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Home , 2 Chronicles 17, 2 Chronicles 18, 2 Chronicles 19, 2 Chronicles 23, 2 Chronicles 24, Jehoiada

Autumn 2018 Book 2

The Lord of the Kings

Home Studies Evangelical Free Church of Green Valley

Coordinated with messages by Pastor Steve LoVellette

Lessons prepared by Dave McCracken Table of Contents

Book 1

Date King Scripture Topic Page Oct. 7 1 Kings 12:1-24 The King Acts Foolishly 1 Oct. 14 Asa 2 Chron. 14-16 The King Reforms 5 Oct. 21 A Good Reign 9 Oct. 28 Jehoshaphat Unwise Advice 13

Book 2

Nov. 4 Jehoshaphat Reforms Instituted 1 Nov. 11 Jehoshaphat Fervent & Effective Prayer 5 Nov. 18 -24 Worship is Restored 9 Nov. 25 :1-22 Pride Precedes Fall 13

Book 3

Dec. 2 2 Kings 18:1-19:7 Reliance upon God 1 Dec. 9 Hezekiah 2 Kings 20 Treasures Revealed 5 Dec. 16 Manassah An Evil King Repents 9

The main responsibility of the kings was the maintenance of righteousness ( 11:1-4, 33:15). They possessed the law. They had the duty to act as judge, preserve justice, and proclaim the law. Many of the kings were wicked themselves and encouraged injustice and wickedness to flourish. It was the prophets that provided a check upon the waywardness of the kings. The failure of the kings to live up to the ideal tended to cast the hope for a righteous ruler more and more into the future. This became known as the messianic hope. This messianic hope was fulfilled only in Jesus Christ. The gospel of the the kingdom of God means that people are given an opportunity to receive the kingdom by repentance and faith. This is achieved through Christ, the Messiah-King, to whom every knee must bow, whether in willing loyalty or under judgment.

ii The Lord of the Kings Lesson 5, November 4, 2018 2 Chronicles 19 Reforms Instituted

Fear the Lord and judge with integrity, for the Lord our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes. 2 Chronicles 19:7

1. Read 2 Chronicles 19:1-3. What was the concern of the man of God when King Jehoshaphat returned home from his harrowing experience? How did the Lord view what King Jehoshaphat had done? What good is King Jehoshaphat commended for?

Judge – to decide if something is good or bad; to condemn. Psalm 9:8 – (of God) He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness. Matthew 7:1 – Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. 2 Timothy 4:1 – And so I solemnly urge you before God and before Christ Jesus – who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom.

2. Read Exodus 18:13-26. What was the concern the father-in-law of had? How did Moses justify his actions?

3. What advice did Moses father-in-law give? What qualifications did he suggest for those who would judge?

4. What would be the result for Moses? How did Moses respond to his father-in-law’s advice?

5. Read 2 Chronicles 19:4-7. Why did King Jehoshaphat travel throughout the land? With what message did he encourage the people?

-1- 6. Whom did he appoint? What important message did he communicate to them? Whom is the judge to please above all?

7. Verse 7 is an important one. What are the judges to do? What does the Lord not tolerate?

8. Read Deuteronomy 16:18-22. Who are to be appointed? What are they to do? . . . not do? What is to prevail? What must never be done?

9 . What is “righteous judgment”? How can one judge as God would judge? What attitudes must we have when we judge with integrity? Discuss.

10. Read :1-4. What is the outcome for unjust judges? What are the examples of their being unjust? Can they expect the Lord to help them in times of trouble?

If Lucy were our judge

11. Read Psalm 103:1-6, Isaiah 30:18 and Isaiah 61:8. How should we relate to the Lord? What are we to always remember? What does He do for us? What is provided to those who are treated unfairly?

-2- 12. Read Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. What is the duty of everyone? Who is to be our judge? Can we keep a secret from Him?

13. Read 1 Peter 1:17. We should live in reverent fear of whom? Why? Does He have favorites?

14. Read 2 Chronicles 19:8-10. For what types of cases were judges appointed? What instructions were given to the judges? What were the judges to warn the people against? How were they to prevent guilt from falling on them?

15. Read 2 Chronicles 19:11. The cases to be heard were to be divided into what two areas? Who is to assist to insure justice is served?

