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The Bible

Discussion in 'Religion & Spirituality Forum' started by Village Idiot, Mar 15, 2004.

  1. Village Idiot

    Village Idiot cloud of dust

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    its a gift
    :xyzthumbs
     
  2. Village Idiot

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    I Kings 12-17

    Now Rehoboam was foolish and took bad advice from his younger counterparts while ignoring the good advise given to him by the older and wiser leaders. This caused the people to turn against him. They had heard that Jeroboam had returned from his hiding and called for him. They made him king over Israel and only the tribe of Judah followed Rehoboam. He made the city of Shechem a stronghold and lived there in the mountains of Ephraim. But Jeroboam had created some problems of his own. He had golden calves built for the people to worship. He feared that the people would return to Rehoboam and the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. This became a great sin as people traveled from great distances to worship the idols.
    A man of God spoke out against this sin, "Altar, altar, the Lord says to you: 'Davids family will have a son named Josiah. The priests for the places of worship now make their sacrifices on you, but Josiah will sacrifice those priests on you. Human bones will be burned on you." This did not stop Jeroboam, he made priests out of all who wished to do so and in this way the people continued to sin. He had a son named Abijah who had become very sick. He advised his wife to travel to Shiloh and seek the prophet Ahijah and ask what would become of their son. He told her to trick the old prophet so he could not recognize who she was but Ahijah, although blind, was not fooled. "Come in, wife of Jeroboam. Why are you pretending to be someone else?..........He goes on to tell her this message from the Lord; "I tore the kingdom away from Davids family but you are not like my servant David. I will destroy your family completely. Anyone who dies in your family will be eaten by dogs. The Lord will put a new king over Israel who will destroy Jeroboams family and this will happen soon". As soon as she returned home and entered the house, the boy died. Jeroboam was king of Israel for 22 years, he died and his son Nadab became king. Rehoboam was 41 when he became king of Judah and ruled for 17 years. Both kings did what the Lord said was wrong and caused the peole to do great sin. Rehoboam died and his son Abijah became king in his place. Abijah did the same sins as his father. He ruled for 3 years and then he died. His son Asa was made king in his place. Asa was loyal to God and did not cause the people to sin during his time. He tore down the places of idol worship and made the male prostitutes leave the Temple. He made peace with Ben-Hadad, king of Aram. Asa ruled for 41 years and then he died. His son Jehoshaphat became king in his place. All this happened while Jeroboam was still the king in Israel.
    Now Nadab was made king of Israel after the death of his father, Jeroboam, during the second year of Asa's rule in Judah. He also did the same as his father and did what the Lord said was wrong. He was killed by a man called Baasha (from the tribe of Issachar) during an attack on the Philistines. Nadab ruled for about one year and then Baasha became king. Baasha acted swiftly and had the the entire family of Jeroboam killed. This happened as was prophecied by Abijah from Shiloh. Baasha and Asa fought against each other the whole time during his 22 years of rule. He also did what the Lord said was wrong. A prophet called Jehu spoke against him and his family. Baasha died and was buried in Tirzah. His son Elah became king in his place. Elah became king of Israel during Asa's 26th year in Judah. Elah was killed by one of his officers, Zimri, who became king in his place. Elah ruled