We are looking to review the Bible, get an overview of what is covered in our Bible, and we are now in week four. In our general reading of the Bible, we see that others reviewed the Scriptures at times – when they were on trial for their faith – Stephen in Acts chapter 7 – Paul when he preached in Acts chapter 13 – and also when they were on trial for their faith in Jesus Christ .
We have covered 2000 years – 500 years – and 200 years – in the first three articles.
We are now in the year 1000 BC, and David is king in Israel.
This is the story of God’s people told from God’s point of view. These Chapters are not merely historical, intellectual or academic, they are relevant to each one of us, to all of humanity.
These kings had absolute power, unlike the monarch in our land. They made the laws and commanded the armies, without parliament, without voting, without opposition, politically speaking, although there was opposition, and sometimes from men of God, when the king was bad.
God tells us whether the king was a good king or a bad king, depending on his spiritual qualities. Did he worship the God of Israel, or did he bow down to idols and do evil in the sight of the Lord?
Was he for morality, justice, integrity, or were these qualities lacking in his life?
We read about what God considers important. God is primarily interested in the beliefs and behavior of leaders.
Under David and Solomon, Israel owned and occupied most of the land promised to Abraham, from Egypt to the Euphrates.
Solomon asked God for wisdom, and God was pleased to give it to him. I’m sure that’s true for anyone who asks God for wisdom. God also gave Solomon riches, riches, fame and power: people traveled to meet this man of God. The Queen of Sheba was so impressed by the splendor of her that she witnessed in Jerusalem.
He built the Temple, and we have recorded his prayer at the dedication. II Chronicles Chapters 6 and 7. I Kings Chapter 8.
Building the Temple involved forced labor and heavy taxes, and the people of the North did not appreciate all this money that was used in the strangely familiar and modern South. It was a colossal task – planning – skill – over a period of time – faith – with everything in its place – and we have our place in the Body of Christ.
Worship was now centralized in Jerusalem. But the day came when the buildings were finished and God was going to dwell in the people, and that happened after Jesus Christ lived, died, rose again, ascended and poured out the Holy Spirit.
These were the days of Psalms and Proverbs – Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes – literary riches – becoming the Word of God.
But then there was a civil war, and God’s people were divided, and there were ten tribes in the north and two in the south.
Finally, they were taken into captivity, around the year 586 a.
But during these years, God raised up prophets. God put his words in the mouths of men.
Isaiah prophesied after the reign of Uzziah and during the reign of Hezekiah.
Hezekiah was a good king at first – and then not so good – II Kings Chapter 18 and Chapter 20.
Jeremiah is a prominent prophet at this time, giving us a vivid picture of the nation’s condition, and explaining what was about to happen.
Manasseh succeeded Hezekiah – II Kings Chapter 21 – and was bad – very bad – worshiping Molech – and sacrificing children in the valley south of Jerusalem.
Why do people want to do this when they have a temple for pure, holy, God-inspired worship? Ezequiel is also writing and speaking.
Josiah – II Kings Chapter 22 – was a good king – 23 verses 25 and 26.
When the Babylonians came, they killed King Zedekiah, chapter 25, verse 7, bound him with chains, made him watch his sons being killed, and then gouged out his eyes.
The people rejected the Word of God – the Covenant that God made with this chosen people – and the men that God raised up to proclaim His Word.
Although it is mentioned what will happen, to exile, taken as prisoners to a foreign land, there is always the promise that God will bring them back.
Isaiah 11 verse 11. Jeremiah Chapters 31 and 33. Ezekiel Chapter 36: 16f.
The punishment of exile in Babylon is only for a limited period, although 70 years is a long time.
We give the spiritual example – the tone of a meeting – where we go – can be greatly influenced by our own presence. If we have a leadership role, that will be even more marked, as those around us will look to an example.
We also see the dangers of having relationships with people who serve foreign ‘gods’.
Elijah asked the people – I Kings 18 verse 21 – how long will you waver between two opinions? And we also learn that we may not be as popular with certain people.
In verse 17, King Ahab asks Elijah, “Are you the troublemaker of Israel?”
Josiah reminds us that we must be regular readers of the Bible. If we neglect their truth, we may face similar consequences as these people.
But one thing is clear, and that is, the sovereignty of God.
God is in control. God is blessing what can be blessed and dealing with situations that need His Sovereign Hand.
Solomon was great but Jesus Christ is greater. Matthew Chapter 12 Verse 42
Just as Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so Jesus would rise again after three days and three nights in the tomb, verse 40.
Jesus met and spoke with Elijah and Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration – Luke Chapter 9 verse 28 – we see how much the Old and New Testaments are intertwined and linked. We need the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation.
Even as we review the Bible, see the Hand of God in your own life, take time to worship and thank Him.
“Almighty God, we see again Your Sovereign Hand – a God who blesses and a God who judges. Open us to the truth of Your Holy Word. Keep our lives in these days when many would stray from the authority of the Old and New Scriptures. Testaments. So help us, rise and live Jesus. Amen.”