16. What trait should the judges have as they fulfill their duties? Who is to help them do what is right?

17. What, from this lesson, can we apply to our lives today? To whom are we responsible?

-3- -4- The Lord of the Kings Lesson 6, November 11, 2018 2 Chronicles 20 Fervent & Effective Prayer

After consulting the leaders of the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” 2 Chron. 20:21

Many Christians are not prepared spiritually for the attacks of the enemy. Remember the 1965 title bout between the Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali and the man he defeated for the title, Sonny Liston a year earlier. Ali knocked Liston out in the first round with a right cross to his left temple that he never saw coming. Ali’s punch was unexpected, unforeseen and not anticipated – by anyone who was watching the fight. But here’s the key: Ali was looking for an opportunity to throw that particular punch. He had studied Liston’s fighting style and how he anticipated punches. Satan, is just like Muhammad Ali. He studies us. He looks for weaknesses. He looks for vulnerabilities. Then he decides on a plan of attack. And often, just like Muhammad Ali, he lands the unexpected, unforeseen and unanticipated punch that has the spiritual f orce to take us out.

How we respond to the unexpected is determined by how we’ve prepared ourselves in advanced. We know we have an adversary who walks about seeking people to devour. (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7) When we’re not prepared, he is “Johnny-on-the-spot ready” to devour us. But when we are prepared, we respond in such a way that opens up the floodgates of heaven so God can move on our behalf.

1. Read 2 Chronicles 20:1-4. What war was facing Jehoshaphat? To whom did he turn for guidance? What did he order everyone to do? For what purpose did many people come to ?

2. Read 2 Chronicles 20:5-9. Discuss the elements of Jehoshaphat’s public prayer. Note the praise, the petitions and the arguments presented to the Lord.

3. Read 2 Chronicles 20:10-12. What points does Jehoshaphat continue to make in his prayer? Whose land are the people of Judah living in? Is Jehoshaphat trying to solve the problem himself or totally relying on the Lord?

-5- 4. Read 2 Chronicles 20:13-15. In what way was the Spirit of the Lord manifested? What message did Jahaziel communicate to Jehoshaphat?

5. How might we respond to difficult situations when we are afraid? . . .when we are discouraged? Are we willing to turn things over to the Lord and wait for His solution? Discuss.

6. Read 2 Chronicles 20:16-17. What are the people to do on the morrow? Why are the people supposed to stand still and watch? What is the promise communicated to the people?

7. Read 2 Chronicles 20:18-19. How did the people express their worship?

8. Read 2 Chronicles 20:20-23. How did Jehoshaphat challenge the people? Who did the king appoint? What did they do? For what did they praise the Lord? What words were sung?

9. What did the Lord cause the enemy armies to do? What was the result?

10. Read 2 Chronicles 20:24-26. What did the army of Judah see from the lookout point? What did they do for three days? What did they name the valley? Why?

11. Read 2 Chronicles 20:27-30. What was the attitude of the people? What musical instruments were played? Where did they go? How did the surrounding kingdoms react? What had God given to Judah?

-6- 12. Read 2 Chronicles 20:31-34. For how long did Jehoshaphat reign? He is he described? How was his relationship with the Lord described?

13. What did he fail to do? What was the problem with the people of the kingdom?

14. What should be our present response to the descriptions of Judah in questions 12 & 13? Do we do only what is pleasing in the sight of the Lord? Do we have other idols getting priority over our commitment to the Lord? Discuss.

15. Read 2 Chronicles 20:35-37. With whom did Jehoshaphat make an alliance near the end of his reign? How is the person described? What did they build? What was the message of the prophet concerning this? What happened to the project?

16. How was this project similar to Jehoshaphat’s alliance with in our earlier study? Did Jehoshaphat seem to learn from his earlier mistake?

17. Sometimes we fail to follow the Lord completely. When the Lord disciplines us, are we willing to repent and turn from that which the Lord does not want us to do? After failing once, do we sometimes fail again? What should be our response?

-7- -8- The Lord of the Kings Lesson 7, November 18, 2018 2 Chronicles 23-24 Worship is Restored

The empty throne of Judah was left by default to , Ahaziah’s wicked Israelite mother, who massacred all remaining members of the Judean royal family she could find. She put to the sword many of her own flesh and blood, since she was the queen mother! The infant Joash, her nephew, was spared and placed under close security during the six years of Athaliah’s reign.