for 2 years. Now Zimri also acted quickly and had the entire family of Baasha killed as soon as he became king. This fulfilled the prophecy from Jehu. Zimri ruled for 7 DAYS...He had heard of plans for the peole to make Omri king in his place so he fled to the palace, set it ablaze and died in the fire, so Omri was made king of Israel in his place. Now Israel was torn between two men. Half wanted Omri to rule but the other half wanted a man called Tibni. But Tibni died and Omri continued on as king. This happened during Asa's 31st year of rule in Judah. Omri also did what the Lord said was wrong. He ruled for 12 years and died. His son Ahab became king in his place.
    Elijah the Tishbite was a prophet of the Lord during this time. He came to Ahab with this prophecy, " As surely as the Lord lives, no rain or dew will fall during the next few years unless I command it." The Lord told Elijah to take refuge in the land east of the Jordan River and he would live there during this time. But the stream where he drank from eventually dried up. By this time there was very little food or water in the land. He was told by the Lord to go to the town of Zarepath. "I have commanded a widow there to take care of you", said the Lord. They met as the woman was approaching the town gate. She told Elijah that she had just enough flour and oil to provide for her and her son to eat one last meal and then they would die. He assured her that if she would feed him that her and her son would have plenty to live on until the Lord brought rain unto the land once again. She did as Elijah wished and the flour and oil never ran out for them. They ate every day. Sometime later the son became very sick and the widow became terribly upset. The boy had stopped breathing and was all but dead. But Elijah went to the boy and laid on top of him three separate times. The boy began to breathe once again and was healed of his sickness. In this way Elijah was proven to be a true prophet of the Lord. During the third year without rain the Lord told Elijah to go meet king Ahab. "I will soon send the rain", said the Lord. Now Ahabs wife, Jezebel, was a follower of Baal and all the pophets of the Lord had fled the land for fear for there lives. A man called Obadiah had taken them all to hide out in caves. Elijah approached him and asked him to go to Ahab with a message but Obadiah was afraid. Elijah managed to persuade him to go and he did. Ahab went to meet Elijah and was told this, ""Now tell all of Israel to meet mne at Mt. Carmel. Also bring 450 prophets of Baal and the 450 prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebels table." At the gathering Elijah challenged the false prophets to build an altar to their god and provide wood and sacrifices for the offering but not the fire. He challenged them to pray to their god to provide the fire and they began to dance around the altar but after most of the day nothing happened. Elijah told them to all gather round as he built his altar to the Lord. He provided the wood and animals for the sacrifice. He also dug a trench around the altar and completely drenched the wood with water until the trench overflowed. Elijah prayed, "Lord answer my prayer so thsat these people will know that you, Lord, are God and that you will change their minds." Then fire from the Lord came down and burned up the altar and all the ground around it. All the people were afraid and Elijah had the false prophets taken away and killed. He spoke to Ahab, "Go eat and drink because a heavy rain is comming." Elijah told his servant to go look toward the sea. After the seventh time the servant said, "I see a cloud about the size of a mans fist comming from the sea." Elijah told him to go to Ahab and tell him to go home before the rain stopped him from doing so. The sky grew dark and the rains returned to the land. Elijah tightened his clothes and ran ahead of the king all the way to Jezreel.
     
