Esther: A Courageous Woman

If you (Esther) keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” So Mordecai went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him. Esther 4:14-17 (NLT)

The story of Esther is filled with drama, power, extravagant banquets, romance, and intrigue. Every detail of drama in this story folds into another drama from one page to the next. The book of Esther is the last of the Old Testament historical books. This true and accurate Old Testament book reveals the relationship of God's sovereignty, God’s providence, and human will.  The story of Esther illustrates the unseen Hand of God’s providence and sovereignty in our human world with the story’s startling string of coincidences. 

Esther's story begins around 483 B.C. in the kingdom of Persia. Persia was the dominant kingdom in the Middle East after Babylon's fall in 539 B.C. Esther was among the Jewish people that decided to remain in the Persia kingdom after King Cyrus decree of 539 B.C. Cyrus, the Persian king, had issued a decree allowing all Israelites (now called Jews) to return to their homeland. Ezra and Nehemiah, the books preceding Esther, tell of the “Second Great Deliverance” of the Jews returning to Jerusalem after 70 years of foreign captivity (see Ezra chapter 1 – 6; Jeremiah 25:11; Jeremiah 29:10). Yet, many more Jews decided to stay behind and not return to Jerusalem. Esther and her family were such Jews that decided not return to Jerusalem.  Many modern-day communities of Jews in Iraq and Iran descended from these ancient Jewish exiles that decided to stay in Persia. 

The book of Esther begins with the powerful King Xerxes of Persia having a drunken party with his friends at his royal palace in Susa (Esther 1:2-8). The Persians were very fond of wine and parties (also called banquets or festivals). Susa was one of the main capitals of the Persian Empire during this period. While in a drunken state, King Xerxes called for his wife, Queen Vashti, to parade her wonderful beauty in front of his friends. However, the Queen refused to obey the king’s order. So the king through the advice of his royal counsel removed Queen Vashti as queen. Historians often portray King Xerxes as a proud, mean-spirited, and impulsive man as seen in the events of Esther’s chapter 1. So after Vashti’s removal, King Xerxes issued a decree throughout the Persian Empire to begin a search for a new queen. Many young and beautiful virgin girls were gathered and brought into King Xerxes’ royal harem for essentially a sex contest to determine who would be King Xerxes’ new queen. Esther, an orphan-young Jewish woman, was chosen to be in the royal harem (Esther 2:17-18). Esther’s cousin Mordecai raised this beautiful young Jewish girl as his own daughter into a woman. King Xerxes was so delighted with Esther that he made her his new queen. Esther is the Persian word for “star”. 

In the meantime, Mordecai discovered an assassination plot against King Xerxes and courageously saved the king’s life (Esther 2:21-23). Also during this time, an ambitious and prideful Haman, a non-Jew, was appointed second-in-command in Xerxes’ empire. Haman was a descendant of King Agag of the Amalekites, a long time enemy of the Jews (1 Samuel 15:20; see also Exodus 17:16; Deuteronomy 25:17-19). As Haman was walking by Mordecai one day, Mordecai refused to bow in reverence to him. Haman became very angry and decided to kill not only Mordecai but all his people, the Jews. The Jews in Persia had been a minority since their Babylonian deportation from the Promised Land in 586 B.C. To accomplish his evil plot against the Jews, Haman decided to trick King Xerxes to issue a royal decree to destroy all Jews in the Persian Empire. In essence, Haman’s decree from the king was a government-sponsored genocide of the Jewish people. 

Once Mordecai discovered Haman’s planned genocide of the Jews, Mordecai informed his cousin, Queen Esther, in the royal palace. Mordecai believed that God would somehow preserve His people. He knew that God might accomplish His goals through the courageous actions of His people like himself and Esther. In fact, Mordecai believed that Esther’s advancement to royalty had been in the providence of God to save His people. Moreover, Mordecai believed if Esther failed to save her people, God would have another way of saving the Jews, since God’s purposes are not stopped by the failure of one person to respond obediently to His leading. 

God’s sovereignty and providence are seen throughout the story of Esther. "Providence" is one of the words which do not occur in the Holy Bible, but represents a biblical doctrine. The Bible describes providence as God’s mighty acts to help His people (e.g., see Psalm 104:10; Psalm 136:25; Romans 1:20).  Providence in the fullest sense is God’s gracious outworking of His purposes in Jesus Christ to save His people (Ephesians 1:11).. In sum, the doctrine of providence tells us that the world and our lives are not ruled by chance or by fate but by God’s Hand.

"Sovereignty" is the biblical doctrine that God is King, Supreme Ruler, and Lawgiver of the entire universe (e.g., see Psalm 103:19; Daniel 4:17, 25, 34).  King David summarizes God’s sovereignty at 1 Chronicles 29:11-12. “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is Your kingdom. We adore you as the One who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from You alone, for You rule over everything. Power and might are in Your Hand, and at Your discretion people are made great and given strength (1 Chronicles 29:11-12, NLT). God is indeed the only Ruler and King of all (Matthew 6:13; 1 Timothy 6:15) as God is all-powerful and omnipotent. God works out everything on earth in conformity with His divine purposes and will (Ephesians 1:11). Nothing is too hard for God (Jeremiah 32:17-23; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37). The best example of God’s sovereignty is His gracious work of redemption to save all people who trusts Him through His Son Jesus Christ in faith. Jesus the Messiah is “Mighty God” (see Isaiah 9:6-7) and “Son of the Most High God” (Luke 1:32-33). The authority of God’s Holy Bible is an expression of God’s sovereignty and a chain of God’s divine plan to save His people (see Matthew 5:18; Luke 24:44; 2 Timothy 3:16).

Young and frightful, Queen Esther courageously risked her life to save the Jewish people. She believed that the safety of the Jews were more important than her life and responded, “If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). Esther’s reply is a confession of faith and confidence in God’s will and wisdom (Esther 4:15–17; see also Job 13:15; Daniel 3:17-18). “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15, NKJV). “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods . . .” (Daniel 3:17-18, NKJV). 

Although Esther was queen and shared some of the king's wealth, she had very little power and rights in the Persian Kingdom. During this era, women were mostly used by the king only for his sexual pleasure. In essence, Esther was only a powerless sex partner as she only came to the king when he called her for his sexual pleasure.  King Xerxes had not called Esther in over a month.  Yet she alone as queen had access to the king. Mordecai reminded Esther of her unique position. “Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”  Esther responded with courage and faith:  “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish (Esther 4:16). At that point Mordecai expressed his strong faith in God’s providence. Moreover, access to the king was strictly limited, even his wife had no right to approach. As mentioned earlier, Historians portray King Xerxes as a proud, mean-spirited, and impulsive man. Esther knew the dangers of appearing before the king without being asked and she had not been called by the king for thirty days. So, Esther needed God's protection and wisdom. So, Esther gathered support from her royal court and fasted. By calling for a fast, Esther and the people essentially were praying and seeking God's divine help from Haman’s genocide plan.  In the Old Testament, prayer always accompanied fasting (see Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9; Ezra 8:21-23; Nehemiah 1:4; Daniel 9:3; Matthew 6:16–18). Fasting was designed to petition the blessing of God on an assignment and trust in God provision. 

Unable to sleep, King Xerxes decided to read the historical annals of his kingdom and discovered the assassination plot against his life that Mordecai prevented. Surprised to learn that Mordecai had never been rewarded for this deed, the king asked Haman what should be done to reward the courageous man. However, Haman thought the king was talking about him, and so he described an extravagant reward. Later, Haman learned that the king was actually rewarding Mordecai for his courageous actions and not him.  

After fasting and praying, Esther decided to host a banquet to seek help from King Xerxes on behalf of the Jewish people to soften the king’s heart (Esther 7:1). At the banquet hosted by Esther, the king asked the queen what she desired. She instructed the king that Haman had plotted to kill her people, the Jews. Esther convinced the king to issue another decree to save the Jews life (Esther 8:8). Angered and frustrated by Haman’s actions, the king ordered that Haman be killed on the same gallows Haman had mounted to kill Mordecai (Esther 7:10). Eventually, the king promoted Mordecai to Haman’s royal position in the Persian kingdom and the Jews were saved from death. 

To celebrate this miraculous occasion, the Jewish people established the feast of Purim (2 Maccabees 15:36). Purim is celebrated by Jews on the 14th and 15th days of Adar (February–March). Just as Christians celebrate the arrival of God to earth in the life of Jesus Christ each Christmas, Jews celebrate the events of Esther at the Festival of Purim. The Jews celebrate the feast of Purim (also called the feast of Lots) to celebrate Esther and Mordecai’s courageous action and self-sacrifice that saved the entire Jewish nation from genocide (Esther 4:14; see also Genesis 12:1–3). The festival got its name from the casting of lots (like dice) against the Jewish people (Esther 3:7) – a gamble that eventually backfired against Haman. The author explains the origin of celebrating Purim on two different days even today. Jews observe Purim on the 14th everywhere except in Jerusalem which schedules Purim on the 15th day. Jewish families read the book of Esther aloud on the day of Purim. Through her obedience, Esther became a true “star” (the meaning of her Persian name) in the kingdom. 

The book of Esther is a unique book of the Holy Bible. First of all, the word for God or the name Yahweh (Lord) does not appears in the book. Esther’s story has a complete absence of any reference to God, worship, prayer, sacrifice, the Temple, Jerusalem, or God’s Law. In this sense, the book of Esther appears to be a completely secular (nonspiritual) with no direct religious teaching. Because of this secular nature, scholars have debated whether the story of Esther should be included within the Holy Bible. Also, the scene of Esther occurred in the Persian’s capital of Susa and not Israel with the marriage of a Jewish girl to a gentile king. But the story’s many events to save the Jews occurred only by God’s deliberate design (providence). 

