Verse of the Day: (10:2) And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.
1.Holy (9:1-15)
And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage. (9:8)
It was not just the ruined Jerusalem and her walls and the house of God that Zerubbabel, Ezra and Nehemiah returned to rebuild them, but it was the spirituality of the people of Israel including their princes and rulers had committed immorality and idolatry. It was tragic as the reason why Jerusalem was in total ruin was because of the sins of Israel, and now after God delivered them out of captivity, they still returned to sin against Him. However, God never gave up on Israel, as He put into the hearts of Zerubbabel, Ezra, Nehemiah and a remnant to abide in Him and follow His Word. This was why Ezra tore his garment, plucked off his hair and beard, and wept and prayed to God. Indeed, let us flee from immorality and idolatry, and be holy before our holy God. (1 Peter 1:13-16)
2.Hope (10:1-18)
Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore. (10:1)
Though everything seemed hopeless in Israel as in the ruined city, walls and the house of God, and in particular, the sins of idolatry and immorality, yet Ezra continued to weep and pray, and had hope in Israel, and in his Almighty God. When the people thus saw him wept and prayed, they began to weep and pray and repent their sins. This was indeed the testimony of Ezra as a leader to his people. Let us therefore keep praying to God, and hope in Him, and He shall grant us His joy and peace now and forever. (Romans 15:13)
3.Hands (10:19-44)
And they gave their hands that they would put away their wives; and being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their trespass. (10:19)
The people of Israel repented their sins and gave their hands and hearts to God, and separated themselves from their unbelieving wives. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) It was a tough decision but they knew that they must obey God and flee from idolatry. Today, we still must obey God and marry only those who believe in Him. There is no other way but to only trust and obey God and lift up our holy hands before His holiness. (1 Timothy 2:8)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to pray and flee from sins and obey and hope in You.
2 Chronicles 35 & 36: The Passover
Verse of the Day: (35:18) And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
1. The Passover (35:1-19)
Moreover Josiah kept a passover unto the LORD in Jerusalem: and they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month. (35:1)
King Josiah was the last good king of Judah as he kept the Passover in remembrance of God’s deliverance of Israel from the Egyptians. The Passover was never kept by all the previous kings of Israel and Judah since it was last observed in the days of Prophet Samuel. Josiah encouraged all the priests and the people in their service to God, as he put in place the Holy Ark in God’s splendid house. He generously offered 30,000 lambs and kids and 3,000 bullocks as offerings, and as an example of his love for God. His princes followed his example and gave generous offerings to God. Indeed, let us lead by example as Jesus is our best example who loved and gave Himself for His people. (1 Peter 2:21-25)
2. The Preparation (34:20-27)
After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Charchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him. (35:20)
Preparation and planning are very vital in the success of our lives and ministry, however they will be in vain if God is not in them. This was what happened to Josiah as he prepared his reign, but disobeyed God when he led Judah to fight with King Necho of Egypt. Tragically he died in the battle that he should never have fought in the first place. Let us remember that without God, all our plans and preparation are in vain. (Psalms 127)
3. Prophet (36:1-23)
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD his God, and humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet speaking from the mouth of the LORD. (36:12)
Jehoahaz succeeded his father, Josiah, and he was an evil king. The king of Egypt was in control of Judah at that time, and after 3 months, he replaced Jehoahaz with Jehoiakim, his brother, as the next “puppet” king. Soon King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon attacked Judah, and Jehoiakim was taken as prisoner to Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar then replaced Jehoiakim with Jehoiachin, his son. Within 3 months and 10 days, he was replaced by Zedekiah, his brother. The last king, Zedekiah, again refused to obey God’s Word through His prophet Jeremiah, and thus God’s judgment was upon Judah, until He sent King Cyrus of Persia to free them from the Babylonians so that they could return to Jerusalem to rebuild their city. Indeed, God never forsakes His people. (Hebrews 13:5)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to keep Your Passover in my heart by loving You.
