The story in this section of scripture that stands out to me is the story of when Hezekiah tried to turn everyone back to the Lord. The people had become evil and many of the leaders had turned from the Lord. When Hezekiah became king he decided to follow the Lord and cleanse the Temple. The interesting thing is that once the Temple was clean, he sent couriers throughout the area with a letter from him calling everyone to come back to the Lord and submit to God rather than false gods. This story can be found in 2 Chronicles 30. Scripture says that, “the people scorned and ridiculed them…nevertheless, some men of Asher, Manasseh and Zebulun humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem.” (2 Chron. 30:10-11) Things haven’t changed much today. When confronted by the truth, some will accept it and humble themselves, and others will turn from it and make fun of it.

For the most part, this section of scripture looks very much like the accounting of these kings and their life stories as recorded from about 1 Kings 3 through 2 Kings 8. However, there are many variations between them. In some ways the Chronicles passages look more detailed, but in some instances the Kings books seem to give information on more of the rulers.

The passage that stands out to me the most is 2 Chronicles 20:12. In this story king Jehosaphat and his small army are facing the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. Rather than relying on his strength, Jehoshaphat prays to the Lord, “we do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” (2 Chron. 20:12b)

This section of scripture begins with the lists of the priests, singers, gatekeepers, treasures, army, and officers under the leadership of King David.  It then transitions over from David’s rule to his son Solomon and the building of the Temple.

There is such a wealth of information in this section.  I’m blown away by the lengths to which they went to make a wonderful Temple to the Lord.  More than the lengths to which they went to build the temple, it’s awesome to see how each person gave of what the Lord had given them to make this Temple special.  1 Chronicles 29 details what all the people gave as offerings of money and resources to the Lord’s work of building the Temple.  After they all gave, David prayed, “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” (1 Chron 29:14)  What a great example of giving.  I desire to have that kind of spirit of giving.