Even more, the story of Esther is about human will. Mordecai and Esther could have giving up with the news of Haman’s genocide plan and just sought to save themselves. Instead, Mordecai and Esther’s unselfish actions seized the moment and they acted to save their people. Esther’s story is similar to that of Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 37–50) and Daniel in Babylon (see Daniel 1–2). Each of these stories revealed a Jew who was delivered from a death plot and rose to a high position in a gentile government. Also, just as in Joseph’s story (Genesis 41:1-45) and Daniel’s story (Daniel 2:1; Daniel 6:18), the hero’s personal fortunes were reversed because of the king’s disturbed sleep (Esther 6:1). These stories all testify to God’s sovereignty over the events of life. The universe’s Great King exercises His providential and sovereign control over His people.  

Most important, the book of Esther gives a clear example of God's sovereignty (rule/control) and providence (wisdom) in the nations of the world. Although God is never explicitly named in the book, the story of Esther tells of God’s mighty Hand working in the many circumstances behind the scenes to save His people from death. In essence, God’s presence and wisdom fills the pages of Esther. When it looks as if the world is in the hands of evil people, God was still in control to protect His people. These many "circumstances" or “coincidences” in the book of Esther were not just the result of chance, but of God's sovereignty and providence (e.g. Esther 2:17, 21-23; Esther 4:14-16; Esther 6:1-2; Esther 7:8-10). Esther just “happened” to be chosen the new queen (Esther 2:17). The king just “happened” to be unable to sleep. When he picked up some reading, the king just “happened” to come across an account of Mordecai’s good deeds to save his life (Esther 2:21-23; Esther 6:1-2). Haman just “happened” to build a gallows to execute Mordecai that turned out to be used for his own death. Nothing just happens. These “coincidences” were part of God’s great plan to save His people. The book of Esther is another amazing story of God’s continuing protection of His people from their enemies. These events seemed coincidental, but these coincidental events all demonstrated God’s control and care for His people (Psalm 121:4; Romans 8:28). No matter how hopeless our condition; God is in control of our world. God is never absent, even though we may live in a world hostile to God. People of God must never fear because we can always trust God to care and protect His people.

Joseph to his brothers:  As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil, for He brought me (Joseph) to this high position I have today so that I could save the lives of many people. Genesis 50:20 (TLB)

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 (NLT)

Esther and Ruth are the only books in the Holy Bible named after women. Ruth was a gentile who married a Jew, while Esther was a Jewish woman who married a gentile. Both Esther and Ruth’s stories are inspiring examples of faith and courage for all people – men and women. Other courageous and faithful women of the Bible include Abigail (1 Samuel 25); Deborah (Judges 4); Huldah the prophetess (2 Kings 22); Jochebed (Exodus. 6); Rahab (Joshua 2); Mary (Luke 1:26-38); and Lydia (Acts 16:11-15).

God calls people to accomplish His good purposes on earth (Esther 4:14; see also Ephesians 2:10) to become His living sacrifice. Esther and Mordecai became a living sacrifice to accomplish God’s good works on the earth (Romans 12:1-1). Yet, Esther and Mordecai were two of the most unlikely people to be chosen to play major roles in shaping a nation. Both were Jewish exiles living in a pagan nation. Even more, Esther was Mordecai’s adopted, orphaned cousin (Esther 2:7). Yet, Esther and Mordecai became heroes because they took quick actions at the “right time,” while others stood watching in horror. True heroes recognize the crisis and takes action. 

At first glance, the hostility between Mordecai and Haman appear to be a simple case of disrespect on Mordecai’s part (Esther 3:2). However, a further investigation reveals their hatred goes much deeper. The book of Esther stresses that Haman was the son of Hammedatha the Agagite (Esther 3:1, 10; Esther 8:3, 5; Esther 9:24). Tradition holds that the Agagites were descendants of Agag, the Amalekite king whom King Saul had failed to kill and thereby disobeyed God’s specific instruction (1 Samuel 15). The Amalekites stood under the permanent judgment of God for attacking the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the Promise Land (Exodus 17:8–13; Deuteronomy 25:17–19). Thus, Haman's hatred was directed not just at Mordecai, but at all the Jews. The Amalekites had attacked Israel after she fled from Egypt (Exodus 17:8-16; 1 Samuel 15:2). For this reason, the Lord would “be at war against the Amalekites from under heaven” (Deuteronomy 25:19). Also, the Amalekites were descended from Esau, Isaac’s older son. The enmity between the Israelites and the Amalekites dated to the beginning of both peoples. 

Now, with Haman’s rise to power, the Amalekites were in a sense threatening once again to destroy God’s people. But this time, God used Mordecai to frustrate the plan. Mordecai was descended from Kish (Esther 2:5)—the same family of Benjamites from as King Saul (1 Samuel 9:1). Thus, Mordecai completed for God what King Saul had failed to accomplish (Esther 7:10; Esther 9:4–5, 13–15) to blot out the memory of the Amalekites (Exodus 17:14-16; Deuteronomy 25:17-19). Also, the author of Esther is insistent that the Jews did not take the plunder. Seizing the plunder centuries earlier in the battle against the Amalek had cost Saul his kingship (1 Samuel 15:17-19, 23). In the book of Esther, not taking the plunder brings royal power to Mordecai as well as grateful recognition of his people (Esther 9:20-23). 

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His (good) work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

References
Believer’s Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1995.
King James Version Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1988.
KJV Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1994.
Life Application Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005.
New Student Bible. New York: Zondervan,1992.
Spirit Filled Life Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1991.
Woman’s Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1995.
Word in Life Study Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996.
Zondervan NIV Study Bible. New York: Zondervan, 2008.
Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Second Edition. Grand Rapids, MI:    Baker Book House Company, 2001.
LaSor, Hubbard, and Bush. Old Testament Survey. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1996.
Wiersbe, Warren W. With the Word Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1997.

Return to God!

When all the people of Israel saw the fire coming down and the glorious presence of the Lord filling the Temple, they fell face down on the ground and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying, “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” . . . So Solomon finished the Temple of the Lord, as well as the royal palace. He completed everything he had planned to do in the construction of the Temple and the palace. Then one night the Lord appeared to Solomon and said, “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices. At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:3, 11-15 (NLT)

The writer of 1 and 2 Chronicles wrote to God’s people returning from foreign captivity. In 2 Kings 17 and 2 Kings 25, God’s judgment on sin came true. Israel had persistently disobeyed God and God’s way. This disobedience brought a split in Israel – the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Eventually, God’s people and their land were conquered and carried off to the foreign lands of Assyria and Babylonia. The Israelite people were held in foreign captivity for 70 years. As God’s people returned from foreign exile, the writer of Chronicles wanted to give the people assurance of God’s glorious plans and future. 

The Chronicler lived at a time when God’s people appeared defeated after God’s divine judgment for sin. Upon returning from foreign exile, the Israelites (now called Jews) had no king, no Temple, and Israel’s hope for the future looked lifeless. Israel and Judah no longer existed as an independent kingdom ruled by the dynasty of David. Instead, the people had limited freedom under a Persian governor. Israel was no longer an independent nation but a small province in the Persian government. So, the Chronicler reminded the people of God’s secure promise to David and the glory to come (1 Chronicles 17). The promise of the Kingdom that God gave to David was confirmed for Solomon (1 Chronicles 28:4-7). The Chronicler had complete trust in God’s power, sovereignty, and justice. Most important, the Chronicler knew that God would be faithful to His promise, and His kingdom would eventually rule over the world. God would bring a Savior through these returning Israelites from the dynasty of David. With the birth of Jesus, the Chronicler’s hope for Israel was finally realized. Jesus was the anointed King and Messiah from the dynasty of David (Matthew 16:16-17; Mark 8:27-29; Luke 9:18-20). Matthew’s genealogy reveals Jesus as the ultimate success of the Chronicler’s hope of a new King (Matthew 1:1-17) for all nations (Isaiah 49:6).

The writer of Chronicles reminded the people of God’s promise to David and their future hope. When David decided to build a house for God’s Ark of the Covenant, Nathan the prophet had a vision informing David that God would build a house or dynasty for David (1 Chronicles 17:10-14; 2 Samuel 7:11-14). The eternal Kingdom of God and Messiah would come about through David’s family line (see also Psalm 2).  The Chronicler took God’s promise to David very seriously as the Kingdom of God would come through the promised Son of David. So, the Chronicler encouraged the people to hope for the future. 

The Chronicler’s rationale for hope comes from Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple: “Then if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). This passage is unique to Chronicles and illustrates Chronicler’s emphasis on repentance and restoration. This promise reminded the people of the conditions necessary for God’s glorious future and restoration: humility, prayer, repentance, and healing. The words of Jehoshaphat also expressed the Chronicler’s view: “Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in His prophets, and you will succeed” (2 Chronicles 20:20). The Chronicler also appealed to Israel’s leaders to faithfully and wholeheartedly seek God (1 Chronicles 28:8-10), and encouraged God’s people “be strong and courageous’ in trusting God to provide (1 Chronicles 28:20-21). 

The key to restoration and survival for the returning Jews was wholehearted faithfulness to God (1 Chronicles 16:11-13). The Chronicler repeatedly reminded the people that unfaithfulness to God led to their divine judgment. God wanted the people’s complete loyalty, dedication, and commitment to Him from their whole heart.  The Holy Scriptures are clear that God does not want mere sacrifices or religious rituals (e.g., see Isaiah 1:10-20; Isaiah 66:3; Jeremiah 6:20; Jeremiah 7:22-23; Hosea 6:6; Amos 5:21; Micah 6:6-8). Instead, God was more concerned with their heart condition – moral character and conduct. God lovingly instructed the people to first and foremost seek Him from their whole heart for their daily guidance, help, and protection (see also Matthew 6:33) and to walk faithfully and humbly with Him as their God (2 Chronicles 7:14; Micah 6:6-8). God’s restoration to their land would come through their genuine repentance of their sins and wholeheartedly seeking God. 

