1. The book of I Chronicles starts with nine chapters of genealogical information. Why was this so important under the Law of Moses?
From the roles of the people of Israel (i.e. Numbers 3:1-39 and I Chronicles 3:10-16) to the land each family inherited (Numbers 26:55), this all came down to their genealogical history. If no record could be found, their place was lost (Ezra 2:59-63).
Thus we read this: “So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they were written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, who were carried away to Babylon for their transgression” (I Chronicles 9:1). This was used when they came out of captivity (Nehemiah 7:5; Nehemiah 7:64).
This was also important to know that the promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 22:1-18) was properly fulfilled (Matthew 1:1-17).
In addition to Abraham, also the significance of Christ our king being of the seed of David (Matthew 21:5-9, Matthew 22:42, and Luke 1:69-70) as promised (Isaiah 7:13-14, and Jeremiah 23:5-6).
All Scriptures are profitable (II Timothy 3:15-17).
One thing to note though is that once the N.T. came into effect the significance of the children of Israel knowing their genealogical history reduced significantly as the kingdom is spiritual now (Hebrews 12:18-28).
We can see that this had become a point of division for some (I Timothy 1:3-7 and Titus 3:9-11).
2. Why did the wounded king Saul fall upon his own sword?
“(2) And the Philistines followed hard after Saul, and after his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. (3) And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him, and he was wounded of the archers. (4) Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it” (I Chronicles 10:2-4).
He was right. The Philistines would have abused him as they did with his remains (I Chronicles 10:8-10).
3. After Saul’s death, did Israel recognize David was chosen by God?
Yes, eventually (I Chronicles 11:1-3).
It was not a smooth transition though. Israel did not accept this at first. There was war between the house of David and Saul. Eventually, unity occurred (II Samuel 2:1-5:16).
4. How did Joab become chief and captain?
“And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief” (I Chronicles 11:6).
Joab was “over all the host [army]” (II Samuel 8:16, II Samuel 20:23, and I Chronicles 18:15).
5. What did three of thirty captains do when they knew David longed for a drink from the well of Bethlehem?
They valiantly [reading the context shows how valiant these men were] went and obtained the water from behind enemy lines, but David would not drink it because of their putting their lives on the line for it (I Chronicles 11:15-25).
They were not the only valiant men in David’s army (I Chronicles 11:26-47).
6. What error(s) were made when Israel went to bring the ark of God to Jerusalem?
While their intentions were good (I Chronicles 13:1-5), they erred in not having the Levites carry the ark (I Chronicles 15:1-14). They erred when they had made a new cart (I Chronicles 13:7) rather than upon the shoulders of the Levites properly as the Lord instructed (I Chronicles 15:15-28). In the course of these things, a well-intended man named Uzza tried to keep the ark from falling and was stricken dead as he was not authorized to handle the cart by God (I Chronicles 13:9-12).
7. While David could create a tent for the ark, appoint ministers to the ark of God and author psalms (I Chronicles 16:1-36); what did he want to build that God did not permit?
David wanted to build God’s temple, Nathan gave the go ahead, but the Lord said He never asked David to do so and that it was going to be Solomon’s task (I Chronicles 17:1-27).
No matter the intentions (Proverbs 16:25 and Proverbs 21:2), it is wrong if unauthorized by God (Deuteronomy 4:2, Leviticus 10:1-2, Numbers 9:1-8, Proverbs 30:5-6, and Jeremiah 19:5).
8. How did David’s plan to show kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash go?
David sent messengers to comfort Hanun after his fathers death, but the princes convinced Hanun that David was sending spies instead (I Chronicles 19:1-3). Thus, Hanun took David’s servants shaved, partially stripped, etc. and sent them back in shame (I Chronicles 19:4-5). This started a war that included the hired help of the Syrians that ultimately ended up in their defeat and service to David (I Chronicles 19:6-19). As it ended up, the Ammonites were destroyed. Notice the end: “(2) And David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set upon David's head: and he brought also exceeding much spoil out of the city. (3) And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem” (I Chronicles 20:2-3).
