Saul Reads the Bible

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 29:1-29:30
Poetry/Prophecy: Amos 3:1-3:15
New Testament: Luke 9:1-9:28

In 2 Chronicles, Hezekiah directs the priests to clean out and consecrate the temple. The appropriate sacrifices are offered, and the Levites lead the people in praise.

In Amos, the cause-effect relationship between Israel’s sin and God’s judgment is explained. The fall of Samaria, with the preservation [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 28:1-28:27
Poetry/Prophecy: Amos 1:1-2:16
New Testament: Luke 8:40-8:56

Today in 2 Chronicles, we read about the unfaithful reign of King Ahaz of Judah. He is defeated by Syria because of his idolatrous practices, and responds by adopting the gods of the conquering nation. Meanwhile, the forces of Israel, which also loot the cities of [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 26:1-27:9
Poetry/Prophecy: Joel 3:1-3:21
New Testament: Luke 8:19-8:39

In 2 Chronicles, Uzziah replaces his father Amaziah as king of Judah. He enjoys some success, but becomes prideful and is stricken with a skin disease that remains with him for the rest of his life. When Uzziah dies, his son Jotham replaces him. Jotham [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 25:1-25:28
Poetry/Prophecy: Joel 2:1-2:32
New Testament: Luke 8:1-8:18

In 2 Chronicles, King Amaziah obeys God, but not wholeheartedly. Eventually, he falls into idolatry, and he is defeated in battle by King Joash of Israel. He is killed by assassins while in exile.

In Joel, Joel talks again of the utter destruction brought by the locust [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 23:17-24:27
Poetry/Prophecy: Joel 1:1-1:20
New Testament: Luke 7:36-7:50

In 2 Chronicles, the righteousness of the people under the reign of King Joash of Judah ceases when Joash’s mentor Jehoiada dies. Joash dies, and his son Amaziah becomes king.

We begin the book of Joel, with Joel reminding the people of their vulnerable state in the wake [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 22:1-23:16
Poetry/Prophecy: Hosea 13:1-14:9
New Testament: Luke 7:17-7:35

In 2 Chronicles, King Ahaziah of Judah is executed by the Israelite zealot Jehu. Ahaziah’s mother Athaliah seizes the throne and murders her own family to consolidate power. However, Jehoiada, the chief priest, hides Ahaziah’s son Joash, and then installs him as king. Athaliah is [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 20:13-21:20
Poetry/Prophecy: Hosea 12:1-12:14
New Testament: Luke 7:1-7:16

In 2 Chronicles, God delivers the people of Israel from the Ammonites, Moabites, and men of Seir. These attackers end up attacking each other, and Judah is delivered. Eventually, Jehoshaphat passes away, and his son Jehoram takes over as king. He is pure evil: he [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 19:1-20:12
Poetry/Prophecy: Hosea 10:1-11:12
New Testament: Luke 6:17-6:49

In 2 Chronicles, Jehoshaphat appoints judges to settle disputes in the land, charging them to remain faithful to God’s laws. When the Moabites and Ammonites launch an attack, Jehoshaphat holds a sacred assembly, leading the people in prayer, asking God for deliverance.

In Hosea, Israel is again criticized [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 18:1-18:34
Poetry/Prophecy: Hosea 8:1-9:17
New Testament: Luke 6:1-6:16

In 2 Chronicles, King Ahab of Israel convinces King Jehoshaphat of Judah to join in an attack against Ramoth Gilead. Jehoshaphat insists on consulting a prophet of God, who prophesies the death of Ahab. The king of Israel is killed in battle, just as the prophet [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 16:1-17:19
Poetry/Prophecy: Hosea 7:1-7:16
New Testament: Luke 4:42-5:39

In 2 Chronicles, Asa’s later life is plagued by a lack of faith, and he dies of a foot disease. His son, Jehoshaphat, is a faithful king of Judah. He amasses great wealth, eliminates pagan worship in the land, marshals a powerful army, and organizes some [...]