The Holy Scriptures are also very clear that God graciously gives His abundant mercy and answered prayers to those who humbly and wholehearted seek Him (e.g. see 2 Chronicles 12:6-7; 2 Chronicles 33:12-19). “Seek the LORD while you can find Him. Call on Him now while He is near” (Isaiah 55:6). God rewards humility, integrity, and prayer with His healing and deliverance. Yet, God also brings judgment upon disobedience, wickedness, and evil. For instance, the Chronicler used Saul’s life as an example of unfaithfulness to God (1 Chronicles 10:13-14).  Saul actively disobeyed God by attempting murder, ignoring God's instructions, and seeking guidance from a witch (medium). He never went to God unless there was nowhere else to turn or when it suited him. However, David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). As king, David wanted to restore the Ark of the Covenant, building a Temple for God, and bring God’s glory on earth (1 Chronicles 16:7-36; 1 Chronicles 22:19; cp. 1 Chronicles 28:8-10; Psalm 105). Even with his sins with Bathsheba, David humbly acknowledged his sins and sincerely asked God for forgiveness (Psalm 51). The Chronicler writes of David’s son Solomon continuing his father’s legacy of seeking God (2 Chronicles 1:6; 2 Chronicles 6-7). The Chronicler focused much of his writings on David, Solomon and the southern kingdom of Judah. In fact, almost half of the Chronicler’s history of Israel constitutes the reign of David and Solomon (1 Chronicles 11–29; 2 Chronicles 1–9). The books of Chronicles present the period of David and Solomon as an ideal time when all of Israel was UNITED in worship to God (2 Chronicles 7:8) and reigned as an international influence.  

Even more important, the books of Chronicles repeatedly connected obedience and wholehearted faithfulness to God with God’s blessing and disobedience to God with God’s punishment and judgment (see also Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 27 and 28). The Chronicler reminded the returning Israelites that God wanted their wholehearted obedience, allegiance, and faithfulness to Him as their God. In fact, God wants everyone to humble themselves, turn from their sin and wickedness, and wholeheartedly seek Him (see also Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6-8; James 5:16). Through TRUE REPENTANCE (humbling oneself and turning from their wicked ways), God willingly and freely removes our guilt and bring His restoration (healing) (see also Luke 15, James 4:7-10). God’s forgiveness always follows our repentance. Repentance is not just saying, “I am sorry.” Moreover, repentance is not just tears and a sad countenance. True repentance means turning away from our evil ways — from thoughts and actions that displeases God — and turning toward a life that reflects God’s ways and actions (e.g., following Jesus’ example). God will never bless evil and will not prosper those who practice sin and wickedness. To do so would violate God’s very nature - Holiness. So if we want God’s blessing, we must follow His character by pursuing His ways. “Be holy,” God commands, “for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:15–16).

Most important, the Chronicler warned the people over and over against worshiping idols and remaining faithful to God. Idolatry is making anything more important than God. Money, looks, success, reputation, and security are all idols, then and today. When anything rival God's first place, we are committing idolatry.  Wholeheartedly following God brings benefits and rewards (not necessarily material). Yet, turning away from God brings suffering, punishment, and ultimately destruction. Today, God's conditions are just as clear as they were in David and Solomon's day. Choose to obey God and live. Repentance is always a means of avoiding, or at least moderating, God’s judgment. God always sends warnings before judgment falls.

God is full of mercy, loving kindness, grace, truth, and patience (Exodus 34:6-7; see also 1 Chronicles 16:41; 2 Chronicles 5:13; Ezra 3:11; Psalm 106:1; Jeremiah 33:11). The Lord God, “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” (2 Chronicles 7:3, NLT).  God's love for each person is so great that He seeks each individual out and rejoices when that person is "found" (Luke 15:3-6). In fact, God in the Person of Jesus Christ to offer His salvation and love to everyone that truly repents and turn to Him in faith with their whole hearts.  For the Lord God is “compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished . .. .” (Exodus 34:6-7, NIV). If we confess our sins and repent, God willingly forgives our sins and brings healing (Leviticus 26:40; 1 Kings 8:33-34; Nehemiah 9:2; Ephesian 2:8-10; 1 John 1:9). God wants to love us as a loving Heavenly Father and bring His goodness into our lives. God is Love (1 John 4:8, 16). 

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good (prosperity) and not for disaster (harm), to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray (call upon Me), I will listen. If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NLT)

References
King James Version Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1988.
KJV Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1994.
Life Application Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005.
NLT Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008.
Word in Life Study Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996.
Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary. Victor Books, 1989.
Zondervan NIV Study Bible. New York: Zondervan, 2008. 

Family Heritage and the Books of Chronicles

The books of Chronicles connect the branches of the family tree for Israel and traces Israel’s history back through time and culture. This tracing provided Israel with an extensive genealogy and relational path to provide the people a sense of identity, heritage, and destiny (1 Chronicles 17:21-22). The Chronicler traces the roots of Israel from Adam onward, recounting its royal line, and the loving plan of God for His chosen people. Few people will enjoy reading the books of Chronicles with its many lists and genealogies. Yet, the books of Chronicles reveal God’s unshakable faithfulness and promises to His people. If you are a believer of Jesus Christ, these people are your ancestors too. 

The book of Kings ended with both Israel and Judah in foreign captivity and revealed a dark age for God's people. Israel had been broken into two kingdoms (Israel in the north and Judah in the south) in 931 B.C. upon King Solomon’s death. In 722 B.C., the northern kingdom of Israel were invaded and destroyed by the Assyrians. Then, the southern kingdom of Judah was destroyed and fell in 586 B.C. at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. By 586 B.C., Israel lay in ruins. The Temple was burned, the walls of the city were broken down, and the people were deported to a foreign land. The Israelites had disobeyed God and His righteous standards, worshipped other gods, and only did what was right in their own eyes. As a result, God brought His judgment upon His people and they were carried off into foreign captivity. The people had forgotten to first and foremost trust and rely upon God for their power, wisdom, and wealth.  

The books that follow Israel and Judah’s fall are the books of Chronicles. Chronicles were written to the Jews returning from foreign exile and rebuilding Jerusalem following their seventy-year Babylonian captivity. The writer of Chronicles is selective in his retelling of Israel’s history. Instead of writing an exhaustive work, the Chronicler highlights certain narratives of Israel’s history to teach them about their royal heritage. The Chronicler virtually ignored the northern kingdom in his retelling Israel’s royal history as the northern kingdom had no good kings. The northern kingdom had only a succession of only evil kings that lead the people away from God.

The books of Chronicles parallel the books of Samuel and Kings. The Septuagint (the pre-Christian Greek translation of the Old Testament) refers to the books of Chronicles as “the things omitted,” indicating that its translators regarded the books of Chronicles as a supplement to the books of Samuel and Kings. Chronicles has a freshness and flavor all its own. However, Chronicles’ focus is on David, Solomon and the kingdom of Judah. The writer of Chronicles viewed David and Solomon as victorious and great men with no failures or sins. Most important, Israel experienced its golden age during David and Solomon’s reigns.  Israel was considered a respected world power with wealth, a Temple, and wisdom. The Chronicler wanted the Jews to re-establish their royal connections to the good kings of their history.

The books Chronicles (1 and 2 Chronicles) were originally one book in the Hebrew text. They became separated into two books by the translators of the Greek version of the Old Testament. Essentially, the books of Chronicles trace and summarize Israel's history from the beginning of the human race with Adam until the fall of Jerusalem and the subsequent return of the Jews during the reign of the Persian king, Cyrus the Great (559–529 B.C.). Cyrus, king of Persia, authorized the Jews to return to their homeland (538 B.C.). Those Jews who wished to return were allowed to return to the land to rebuild the Jerusalem Temple and their city. The returning Jewish community needed encouragement and a sense of family unity. Chronicles established continuity between the pre-exilic Israel of the past and the post-exilic present. Upon returning, the people had no king and subject to Persia’s governance. The Chronicler wanted the people to know of God’s continued love and faithfulness to His people as the everlasting King and their special spiritual heritage with Him as God. 

What other nation on earth is like Your people Israel? What other nation, O God, have You redeemed from slavery to be Your own people? You made a great name for Yourself when You redeemed Your people from Egypt. You performed awesome miracles and drove out the nations that stood in their way. You chose Israel to be Your very own people forever, and You, O Lord, became their God. 1 Chronicles 17:21-22 (NLT)

The genealogical of Chronicles moves from the list of righteous people who lived before the Flood, to the sons of Noah and then to the Messianic line in Shem. This line is then traced to Abraham onward to David’s line, Israel’s greatest king (1 Chronicles chapters 11 – 29), where the Messiah would come.  In fact, the writer of Chronicles stresses the Davidic kingship line because a son of David would occupy his throne forever. This Son was Jesus the Messiah (1 Chronicles 17:12-14). These genealogies are completed by those recorded in the New Testament (cf. Matthew 1:1–17; Luke 3:23–38). Israel's past formed a reliable basis for reconstructing the nation after their foreign exile away from God’s Promised Land. Many of the people needed hope and encouragement to begin again. The people had to be reminded that God’s covenant promises to Israel was still in force, and that He would complete His redemptive purposes in the world (Philippians 1:6).  So, the Chronicler reminded the people of God’s still future blessings that would culminate in Jesus Christ.

The books of Chronicles are similar to the books of Samuel and Kings but they by no means are identical. Four main parts compromise the historical account of the books of Chronicles: (1) genealogies from Adam to postexilic Judah (1 Chronicles chapters 1 – 9); reigns of David and Solomon (1 Chronicles 10 through 2 Chronicles 9); Judah’s reign during the divided kingdom (2 Chronicles chapter 10 – 28); Judah’s reign as a sole kingdom (2 Chronicles chapters 29 – 36). In the same way that there are four accounts of the life of Jesus Christ in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, there are two accounts of the history of God’s people with the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. These books offer different historical perspectives of Israel. While the books of Samuel and Kings were written to those in exile, the books of Chronicles also addressed the post-exilic community returning from captivity.