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2004
  3. Village Idiot

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    I Kings 19-22

    After the inicdent between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, Jezebel (Ahabs wife) was pretty upset with Elijah and sent a message to him that he would be dead the next day. He flees the area and during his hiding he prays to God, wishing that he would kill him. But Elijah gets a visit from an angel of the Lord. He is told to go to the mountain of God, Mt. Sinai, and to wait upon the Lord there. During his visitation to the mountain Elijah encounters wind, fire and earthquakes but none of these was the voice of God. Afterwards he heard a quiet, gentle sound......this was the voice of God that was about to speak to him. "Go back on the road that leads to the desert around Damascus. Enter that city, and pour olive oil Hazael to make him king over Aram....Then pour oil over Jehu....make him king over Israel........Pour oil on Elisha and make him a prophet in your place." Elijah did as he was told and annointed those men. Elisha made sacrifices to the Lord and began to follow Elijah.
    Ahab (Israel) and Ben-Hadad (Aram) go to war against each other with Israel comming out victorious not once but twice within the span of one year. But the second time Ahab has the chance to kill Ben-Hadad for his crimes against Israel but he lets him go free. He receives even more prophecy against him for this. "This is what the Lord says: 'You freed the man I said should die, so your life will be taken instead of his. The lives of your people will be taken also.' " Ahab returned home angry and upset.
    After these things happened, Ahab saw and desired a vineyard owned by a man named Naboth. He offered to buy it from him but Naboth refused. Ahab returned home and told his wife, Jezebel, about the failed attempt. She devised a plan to trick Naboth and have him killed for speaking out against Ahab and God. Naboth was taken out and stoned because of the lie and Ahab took control of his vineyard. Now Elijah was sent by the Lord with this message, "I will soon destroy you. I will kill every male in your family, both slave and free....I will destroy you because you have made me angry and led the people of Israel to sin......Dogs will eat the body of Jezebel in the city of Jezreel." So Ahab was sorry and went home in sadness. The Lord felt sorry for him and declared that He would wait upon the death of Ahab to bring destruction upon his family.
    For three years there was peace between Israel and Aram. But Ahab remembered that the city of Ramoth had been taken from them by the king of Aram and nothing had been done about it. He went to Jehoshaphat (Judah) and asked him to fight along with Israel to regain Ramoth. Jehoshaphat agreed but one prophet, Micaiah spoke against Ahab, "I saw the army of Israel scattered over the hills like sheep without a shepherd. They have no leaders. They should go home and not fight." But Ahab refused, he even dressed in the clothes of a soldier (not wearing his royal clothing) and rode in a soldiers chariot. Even after all this a stray arrow found a crease in his armor and Ahab bled to death, his blood flowing into the bottom of the chariot. As it was cleaned out at a pool in Samaria, the dogs licked his blood from the ground there. His son, Ahaziah, became king in his place.
    Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, ruled for 25 years. He did what the Lord said was right. He did not cause the people of Judah to sin. He died and was replaced by his son Jeroboam.
     