2 Chronicles 33 & 34: Humble Thyself Before God
Verse of the Day: (34:27) Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.
1. Hearken (33:1-25)
And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken. (33:10)
Manasseh, who succeeded his father, King Hezekiah of Judah, did evil before God unlike his godly father. He led Judah in worshipping idols, and practiced witchcraft and child sacrifice that provoked God. God then sent the Assyrians to defeat them, and Manasseh was captured as a prisoner to Babylon. In prison, Manasseh humbled himself, and pleaded with God, and God answered his prayers. He was released from prison and returned to Jerusalem. He then led Judah to destroy all the idols, and commanded them to worship the true God of Israel. Manasseh ruled Judah for 55 years, the longest reign of all the kings of Judah and Israel. After his death, Amon, his son, succeeded him. Amon did evil before God, but unlike Manasseh, he did not humble himself before God. However, both Manasseh and Amon were evil as they did not truly hearken to God. (Proverbs 8:32)
2. Humble (34:1-28)
And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the LORD, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen. (34:17)
Josiah, succeeded his father, King Amon, when he was only 8 years old after Amon was assassinated by his own servants. Josiah did what was right before God as he led Judah into repairing God’s house. While repairing it, they discovered a book of God’s law from Moses, which prophesied God’s wrath upon Israel. Josiah tore his clothes when he heard of God’s judgment. He asked Hilkiah, the high priest and his servants to enquire from Huldah, the prophetess, about the prophecy. Huldah confirmed that God would judge them, but He shall spare Josiah and all who humbled themselves before Him. (James 4:10)
3. Heart (34:29-33)
And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book. (34:31)
Josiah gathered all his people, and covenanted with God that they would love Him, and keep and obey His commandments with all their hearts and soul. (Matthew 22:36-40)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to humble myself before You, and trust and obey You.
2 Chronicles 31 & 32: Our God To Help Us
Verse of the Day: (32:8) With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
1. Heart (31:1-21)
And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered. (31:21)
God’s richest blessings can only come from our complete obedience to Him. God blessed Judah as King Hezekiah led them in spiritual revival and reformation as they removed their false idols, sanctified themselves, offered their sacrifices, firstfruits and tithes, and worshipped God in truth and spirit with all their hearts. Indeed, whatsoever we do, let us do it heartily for God, as only He deserves our praise and worship. (Colossians 3:23-25)
2. Help (32:1-23)
And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven. (32:20)
God does not promise us sky always blue, as there will be storms in our lives. King Sennacherib of Assyria and his mighty army came and besieged Judah, just when everything went well in Hezekiah’s reign. However, Hezekiah was well prepared as he commanded his captains and soldiers to dry up all wells, repair and build the walls, make weapons and shields, and rally them to be strong and courageous as God was with them to help them prevail against their enemies. Sennacherib then sent his representatives to intimidate and demoralise Judah by telling them that the mighty Assyrians had never once lost a battle, and that they should surrender to them to avoid bloodshed. Hezekiah and Prophet Isaiah then prayed and cried to God. God immediately sent His angel to destroy the Assyrian captains and their warriors, and thus saved Judah. Sennacherib then retreated to the house of his god, and was tragically murdered by his own sons. Indeed, let us pray to our God, as only He alone shall help us in all our needs. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
3. Humility (32:24-33)
Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah. (32:26)
At his old age, Hezekiah was dying from his illness, and God healed him when he prayed. However, he soon became proud, and God’s wrath was upon him. He then humbled himself, and once again, God’s blessings were upon him. Indeed, God shall bless us, as we humble ourselves before Him, and serve Him with all our hearts. (Matthew 23:1-12)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that You always help me when I pray and call upon You.
2 Chronicles 29 & 30: It Is In Mine Heart
Verse of the Day: (29:10) Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.