9. How did the children of Goliath fair in war against David?
The Philistines had already been subdued (I Chronicles 18:1). Later, Goliath’s children fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants (I Chronicles 20:4-8).
10. When David sinned in numbering Israel, what caused him to fall and take the blame and desire the punishment on he and his house rather than the people of Israel?
“(15) And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite. (16) And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. (17) And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued” (I Chronicles 21:15-17).
11. What did David make abundant preparations for prior to his death?
The construction of the temple (I Chronicles 22:1-5; chapters 28-29 too) that he then charged Solomon to build, according to the will of God (I Chronicles 22:6-16). David also commanded the princes to help (I Chronicles 22:17-19).
12. While the Levites no more were needed to carry the tabernacle nor vessels thereof, what tasks in general were left for them?
“(25) For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever: (26) And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof. (27) For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above: (28) Because their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God; (29) Both for the shewbread, and for the fine flour for meat offering, and for the unleavened cakes, and for that which is baked in the pan, and for that which is fried, and for all manner of measure and size; (30) And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even; (31) And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the LORD in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, according to the order commanded unto them, continually before the LORD: (32) And that they should keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the holy place, and the charge of the sons of Aaron their brethren, in the service of the house of the LORD” (I Chronicles 23:25-32).
13. How were the choices amongst the divisions of the Levites made?
By casting lots (I Chronicles 24:1-7 and I Chronicles 24:30-31; cf. Joshua 18:7-10).
Lots sometimes had the Lord’s involvement (Acts 1:15-26) and at other times did not (Matthew 27:35).
14. What were the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun doing on their harps, psalteries, and cymbals?
“(1) Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was: (2) Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king. (3) Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD” (I Chronicles 25:1-3).
Exodus 15:20-22, Nehemiah 12:24-27, and Nehemiah 12:43-47.
15. Were porters [doorkeepers] and people over the treasures appointed?
Yes, (I Chronicles 26:1 and I Chronicles 26:20-22).
Porters would grant or deny entrance into the temple (II Chronicles 23:19).
There were treasures in the Lord’s house (I Kings 15:18 and I Chronicles 28:12-19).
16. How many months did a captain serve over the course [division; company]?
One month (I Chronicles 27:1-15).
17. Outside of the king of Israel, were their also rulers over each tribe?
Yes, (I Chronicles 27:16-24).
18. Was there just one man overseeing the possessions of the king?
No, there were appointed men over the kings treasures, storehouses, workers, vineyards, etc. (I Chronicles 27:25-34).
19. Did David, of his own accord and mind, make the pattern for the temple that Solomon was to build?
No, it was given to him by the Spirit (I Chronicles 28:11-19). *Note verses 12; 19
20. How much effort did David put forth to make plans for the temple Solomon was to build?
Though David knew he could not build the temple, and he told others such and why (I Chronicles 28:1-10), he prepared with all his might for the house of God: “(1) Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God. (2) Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance. (3) Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house” (I Chronicles 29:1-3).
21. At the time Solomon was appointed king, the second time, what was David’s focus in what he said to the congregation?
Blessing the Lord before the congregation, exalting Him, thanking Him, praising Him, asking Him to help the hearts of the people and Solomon (I Chronicles 29:10-21).
22. Who did the Lord magnify exceedingly in the sight of all of Israel?
Solomon: “(22) And did eat and drink before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto the LORD to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest. (23) Then Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him. (24) And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king. (25) And the LORD magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel” (I Chronicles 29:22-25).
This was God showing His support of Solomon (cf. Joshua 3:7 and Joshua 4:14).
“And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly” (II Chronicles 1:1).
23. What books record the life of David, his reign, and his might?
“(29) Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer, (30) With all his reign and his might, and the times that went over him, and over Israel, and over all the kingdoms of the countries” (I Chronicles 29:29-30). We do not have all of these books. For more study on that matter, consider this: http://www.wordsoftruth.net/wotvol16/wotbulletin04172016.html
24. Why did God give Solomon, riches, wealth, honor, unlike any king before him or after him?
Solomon had just offered a thousand burnt offerings to the Lord (II Chronicles 1:1-6). Then God asked Solomon what he wanted and Solomon humbly desired wisdom and knowledge to properly guide the great people of Israel. Therefore, since he did not ask for riches, etc,; God gave him what he desired and all the other things too (II Chronicles 1:7-13).