Particularly, there are some notable differences in the Chronicler’s retelling of Israel history and the books of Samuel and Kings. In fact, several discrepancies and contradictions between Chronicles and the record in Samuel and Kings have caused liberal critics to doubt Chronicles’ historical trustworthiness and reliability. Some critics even called Chronicles nothing but historical fiction. Where Chronicles parallels material Samuel and Kings, the writer of Chronicles was accused of glorifying Israel’s past through exaggerated numbers and other changes in his sources. However, the details included in Chronicles were not intended to be exhaustive. The Chronicler emphasized the Davidic line. Therefore, King Saul is mentioned only in passing; and the rebellious northern kingdom, not of the faithful or Davidic line, is mentioned only where the northern history concerns the southern kingdom. Also, many displeasing details of the kings are omitted (e.g., David’s sin with Bathsheba, Absalom’s rebellion, Adonijah’s usurpation of the throne, Solomon’s many foreign wives, etc.). Even the history of Elijah and Elisha and their ministry in the northern kingdom is omitted.

Concerning numbers of Chronicles, sometimes the writer of Chronicles used larger numbers in its statistics than its parallel accounts in Samuel or Kings (e.g., cf. 2 Samuel 24:9 and I Chronicles 21:5). Other times, the number in Chronicles is smaller than the parallel passages (e.g., cf. I Kings 4:26 and 2 Chronicles 9:25). Yet, many prominent biblical scholars have explained the number variants because the system of numerical notation used in ancient times was difficult to determine. Other biblical scholars believe most numerical discrepancies can be attributed to variant transmission. 

Importantly, the writer of Chronicles writes to encourage the nation to return wholeheartedly to God. Only by faithfully following God and seeking Him would they as a nation prosper and be healed (see e.g., 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 -prayer of Jabez; 2 Chronicles 7:14). “If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). The Chronicler retells of the tragic result of idolatry and the people’s failure to place God first place in their lives. The writer of Chronicler reminded the people that God must be faithfully love, worshipped, and obeyed. The Chronicler aimed to reunite the nation around the true worship of God after their exile so the people would look only to God for their strength, protection, and guidance.

The writer of Chronicles records the king’s achievements and failures and noted how each king measured up to God's righteous standard. A good king faithfully obeyed God's laws, eliminated the places of idol worship, and made no alliances with other foreign nations for their help. For example, in 2 Chronicles chapters 29 through 32, Hezekiah is presented as a model of moral obedience and ensuring blessings by the framework “he did what was right in the sight of/before the Lord” (2 Chronicles 29:2; 2 Chronicles 31:20). Significantly, the writer of Chroniclers stressed that as a king was faithful, obedient, and devoted to God, they experienced prosperity, rest, honor, fame, a victorious army, building projects, and tribute from foreign kings. This connection of faithfulness, obedience, and devotion to God also flowed to individuals. 

The Chronicler’s theology of retribution is fundamental to understanding the books of Chronicles. The Chronicler continually stressed the theme of individual responsibility and the consequence of one’s own actions (see also Ezekiel 18). Each individual is accountable to God for his or her actions (see also Ezekiel 18:21-24, 30-32). Simply stated, wholehearted obedience to God is always rewarded with blessing, while disobedience to God results in God’s judgment. When a king led the Israelites into idolatry, disobedience, and wickedness, the king and the nation suffered. Unfaithfulness to God, the worship of foreign gods, and the failure to obey God’s righteous stands resulted in war, defeat, conspiracy from within and without Israel, and disease. Yet, God always provided an opportunity for REPENTANCE! Only true repentance can stop God’s judgment. For the repentant, God’s grace was at hand to repair the damage (2 Chronicles 7:14; see also 2 Chronicles 30:6-9, 18-20; 2 Chronicles 32:25-26; 2 Chronicles 33:12-13, 18-19, 23; 2 Chronicles 34:27). The Chronicler taught that when the king and his people wholeheartedly prayed to God, sought God for deliverance, and turned from their sinful ways, God was faithful to deliver and save His people. “Then if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NLT). The Chronicler stressed to the people returning from exile to humble themselves, seek God, and turn from their sins. The writer of Chronicler seeks to teach the readers the weighty lessons of God’s grace and judgment in Israel’s history. In essence, the Chronicler focused on Israel’s need for spiritual revival – renewing their faithful commitment to God and reforming their new society to rely on God for their help, guidance and protection.  

References
Believer’s Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1995.
King James Version Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1988.
KJV Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1994.
Life Application Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005.
New Student Bible. New York: Zondervan,1992.
Spirit Filled Life Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1991.
Woman’s Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1995.
Word in Life Study Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996.
LaSor, Hubbard, and Bush. Old Testament Survey. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1996. 

Pointing People Back To God: The Prophet Elijah

And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your Word. Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!”  

1 Kings 18:36-39 (NKJV)

God’s prophets played a major role in the Old Testament kingdoms of Israel and Judah. These men and women cared for people’s everyday needs, confronted kings and priests over their evil, and performed many miracles. Today, many of the prophet’s obligations are carried out by those who faithfully and obediently proclaim God’s Word (2 Timothy 4:2).

The prophet Elijah was one of God’s great prophets. He suddenly appeared on the scene at 1 Kings 17 to serve the northern kingdom of Israel. Elijah faithfully proclaimed God’s Words to the people and was wholeheartedly devoted to God. He had a loyal assistant or apprentice named Elisha, also a prophet. Elijah trained Elisha to continue his ministry to Israel. At the end of Elijah’s life on earth, Elisha inherited a double portion of Elijah’s anointing or spirit (see 2 Kings 2:1–9:13; 2 Kings 13:14-25). God directed Elijah to anoint Elisha to be his successor (1 Kings 19:16-21). Elisha’s name means “my God saves,” “God is salvation,” or “God saves” and salvation was the essence of his ministry. The name Elisha evokes memory of Joshua as Joshua’s name also means “the Lord saves.” Elisha and Joshua are very similar names, Elisha meaning “God saves” and Joshua meaning “the Lord saves.” Jesus’ Name also means “the Lord saves” (Matthew 1:21) and comes from the Hebrew name, Joshua. Elijah is given Elisha to finish his work as Moses was given Joshua complete his work. In crossing the Jordan as Joshua had before him, Elisha is shown to be Elijah’s “Joshua.” Elijah came like John the Baptist, while Elisha followed with a quiet ministry like that of Jesus (see Matthew 3:1-12 and Matthew 11:16-19). In the New Testament, John the Baptist was followed by Jesus to complete God’s saving work of grace and mercy to His people.  

In the Old Testament, the principal foundations of Elijah’s life are found in 1 Kings chapters 17 through 19; 1 Kings 21:17-29; and 2 Kings chapters 1 through 2. Key events in Elijah’s life include raising the widow’s son, the contest on Mount Carmel with the prophets of Baal, the encounter with God on Mount Horeb, and his departure from this world in a chariot of fire. Elijah was not a sophisticated preacher like the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah. Instead, Elijah was a rough yet and courageous reformer. Elijah challenged the people to abandon their Baal worship and their evil ways and return wholeheartedly to God. Elijah’s name means “The Lord is my God,”  “Yahweh is God” or “my God is Yahweh.” Yahweh is the Hebrew Name for God. Elijah’s ministry proclaimed that God was the only true and living God and this declaration was the essence of Elijah’s message to the people (see 1 Kings 18:21, 39 cf. 2 Kings 2:14). 

“I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “But you and your father's family have. You have abandoned the Lord's commands and have followed the Baals. . .  . Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow Him.” 1 Kings 18:18, 21 (NIV)

God sent Elijah (and after him Elisha) to serve as His representative to call the people to repent of their sins, to stop disobediences of His commands, and turn to Him as the true and living God (1 Kings 18:18, 21, 39). Wicked King Ahab of Israel had allowed his evil wife Jezebel to bring the worship of Baal into Israel (1 Kings 16:31-33). Baal was the Canaanite fertility god of storm, rain, and bountiful crops. People believed Baal could control the weather and the fertility of the crops, animals and people. Baal was the alleged god of weather who was often depicted carrying a thunderbolt. So, like Solomon who accommodated the idolatrous practices of his pagan wives (1 Kings 11:1-8), Ahab submitted to Jezebel's evil worship of Baal worship in God’s promised land and even built a temple for the people to worship Baal (1 Kings 16:32-33). Even worse, Jezebel installed 950 prophets of Baal in God’s promised land of Israel. 

So, God through the prophet Elijah sent a drought upon Israel (1 Kings 17:1) and that drought lasted for three years (1 Kings 18:1). The drought was not only divine judgment on a nation that had turned to idolatry (worshipping false gods), but also a demonstration that even though Baal was considered the god of fertility and the lord of the rain clouds, he was powerless to give rain (cf. Leviticus 26:3-4; Hosea 2:5, 8). Moreover, God wanted the people to know He was the true Source of their blessings and not a pagan god. God then took Elijah away into the wilderness for three years of apprenticeship (1 Kings 17:3), and miraculously provided for him. In Zarepthath, Elijah learned that God’s power is superior to all the powers of humans (1 Kings 18:10).

In the third year of drought, Elijah designed the contest with Baal at Mount Carmel to expose Baal as a false god. Elijah challenged Ahab, Jezebel, and Baal’s prophets on Mount Carmel to  prove that God is the only true and living God of the world (1 Kings 18:1-40). The prophets of Baal called on Baal in vain while Elijah made fun of them. When Elijah had his turn, he poured water over his sacrifice and prayed a simple yet powerful prayer. Immediately, God sent fire from heaven and revealed He was the true God and not Baal. Then Elijah prayed for rain, and the drought ended (1 Kings 18:41-46). Elijah’s life illustrates God’s kindness and the effectiveness of prayer (Luke 4:25-26; Romans 11:2-6; James 5:17-18). Elijah learned the power of prayer to transform situations (see 1 Kings 17:22; 1 Kings 18:24).  With simplicity and dignity, Elijah rested his case on the certainty that God answers the faithful prayers of His righteous servants for HIS GLORY and honor (1 Kings 18:36-37; see also 2 Chronicles 7:12-15; James 5:16).

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops. James 5:13-18 (NLT)

In Israel’s religion, Elijah stood firmly in the tradition of the Mosaic faith and faithfulness to God. He warned against syncretism because true faith in God would be lost if fused or mixed with other religions and philosophies. Moreover, Elijah emphasized the intimate relationship between faith in God and obedience to God’s commands (morals or ethics). The incident of Naboth’s vineyard illustrates Elijah’s morality. In this incident, Ahab and Jezebel envied Naboth’s vineyard, and later lied, stole, and murdered Naboth to take away his land (1 Kings 21; see also Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21).  

