Bible Pathways - May 27, 2006

Read 2 Chronicles 21

In Today's Reading:

Jehoram's, Ahaziah's and Athaliah's reigns; prophecy of Elijah; Joash becomes king and repairs the Temple; the nation turns to idolatry

During most of Jehoshaphat's reign, he maintained friendly relations with Ahab, the idol-worshiping king of the northern kingdom. His son's marriage to Ahab's daughter resulted in a heritage of wicked leadership for Judah. Jehoshaphat's life should serve as a warning to those today who say: "I know God said we should not have close relationships with unsaved people, but I don't let them affect me." However, just as it was with Jehoshaphat, though it did not influence him personally, he could not control the way it affected his sons and his grandchildren. After the death of Jehoshaphat, his son Jehoram took control of the kingdom. He proceeded to destroy all the godly influence of his father's reign. He also slew all his brethren with the sword. . . . And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel . . . for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought (did) that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD. . . . Moreover he . . . caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled (led) Judah thereto (II Chronicles 21:4,6,11).

Although the prophet Elijah lived in the northern kingdom, he sent a letter to the ungodly Jehoram, king of the southern kingdom, and rebuked his evils, saying: Because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father. . . . But hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel . . . . Behold, with a great plague will the LORD smite thy people, and thy children, and thy wives. . . . And thou shalt have great sickness by disease of thy bowels. . . . After the end of two years . . . he died (21:12-19).

Godly Jehoshaphat could not have realized the tragic consequences that resulted from his friendship with Ahab and his son's marriage to an unbeliever. Some Christian parents' hearts have been broken as a result of permitting a son or daughter to date an unsaved person who seems so desirable in many other ways. Every Christian young man and woman should recognize why there are strong warnings against dating the unsaved. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord; and touch not the unclean (unfit) thing; and I will receive you (II Corinthians 6:17).

Christ Portrayed:

By Jehoiada, the high priest, who faithfully hid and protected Joash (II Chronicles 23:1-11). Jesus is our High Priest (Hebrews 5:5-10); we are hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).

Word Studies:

21:9 compassed him in =b> surrounded him; 21:19 of sore diseases =b> in severe suffering; no burning for him =b> no public fire to honor him; 22:2 daughter =b> granddaughter; 22:10 seed royal =b> royal offspring of the house of David; 23:9 bucklers =b> small shields; 23:14 Have her forth of the ranges =b> take her outside under guard; 24:13 in his state =b> in its original condition; 24:25 in great diseases =b> intense suffering.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Dr. John A. Hash · Government Officials: Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR) and Sen. Christopher Dodd (CT) · Country: United Arab Emirates (2 million) on the eastern Arabian Peninsula · Major languages: Arabic and Farsi · Pressure and hostility against Christians are increasing · 95% Muslim; 4% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Pray and fast in secret so that only the Lord knows (Acts 10:30).

Optional Reading: I Corinthians 14

Memory Verse for the Week: Job 13:15