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2004
  4. Village Idiot

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    II Kings 1-6

    Ahaziah was now the king of Israel. He fell through the wooden bars in his upstairs room. He was hurt badly and sent for the prophets of Ball-Zebub in Ekron, for a message as to when he would be healed. But Elijah found out and met the messengers and sent Ahaziah this message, "Why do you send messengers to ask questions of Baal-Zebub? Is it because you think there is no God in Israel? You will never get up from the bed that you are lying on, on it you will die." Ahaziah questioned the messengers about the prophet and found out that it was Elijah. He sent 50 men to find him and when they did they were struck down with fire. Another 50 were sent and they too met the same fate as the ones before. A third party was sent but this time their leader begged for their lives and they were spared. Elijah gave them the same message as before and they took it to the king. Ahaziah died and Joram was made king in his place because Ahaziah had no son. This happened the second year that Joram was king of Judah.
    It was almost time for Elijah to be taken up to heaven by the Lord. As he was leaving Gilgal he bade Elisha to stay behind but Elisha refused. Elisha was saddened but stayed with Elijah as they made their way to the Jordan River. Elijah slapped the waters three times with his coat and they crossed on dry ground. After they crossed, Elijah asked Elisha, "Is there anything that I can do for you"?......."Give unto me a double portion of your spirit" Elisha said. "If you see me as I am taken up to heaven, then your wish will come true", was Elijah's reply. As Elisha watched, a chariot and horses of fire came down in a whirlwind and took Elijah up with them. Elisha shouted with fear and sorrow but Elijah was gone. He found the coat that Elijah wore lying on the ground. He took it to the rivers edge, slapped the waters, just as his master had done and the waters parted for him. In this way Elisha knew that his wish had been granted unto him. Many desired to look for Elijah but he was not to be found anywhere in the land. Elisha made his way to Jericho and stayed there for a while. The people of the city came to him with a request. The water there was impure and not fit to drink or grow crops. He poured salt upon the spring and the water was made fresh again. As he traveled on the road to Bethel, some boys came out to make fun of his bald head and two mother bears came out and ate 42 of them.
    Israel and Moab go to war. Mesha, king of Moab turned against Israel after the death of Ahab. King Joram gathered the army and set out for the desert of Edom. They ran out of water there and cried out to the Lord. Elisha came to them and told them that they would find water if they dug holes in the valley floor and waited upon the Lord. He also told them that they would be victorious against Moab. "You will destroy every strong, walled city and every important town", was the prophecy given to them by the Lord. The Moabite army was fooled by the water in the valley, thinking it was the blood of the Israelite army. They ran in to gather the spoils but were met with swords instead. The king of moab tried to break through to Edom but failed and offerd his oldest son as a burnt offering to their god. There was great anger between the two countries after that.
    There was a widow of a man who was once a prophet. She went to Elisha in need of help for her and her family. Elisha told her that her oil jars would remain full and that she would have plenty from the Lord to support her family. A woman from Shumen made a place in her house for Elisha and his servant to stay when they passed through the land. She told Elisha that she had no son and that her husband was too old to give her one. Elisha saw that the Lord was pleased with her and granted her a son. After a while the boy fell ill one day and ran to his father who was working in the fields. He then was taken home to his mother and stopped breathing. She sent for Elisha and he came to the boy and fell upon him in his bed. The boy regained his life that day and the Shunamite woman fell at the feet of Elisha, praising God. Other stories of Elisha are spoken of in ch. 4 and in ch. 5 the story of Naaman is told. Naaman was commander of the army in Aram, he also had a skin disease. He had much respect for the Lord and was shown favor because of this. A servant girl of Naamans wife was captured during a raid. The girl had asked for Naamna to be seen by the man of God so he could be healed. After both kings agreed, Naaman met with a messenger sent by Elisha. He was told to bathe in the Jordan River seven times and he would be healed. Naaman balked at the idea but was reminded to at least try it and he did. After his healing Naaman offered gifts to Elisha but was refused. Elisha's servant, Gehazi, however chased after Naaman and accepted the gift of silver. Gehazi was found out by Elisha and was cursed with the same skin disease that Naaman was cured of.
    Othrer stories are told of Elisha the prophet in ch.6. The tale of the floating axe head and the blinding of the Aramean soldiers. Another story was about the shortage of food in the land when the king of Aram, Ben-Hadad attacked Samaria duirng this time of weakness. One day as the king of Israel walked the city wall a woman cried out to him, "Help me, my master and king!" This woman said to me, 'Give up your son so we can eat him today. Then we will eat my son tomorrow.' So we boiled my son and ate him. Then the next day....she had hidden her son." When the king heard this he became very andry and upset. He centered his anger upon Elisha and called for his head to cut off from his body and delivered to him. The king sends Elisha a message, "This trouble has come from the Lord. Why should I wait for him any longer?"