In later Judaism, Elijah came to be seen as the forerunner of the Messianic age based on the prophecy of Malachi 4:-6. Only six chapters of the Old Testament record Elijah’s life and ministry, but the remainder of Scripture, especially the New Testament, remembers him as a model of faithfulness and the forerunner to Jesus the Messiah (Christ). The Old Testament comes to an end with the expectation that Elijah would return (Malachi 4:5-6) and prophecy went silent for 400 years.

The New Testament begins with John the Baptist. John the Baptist continued the prophets’ Old Testament message of calling the people to turn from their sins and to turn wholeheartedly to God. At least in part, John the Baptist fulfilled Elijah’s expectation (see Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:4). John the Baptist prepared people's hearts for Jesus by urging the people to repent of their sins. He is often compared to the great prophet Elijah, who was known for standing up to evil rulers and turning to God (Malachi 4:5-6; Matthew 11:14; Matthew 17:10-13). The angel Gabriel promised John’s father, Zechariah, that his son would anticipate the Messiah by ministering “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17). In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon individuals temporarily for some special task (e.g. Numbers 11:25-29; Judge 3:10; Judges 6:34; Judges 14:6, 19; 1 Samuel 16:13), but John the Baptist was to be filled with the Holy Spirit his entire life. Jesus clearly stated that John the Baptist came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” and fulfilled the role prophesied for Elijah (Matthew 11:14; Matthew 17:10–13; Mark 9:11–13). Jesus’ statement that John the Baptist is Elijah indicates that He saw the ministry of John as the fulfillment of the prophecy of the coming of Elijah at Malachi 4:5–6. Jesus declared that John the Baptist was the greatest of the prophets as his ministry’s impact was far-reaching (cf. Acts 19:1–7).  

While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” Luke 1:11-17 (NLT)

John the Baptist is one of the most important and unique persons in the New Testament. He wore odd clothes, ate strange food, and lived in the wilderness like Elijah (2 Kings 1:8; Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:1-8). People were unsure of John the Baptist’s identity. Some believe John the Baptist was (1) the prophet predicted by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15), (2) Elijah (Malachi 4:5-6), (3) the Messiah, or (4) a false prophet. Indeed, many people thought that Jesus Himself was Elijah (Mark 8:27-28). John the Baptist denied he was literally Elijah (John 1:20-23). Instead, John the Baptist personally identified himself in the words of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, “A voice of one calling: ‘In the desert prepare the way for the LORD’” (Mark 1:2-3 citing Isaiah 40:3). John the Baptist applied the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3 to his own ministry of calling people to repent in preparation for the coming Messiah (Christ) to unite the generations in loyal and obedient service to God (cf. Genesis 18:19). John emphasized that he had come to prepare the way for and introduce the Messiah to the world. John the Baptist was not the resurrected Elijah nor Elijah returning in the flesh, but he took on Elijah's prophetic role — boldly opposing sin and pointing people to the true and living God (see 1 Kings 18; Malachi 3:1). He functioned like that Old Testament preacher of repentance and was therefore a fulfillment of Malachi 4:5-6 (see also Luke 3:4-6). In fact, John the Baptist’s role was almost identical to that of an Old Testament prophet — to encourage people to turn away from sin and back to God. In essence, John the Baptist fulfilled the promise of Elijah’s return as a forerunner of Jesus Christ and took on Elijah's prophetic role (Matthew 11:7–14; Matthew 17:10–13). 

Even more amazing, Elijah and Moses have many similarities. Elijah was with Moses and Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36). The Transfiguration revealed Jesus’ glory, identity, and power as God’s Son (2 Peter 1:16). Three of Jesus’ disciples (Peter, James and John) had the opportunity to observe the dramatic scene of God’s approving His Son Jesus (Matthew 17:5). Elijah and Moses were the two greatest prophets in the Old Testament. Moses, the first great lawgiver, represented the Law, or the old covenant and the promise of salvation. He wrote the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament), and he predicted the coming of a great prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15-19).  Elijah represented the first great prophets who predicted the coming of the Messiah and the restorer of all things (Malachi 4:5-6; Mark 9:11-13). Moses' and Elijah's presence with Jesus at the Transfiguration confirmed Jesus' Messianic mission — to fulfill God's Law and the words of God's prophets (Matthew 5:17-20; Luke 24:13-35). God's voice exalted Jesus above Moses and Elijah as the long-awaited Messiah with full divine authority. The apostle Peter described the impact of this experience in 2 Peter 1:16-18. Some biblical scholars believe that Moses and Elijah are the two witnesses described in Revelation 11:1-14. 

The author of Kings highlights many parallels between the ministries of Elijah and Moses. Elijah and Moses were both faithful servants of God with great faith in true and living God. Also, God appeared to both Moses (Exodus 24:12-18) and Elijah (1Kings 19:8-18) on mountains. Moreover, God sent Elijah beyond the Jordan, like Israel in the desert in the time of Moses. Both Elijah and Moses opened bodies of water – Moses opened the Red Sea (Exodus 14:16, 21, 26) and Elijah the Jordan River. Even more, Elijah and Moses both did the following:

• called down fire from heaven (Exodus 9:24; Numbers 11:1; Numbers 16:35; 2 Kings 1:10); 
• saw the Lord God provide food – Moses the manna (Exodus 16) and quails (Numbers 11); and Elijah the oil and flour for the widow, plus his own meals (1 Kings 17:1-16);
• prayed and God altered the weather – Moses prayed and God altered the weather, and Elijah prayed and God stopped the rain and then three years later started the rain again;
• associated with mountains (Mount Sinai and Mount Carmel);
• journeyed through the wilderness and sustained by God (Exodus 24:18; 1 Kings 19:8);
• had unique endings – God buried Moses in a grave no one can find (Deuteronomy 34:4-6; and God carried Elijah to heaven by a whirlwind with chariots of fire (2 Kings 2:11);
• present with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt. 17:4; Mark 9:5; Luke 9:33).

In addition to the Holy Bible, Elijah is also referred to frequently in the Talmud – a collection of Jewish writings consisting of the Mishnah and Gemara. Elijah is believed to be present in the contemporary Jewish ritual of circumcision. Also, many Jews have an empty chair is set out for him as his presence symbolizes faithfulness to the covenant. The Jews remembered that Elijah had not died (2 Kings 2:11) and believed that he would come back to earth to announce the end times. Continuity with the Jewish tradition can be observed in the New Testament references to Elijah. Many Jews hesitated to accept the message of Jesus, claiming that the Kingdom could not come until Elijah had returned. Jewish eschatology based on Malachi 4:5-6 held that Elijah must appear before the coming of the Messiah. Jesus indicated that Elijah had already appeared in the person of John the Baptist (Mark 9:9-13).  Also, Elijah is a significant figure in Islam, being referred to several times in the Koran. His attempt to turn people away from the worship of Baal, back to the true faith, is used in Muhammad’s preaching to exemplify true prophecy.

References:
King James Version Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1988.
KJV Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1994.
Life Application Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005.
New Student Bible. New York: Zondervan,1992.
NLT Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008.
Word in Life Study Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996.
Zondervan NIV Study Bible. New York: Zondervan, 2008.
Douglas, J.D. and Tenney, Merrill. NIV Compact Dictionary of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI:  Zondervan Publishing House, 1989.
Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Second Edition. Grand Rapids, MI:  Baker Book House Company, 2001.
Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary. Victor Books, 1989.

Jesus Is King!

Moses to Israel:  “When you enter the land which the Lord your God gives you, and you possess it and live in it, and you say, ‘I will set a king over me like all the nations who are around me,’ you shall surely set a king over you whom the Lord your God chooses, one from among your countrymen you shall set as king over yourselves; you may not put a foreigner over yourselves who is not your countryman. Moreover, he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor shall he cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall never again return that way.’ He shall not multiply wives for himself, or else his heart will turn away; nor shall he greatly increase silver and gold for himself. Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this Law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. It shall be with him and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear (honor, worship) the Lord his God, by carefully observing all the words of this Law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and that he may not turn aside from the Commandment, to the right or the left, so that he and his sons may continue long in his kingdom in the midst of Israel.” Deuteronomy 17:14-20 (NASB)

Deuteronomy 17:14-20 gives guidelines for the ideal king. God was not encouraging Israel to appoint an earthly king to rule their nation. In fact, God was against the idea of kingship because He was their true and everlasting King (Psalm 24:7-9; Psalm 146:10; Jeremiah 10:1-25). Having a king would make it easy to forget that God was their real Leader. The nation would only run successfully with God’s power and guidance and their wholehearted devotion to God (Zechariah 4:6). But God knew that the people would eventually want an earthly king be like their neighboring nations and for selfish reasons (1 Samuel 8:10–22, particularly 1 Samuel 8:4-5, 10-11). In fact, the Holy Scriptures anticipated a king to rule the people (see Genesis 49:10; Numbers 24:7, 17). As the everlasting King, God established guidelines for an earthly kingship for the people’s protection.

Jeremiah:  Lord, there is no one like You! For You are great, and Your Name is full of power. Who would not fear (honor, worship) You, O King of nations? That title belongs to You alone! Among all the wise people of the earth and in all the kingdoms of the world, there is no one like You. People who worship idols are stupid and foolish. The things they worship are made of wood! They bring beaten sheets of silver from Tarshish and gold from Uphaz, and they give these materials to skillful craftsmen who make their idols. Then they dress these gods in royal blue and purple robes made by expert tailors. But the Lord is the only true God. He is the living God and the everlasting King! Jeremiah 10:6-10 (NLT)

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, and 1 and 2 Chronicles show that, tragically, God’s guidelines were never honored completely. In fact, God’s guidelines for a king were followed less and less by Israel. Beginning with David and Solomon, Deuteronomy 17:14-20 were ignored by Israel. Had the people obeyed God's guidelines for a king, they would have thrived beyond their expectations (see Deuteronomy 28:1). So, none of Israel’s kings completely fulfilled God’s requirements (Matthew 1:1-17).

