Nathan Whitley's Blog, page 14

Daily Readings in the Bible 1 Chronicles 18-21

David was tempted to number the people of Israel (1 Chr. 21:1). Numbering the people was an act of pride and selfish ambition. To number the people indicated self reliance on a large army, instead of depending on the Lord to bring about victory in battle. Power and authority have corrupting capabilities, and pride was the toxin used this time to tempt David. We shouldnt be surprised to read that it was Satan who provoked David, for it was pride that was his downfall (Isa. 14:12-14).

God was...

Daily Readings in the Bible 1 Chronicles 15-17

David had successfully brought the Ark of the Covenant safely to Jerusalem, and had organized the priests to offer sacrifices and praises unto the Lord. David truly desired to build a house for the Lord, because the Ark was dwelling in an edifice made of curtains (1 Chr. 17:1). The Lord refused David the opportunity to build a house, for that responsibility would be given to Solomon. Part of the Lords response is what I want to draw from today.

The Lord said, I took thee from the sheepcote,...

Daily Readings in the Bible 1 Chronicles 12-14

The Philistines once again made an appearance, this time as David was crowned king over Israel. David prayed before he made a decision concerning a counter attack (1 Chr. 14:10). Here we see a king who is submitted to the Lord as King. Unlike Saul, David didnt make a move until he had heard from the Lord. The Lord answered David and said, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand. God broke out against the Philistines so much that they left their handmade gods behind (1 Chr. 14:12).

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Daily Readings in the Bible 1 Chronicles 10-11

David and his men were in a cave in Adullum, surrounded by Philistine soldiers (2 Sam. 23:13-17; 1 Chr. 11:15-19). David became thirsty, and homesick for Bethlehem. He said aloud, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate (1 Chr. 11:17). Three of Davids mighty men took his request seriously, risked their lives and went and obtained some of Davids hometown water (1 Chr. 11:18).

Some believe that loyalty is weakness. Society has cast dispersions...

Daily Readings in the Bible 1 Chronicles 7-9

After the Chronicler listed the genealogies, he switched gears and began to make note of those who returned to Israel after their exile (1 Chr. 9:1-2). Judah was carried away into Babylon for their transgression of the Law. The landscape of Israel certainly changed since their exile. Both Israel and Judah had been raided and destroyed. The twelve tribess populations had been decimated. Monarchies were no longer in authority. Things had certainly changed since the Davidic reign.

Chapter nine...

Daily Readings in the Bible 1 Chronicles 4-6

The Chronicler, amidst a litany of genealogical information, stops to tell a short story about an intriguing man. And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he...

Daily Readings in the Bible 1 Chronicles 1-3

Our daily Bible reading now takes us to the Chronicles. Readers might be led to believe that Chronicles is just a retelling of Samuel and Kings. Though there are some similarities, there remains quite a bit of difference. Especially when it comes to the chroniclers intent for writing the books. Even the inclusion of detailed genealogies are part of the writers intended purpose (1 Chr. 1-9). Keep in mind that the majority of English Bibles arent organized chronologically. If they were to be...

Daily Readings in the Bible 2 Kings 22-25

Josiah was eight years old when he became Judahs king (2 Kings 22:1). His reign as Judahs king was prophesied some 350 years prior. The man of God who prophesied against Jeroboams altar, precisely named the king who would burn the bones of evil men upon that wretched altar (1 Kings 13:2). Thats exactly what Josiah did too. He went about Judah tearing down idolatrous places, and destroying pagan worship. But what brought about Josiahs reforms?

During the repair of the Temple, Hilkiah, the high...

Daily Readings in the Bible 2 Kings 20-21

Hezekiah was a man of prayer. His obedience to Gods Law and his trust in Gods ways fueled his prayers. When the Assyrians threatened Judah, and defied the Lord God, Hezekiah went to the house of the Lord and prayed (2 Kings 19:1). After the Assyrians sent a written threat to the king, he went to the house of the Lord, spread out the letter before the Lord and prayed (2 Kings 19:14-15). Hezekiah trusted the Lord to give Judah victory over their enemies.

That wouldnt be the last time Hezekiah...

Daily Readings in the Bible 2 Kings 18-19

After the death of Ahaz, Hezekiah began to reign in Judah, and it was like sunlight breaking through the clouds after a storm. Hezekiah was only twenty five years old when he came to power. Despite his youth, he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord (2 Kings 18:3).

Revival broke out in Judah under Hezekiahs leadership. He removed the high places, broke down the idolatrous images, and cut down pagan groves. Unlike his father, he clave unto the Lord, and departed not from following...