In this lesson we study the third of the godly kings of Judah that experienced revival and reform during their reigns. First was Asa - second was Jehoshaphat - now Joash. Joash was the great grandson of Jehoshaphat. His grandmother was Athaliah who was the daughter of Ahab, king of Israel. She had married one of the sons of Jehoshaphat. There was a great deal of intrigue and treachery after the death of Joash’s father. Athaliah was a very wicked and evil woman. But Joash’s great aunt saves his life and preserves the line of . The child Joash, the only surviving heir to the throne of David, was hidden from the wicked Queen Athaliah for six years by the High Priest Jehoida.

For six years: (1) Jehoida the High Priest waited, (2) Athaliah usurped the throne, (3) Athaliah led the nation into idolatry, (4) the priests of prospered, and (5) Jehoida waited until the time was right.

1. Read :10-12. What did Athaliah purpose to do? What did do to thwart the plan? Where was Joash hidden?

2. Read 2 Chronicles 23:1-3. Describe the action taken by the priest. With whom did they make a covenant?

3. Read 2 Chronicles 23:11. Who was brought out? What was placed on his head? With what was he presented? When he was anointed, how did the people respond?

4. Read 2 Chronicles 23:12-15. Describe what Athaliah saw. What did she shout? What were the commanders ordered to do? What were they to do with anyone who tried to rescue her? Where was she killed?

-9- 5. Read 2 Chronicles 23:16-21. What was the covenant between the priest, the king, and the people? What was done to the temple of Baal? . . . the priest of Baal?

6. Who was put in charge of the Temple of the Lord? What did they use for a pattern of worship? Who was prevented from entering?

7. Where was Joash seated? How did the people respond? Why was the city peaceful?

8. Read :1-3. For how long did Joash reign? For how long did he do what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight? What did Jehoiada choose for him? What was the result?

9. Read 2 Chronicles 24:4-10. What did Joash decide to do? What was to be collected from the people? With whom did Joash share his concern that his command was not being followed?

10. What had happened to the dedicated things in the Temple of God? What was to be set outside the gate leading to the Temple? What proclamation was made throughout the land? How did the people respond?

11. Read 2 Chronicles 24:11-16. What happened when the chest became full? How much money was collected? How was the money spent?

12. Once the Temple was repaired, how was the remaining money used? How was the Temple used? How was Jehoiada described at his death.

It seems that during the lifetime of Jehoiada, King Joash relied totally on his advice. He brought reform and revival to Judah. He served the Lord faithfully.

-10- 13. Read 2 Chronicles 24:17-22. The leaders of Judah came to King Joash. What was their request? How was their desire implemented? What was God’s reaction? Did the prophets that were sent have any impact?

14. What was the message brought by Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada? Did the leaders of Judah repent and follow Zechariah’s message to them? Asherah What was done by King Joash’s order? What were Zechariah’s dying words?

15. Read 2 Chronicles 24:23-27. What happened to the leaders of Judah who had led the nation astray? Was the conquering army larger and stronger than the army of Judah? Why did it prevail?

16. What did the officials of Judah do to Joash? Why? What happened to Amaziah

17. What do we learn in this lesson about the choice of mentors? Upon whose advice should we rely? What should be the qualifications of those we put in a position of respect and power?

18. Read Galatians 5:7 and Hebrews 12:1. How can we finish strong? Discuss.

In June 1995 the space shuttle Discovery was being readied to be launched to meet with the Mir space station to begin working toward the International Space Station. One of man’s most daunting endeavors. Billions and billions of dollars had been spent, the world’s brightest minds, the day picked carefully, the weather patterns checked and many obstacle had to be overcome and solved.

But there were weird tapping noises emanating from launch pad 39-B. A close inspection revealed woodpeckers had chipped away and put holes in the insulating covering of the fuel cells. Discovery did not launch that day.

We have to choose to check everything and eliminate that which is sin from our lives.

-11- -12- Lord of the Kings Lesson 8, November 25, 2018 2 Chronicles 26:1-22 Pride Precedes Fall

The biblical account of King Uzziah is a classic example of what happens to a man who gets too big for his spiritual britches. Uzziah’s ascension to the throne had no doubt filled the hearts of the people of Judah with renewed hope. The previous two kings of Judah had started well enough, but after a while, had led the kingdom back into idolatry, bringing judgment upon the nation. As a result, both of the former kings, Joash and Amaziah, met their death due to conspiracy. Like his father and grandfather before him, Uzziah began his reign well. He showed much promise as a godly ruler that would lead Judah back to God and the restoration of God’s blessings. But over the years, as God blessed Uzziah, a secret enemy began to invade his heart ever so subtly. So subtle was this enemy that Uzziah likely wasn’t aware of what was happening to him until he had been dealt the fatal blow. What was this subtle enemy that defeated Uzziah? He let his VIP status go to his head. In other words, Uzziah became proud and haughty. He lost sight of the fact that God was the source of his power, popularity, and prosperity.

