The kingdom God established under David and Solomon soon rebelled against Him and broke into two separate nations, Judah and Israel.  Not even one of Israel's many kings chose to follow His ways. Only a minority of Judah's kings loved God "with all their heart," and some of the kings that did obey in their youth became arrogant and disobedient when old and prosperous. The good kings include Jehoshaphat, but his son chose a contrary path -  grieving his heavenly King.  

 

"I have nourished and brought up children,

And they have rebelled against Me;

The ox knows its owner

And the donkey its master’s crib;

But Israel does not know,

My people do not consider." Isaiah 1:2-3

Father, God, I bow before You knowing how utterly weak and helpless I am to follow and please you in myself. Like ancient Israel, I can so easily tune my will to my feelings rather than to Your Spirit. So, keep me hidden in Yourself -- near to the cross. Keep putting to death that nature in me that would rebel against You. Then be my Strength and Wisdom hour by hour. Thank you, my Shepherd, my Lord and my Life.

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1.    Read 2 Chronicles 21.  

A.  Who was Jehoram?  Write down at least five facts about him from verses 1-7.

 

 

B.  List the consequences of his choices.

 

 

C.  (Challenge) why did God reject Jehoram, when He forgave and forgot David's sins and called him " a man after my own heart who will do all my will?" 1 Samuel 16:7 (See Psalm 51 and 2 Samuel 12:7-15) Remembering that "God looks on the heart,"  consider how the hearts of these two men differed. 

 

2. Read 2 Chronicles 22.

A. How was Ahaziah, king of Judah, linked to the nation of Israel which had consistently turned from following God?

 

B. Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. What is God saying to us about alliances with unbelievers?

 

C. How did How did God protect Joash from the murderous intentions of his grandmother?

3. Read 2 Chronicles 23.

A. Who was the spiritual leader of Judah at this time?

 

B. How did he encourage the people to turn back to God?

4. Read 2 Chronicles 24:1-19.

A. What qualifying statement is made concerning Joash in verse 2?

 

B. What happened after Jehoiada died?
 

5.  Read 2 Chronicles 24:19-27.

A.     1.  How did God's people respond to the prophets?

 

2. (Personal) Read God's warning to us in Ezekiel 33:29-33 and James 4:13-17. How well do you respond to God's message? Do you listen and appreciate His words?    Do you also do them?    Ask Him to search your heart and show you, so that no sin will hinder His life from flowing through you in every way.

 

B.    Why was the "very great army" of Judah defeated by "a small number" of Syrians? (verse 24)

 

C.    How do you see God's love and justice in this passage?

6. Read 2 Chronicles 25.

A.    What do you learn about Amaziah in verses 1-2?

 

B.    1. What do verses 6-8 affirm to us concerning the source of our strength and victory?

 

2. Earlier we looked at 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. How does this passage, which affirms God's covenant-relationship with us, relate to 2 Chronicles 25:7?

C. How did Amaziah violate his covenant-relationship with God?

 

7.    Read Isaiah 1:1-20.

A. Ever since God created man, He has been revealing Himself and longing for man to hear and know Him. Yet, how did His people respond to His love?

 

 

B. What do you learn about God, His heart and His ways? (See also Hebrews 12:3-11)

 

 

C. What did God promise His precious people in verses 18-20?
 

 8.  God longs for people who will love Him with all their heart. (Remember 2 Chronicles 16:9a)

A. What is God asking of you in Matthew 22:37 and Revelation 2:2-5?

 

 

B. How is it possible for you to love God and fulfill this command?  (See Galatians 2:20; Romans 12:1-2, John 15:5)

 

 

9. Read Psalm 25.  Which parts of this prayer of David are also the prayer of your heart?

 

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SUGGESTED HYMN:   Jesus, keep me near the Cross

 Next: Lesson 38