It should be noted that God looked not only on Solomon’s words, but his heart (II Chronicles 1:11; cf. I Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 15:11, Jeremiah 17:10, and Acts 5:1-10).
When considering that Solomon “had everything”, read Ecclesiastes chapter 2. Also, regarding his gaining of horses, etc.; see Deuteronomy 17:14-20.
His pursuit of earthly happiness, even in all his wisdom, led him away from God (I Kings 11:1-11).
25. Did the king of Tyre recognize God’s greatness?
Yes: “(11) Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because the LORD hath loved his people, he hath made thee king over them. (12) Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom” (II Chronicles 2:11-12).
26. Was the temple of the Lord constructed only using the labor of the Israelites?
No, (II Chronicles 2:13-18 and II Chronicles 4:11-16).
27. What city did God choose as His own?
Jerusalem: “(5) Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to build an house in, that my name might be there; neither chose I any man to be a ruler over my people Israel: (6) But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel” (II Chronicles 6:5-6).
II Chronicles 12:13, Psalms 78:68-70, Psalms 132:13 [Psalms 135:21], and Zechariah 8:3. This is where the Gospel began to be preached to the whole world too (Luke 24:47 and Acts 1:4-2:47).
Now, there is no physical city, but rather a spiritual one (John 18:36, Hebrews 11:8-16, and Hebrews 12:22-28).
28. As Solomon recognized God’s keeping of His covenant, what did Solomon proceed to ask God to do in the future?
In short, he desired that God be continual forgiving of those who erred, repented, and sought the Lord’s forgiveness (II Chronicles 6:14-39).
29. What did God tell Solomon when He appeared to him by night regarding Solomon’s requests discussed in our previous question?
“(12) And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. (13) If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; (14) If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (15) Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. (16) For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. (17) And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments; (18) Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel. (19) But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; (20) Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations. (21) And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house? (22) And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them” (II Chronicles 7:12-22).
30. What did Solomon do with the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and the Jebusites, which were not of Israel?
He made them pay tribute [“a burden (as causing to faint), i.e. a tax in the form of forced labor...” (Strong’s 4522] (II Chronicles 8:7-8).
31. What did Solomon do with his Egyptian wife?
“And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come” (II Chronicles 8:11).
I Kings 3:1 and I Kings 7:8
As we know, this relationship and his others became his downfall (I Kings 11:1-11).
He knew better (Proverbs 7:1-5).
32. When the queen of Sheba visited Solomon, did she witness unhappiness amongst Solomon’s men and servants?
No, she saw just the opposite (II Chronicles 9:7).
33. As time passed, did Solomon continue to show wisdom in dealing with his men and servants (hint: what did Jeroboam say)?
No, he gave them a grievous yoke (II Chronicles 10:3-4).
34. Did God want a war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam?
No, (II Chronicles 11:1-4).
We can see in this context that Judah and Benjamin are united against all the other tribes of Israel (II Chronicles 11:12).
35. Why did the priests and the Levites come to Jerusalem?
“(13) And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts. (14) For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest's office unto the LORD: (15) And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made” (II Chronicles 11:13-15).
36. Who came to Jerusalem after the priests and Levites?
“(16) And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers. (17) So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon” (II Chronicles 11:16-17).
37. What happened once Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself?
He forsook the Lord, so the Lord delivered them into the hand of Shishak king of Egypt (II Chronicles 12:1-5). Israel humbled themselves thus God did not destroy them, but did still allow them to fall to Egypt (II Chronicles 12:6-8) until Rehoboam humbled himself too (II Chronicles 12:9-12).
Consider this concerning Rehoboam: “(13) So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam was one and forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess. (14) And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD” (II Chronicles 12:13-14).
38. How was Abijah, king of Judah, victorious over Israel?
Abijah, Rehobom’s son, was victorious because the Lord delivered Israel into their hands when they cried unto the Lord for help because Israel had them surrounded (II Chronicles 13:1-22).