    I appologize for any confusion before my last edit, thats what I get for posting in a hurry. Peace.
     
    Last edited: Jul 18, 2004
  5. Village Idiot

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    II Kings 7-13

    Elisha say's "Listen to the Lords word. 'About this time tomorrow seven quarts of flour will be sold for two-fiths of an ounce of silver.....This will happen at the gates of Samaria". A bold prophecy, no doubt, due to the famine that had fell upon the land. Some scoffed, even an officer to the kings army who stood nearby. Elisha reassured him that this would happen but he also told him that he would not witness the event. There were four lepers who sat by the gate each day. They decided that they would soon die, one way or another. So they took it upon themselves to go to the enemy camp of the Aramean army to beg for food. Upon their arrival they found the camp empty and all the goods had been left behind in a hasty retreat from what they thought was several enemy armies. This confusion was caused by the Lord and the lepers took their news and riches back to the kings palace. The news spread and although the king tried to control the Israeli throng from storming the camp they could not hold back the crowd. An officer to the kings army was trampled to death beneath their feet. It was the same officer who scoffed at Elisha's prophecy. In this way the prophecy was fulfilled, but the hard times continued for Israel.
    Chapter 8 tells of the story about the Shunamite woman (remember her and her son?) who was told to flee the land during this time. "Get up and go with your family. Stay any place you can because the Lord has called for a time without food that will last for seven years", was the message from Elisha. After this time she returned and was given her house and all her land by the order of the king. Then Elisha went to Damascus where Ben Hadad had become sick. He met there with Hazael and gave him a prophecy. He said the Ben-Hadad would live but then he began to cry. Hazael ask him why he was crying and Elisha said, "Because I know what evil you will do to the Israelites.....You will throw their babies to the ground and split open their pregnant women". "Am I a dog? How could I do such things?" Hazael asked. Elisha said, "The Lord has shown me that you will be king over Aram". After this, Hazael went to the sick king and comforted him in his bed. He then took a wet blanket and smothered king Ben-Hadad and became king of Aram in his place. During the time that Jehoshaphat was king in Judah, Jehoram became king in Israel. He did what the Lord said was wrong. Edom had broken away from Judah, Jehoram tried to attack them but his army fled during the night. Jehoram rule for eight years and died. His son, Ahaziah ruled in his place. This happened during the twefth year that Joram was king of Israel (I know that this gets confusing, but bear with me). Ahaziah ruled for only one year. He went with Joram to fight the Aramean army and Joram was wounded. Ahaziah went to visit him in Jezreel duirng his recovery.
    At the same time Elisha called together some prophets of the Lord. He told them to go to Ramoth and make Jehu, son of Jehoshaphat, son of Nimshi, king over Judah. They obeyed and carried out this plan. Jehu was told that he would be appointed king and that he would exact the Lords revenge against the family of Ahab. This was as the Lord spoke through his prophet Elijah, on the mountain. Jehu did not know what to make of this strange event but when he told his men they began the act of placing Jehu into power. Jehu made plans against Joram in Jezreel. He went down to kill him but Ahaziah was there also. They sent out messengers when they saw Jehu and his army. Jehu would not give an answer to the messengers and finally Joram went to get an answer for himself. "Is all in order, Jehu?" asked Joram. "There will never be any order as long as your mother Jezebel worships idols and uses withchcraft", was Jehu's reply. At this time Ahaziah was drawing near also, "It's a trick Ahaziah" Joram yelled. But Jehu drew back his bow and buried an arrow between the shoulders of Joram and he died. Ahaziah fled but was also wounded and he too died near Megiddo. When Jehu neared Jezreel, Jezebel called to him, "Have you come in peace, you Zimri who killed his master?" She had fixed her hair and put on makeup. Jehu called to her servants, "Who is on my side? Who?..throw her down." Jezebel was thrown out of her window down onto the street below and was dead. The dogs ate her body, leaving only her skull, feet and the palms of her hands. This too, fulfilled the prophacy given by the Lords servant Elijah. The remainder of Ahabs family in Samaria was killed along with the remainder of Ahaziahs family near the well at Beth Eked. Jehu tricked the Baal worshippers in their temple and had them killed also. He burned the pillars of worship and the temple of Baal was made a sewage pit. Isarel was becoming smaller. Hazael (Aram) had taken land and cities from them in battle because of their sin. Jehu ruled Israel for twenty eight years, died and his son Jehoahaz became king in his place.
    When Ahaziahs mother, Athaliah, heard that her son had been killed, she had the remainder of the royal family killed also. But one son was hidden from her in the temple of the Lord. Joash was a baby and lived in the temple for six years while Athaliah ruled the land. Jehoiada was the high priest duirng this time. When Joash became seven years old he called for the commanders of the army and they appointed Joash king of Judah. When Athaliah heard of this she came out of the palace calling them traitors, she was taken away and killed and Joash became the new king. Jehoiada made an agreement between the people and the Lord. They agreed to serve the Lord and to be his special people. Joash ruled for forty years. He restored the Temple of the Lord and brought peace to the land. He once paid Hazael (Aram) gold and silver from the treasures just to keep him from attacking Jerusalem. But Jehu's officers had made plans to kill him and they did at Beth Millo near Silla. Jozabad and Jehozabad killed Jehu. His son, Amaziah became king in his place.
    Jehoahaz ruled in Israel for seven years. He did what the Lord said was wrong and the people worshipped idols and strayed from their Lord. Nothing was left of his army except for fifty horsemen, a few chariots and ten thousand soldiers. Jehoahaz died and was replaced by his son Jehoash as king of Israel. He also did what the Lord said was wrong. He died and his son, Jeroboam became king in his place.
    At this time Elisha had become sick. Jehoash, king of Israel, went to visit him. He was saddened by what he saw and cried for Elisha. Elisha gave him a prophecy that he would crush Hazael and the Aramean army. This was the last prophecy given by Elisha, the Lords servant. Elisah died and was buried in Israel. During all the days that Jehoahaz was king of Israel they were troubled by Hazael (Aram). When Hazael died his son, Ben-Hadad (I know, I know) became king in Aram. Jehoash defeated the Aramens after this and took back all the cities that they had taken from Israel.
     