1 and 2 Kings of the Old Testament recognizes numerous kingships. However, only seven kings were recognized as “good” kings – David, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Uzziah, Jotham, Hezekiah, and Josiah. These good kings were spiritual reformers and obeyed God’s ways. God blessed these good kings for their devotion, obedience, and personal integrity (e.g. see 2 Chronicles 14:2; 2 Chronicles 15:8-12; 2 Chronicles 17:1-10). However, the remaining earthly kings failed to do right in God’s eyes – meaning they were evil kings. Sadly, these earthly kings eventually led Israel further and further away from the true and living God (Jeremiah 10:10) and to their downfall as a nation.

Nonetheless, no king completely followed the ways of God and Deuteronomy 17:14-20. For instance, David and Solomon presided over the golden days of Israel. David is remembered as a man after God’s own heart (see 1 Samuel 13:14; 1 Samuel 16:7; Acts 13:22) and Solomon as the wisest man who ever lived before Jesus Christ (1 Kings 3:12; 1 Kings 4:29–32; 1 Kings 10:3, 6–7, 24; Matthew 12:42; Luke 11:31). Yet as impressive as David and Solomon were, they violated the express requirements of Deuteronomy 17:14-20. Both David and Solomon multiplied wives (2 Samuel 3:2–5; 2 Samuel 5:13; 1 Kings 11:1–3), and Solomon multiplied horses, silver, and gold (1 Kings 10:14–15, 22–23, 28–29). Solomon married an Egyptian princess and many other wives (1 Kings 3:1; see also 1 Kings 11:1-6). Also, Solomon acquired many Egyptians horses for his army, and built “chariot cities" in Israel where he stabled his horses and chariots (1 Kings 10:26, 28-29). Likewise, by buying horses from Egypt, Solomon was symbolically returning Israel to bondage. God had delivered the people from the Egyptians in the days of Moses, and He warned them never to “return” there by making alliances. As for his material wealth, Solomon’s wealth was tremendous and extravagant (1 Kings 10: 14-25, 27). Solomon amassed large sums of gold, built up a large army, and married many wives (cf. 1 Kings 4:26; 1 Kings 10:14-22; 1 Kings 11:1-13). In essence, Solomon ended following an expensive and immoral lifestyle as he turned his heart from God.

What are the requirements of Deuteronomy 17:14-20? First of all, the ideal king was not to be elected by the people but chosen by God (Deuteronomy 17:15). The Holy Bible consistently teaches that God reserves for Himself the right to select kings, prophets, and judges (e.g., see Deuteronomy 17:14-20; Deuteronomy 18:18; Judges 3:15). Moses, Joshua and a succession of judges were chosen by God to govern Israel on His behalf. Yet as Gideon later said, “The Lord will rule over you” (Judges 8:23; see also Jeremiah 10:10) because God must be loved and trusted first as our true King (Matthew 6:33; see also Numbers 14:9–12; 1 Samuel 8:4–9; 1 Samuel 12:12). The Lord God is our protector, strength, and provider. So, the choice for earthly king was not by popular election but a call from God to be His servant to the people (Deuteronomy 17:20). Also, Deuteronomy 17:14-20 requires the king to be a fellow countryman and not a foreigner (Deuteronomy 17:15).

Next, Deuteronomy 17:14-20 requires the king to place his full trust in God and not be depended on horses and armies (Deuteronomy 17:16), foreign alliances (Deuteronomy 17:17), or material wealth (Deuteronomy 17:17). Horses were synonymous with military power (Deuteronomy 17:16). Other kings in the ancient world built mighty armies, trusted in their military strength, and worshipped other gods (idolatry). Yet, multiplying excessive military forces would invariably lead to excessive taxation and pride. Israel was called to rely on God for their military power and strength. Moreover for political reasons, often kings would marry foreign women (Deuteronomy 17:17) but God had already forbidden this practice as this would turn the king’s heart to foreign gods and not the true and living God (see Deuteronomy 7:3–5). In essence, accumulating horses, chariots, foreign alliances, and material wealth would cause the king and the people to rely on their human strength and resources and not God. Wealth and riches sometimes makes people puffed upon with pride and forget God. But God wanted the king’s heart was to be wholly dependent and devoted to Him (Deuteronomy 17:16–20; see also 2 Chronicles 16:6-13).  God owns everything. In fact, all – common citizens, priests, judges, and kings – had an obligation to worship God with their whole heart and serve Him only (see Exodus 20:1-7; Deuteronomy 5:1-11).

The most important qualification for the ideal king was his personal knowledge of God’s Word (Deuteronomy 17:18-20; see also 2 Timothy 3:10-17, especially vv. 15-17). God required the king to write out his own copy of God’s Word, read God’s Word daily – day and night, and diligently obey God’s Word with his whole heart (see also Joshua 1:7-8; Proverbs 4). In other words, the king must be a disciple of God’s Word, and God’s Word was to be the king’s sole source of wisdom (Deuteronomy 17:20; see also Deuteronomy 4:5-8). Intimately knowing God’s Word teaches the king to worship, reverence and love God as the True and All-Powerful King. God’s Word is the true authority and makes one wise – discerning (Deuteronomy 4:5-8). Even more, reading, memorizing, and obeying God’s complete Word day and night leads to internalization in one’s HEAD and HEART which ultimately leads to obedience to God (Deuteronomy 11:18). The command in Deuteronomy that the king not turn from God’s Word to the right or to the left is also repeated in the book of Joshua first by God (Joshua 1:7) and next by Joshua himself at his farewell address to Israel (Joshua 23:6). From the spiritual standpoint, God’s Word is a vital weapon of God’s warfare against evil. “. . . and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17, NLT).

The king was never above God’s Word. By learning and studying the Law, the king would display his devotion to God, govern with personal integrity, and rule wisely. Even more, the king's submission and obedience to God and His Word would keep him humble, selfless, and the people’s servant. The king was never to abuse God’s authority, think that he was better than his fellow citizens, and not be prideful (self-importance). The king was to give God the full honor and first place to his prosperity, time, and talents. In essence, the king was to model trustful obedience to God and His Word (e.g., see Numbers chapters 13 and14). The king needed to remind the people that the secret of the nation’s success was wholehearted love, devotion, obedience, faith, and trust in God (see e.g., Deuteronomy 10:12; Joshua 21:45; Joshua 23:14; 1 Kings 8:56; Mark 12:30).

The good news is that God sent the perfect King that fully met the requirements of Deuteronomy 17:14-20. Jesus Christ is the perfect King and fulfills the job description of the earthly king given by God (see also 2 Samuel 7:11-15; Psalm 2; Psalm 110; Isaiah 9:6-7). Deuteronomy 17:14-20 was given by God through Moses for Israel but carries Messianic features. First of all, the king must be selected by God (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:31-34). He was to be fellow Israelite and not a foreigner (Ruth 4:18-22; 1 Chronicles 3:10-17; Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-28). Moreover, the king must prudent or frugal and not prone to displays of extravagant luxury and military force (Matthew 21:1-17) as his focus is on the true worship of God and not commercial enterprise. As the Gospels reveal, Jesus Christ was never greedy. Jesus did not multiply wealth, women, and horses (a symbol of military might). Instead, Jesus displayed complete trust in God with humility, truth, and faithfulness (see also Psalm 15) as He focused on the true worship of God (see also John 17).

As God’s ideal king, the four Gospels reveal Jesus Christ’s wholehearted commitment, allegiance, and faithfulness to God, the True King of heaven and earth. He fully obeyed God’s Word day and night for life. In Jesus Christ contest with evil, He fought evil with God’s Word and was able to defeat evil’s attacks and temptations (see Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13). Jesus answered evil’s temptations from Deuteronomy 6 and 8, the Scripture passages describing Israel’s wilderness testing. Jesus cites Deuteronomy 8:3; Deuteronomy 6:16; and Deuteronomy 6:13-14 in answer to the temptations for immediate food, protection against intentional foolishness, and self-gratification for power. Importantly, Jesus’ answers during His wilderness testing reveal His heart righteous. Jesus refused power, the world’s wealth, instant success, and instant applause. Instead, Jesus chose to wholeheartedly obey, love, and worship God (see also Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Matthew 22:37). In essence, Jesus Christ’s displayed and lived a life worthy of our love, allegiance, and devotion as King.

Moreover, Jesus Christ lived a life of complete reliance and unity with God (John 17) and wholehearted obedience to God’s will (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46). Moreover, Jesus Christ’s daily life from the Gospels revealed His humility, prudence or frugalness, and not displays of wealth and military force. He was more of a student on foot than a ruler being driven around by chariot. Jesus Christ is truly the “the people’s king” and accessible to everyone (Psalm 110; Hebrews 4:14-16). Most important, Jesus Christ always introduced the people to the real King of the world, God.

No king succeeds with a big army alone, no warrior wins by brute strength. Horsepower is not the answer; no one gets by on muscle alone. Watch this: God's eye is on those who respect Him, the ones who are looking for His love. He's ready to come to their rescue in bad times; in lean times He keeps body and soul together. We're depending on God; He's everything we need. What's more, our hearts brim with joy since we've taken for our own His Holy Name. Love us, God, with all you've got— that's what we're depending on. Psalms 33:16-22 (The Message)

In the Gospels, particularly the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is portrayed as King and the Messiah. First, the Magi (or Wise Men) came looking for the King of the Jews (Matthew 2:1-2), and Pilate asked Jesus if He was the King of the Jews (Matthew 27:11, 37). This revealed that Jesus was the King for all people and not just the Jews. The last words of Matthew’s Gospel spell out Jesus’ kingly authority and mission for the world (Matthew 28:16-20). Moreover, Matthew’s Gospel presents Jesus Christ through his Gospel as King (see e.g. Matthew 1:1; 2:2; 20:25-28; 27:11) and fuller of God’s Word (Matthew 3:15). In fact, Matthew’s Gospel is called the “royal” Gospel because it refers so many times to Jesus’ Kingship. Jesus never denies He is a King and has a Kingdom. However, Jesus does deny His kingdom runs by the same rules as kingdoms with which John, James, and their mother are familiar (Matthew 20:20-28). In Jesus’ Kingdom, service and love for others precedes greatness and self-gratification.

