Saul Reads the Bible

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 [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 14:1-15:19
Poetry/Prophecy: Hosea 5:1-6:11
New Testament: Luke 4:16-4:41

King Asa takes over as king of Judah upon the death of his father, King Abijah. Asa is a good king; he combats idolatry, trusts God for deliverance from his enemies, and re-institutes covenant worship practices in the temple.

In Hosea, the clarion call goes out to the [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 12:1-13:22
Poetry/Prophecy: Hosea 3:1-4:19
New Testament: Luke 3:23-4:15

In 2 Chronicles, Rehoboam and Judah are delivered from the threat of King Shishak of Egypt. Rehoboam’s son Abijah launches an attack of his own against the northern kingdom, and God grants him a military victory.

In Hosea, Hosea is instructed to return to his unfaithful wife. [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 10:1-11:23
Poetry/Prophecy: Hosea 2:1-2:23
New Testament: Luke 3:1-3:22

In 2 Chronicles, Rehoboam’s refusal to take it easy on the people causes the northern kingdom of Israel to go its separate way, with the northern kingdom being ruled by Jeroboam son of Nebat and the southern kingdom of Judah remaining under Rehoboam.

In Hosea, God talks about His [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 9:1-9:31
Poetry/Prophecy: Hosea 1:1-1:11
New Testament: Luke 2:25-2:52

In 2 Chronicles, the Queen of Sheba and other kings and rulers visit Solomon to marvel at his riches and his wisdom. His wealth and prosperity are unprecedented. In the fullness of time, though, Solomon dies, and his son Rehoboam becomes king.

We begin the book of [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 7:1-8:18
Poetry/Prophecy: Daniel 12:1-12:13
New Testament: Luke 2:1-2:24

In 2 Chronicles, many sacrifices are offered to dedicate the altar, and the people celebrate together for two whole weeks before returning home. Solomon’s impressive record of religious observance and military and monetary success then continue.

We complete the book of Daniel with the end of Daniel’s vision. [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 6:1-6:42
Poetry/Prophecy: Daniel 11:29-11:45
New Testament: Luke 1:46-1:80

In 2 Chronicles, Solomon addresses the Israelite assembly. He thanks God for His help, and asks for God’s continued provision and mercy in the event that the people go astray.

In Daniel, the king of the North continues his conquest and ego trip until he meets his end [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 4:1-5:14
Poetry/Prophecy: Daniel 11:9-11:28
New Testament: Luke 1:24-1:45

In 2 Chronicles, the temple is finished, and Solomon directs the priests to offer many sacrifices as the Ark of the Covenant is brought into the most holy place. God’s presence then fills the temple.

In Daniel, we hear more about the struggle between the kingdom of the [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 1:1-3:17
Poetry/Prophecy: Daniel 11:1-11:8
New Testament: Luke 1:1-1:23

Today we begin the book of 2 Chronicles with Solomon beginning his reign by offering sacrifices to God. He then contacts King Huram of Tyre to secure some more materials and artisanal support for the building of the temple.

Daniel’s vision continues with symbolic prophecies about the kings [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: 1 Chronicles 29:1-29:30
Poetry/Prophecy: Daniel 10:10-10:21
New Testament: Jude 1-25

We complete the book of 1 Chronicles with David donating from his personal fortune to the construction of the temple, and the people of Israel doing likewise. Solomon then succeeds David as king in an orderly fashion.

Daniel’s vision continues; he is told that he is valued by [...]