    Last edited: Jul 25, 2004
  6. Village Idiot

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    II Kings 14-19

    Many tales of many kings, some from Israel and some from Judah. We will hit the high spots and not go into great detail on all of them, but feel free to add any thoughts or omissions to my recount.

    First, we read the story of king Amaziah in Judah. He was a courageous warrior, killing thousands in battle against the Edomites. Amaziah sent a message to Jehoash king of Israel asking to meet with him but Jehoash refused, balking at the new found bravery displayed by Amaziah. Jehoash attacked Jerusalem, smashing down the wall in places and taking the treasures from the Temple of the Lord. Amaziah was captured and taken away by Jehoash. Later, after the death of Jehoash in Israel, the people of Jerusalem made plans against Amaziah and he fled but he was captured and put to death. Uzziah was made king in his place and Jeroboam was made king of Israel after the death of Jehoash. Uzziah was stricken with a skin disease and his son Jotham took care of the palace and governed the people. Upon the death of Uzziah, Jotham became king in his place. After the death of Jeroboam, his son Zechariah became king of Israel. He was killed six months later by Shallum who became king in his place. Shallum was killed by Menahem who became king of Israel in his place. Menahem ruled ten years in Israel. Pul from Assyria came to attack and Menahem paid him from the treasures in the Temple. He also taxed the people to pay Pul his ransom. Menahem died and Pekahiah became king in his place. He was killed by one of his captains, Pekah, and he became king of Israel. Israel was attacked by Assyria under the rule of Tiglath-Pileser and much land was taken by the Assyrians. Pekah was killed by Hoshea and he became king of Israel. In Judah, Ahaz became king after the death of his father Jotham. Judah came under the threat of attack from both Rezin/Aram and Pekah/Israel. Ahaz went to Tiglath-Pileser/Assyria and offered him payment for his protection against the foes of Judah. More treasure from the Temple left as payment. Assyria attacked Aram and Rezin was killed. Ahaz went to Damascus to meet with T-P (please), he saw the great altar there and desired for one to be built in Jerusalem by Uriah the high priest. Uriah built the grand altar and it awaited Ahaz upon his return to Jerusalem. He made several other modifications to the Temple of the Lord but the Lord was not pleased with him. He died and his son Hezekiah became king of Judah in his place.
    Chapter 17 tell us the story of Hoshea, the last king of Israel. Israel was making payment to Assyria and king Shalmaneser but Hoshaea had made secret plans against this. Shalmaneser found out and attacked Israel, defeating them totally. He scattered the Israelites across the land in Halah, Gozah and in the cities of Medes. All these things happened because they had sinned against the Lord. Many times they were warned and did not heed the call of the prophets down through time. They worshipped idols and did not obey the Lords commands. Their kings were wicked and did not serve the Lord. Even Judah did not follow the Lord. He allowed them to be attacked and beaten by their enemies. The king of Assyria replaced the Israelite people with others in the land. He brought in people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim. They brought in their own gods to worship but they also worshipped the Lord as well. The promised land was taken, the Lord was angry with his children and this was the time of punishment He warned them about. Later Shalmaneser was replaced by Sennacherib in Assyria. Israel had been scattered and Assyria set its sights upon Jerusalem and Judah. The Assyrian army surrounded the city and the supreme commander called for Hezekiah, "The great king of Assyria says, 'Who can you trust in now?.....Whom are you trusting for help so that you can turn against me?..The king of Egypt will hurt all those who depend upon him. You might say, 'We are depending on the Lord our God,' " 'But Hezekiah destroyed all the altars and the places of worship execpt for the one he built in Jerusalem' "' Now make an agreement with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you horses if you can find men to ride them. You cannot defeat one of my masters weakest officers...........The Lord himself told me to come and destroy this place". Then Hezekiahs mesengers asked the commander to speak in a foriegn tongue so the people of the city could not understand him but he refused and shouted his insults against Jerusalem and the Lord, "Dont let Hezekiah fool you into trusting the Lord......Choose to live and not die"! After this the people were silent, they did not answer because Hezekiah had told them to be silent. Hezekiah then sent for Isaiah the servant of the Lord. Isaiah said, "The Lord says, 'Dont be afarid of what you have heard. Listen, I will put a spirit in the king of Assyria that he will hear a report......he will return to Assyria and then die by the sword". Sennacherib did receive that report, Tirhakah in Egypt was comming to attack Assyria, so he returned home. When Hezekiah heard this he spread the letter out before the Lord and prayed, "Lord God of Israel...........only you are God of all the kingdoms on the earth...Now Lord our God protect us from the kings power so that all the earth will know the you are the only God". God answers Hezekiahs prayer, this is what the Lord said against Sennacherib, "You have insulted and spoken against me, you have raised your voice against me. You have a proud look upon you face which is against me, the Holy One of Israel. You have sent your messengers to insult the Lord......I know when you rest, when you come and go and how you rage against me......I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth. Then I will force you to leave my country". Then the Lord spoke to Hezekiah, "You will eat the grain that grows wild and the second year you will eat the grain that grows wild from that. But the third year you will eat what you plant and harvest. Some of the people of Jerusalem in the family of Judah will escape. Like plants that take root they will grow strong and have many children. The strong love of the Lord will make this happen". That night an angel of the Lord went out and killed 185,000 in the Assyrian camp. Sennacherib went to Ninevah and stayed there. The next day he was killed, while he was worshipping in the temple of Nisroch, by his own sons. Then his son, Esarhaddon ruled in Assyria.
     