As King, Jesus rules over the Church and over the entire universe (Ephesians 1:20–22; Matthew 28:18; 1 Corinthians 15:25). Jesus was born to be King (Matthew 2:1-2; see also Genesis 49:10; Numbers 24:7, 17; Psalm 110). The transfiguration of Jesus witnessed by Peter, James, and John revealed a brief glimpse of Jesus’ true glory as King (see Exodus 34:29–35; Psalms 104:2; Matthew 16:27–28; 2 Corinthians 3:12–18; Revelation 1:16). Nonetheless, Jesus refused any attempt by the people to try to make Him an earthly king with military and political power (John 6:15). Jesus the Messiah was indeed a King (Isaiah 42:1–4; Matthew 12:17–21), as He announced in His Kingdom and in His preaching (e.g., Matthew 4:17, 23; Matthew 12:28). Jesus was a quiet, gentle rule who brought justice to the nations. However, at His second coming, Jesus will return as a powerful Ruler, Judge, and King (see Zechariah 9:9–10; Matthew 21:5; John 12:15). When Jesus returns in all His glory, He will finally be acknowledged by all as “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:15-16) and every knee shall bow to Him (Philippians 2:10)!

References:
Believer’s Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1995.
KJV Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1994.
Life Application Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005.
New Student Bible. New York: Zondervan, 1992.
NLT Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008.
Spirit Filled Life Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1991.
Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary. Victor Books, 1989.
Wiersbe, Warren. With the Word Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1991.
Woman’s Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1995.
Word in Life Study Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996.
Zondervan NIV Study Bible. New York: Zondervan, 2008.
Branch, Robin. “The Messianic Dimensions of Kingship in Deuteronomy 17:14-20 as fulfilled by Jesus in Matthew.” Verbum et Ecclesia; Vol 25, No 2 (2004): 378-401.

 

The Book of Kings and the Worship of God

The two-part book of Kings can be confusing. Kings start out with one nation, Israel than splits into two nations, Israel and Judah. In all, 39 rulers are profiled in these two part books. The books of 1 and 2 Kings were originally one book in the Hebrew text. The books of Kings give the historical account of Israel’s spiritual lives as God’s covenant people. The people’s repeated spiritual failure, particularly among its leaders, points Israel and the world to the need of a faithful Leader and King, as the Heir to King David’s throne. This King would not only be a righteous King, but a righteous Prophet and High Priest. This promise was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ, a descendant of David and the eternal Son of God (Romans 1:3-4). 

David to Solomon:  As the time approached for David to die, he instructed his son Solomon, “As for me, I am going the way of all of the earth. Be strong and brave, and keep your obligation to the Lord your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, judgments, and testimonies. This is written in the Law of Moses, so that you will have success in everything you do and wherever you turn, and so that the Lord will carry out His promise that He made to me: ‘If your sons are careful to walk faithfully before Me with their whole mind and heart, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’” 1 Kings 2:1-4 (HCSB), see also Deuteronomy 6:5; Joshua 1:7-8; Psalm 1:2-3; Matthew 22:37.

First Kings begins with the King David's death and the beginning of King Solomon's reign. As Solomon rose to the throne, David instructed Solomon to wholeheartedly obey God's laws, to walk in all God’s ways, and be completely faithful to God (1 Kings 2:3-4). In the beginning, King Solomon followed his father’s advice. When given the chance from God to ask for any special gift, Solomon humbly asked God for a wise heart – meaning good judgment (discernment), to walk righteously and respectfully with God, and shun evil (1 Kings 3:9, 14; 1 Kings 4:29-34; see also Job 28:28). As a result, Solomon's reign began with great success as he walked faithfully with God and for God’s glory. Solomon constructed the Temple of God – his greatest achievement and he brought Israel into its Golden Age of great prosperity and honor (1 Kings 3:16–8:66).

Solomon’s wealth and wisdom were world worldwide (1 Kings 4:20; 1 Kings 10) and Israel prospered under Solomon’s wise leadership (1 Kings 4:20-21). The nation of Israel enjoyed peace, security, and prosperity (1 Kings 4:20-25). During the height of Solomon’s reign, Solomon governed Israel’s kingdom that stretched “from the Euphrates River in the north to the land of the Philistines and the border of Egypt in the south” (1 Kings 4:21). God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21; Genesis 17:8; Genesis 22:17) finds historical fulfillment in His blessings of Solomon.

However, Solomon’s reign reveal the dangers of turning one’s whole heart from following God. Toward the end of his reign, Solomon turned his heart away from wholeheartedly and faithfully following God (1 Kings 11:4). Solomon married many foreign or pagan wives and concubines and these women turned his heart away from fully following the true and living God to false gods (1 Kings 11:1-4). Even worse, Solomon built structures to these foreign gods for worship within God’s promised land (1 Kings 11:7-8). Thus, Solomon violated the main demands of the Law – to love the Lord God wholeheartedly and worship NO OTHER gods (see Exodus 20:2-6; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Matthew 22:37-38). The Holy Bible is clear that the true and living God must be the center of our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matthew 6:33; Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:25-28). Solomon’s spiritual unfaithfulness and non-reliance upon God began the downward failure of Solomon and the nation of Israel (1 Kings 11:4-6, 9-10). This unfaithfulness to God would be the ultimate cause of Israel’s division after Solomon’s death (1 Kings 11:9-13).   

Upon Solomon’s death, God’s judgment came quickly. Solomon’s son Rehoboam succeeded him for the throne of Israel. Rehoboam was an evil king. He had the opportunity to be a wise, compassionate, and just king. Instead, Rehoboam listened to his foolish young friends’ advice and ushered evil into Israel. At Rehoboam's inauguration, he was encouraged to be a kind and generous ruler to the people. The wise older men advised Rehoboam to "be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer" (1 King 12:7). However, Rehoboam rejected the wise advice and decided to be cruel and harsh to the people of Israel (1 Kings 12:8-11). As a result, Rehoboam split the nation of Israel as the people rebelled in 931 B.C. The kingdom of Israel split with ten tribes in the north (Israel) to be ruled by Jeroboam, and only Judah and Benjamin remained with Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:1-24). 

In the north, King Jeroboam feared Temple worship in Jerusalem would lure his northern tribes back to the south to worship God. So, Jeroboam lifted a page from Israel’s past (Exodus 32:1-4) and put up two golden calves for worship in the north (1 Kings 12:32). This false worship directly violated the Law of God (Deuteronomy 12:2-7). One golden calf was built at Bethel and another built at Dan. These two golden calves are often referred to as “the sins of Jeroboam.” So, Israel stopped worshiping God at the Temple. 

Not to be outdone, Rehoboam introduced Asherah poles during his reigned. Asherah poles became a regular feature of Judah’s landscape for hundreds of years. They were dedicated to a mother-goddess and often erected alongside altars on the high places devoted to God. Even worse, these poles came to represent Judah’s further slide into idolatry. Judah’s next king, Abijah, also lapsed spiritually, while the subsequent two kings, Asa and Jehoshaphat, maintained greater, though not perfect, spiritual fidelity to God (1 Kings 15:11; 1 Kings 22:43).

After this division, Israel and Judah fought repeatedly during the era of the first two northern dynasties and Judah’s first three kings (931~874 BC) (e.g., 1 Kings 14:30; 1 Kings 15:7, 32). The fighting eased when King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah found a common cause against the Arameans (1 Kings chapters 20 and 22). With some exceptions, both the northern and southern kingdoms began a path of corrupt and idolatrous kings with only the faithful voice of the prophets and a few goods kings warning the people too faithfully and wholehearted follow God. All rulers of the books of Kings were evaluated by his or her faithfulness to God— success or failure to keep God’s ways.  

Israel’s kingdom in the north had political shakiness resulting in assassinations, contests for power, and the establishment of Israel’s most evil dynasty, founded by King Omri. King Omri was one of the most powerful and evil kings of Israel (1 Kings 16:21-26). Omri gets a grand total of eight verses in 1 Kings, even though secular historians regard him as one of Israel’s most powerful kings. After his rule, Israel was called Omriland in Assyrian records. Omri built the capital city of Samaria in a location that guarded all routes north and south. Yet, Omri also started the religious heresies that led to his nation’s extinction. Politically shrewd, Omri married off his son Ahab to a neighboring king’s daughter, Jezebel. The book of Kings, however, is concerned with Omri’s spiritual health, and therefore he scored poorly by the author of Kings. 

The final section of 1 Kings is primarily devoted to Omri’s son Ahab (1 Kings 16:29–22:40). Under Ahab’s reign, Israel begun worshiping the Canaanite storm-god Baal. With this new Israel low, God called the prophet Elijah to confront Ahab and to reveal that He was truly the all sovereign God of heaven and earth (1 Kings 17:1–18:46). On the political front, King Ahab faced repeated challenges from the Aramean king Ben-hadad (see 1 Kings 20:1-25, 26-43; 22:1-40), the last of which cost Ahab his life. Also, Ahab helped his wicked wife Jezebel to murder and steal Naboth’s property without any cause (1 Kings 21). This evil Jezebel’s utter wickedness also spread to the southern kingdom of Judah when where daughter Athaliah married Jehoram, King Jehoshaphat’s son (see 2 Kings 8:18, 26-27) thereby bring Baal worship also to the southern kingdom (see also Revelation 2:20).