39. Was Asa faithful to God all the days of his life?
He started off right (II Chronicles 14:1-15:7). He had the people swear against idolatry (II Chronicles 15:8-16). His heart was right, but he did not get rid of the high places (II Chronicles 15:17). However, in his 36th year of reigning Israel attacked them. Asa erred here in not seeking the Lord, but looking to Syria for aid (II Chronicles 16:1-10). Additionally, he became diseased in his feet and did not seek the Lord for that either so he died (II Chronicles 16:11-14).
40. When Jehoshaphat began to reign in Judah, was he a faithful king to the Lord?
Yes. He walked in the ways of David, his hearts was lifted up in the ways of the Lord. He removed the high places, etc. (II Chronicles 17:1-11).
41. Why was Micaiah the prophet cast into prison?
When Ahab and Jehoshaphat sought to go up to take Ramothgilead, 400 prophets told them what Ahab wanted to hear. Jehoshaphat wanted to hear from another prophet. Micaiah was called upon, refused to tickle their ears and tell them what they wanted to hear. Thus, Ahab had him cast into prison and fed the bread of affliction. Micaiah’s words came true and Ahab was killed (II Chronicles 18:1-34).
42. Was it good that Jehoshaphat helped Ahab in battle?
No: “(1) And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. (2) And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD. (3) Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God” (II Chronicles 19:1-3).
43. What did Jehoshaphat tell the judges he appointed?
“(4) And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers. (5) And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city, (6) And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment. (7) Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts. (8) Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem. (9) And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. (10) And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass. (11) And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the good” (II Chronicles 19:4-11).
44. How were the children of Judah able to stand against the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon?
They sought the Lord’s help and He fought the battle so that they could see salvation was from Him (II Chronicles 20:1-17).
As a result of this: “And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel” (II Chronicles 20:29).
45. With the evil that Jehoram did (II Chronicles 21:1-6), why wouldn’t God bring destruction as judgment?
“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” (II Chronicles 21:7).
This promise is all the way to Christ (Luke 1:67-79 and Hebrews 7:14).
Jehoram and Judah did not go unpunished though (II Chronicles 21:14-20).
46. Did Athaliah bring good among the people of God?
No, she counseled her son, Ahaziah the king, according to the ways of the house of Ahab to do evil (II Chronicles 22:1-4). When he died she destroyed all the royal seed, except for Joash that was hidden, to take the reign (II Chronicles 22:5-12). Joash was appointed king (II Chronicles 23:1-11). Athaliah was killed (II Chronicles 23:12-15). The idolatry and priests of Baal were destroyed after her death (II Chronicles 23:16-21).
47. After the death of Jehoiada the priest, what happened with Joash?
During the time of Jehoiada’s serving as priest Joash did what was right (II Chronicles 24:1-14). Once Jehoiada died the princes persuaded Joash into going back to idolatry (II Chronicles 24:15-19). When Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest rebuked them, they conspired against him and stoned him to death (II Chronicles 24:20-21). It is then written: “Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The LORD look upon it, and require it” (II Chronicles 24:22). After this, the Syrians came up against Judah and prevailed since Judah had forsaken the Lord. Joash was left alone in his diseased condition, but his own servants conspired against him and killed him (II Chronicles 24:23-27).
48. Why didn’t Amaziah kill the entire families of those responsible for killing his father?
“(3) Now it came to pass, when the kingdom was established to him, that he slew his servants that had killed the king his father. (4) But he slew not their children, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin” (II Chronicles 25:3-4).
Deuteronomy 24:16; cf. Ezekiel 18:4 and Ezekiel 18:20
49. What caused God’s anger and decision to destroy Amaziah?
God’s anger was set against Amaziah because after he had defeated the Edomites he brought their idols back and worshipped them (II Chronicles 25:11-16). Thus, Judah was delivered into the hands of Israel (II Chronicles 25:17-24). Then, another conspiracy brings Amaziah’s death (II Chronicles 25:25-28).
