Studying the Historical Books

masada_ancient_wall595x250

After completing our 3 1/2-year cycle of readings in the Torah, we decided to continue with the historical books that follow, beginning with Joshua.

Posted in Readings | 2 Comments

December 1, 2024 – 2 Kings 11 – Athaliah Fails to Cut Off David’s Line

When the Queen Mother Athaliah of Judah learns that her son Ahaziah has been killed, she in turn murders all the remaining royal line so she can be sole ruler. But one woman saves a one-year-old baby – Joash, the only remaining descendant of David. Six years later, Athaliah is overthrown, Joash is crowned king of Judah and Baal worship is eliminated.

Notes for 2 Kings 11:1-21

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment

November 24, 2024 – 2 Kings 10 – Jehu Eliminates the House of Ahab

Jehu, newly anointed as king of Israel, is God’s instrument in fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy and curse on the descendants of King Ahab. But Jehu is a flawed leader, because although he blots out Baal worship, he doesn’t end the worship of the golden calves.

Notes on 2 Kings 10:1-36

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment

November 17, 2024 – 2 Kings 9 – The revenge of Jehu, and the death of Jezebel

Elisha sends a disciple to anoint Jehu as the next king of Israel. He takes up his role with relish, slaying King Jehoram and Judah’s king Ahaziah, and finally dispatching Queen Jezebel according to the prophecy of Elijah.

Notes on 2 Kings 9:1-37

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment

November 10, 2024 – 2 Kings 8 – Elisha foresees Hazael’s Treachery

God had previously told Elijah to “anoint” Hazael as king of Syria. Elisha takes up this mission, and foresees the suffering that this court advisor will bring as God’s vessel to bring judgment on Israel for its idolatry. Hazael then assassinates Ben-Hadad and seizes the Syrian throne.

Notes on 2 Kings 8:1-29

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment

November 3, 2024 – A Pause to Consider Obadiah

We take a break this week from our narrative in 2 Kings. Rabbinical tradition says Obadiah the prophet lived during the reign of evil King Ahab and his queen Jezebel. He was an Edomite convert to Judaism, and therefore the perfect vessel to deliver his vision against the Edomites, longtime enemy of the Jews. When we consider that Esau/Edom is a type of the flesh or natural man as opposed to the Spirit, the message of Obadiah penetrates to our hearts.

Notes on Obadiah 1:1-21

The Sins of Esau

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment

October 27, 2024 – 2 Kings 7 – Lepers tell the Good News

Elisha delivers a cryptic prophecy about the end of the famine and siege of Samaria. God allows the Syrian army to hear the terrifying sound of his heavenly host, and they flee. Then four lepers discover the empty camp, and are the first to relay the good news to the city.

Notes on 2 Kings 7:1-20

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment

October 20, 2024 – 2 Kings 6 – More Chariots of Fire

God works miracles again through Elisha – an axe head floats, the prophet discerns the secret plans of the Syrian king, the angelic hosts and their chariots of fire are revealed to Elisha’s servant, and the enemy raiding party is struck blind. Elisha insists on treating these invaders kindly.

Notes on 2 Kings 6:1-33

Posted in Readings | Leave a comment