer of triumph, rather than distress
Correction
The Psalm begins with David's cry to God in verse 1, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Misunderstanding
- God has abandoned David because He no longer loves Him
Correction
The Psalm highlights God's holiness and past deliverance (verses 3-5).
Application Questions
- How can we apply the trust that David shows in God to our own lives of suffering?
- What does it mean for God to be enthroned on the praises of Israel, and how should this affect our worship?
Proverbs 20:7
Big Idea
The verse highlights the importance of living a life of moral uprightness, which has a positive impact on one's family.
Commentary
The term "righteous" emphasizes moral uprightness and a commitment to doing what is right.
The concept of integrity refers to being honest and morally sound in all aspects of life.
Walking in integrity means consistently making choices that align with one's values and principles.
This behavior has a direct impact on the well-being of one's children, who are blessed as a result.
The blessing mentioned is likely spiritual or material, but its nature is not specified.
The verse suggests that the righteous person's actions have a lasting legacy for their family.
The use of "after him" implies that the benefits of the righteous person's behavior extend beyond their own lifetime.
This verse encourages parents to strive for moral excellence in order to provide a positive example for their children.
The emphasis on integrity and righteousness highlights the importance of character development in one's life.
Claims
- Those who live righteously will have blessed children.
- Walking in integrity is essential for achieving this blessing.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
A person can be considered righteous without living a life of moral uprightness
Correction
The term "righteous" emphasizes moral uprightness and a commitment to doing what is right.
Misunderstanding
Living a life of sin or immorality will not have a negative impact on one's children
Correction
This verse suggests that the opposite is true, and that living a life of sin can have serious consequences for one's family.
Application Questions
- How can I model integrity and righteousness in my own life to positively influence my children?
- What are some specific ways I can demonstrate moral uprightness in my daily choices and actions?