    Last edited: Aug 1, 2004
  7. Village Idiot

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    II Kings 20-25

    Hezekiah had become sick and was near death. He called for Isaiah the prophet and wanted to know if he would continue to live. Isaiah told him that he would soon die. Hezekiah prayed to the Lord, "Lord please remember that I have always served you. I have given myself to you completely and have done what you said was right". Then the king cried loudly as he turned away from Isaiah. After leaving the king Isaiah recieved another message from the Lord that Hezekiah would live another 15 years and returned to tell the king the good news. Hezekiah asked for a sign and his shadow went back ten steps in the stairway of the palace. In this way the Lord proved himself faithful to his servants. During this time messengers from Babylon came to visit Hezekiah in Jerusalem. He was very gracious to them and they were shown all the riches and wealth in the kings palace and the Temple of the Lord. When Isaiah found out about this he told Hezekiah that one day the Babaylonians would own all the wealth and people in the land. The king praised this prohecy because he did not fully understand. Hezekiah lived a full life and when he died his son Manasseh became king of Judah. Manasseh did not serve the Lord and led the people away. He did what the Lord said was wrong and caused the people to sin greatly. He rebuilt the temples of idol worship and killed many innocent people in Judah. When he died his son Amon became king. After two years his officers made plans against him and he was killed. Then the killers fell to the sword and his son Josiah became king at the age of 8. During his 18th year as king, Josiah had the Temple repaired and the Book of the Agreement was found inside the Temple by Hilkiah the high priest.It was read to the king and when he heard the words of the teachings he cried for his people because he knew that they had not followed the Lords commands down through the years. The Book of the Agreement was read aloud to all the people in Jerusalem. Josiah destroyed all the places of idol woprship, even those that had been around since king Solomon. The Passover was celebrated and many older customs were once again practiced during his reign. but the Lord was still angry because of the sin of Manasseh and he was about to exact his revenge. Josiah would be spared the terrible time of judgement. Josiah was killed in battle against Necco/Egypt, he was carried home and buried in Jerusalem. He was replaced by his son Jehoahaz but he was taken prisoner by Necco and replaced by his son Eliakim (whos name was changed to Jehoiakim).
    During this time Judah had fell under attack by king Nebuchadnezzar/Babylon and Jehoiakim became his servant, giving payment to Babylon for safety. But Jehoiakim revolted against Nebuchadnezzar and Judah was attacked by several contries including Babylon, Aram, Moab and Ammon. After Jeohoiakim died his son Jehoiachin became king at the age of 18. He was king for 3 months and Jerusalem was once again bombarded by Nebuchadnezzar. Jehoiachin surrendered and was taken away to Babylon. The Babylonians also raided the Temple of the Lord, taking the treasures inside. People were taken away to Babylon and only the poorest were left behind. Nebuchadnezzar then appointed Mattaniah, Jehoiachins uncle, as king. His name was changed to Zedekiah. But 11 years later Zedekiah turned against Nebuchadnezzar. This time the Babylonians surrounded the city and Zedekiah tried to escape. He was captured along with his family who was killed before his eyes and then his eyes were gouged out. Nebuchadnezzar completely destroyed Jerusalem this time. He broke down the walls around the city and burned the Temple. He broke the huge bronze pillars into pieces and carried them off to Babaylon. Very few were left behind as many were killed. The time of punishment had begun. The Lord used Babaylon to exact his punishment upon all of Israrel and Judah. Terrible times lay ahead.
    Gedaliah was appointed governor in Jerusalem but he was killed by some of the remnants of the kings family and many fled to Egypt to escape the wrath of Babylon. After the death of Nebuchadnezzar he was replaced by Evil-Merodach as king in Babylon. Evil-Merodach was kind to his prisoner Jehoiachin (former king of Judah). He set him free and allowed him to eat at his table.
    This concludes the book of II Kings, we are gonna do some backtracking for a bit in the upcomming books so please be patient.
     
    Last edited: Aug 7, 2004
  8. Village Idiot

    Village Idiot cloud of dust

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    Reading Schedule

    ..just in case some of you wanted to read ahead and add to the thread as we go.

    I Chronicles
    8/15....1-10
    8/22....11-20
    8/29....21-29

    II Chronicles
    9/5....1-14
    9/12....15-26
    9/19....27-36

    Ezra
    9/26....1-8

    Nehemiah
    10/3....1-8
    10/10....9-13

    Esther
    10/17....1-9

    Job
    10/24....1-15
    10/31....16-31
    11/7....32-42

    Psalms
    11/14....1-38
    11/21....39-74
    11/28....75-106
    12/5....107-150
     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2004
  9. Village Idiot

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    I Chronicles 1-10

    To start with, I'll give a short intro into the book of Chronicles with the help of the NIV Study Bible.
    According to ancient Jewish tradition Chronicles was written by Ezra (and Nehemiah). But as usual, this account has been disputed and a growing concensus dating the book to the latter half of the fifth century, still making the authorship by Ezra possible. Anyhow, Chronicles was wriiten for the for the purpose of the exiled after their return to Jerusalem. Chronicles begins with a recap of Israel's history from Adam to Abraham and that is where we will begin......