1. Heart (29:1-29)
And the priests killed them, and they made reconciliation with their blood upon the altar, to make an atonement for all Israel; for the king commanded that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all Israel. (29:24)
Hezekiah succeeded Ahaz, his father, as the King of Judah, and he was a good king. He commanded the priests and the Levites to sanctify themselves before they repaired God’s house, and worship only the God of Israel. He had his heart to make a covenant with God so that Israel shall escape His fierce wrath. He then gathered the people, and commanded the priests to offer 7 bullocks, 7 rams, 7 lambs and 7 he goats on God’s altar for the burnt and sin offerings by shedding the blood of the sacrifices as an atonement of the sins of all Israel. Indeed, this was the prophecy of the coming of Jesus, the Son of God, to die on the cross, and shed His blood, as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world. (Hebrews 9)
2. Head (29:30-36)
Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the LORD with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped. (29:30)
When God forgave the sins of Israel, they rejoiced and thanked Him bowing their heads in submission and humility for all that God had done for them. The people then willingly and joyfully offered 70 bullocks, 100 rams and 200 lambs for a burnt offering, and also consecrated 600 oxen and 3,000 sheep until the priests had to call in the Levites to help them with the flaying of these generous offerings. Indeed, our greatest joy is when we bow our heads and hearts, and receive Jesus as our Saviour. This was what Jesus did when He bowed his head to His Father, and proclaimed, “It is finished!” He gave His life for the world, that whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life with Him. (John 19:30)
3. Heal (30:1-27)
And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people. (30:20)
Hezekiah invited the people from the northern kingdom, who were now under the Assyrians after their defeat to them, to God’s house at Jerusalem to observe the Passover, which was an important event reminding them of how God saved them during the time of their bondage in Egypt. (Exodus 12) He then instituted the Passover on the second month so that those who were not sanctified could have the chance to repent of their sins. (Numbers 9:9-14) He loved and obeyed God in his heart, and God answered his prayer by healing them and forgiving their sins as they turned to Him in repentance. (1 John 1:9-10)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that You have put in my heart to truly love You and others.
2 Chronicles 27 & 28: The Fierce Wrath Of The LORD
Verse of the Day: (28:11) Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the LORD is upon you.
1. Ways (27:1-9)
So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God. (27:6)
Jotham succeeded Uzziah, his father, as the King of Judah, and he was a good king as he loved God and his people and built cities for them, as well as castles and towers to protect them from their enemies. Though he prepared his ways before God and led his people to victory over their enemies, yet his people still rebelled against God. Indeed, let us continue to live for God, our Saviour and Judge, even though many may reject Him, as one day we shall give an account of ourselves and our works to Him. (Romans 14:1-12)
2. Walk (28:1-5)
For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim. (28:2)
Ahaz succeeded Jotham, his father, as the King of Judah, and unlike his father, he was an evil king who sinned against God by worshipping idols like all the nineteen bad kings of Israel. He even burnt his own children as sacrifices to the idols. God then judged him and Judah, by sending the Syrians and Israel, their own brothers, to attack them. Many of them were killed, and those who survived were brought to Damascus as their slaves. Indeed, let us flee from the darkness of sins, and walk in the light of God. (1 John 1:5-7)
3. Wrath (28:6-27)
And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for whereas we have offended against the LORD already, ye intend to add more to our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel. (28:13)
God’s fierce wrath was upon the people of Israel, because they had killed many of their own brothers, the people of Judah and Jerusalem, and took the rest of them to Samaria as their slaves. However, Ahaz also grievously sinned against God as he worshipped the gods of Damascus, and even asked the kings of Assyria, instead of the Almighty God, to help him from the invasion of all his enemies, the likes of Syria, Israel, the Edomites and the Philistines. Subsequently, God severely humbled and punished Ahaz and the people of Judah by allowing all their enemies to defeat and destroy them. At the same time, the Assyrians also invaded and defeated Israel. They killed many of the people of Israel, and completely destroyed the kingdom of Israel, with Hoshea as their last king. (2 Kings 17) It was a sad day for God’s people of both Judah and Israel. Indeed, let us avoid God’s wrath by doing what is right before Him, as we shall reap what we sow. (Galatians 6:7-10)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to flee from Your fierce wrath by submitting to You.
