Day 13: 2 Kings 6 – 1 Chronicles 4

Elisha and the Arameans (2 Kings 6-8). God’s power and presence can be seen in the most troubled times. Faith knows that God is in charge, even when surrounded by enemies.
A new Northern Dynasty (2 Kings 9-13). A new beginning is a God-given opportunity. We can miss our chance and slip back into old ways, or we can take advantage of it.
The fall of the North (2 Kings 14-17). The religious and moral foundations of Israel were worn away by an unbroken line of wicked kings, leading to the fall of that nation to Assyria. One bad choice may not bring ruin; but a whole series of them surely will.
One Kingdom survives (2 Kings 18-20). Hezekiah is praised as a king who trusted God. One person can make a difference to the fate of a nation when they are fully committed to the Lord.
Judah‘s fall (2 Kings 21-25). Judah was dragged into detestable sins during Manasseh’s 55-year reign. A brief revival under Josiah could not reverse the plunge to judgement.
Evidence from history (1 Chronicles 1-4). History shows that God is faithful. As evidence, the author of Chronicles traces the line of David — who received a covenant promise from the Lord — back to Adam.
An interesting juxtaposition. First, in 2 Kings, we see the fall of the divided Hebrew Kingdom — the Northern Kingdom, Israel, falling to the Assyrians around 722 B.C.; the Southern Kingdom, Judah, to the Babylonians around 586 B.C. Then, in 1 Chronicles, we read a list of names, strange names, strung out one after the other. But each one of those names represents a person, most unknown to us, but every one known and remembered by God. Just as he knows and remembers each of us. Throughout all the troubles we face in this life, God knows us, remembers us, and loves us — all of us

Paul Sibley

Read the Bible on line at Bible Study Tools. Today’s passage (NRSV) is here: http://www.biblestudytools.com/nrs/2-kings/6.html