The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Kings

  • Prepare Your Heart

    “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life”

    Proverbs 4:23

    David was Israel’s greatest king, Remember that David understood that God saw man’s heart. He recorded: “23. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). We can read in the New Testament God’s declaration about King David: “… he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22). God knew David’s heart was seeking after God’s own heart.

    In looking into the kingdoms of Israel and Judah (because the kingdom split), we find that “heart” is in more than ninety-one verses in 1 Kings – 2 Chronicles. Heart mean “the totality of man’s inner nature, the place where wisdom and understanding reside…” Often times we find they either did or did not prepare their heart. Prepare means “make ready; be steadfast and faithful; actual preparation for a future event, especially spiritual preparation.” (Prepare is only in 5 verses in 1 Kings – 2 Chronicles.) However, remember part of King David’s prayer just before Solomon became king: “O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel … prepare their heart unto thee” (1 Chronicles 29:18). Read some others:

    • Rehoboam (a foolish king): “And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD” (2 Chronicles 12:14).
    • Jehoshaphat right before he made many reforms: “Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, … and hast prepared thine heart to seek God” (2 Chronicles 19:3).
    • Right before King Jehoshaphat died: “… for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers” (2 Chronicles 20:33).
    • King Hezekiah’s prayer right before they observed the Passover: “18. … But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one 19. That prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers …” (2 Chronicles 30:18-19).

    We also understand that some had (and some did not have) a perfect heart. Perfect means “complete, whole, perfect”. David encouraged Solomon to have a perfect heart: “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts …” (1 Chronicles 28:9). However, Solomon did not have a perfect heart: “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father” (1 Kings 11:4). Keep in mind that there were only eight good kings out of nineteen (and one illegitimate queen) in Judah. Read about some of the following kings of Judah, as one looks at their hearts:

    • Abijam (a bad king): not perfect heart: “… and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father” (1 Kings 15:3).
    • Asa (a good king): perfect heart: “… nevertheless Asa’s heart was perfect with the LORD all his days” (1 Kings 15:14).
    • King Amaziah: good king, but not with a perfect heart: “1. Amaziah … did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart” (2 Chronicles 25:1-2).
    • Uzziah (a good king) who was marvelously helped until he was strong (see 2 Chronicles 26:15): “But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction…” (2 Chronicles 26:16).
    • Hezekiah (a good king) as he prepared before Sennacherib’s invasion: “And in every work that he began … to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:21). However, right before God extended Hezekiah’s life: “24. In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign. 25. But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem” (2 Chronicles 32:24-25).
    • Josiah ( a good king): “Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD” (2 Chronicles 34:27). Also see about Josiah: “And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him” (2 Kings 23:25). Josiah was the last good king in Judah.
    • Zedekiah (a bad king): “12. And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD his God, and humbled not himself … but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel” (2 Chronicles 36:12-13). Zedekiah was the last king before Judah was carried into captivity.

    With the exception of King Josiah, the kings seemed to become worse in their hearts toward God (and we only looked at eight of the kings of Judah). The condition of many king’s hearts are not even declared for us to know. We do know that God knows all hearts.”20. If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; 21. Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart” (Psalm 44:20-21).

    Why is the heart so important to consider? The Bible is given for our instruction (see 2 Timothy 3:15-17). And the Bible is full of examples from which we are to learn (see 1 Corinthians 10:11-12). But above all, remember to apply the following verse: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Keep means “to guard; protect; preserve”.

    Do you understand the importance of guarding and protecting your heart with all diligence, preparing your heart to please God?

  • A Light to the Gentiles

    “And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”
    Isaiah 60:3

    We are all familiar with the birth of Jesus that we often refer to as the “Christmas Story.” There had been about four hundred years without a new word from God or His prophets. Suddenly, we learn the angels begin to tell of the birth of Jesus that would soon be. When Jesus was born, the angels declared the birth of the “Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11) to the shepherds who went to see Him. However, have you thought about what happened shortly after Jesus’ birth? 

    Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, Jesus had been born, and the shepherds had visited. “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem” (Matthew 2:1). Notice the question these wise men asked, “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2). They went to the obvious place to find a newborn king: the palace (the king’s house) in the capital city, Jerusalem. Remember though, that the reigning king, Herod, was an illegitimate king appointed by the Roman government to rule over the Jewish people. Read how he responded to this news. “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matthew 2:3). To understand this verse better, you have to know a little about King Herod. He built many great buildings, but he was also known for his great jealousy and cruelty. He had his own wife and two sons put to death. That helps us better understand why when it was declared that a new king had been born, “he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” No one at the palace knew of a newborn king – but Herod wanted to find out. “4. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6. And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel” (Matthew 2:4-6). The religious leaders had found the answer in God’s Word (in Micah 5:2). Notice that the chief priests and scribes were the ones who knew the answer – yet we do not read that any of them even went to look for this Governor, who would rule God’s people.