2 Chronicles 25 & 26: Be Strong For The Battle
Verse of the Day: (25:8) But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.
1. Strong (25:1-16)
Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them. (25:14)
Amaziah who succeeded Joash, his father, as the King of Judah, after the latter was killed by his servants, was a good king. He then ordered the killing of his father’s murderers, but spared their children, because he obeyed God’s laws that every man shall be responsible for his own sins. (Deuteronomy 24:16) Subsequently, Amaziah sinned against God, as after a victory over the Edomites, he took their idols and worship them. While there was no king who was good among the 19 kings of Israel, there were 8 among the 20 kings of Judah who were good, but they still strayed from God. However, God still commended them as good, because of His love, grace and mercy, as well as their faith in Him. Indeed, by God’s grace, we are saved through our faith in Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-10)
2. Son (25:17-28)
And Joash king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle. (25:18)
King Joash of Israel illustrated a parable to Amaziah, by portraying the latter as a tiny thistle, who had the audacity to order him, whom he portrayed himself as the big cedar, to have his daughter married to Amaziah’s son. God then allowed Joash to humble and defeat Amaziah as the latter had become proud. Subsequently, God judged and punished Amaziah by allowing his own people to conspire and killed him. Indeed, let us humble ourselves before God knowing that we are truly nothing without Him. (James 4:6-10)
3. Sanctuary (26:1-23)
And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God. (26:18)
Uzziah succeeded his father, Amaziah, as the King of Judah, after the latter’s death. Though he was a good king, yet he became proud, and broke God’s law by entering the sanctuary to burn incense which only the priests would perform. God then inflicted him with leprosy until his death. Indeed, let us be humble and flee from pride. (1 John 2:15-17)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to be strong yet humble before You amid my life battle.
2 Chronicles 23 & 24: The Conspiracy
Verse of the Day: (24:25) And when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great diseases,) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died: and they buried him in the city of David, but they buried him not in the sepulchres of the kings.
1. Covenant (23:1-21)
And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD’s people. (23:16)
Jehoiada, the priest, strengthened his godly influence over the people as he rallied them to reinstate Joash as the king of Judah instead of Athaliah who had usurped the throne after the death of King Ahaziah, her son. When Athaliah discovered that the people had made Joash the king, she denounced the enthronement. Jehoiada then ordered the soldiers to kill her. Jehoiada also made a covenant with the new King Joash and Judah to return to the worship of their true God. Indeed, Jesus is our Mediator of the new covenant as He had reconciled us to God by the shedding of His blood upon His death. (Hebrews 12:24)
2. Chest (24:1-14)
And at the king’s commandment they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of the LORD. (24:8)
Joash was a good king while Jehoiada, the priest, was alive, as he listened to his godly advice. Joash rallied Judah in worshipping God, and repairing His house as Athaliah had led the people into idolatry, and had not only neglected God’s house, but took all the dedicated items from it and brought them for the worship of their idols. Joash also commanded a chest to be built so that the people would give for the repair work. Indeed, let us give generously to God as He had given us His best, His Son, Jesus. (John 3:16)
3. Conspiracy (24:15-27)
And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD. (24:21)
After Jehoiada’s death, Joash strayed from God as he listened to the advice of his ungodly princes. Joash not only made the people worshipped idols but he also conspired with the princes by ordering his soldiers to stone Zechariah, who succeeded Jehoiada, his father, as the priest, to death, when the latter rebuked them for forsaking God. Subsequently, God punished Judah by sending the Syrians to defeat them. Joash was severely wounded from the battle, and while resting on his bed, his servants killed him. Though Joash was buried in the city of David, yet he was not buried among the kings, while Jehoiada, the priest, had the honour to be buried among the kings, because Joash had strayed from God. Indeed, let us obey God and flee from evil. (1 Timothy 6:11-12)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to follow Your Word and flee from conspiracy and evil.