    Chapter one recounts the family tree of Adam and continues on into Abraham, The Edomites from Seir and the kings of Edom (mostly names here, so we wont go into all that). We continue on to the family of Israel (Jacob), his twelve sons were as follows: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulon, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad and Asher, These are the fathers of the twelve tribes of Israel. More family names, The family of Judah, Caleb, Jerahmeel and King David. The Kings of Judah are listed along with the descendants left after the Babylonian captivity in chapter three. Other family groups are listed in chapter four, we find the story of a man called Jabez who prayed for prosperity and blessings from the Lord. You may recall the book "The Prayer of Jabez" from recent popularity, this is where he is found in the Bible. The families of Simeon, Reuben, Gad and E. Mannasseh are listed. Remember them?....the tribes that settled east of the Jordan River upon their arrival to the promised land. The family history of the Levites is found in chapter six. The Levites were the family chosen to be priests for the Lord and also to work in the Holy Temple. Their tasks included everything from carrying the tent poles to signing in the temple. They were given cities and land and a share of the offerings for their work. Many of their cities were also "cities of safty". The family history of Issachar, Bejamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim and Asher are found in chapter seven. The family history of king Saul is found in chapter eight.
    A recount of the families of Israel who first returned to Israel, after the captivity, are listed in chapter nine. These were the Levites, and people from the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh. Workers for the Temple were chosen, guards and musicians were appointed. Their names are listed here. Another recount of the family of Saul and his death in battle are given in chapter ten.
     
    Last edited: Aug 15, 2004
  10. Village Idiot

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    I Chronicles 11-20

    Again we are told of the events that had taken place earlier, by the writer of Chronicles, to the returning Israelites after their captivity in Babylon.
    David is made king by the people and he is annointed with oil by the older leaders. The city of Jebus is taken by David and renamed Jerusalem. David rebuilds the city and becomes stronger because the Lord was with him. his warriors are recognized, the "THREE" Jashobeam from the Hecmonite people, Eleazar from the Ahohite people and Abishai, their captain. Recounts of their conquests, as well as the "THIRTY" chief soldiers are listed. Other warriors and fighting men joined David from across Israel during this time, all were brave soldiers and fought hard for their king.
    The Ark of the Agreement was retrieved from the town of Kiriath-Jearim. Upon its return a man named Uzzah tried to steady the Ark as it was falling from it perched atop the oxen and he was struck dead by the hand of
    God because of this. David fears the Ark and sends it to the house of Obed-Edom, a Levite. Obed-Edom is blessed for three months while the Ark remained in his care. Later David defeats the Phillistines at the town of Baal Perazim. Davids builds house's for himself as well as a place for the Ark to dwell in Jerusalem. He calls for the Levites to continue their duties as priests and caretakers of the Lords Holy Place as was written in the Law of Moses, a command that was not followed when the Ark was first returned. David gives a song of thanks as the Ark enters the city and dances before the Lord with all his might.
    "Thank the Lord because He is good.
    His love continues forever.
    Say to Him, Save us God our Savior,
    and bring us back and save us from other nations.
    Then we will thank you
    and will gladly praise you.
    Praise the Lord, the God of Israel.
    He always was and always will be."
    David has the desire to build a temple unto the Lord and ask's Nathan the prophet for direction from God. He is told that he will not be the one to build the temple. He will have a son to do the task. But the name of David will be blessed among all other names and remain on the throne in Israel for all time. David prays to God.
    "Lord, keep the promise forever that you have made about my family and me, your servant. Do what you have said. Then you will be honored always and the people will say, 'The Lord All-Powerful, the God over Israel, is Israels God. And the family of your servant David will continue before you."
    David deafeats other nations and kings as he becomes more powerful. The Phillistines, Moabites and Edomites are defeated. Victories over the Ammonites, Arameans and battles with Phillistine giants are retold as chapter 20 brings us to a close for this week.
     
    Last edited: Aug 28, 2004

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