50. What happened when Uzziah became strong in his reign?
After doing right and becoming great. He had even built great weaponry (II Chronicles 26:1-15). When he became strong his heart was lifted up to his destruction when he went into the Lord’s house and burned incense on the altar of incense (II Chronicles 26:16). The priests opposed him for taking the role that belonged only to them (II Chronicles 26:17-20; cf. Numbers 16:40). Uzziah died a leper (II Chronicles 26:21-23).
51. How did Jotham become mighty?
He did what was right and had prepared his ways before the Lord (II Chronicles 27:1-9). *see: II Kings 15:32-35
52. Why did Judah reach a point wherein Israel, the Edomites, and the Philistines all invaded and defeated them even in carrying away captives of Judah?
“(1) Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father: (2) For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim. (3) Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. (4) He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree… (19) For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD. (20) And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not. (21) For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the LORD, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not” (II Chronicles 28:1-4; 19-21).
This did not bring Judah to repent. In fact, Ahaz trespassed more against the Lord (II Chronicles 28:22-25).
53. Once Hezekiah began to reign, did things turn for the better or worse concerning Judah’s faithfulness to God?
Much better. Hezekiah did right at the start (II Chronicles 29:1-2). He restored the right ways of worship (II Chronicles 29:3-36). Hezekiah made decrees to turn the people back to God (II Chronicles 30:1-12). They observed the passover again after their sins were forgiven (II Chronicles 30:13-27). The high places were destroyed (II Chronicles 31:1-2). They returned to the ways of the Law of Moses in tithes, etc. (II Chronicles 31:3-19). The Scripture says: “(20) And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God. (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” (II Chronicles 31:20-21).
54. How did Judah survive the Assyrian invasion?
“(20) And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven. (21) And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword. (22) Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side. (23) And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth” (II Chronicles 32:20-23).
There is much more to this account and the Assyrian invasion. Such as the carrying away of Israel, etc. that is not detailed here as things are in other contexts (II Kings 18:1-19:37 and Isaiah 36:1-37:38). Moreover, the doubts and selfishness of Hezekiah are highlighted more clearly in II Kings 20:1-21.
55. In the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, what did God do in that situation?
He did nothing but observe to try Hezekiah (II Chronicles 32:27-31).
He failed the test (II Kings 20:12-19 and Isaiah 39:1-8).
God did not need the test of himself to know what was in his heart (I Samuel 16:7, I Chronicles 28:9, Proverbs 17:3, Jeremiah 17:10, and Revelation 2:23).
56. What important detail do we find out in II Chronicles about Manasseh that we did not read in II Kings 21:1-18?
That he repented and that God was intreated of him (II Chronicles 33:12-20).
57. What did Josiah do in his eighth year of his reign that set the course for all the good he did as the king of Judah?
“For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images” (II Chronicles 34:3).
Deuteronomy 4:29, I Chronicles 28:9, Psalms 119:1-2, and Jeremiah 29:13
58. For whose benefit did Josiah seek inquiry from the Lord?
“(20) And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king's, saying, (21) Go, enquire of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book” (II Chronicles 34:20-21).
59. Why wasn’t God going to bring His wrath upon Judah for her sins during the reign of Josiah?
“(22) And Hilkiah, and they that the king had appointed, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spake to her to that effect. (23) And she answered them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell ye the man that sent you to me, (24) Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah: (25) Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched. (26) And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to enquire of the LORD, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard; (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. (28) Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again” (II Chronicles 34:22-28).
Psalms 34:18, Isaiah 66:2, and James 4:6-10
60. How did the people of Judah take the death of Josiah?
“(24) His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. (25) And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the lamentations” (II Chronicles 35:24-25).
61. How did things go for Judah after Josiah’s death and before the days of Cyrus?
Egypt took place (II Chronicles 36:1-4). Babylon invaded and took them captive because they refused the warnings of the prophets (II Chronicles 36:5-21). Consider: Proverbs 1:24-33
62. Did God keep the words He promised through Jeremiah?
Yes: “(22) Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, (23) Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up” (II Chronicles 36:22-23).
Jeremiah 25:12-14, Jeremiah 29:10, and Jeremiah 32:42-44
Cyrus (Isaiah 44:24-45:5).