The southern kingdoms did have some good kings. Out of the twenty rulers of Judah, including wicked Queen Athaliah, only eight could be called "good":  Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham, Hezekiah and Josiah. Josiah was a great king. Even the prophet Jeremiah used Josiah as an example for the other rulers to follow. Josiah was just and right in all his dealings and God blessed him. He gave justice and help to the poor and needy (see Jeremiah 22:15-16, NLT). However, the kings that followed Josiah exploited and abused the people so they could build their elaborate palaces and live a luxury lifestyle (Jeremiah 22:11-17). Josiah ruled for 31 and walked in the ways of God because David was his model. He was only 8 years old when he became king. But at age sixteen, Josiah committed himself to God and began to seek God’s blessing. In reading the Biblical lists of kings, finding a king that obeyed God completely was rare. Yet, Josiah was such a person. Also, King Hezekiah was called a good ruler (2 Kings 18:1-8). Hezekiah obeyed God and brought spiritual revivals for God during his reign. Both Josiah (2 Kings 23:25) and Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:5) are praised for their honor and reverence toward God. Hezekiah is remembered for trusting God while under great pressure (see 2 Kings 18:5-6; 2 Kings 18:3–20:11), and Josiah earns praise for his devotion and obedience to the law of God (see 2 Kings 23:19; 2 Kings 22:8–23:25, especially 2 Kings 23:4-14). Nonetheless, even Hezekiah and Josiah made critical mistakes of judgment during their reigns (see 2 Kings 20:12-19; 2 Kings 23:29-30; 2 Chronicles 35:20-25). Following Josiah’s death, the final kings of Judah did what was evil in God’s eyes. Eventually, the southern kingdom was ravaged and destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (2 Kings 23:31–25:21). God’s predicted judgment came true (see Jeremiah 38:17-23). God is very patient, kind and merciful (see e.g. Nehemiah 9:17; Joel 2:13; Romans 2:1-4; 2 Peter 2:9); but He will NOT tolerate sin (Exodus 34:6-7; Romans 3:25). 

Throughout this dark period if Israel and Judah, the Bible mentions 30 faithful prophets who proclaimed God's message to the people and their leaders. The prophets continual warned the people of God’s judgment if they did not repent and turn their whole hearts to God in faithful trust, obedience, and reliance in Him. Most notable of these fearless prophets of God were Elijah and Elisha. The prophet Elijah encouraged the people to choose God over all other gods, including Baal (1 Kings chapters 17 through 19). Elijah’s greatest challenge came with his conflict with wicked Ahab and Jezebel in Israel. In one of the most dramatic confrontations in history, Elijah defeated the Ahab, Jezebel, and the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel. In spite of incredible odds, the prophet Elijah wonderful proves “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:31, NLT).   

As Elijah neared the end of his earthly ministry, the prophet Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit to continue God’s good work on the earth (2 Kings 2:9). Soon after, Elijah was taken to heaven in a whirlwind by a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11) and the Elisha continued God’s good works of caring for the people. Elisha's life was filled with signs, declarations, and miracles of God. He served Israel for 50 years and fought against the idolatry of its kings and called the people back to God. Second Kings 4 records four of God's miracles through Elisha: providing flowing oil and money for a poor widow (2 Kings 4:1-7); healing of the Shunammite woman's dead son back to life (2 Kings 4:8-37); cleansing the poisonous food (2 Kings 4:38-41); and providing food for 100 men (2 Kings 4:42-44). Other memorable miracles of Elisha included the healing of Naaman's leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-27), and the floating ax head on water (2 Kings 6:1-7). 

Following Elisha's death, Israel continued its spiral decline with a series of evil kings that did not wholeheartedly and faithfully follow the living God and God’s ways. Israel’s idolatry by worshipping other gods ultimately caused their downfall. Eventually, God used the Assyrian empire to capture Samaria and took most of the Israelites into captivity (2 Kings 13:20 – 2 Kings 17:41). The northern kingdom fell in 722 B.C. Judah had a short pardon after Israel’s fall because of a few good kings who destroyed idols and worshiped God. Yet, Judah fell to the next world power, Babylon (2 Kings 18:1 – 2 Kings 25:30) and the southern kingdom fell in 586 B.C. Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed and the people of Judah were carried off to exile. So, God used the Assyrians and the Babylonians as His instruments to punish the wickedness and evil of Israel and Judah (see Isaiah 10:5-19). In all the kingdoms of Israel and Judah were united for 120 years and then divided for approximately 200 years. Then, Israel disappeared and the people went into exile. The kingdom of Judah lasted another 135 years and then the people went into exile. After these exiles, no independent Jewish nation existed until the 20th century.

God to Solomon:  “. . . if you will follow Me with integrity and godliness, as David your father did, obeying all My commands, decrees, and regulations, then I will establish the throne of your dynasty over Israel forever. For I made this promise to your father, David: ‘One of your descendants will always sit on the throne of Israel.’ But if you or your descendants abandon Me and disobey the commands and decrees I have given you, and if you serve and worship other gods, then I will uproot Israel from this land that I have given them. I will reject this Temple that I have made holy to honor my Name. I will make Israel an object of mockery and ridicule among the nations.” 1 Kings 9:4-7 (NLT)

Scholars debate the authorship of the books of Kings. Some believe Kings were written in their present form from a deuteronomic school of writers whose basic theological viewpoint is the book of Deuteronomy while other critics identity of the author of Kings as unknown. However, Jewish tradition holds that the books of Kings were authored by Jeremiah. 

The books of Kings are historical trustworthiness. However, these books are the telling of God’s spiritual dealings with His often unfaithful people. The author had a number of sources available, including official archives of the palace and Temple and records kept in various prophetic centers to help write the books. In essence, these books stand as a record of God’s reward for obedience and faithfulness to Him and His covenant, and His judgment for evil and disobedience. The book of Kings gives sparkling examples of people who placed God and His ways first and enjoyed God’s covenant blessings. God wants people to be faithful to and obey Him as their God. Reading their stories encourages us to love and serve God. Most important, the books of Kings challenge all of people to be faithful and loyal to God with your whole hearts (1 John 5:21)!

Keep yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:21 (NIV)

Each ruler of Israel and Judah were evaluated on the basis of their faithfulness or lack of faithfulness to God. Either “he did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight,” or “he did what was evil in the LORD’s sight.” Successes and failures of the rulers and people were based upon their response to the covenants and standards of Mosaic Law. The implication is clear. God’s people are to live in accord with the high standards of God’s Word so that they may “do what is pleasing in God’s sight” (see also Joshua 1:1-8; Psalm 119:9-11, 111; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Then their lives will be filled with good (Psalm 84:11; Matthew 25:23; Romans 14:7-8; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; Revelation 2:10). We must keep God’s commandments and faithful trust Him with our whole heart.

History did not stop with the book of Kings. The perfect King of kings and Lord of lords was coming to Israel, Judah, and the world (Malachi 4:2; Matthew 1:1, 17-23). The true King and Lord is coming again too (Revelation 17:14).

References:
King James Version Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1988.
Life Application Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005.
New Student Bible. New York: Zondervan,1992.
NLT Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008.
Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary. Victor Books, 1989.

Why Follow Jesus?

When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased." Luke 3:21-22 (NIV).

 

Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where He was tempted by the devil for forty days. . . .  Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. Luke 4:1-2, 14 (NLT)

In Jesus, there was never an inner tendency (or bent) to sin that humans’ possess. Jesus had the Holy Spirit without measure, and the Holy Spirit help Jesus defeat evil and sin within His life. The temptation narrative in the Gospels is preceded and followed by references to the Holy Spirit:  Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit . . . and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days He was tempted by evil” (Luke 4:1-2, NIV). Thereafter “Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit” (Luke 4:14, NIV). Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus faced real human temptations. Yet, Jesus had the fullness of God living within His heart (Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9) and He was kept from committing sins (John 1:2; John 10:30). 

Following His baptism while in the wilderness, Jesus was tempted by evil for forty days (Matthew 4:1–11; Mark 1:12–13; Luke 4:1–13). Jesus’ temptations focused on three crucial areas: (1) physical needs and desires, (2) possessions and power, and (3) pride (see 1 John 2:15–16). However, Jesus did not give in to evil’s temptation. Mainly, Jesus never stopped believing and trusting in God, and He maintained a close relationship with God. Through this close relationship with God, Jesus did not give into the evil temptations of pride, sensuality, fear, self-pity, selfishness, jealousy and greed. Jesus refused to give into unbelief of God and His promises. Unlike Adam and Eve, Jesus never disobeyed God. Instead, Jesus believed God’s promises (Genesis 3; 1 Peter 1:19–22; 1 John 3:5). In essence, Jesus faced every single type of temptation that humans face, yet He did not sin. Hebrews 4:15 teaches that Jesus “has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.”

 

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but He died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but He was raised to life in the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18 (NLT)

The New Testament states clearly that even in His humanity, Jesus did not sin (see e.g., 1 Peter 1:18–19; 1 Peter 3:18). Jesus maintained His sinless state because He remained in a close, devoted, and personal relationship with God (see John 15:1-8; see 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 3:5). Jesus prayed frequently, especially when making important decisions (Luke 6:12). Still more, the New Testament portrays Jesus as a Man “who went about doing good” to others and wholeheartedly following God (Acts 10:38). 

Jesus never disobeyed God’s commandments (Exodus 20:1–21; Deuteronomy 5). During His earthly ministry, Jesus never lied, cheated, coveted, disobeyed His Father, committed adultery, murdered, nor did He commit any of the many other sins noted in the Old Testament (John 15:10; John 18:38; 2 Corinthians 5:21). No deceit was found in Jesus’ mouth (1 Peter 2:22). Jesus loved God and obeyed God’s will with all His heart, mind, soul, and strength. Jesus was “humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29) and Jesus fulfilled all righteousness and carried out all that God requires (Matthew 3:15; see also Jeremiah 31:31–34; 2 Corinthians 5:21). 

As the Sinless and Righteous Servant of the Lord, Jesus offers Himself for our sins (Isaiah 53:7–12). Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God (Isaiah 53:7) offered for the sins of all people (John 1:29; Revelation 5:6–14). We may go to Him as God and be confident that He has been there before us and so is the Helper we need (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:14-16). Most important as followers of Jesus, we must also follow Jesus’ sinless life by continually believing and trusting in God and obeying God’s will as found in the Holy Scriptures.

 

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God. Ephesians 5:1–5 (NIV).