Pride is a killer. It will kill your spiritual growth. It will kill your intimacy with the Savior. Why is pride so spiritually fatal? It is because pride moves one to focus on self instead of Christ. Pride enthrones self rather than the Savior. That condition can produce but one result: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov.16:18). As we look into the life of King Uzziah, we must be warned that God’s blessings can have the unintended result of pride if we are not careful. We must stay alert; ever staying focused on the true source of every blessing—God Himself.

1. Read 2 Chronicles 26:1-5. How old was Uzziah when he was crowned as the next king of Judah? How long did he reign? In what did Zechariah instruct him? The Lord gave Uzziah success under what conditiion?

2. Read 2 Chronicles 26:6-8. How did God help King Uzziah? How was he viewed throughout the land, including by neighboring nations?

3. Read 2 Chronicles 26:9-10. How did King Uzziah strengthen Jerusalem, and even rural areas? What was dug? Why? How was the land cared for?

-13- 4. Read 2 Chronicles 26:11-15. Describe the strength of King Uzziah’s army. What equipment was provided to them? What machines were designed by brilliant men? Who helped him become very powerful?

5. Read 2 Chronicles 26:16-18. What led to King Uzziah’s downfall? What did he do in the Temple that was forbidden by the law? With what message did the priests confront him?

6. Read 2 Chronicles 26:19-21. How did Kiing Uzziah react to this rebuke by the priests? What happened to him? Was it a chronic condition? How did he live from that day forward? From what was he excluded? Who took over the governance of the nation?

7. Read 2 Chronicles 26:22-23. Who was the prophet during the time of King Uzziah’s reign? Also see Isaiah 6:1) Where was King Uzziah buried since he had leprosy?

This may be one of those cases were Scripture understates the prosperity of a king. We haven’t seen a king that achieved both riches and military victory like Uzziah since the days of . Uzziah’s name means “Jehovah is my strength”. His kingdom and influence expanded. He provided irrigation for his crops and developed a new catapult technique that made him a greater threat. Assyria, who would become a vast empire was going through a time of weakness, so the threat from them was minimal. He was known as a man of the soil. God blessed him abundantly. The key verse is verse 5- “as long as he sought the Lord, God prospered him.” We’ve seen this over and over again. God desires to bless us.

-14- After a period of time, Uzziah began to think more of himself than he should. Scripture uses three powerful words to describe his heart condition: proud, corrupt, and unfaithful. This causes him to enter the temple and to burn incense without permission.

8. Uzziah didn’t understand 3 important things about God: (1) God desires obedience, not just sacrifice. (Read 1 Samuel 15:22; Hosea 6:6), (2) God hates a prideful heart, and (3) God gives his grace to the humble. (Read James 4:6; 6:8). Make notes on these verses.

C.S. Lewis says of Pride, “There is no fault which makes a man more unpopular, and no fault which we are more unconscious of in ourselves. And the more we have it ourselves, the more we dislike it in others. Pride leads to every other vice; it is the complete anti-God state of mind.

8. Read Proverbs 26:12 and 16:18. What do we learn from these verses?

9. Jesus warned us against exalting self. He says this in Luke 14:7-11. He was speaking against the obvious pride and self-centeredness of the Pharisees. He says in v.11 “For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled and he who humbles himself shall be exalted.” This story by Jesus reminds us that we should not lift ourselves up. What is your reaction to this story?

The notion that we are untouchable, unhurtable, and invincible is not true. Anything in which we place our trust other that God is flawed. Our confidence in our nation, our faith in ourselves, in our military, in our power, in our wealth, in our “goodness” will be called into question. We have to choose this day who we’re going to serve.

Many of us are struggling today in our bodies, in our finances, in our relationships, in other areas of life because “Uzziah” is on the throne and has to be taken down. We have to crucify our own flesh. We have to kill our own “Uzziah”.

God has to become #1 in our lives. God is our source. Not the things He gives us. We have to choose this day whom we will serve. Do we serve God or self?

-15-