2 Chronicles 19 & 20: The Beauty Of Holiness
Verse of the Day: (20:21) And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.
1. Heart (19:1-11)
And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. (19:9)
Prophet Jehu told King Jehoshaphat of Judah that God’s anger was upon him for making alliance with the wicked King Ahab of Israel during their battle against the Syrians. Nevertheless, God forgave Jehoshaphat, because he had repented his sins, and sought after Him with his heart. Indeed, let us confess and repent our sins, and God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
2. Hear (20:1-13)
If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help. (20:9)
Soon after the battle against the Syrians, Jehoshaphat now faced the battle against the Moabites and the Ammonites. Jehoshaphat immediately went to God’s house, and sought after Him to help him fight against his mighty enemies. At the same time, he also called for a fast throughout all Judah. Indeed, let us fast and seek and call upon God in the day of trouble, and He shall hear and deliver us, and we shall then glorify Him. (Psalms 50:15)
3. Holiness (20:14-37)
Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; (20:14)
God’s Spirit came to Jahaziel, a Levite, who told Jehoshaphat to be still before Him, and appoint singers to praise Him for His beauty of holiness and mercy as the army of Judah followed behind them, and then He shall grant them victory over their enemies. Subsequently, God destroyed the Ammonites, the Moabites and the inhabitants of Seir by stirring them to destroy one another. After the victory, the people of Judah got away with abundant riches that were left behind by their enemies. However, at the later stage of his life, Jehoshaphat made alliance with the wicked King Ahaziah of Israel. God then judged and chastised him. This was the second time that he sinned against God by making alliance with a wicked king, as the first time he made alliance with the wicked King Ahab of Israel. Indeed, though we are never perfect, yet let us keep on perfecting God’s beauty of holiness in our lives by fearing and trusting Him in everything. (2 Corinthians 7:1)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You for Your beauty of holiness as I trust You for everything.
2 Chronicles 21 & 22: God’s Promises
Verse of the Day: (21:7) Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever.
1. Promises (21:1-11)
And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD. (21:6)
Jehoram succeeded his father, King Jehoshaphat of Judah, and he did that which was evil in God’s sight, just like all the wicked kings of Israel, as he killed all his brothers whom he believed were threat to his throne. However, God had earlier promised Abraham that He shall preserve his descendants as they shall be the line of Jesus Christ. (Genesis 12:1-3) Indeed, let us trust God’s promises as they are sure, and His greatest promise is that we shall have a heaven to gain and a hell to shun, when we believe in Jesus. (2 Peter 1:1-4)
2. Plague (21:12-20)
Behold, with a great plague will the LORD smite thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods: (21:14)
God punished Jehoram for leading Judah into sins by inflicting him with a deadly disease and sending a great plague that destroyed many of his people and their possessions, which He had earlier prophesied through Prophet Elijah. God also moved his enemies, the Philistines and the Arabians, to destroy Judah including Jehoram’s family, allowing only Jehoahaz, his youngest son, as the sole survivor, in order to preserve the line of Jesus. Indeed, God shall execute His judgment upon the ungodly for their sins. (Jude 1-25)
3. Priest (22:1-12)
But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king’s sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest, (for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not. (22:11)
Ahaziah or Jehoahaz succeeded his father, King Jehoram, however, his reign was short, as Jehu killed both him and King Jehoram of Israel when Ahaziah made alliance with Jehoram. Athaliah, Ahaziah’s mother, then became the ruler of Judah, and she ruthlessly killed all her grandsons to protect her throne. Again, God protected the line of Jesus when He moved Jehoshabeath, the wife of Priest Jehoiada, to hide Joash, the only son of Ahaziah, her brother, from being killed by Queen Athaliah. Indeed, God shall protect His people and priests as we call upon Him as our Saviour and High Priest. (1 Peter 2:9-10)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that Your promises are sure and steadfast as I trust in You.