    When Herod called in the wise man to give them the answer, he sent them to search and find the child. Herod told these wise men to return and tell him where this new king was found so that he too, could go and worship him (see Matthew 2:7-8). When the wise men left, the star went before them until it stood over where the young child was. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matthew 2:10). But more than that: “11. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way” (Matthew 2:11-12). They worshiped the child and presented Him with gifts. The Wise Men also heeded the warning from God and did not return to King Herod to tell him where the new king had been born.  

    God also warned Joseph of the pending danger (see Matthew 2:13-15a). Joseph obeyed God, and Jesus’ life was spared. And remember wicked King Herod? When he finally figured out that the wise men were not returning, he was angry. He had all the children two years old and under killed (see Matthew 2:16). However, what Herod did not know was that God had already moved Jesus to a safer place, protecting Him from wicked King Herod.

    Remember what Isaiah wrote hundreds of years earlier. “1. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 2. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. 6. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD” (Isaiah 60:1-3, 6). Remember that there were about four hundred years of silence from God before Jesus was born (“darkness shall cover the earth”). Then angels appeared declaring Jesus, the Savior of the world, was coming (“his glory shall be seen upon thee”). Remember also that Jesus is the “Light of the world” (see John 8:12). Wise men (“Gentiles”) from the east brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (“they shall bring gold and incense”). It all happened just as God declared it would.

    Have you recognized Jesus, the Saviour, which is Christ the Lord?

    How to be Saved

  • Lesson 2: 1 Chronicles 3-10: The Beginning of the Kings – Saul

    Key Verse

    Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance.

    —2 Peter 1:13

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. Realize that tabernacle means “the body as a frail tenement of the soul” and stir you up means “of the mind; to excite.” A good Bible teacher’s job, as teachers (in our frailty), is to stir up students (excite them) by putting them in remembrance (to help them remember the heroes of our faith). We should be excited about learning of these great men and women in the Bible. In this lesson, we will continue with our remembrance of some of the people in the Old Testament – even learning of a few new people along the way.

    Anyone who learns something exciting from God’s Word can share it with someone else!

    Emphasis: It is important to remember (with excitement) the people and events of the Old Testament. Recognize God’s blessings upon those who called out to Him, and especially those who sought God with the whole heart.

    Lesson Summary: In this lesson, we continue our study of the genealogies listed in the book of First Chronicles. While reading the descendants of David, recognize the listing of the kings of Judah. As we read through more of the genealogies, notice the interesting pieces of information sandwiched into them – events that many overlook as they skip over the seemingly boring, non-eventful, genealogies (as we discover how exciting they can be!). We will also see where the rest of the sons of Judah are listed. After that, time will be spent remembering the kings and their lives in greater detail.

    The first king of Israel was Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin. Remember again, why God removed the kingdom from his family and gave it to another – one who sought after God’s own heart. “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22). 

    Remember: The Chronicles do not dwell upon the wrongdoings of the kings, but what good they accomplished for Judah.

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 2 Questions

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 2 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to young children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember the lesson:

    We made musical instruments to help us remember King David.

  • Lesson 5: 2 Kings 9:11–13:9: Jehu – Jehoahaz

    Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

    —Proverbs 4:23

    Key Verse Thought: As you read the Key verse for this lesson, use the following definitions to help you understand it a little better.

    • keep:  guard; protect; preserve
    • heart:  the center; the totality of man’s inner nature; the place where wisdom and understanding reside

     We are to be very careful of what we allow into our hearts. We should protect not only the nature (character, or attributes) but also the wisdom that we allow into our hearts. Why? What we allow into our heart is the source for the kind of life we live; the kind of person we become. That is one reason why when someone becomes saved; we say they have asked Jesus into their heart.

    Be encouraged to consider your heart as the place where a special treasure is kept — a place to be well guarded. It would also be good to understand the importance of placing God’s Word into your heart (see Psalm 119:11).

    Emphasis: We are to learn from the failings of King Jehu. We are to keep our hearts with all diligence — always continuously hiding God’s Word in our hearts so we will know what to do (unlike King Jehu).

    Lesson Summary: As we begin this lesson, we must remember that Jehoram (also called Joram) reigned in Israel. Elisha had sent one of the prophets to anoint a new king of Israel, Jehu, even while Jehoram was still king. When Jehu was anointed, he was also given a very grave message. He was to kill Ahab’s entire household.

    We will see the process that Jehu followed being established as the new king of Israel. Jehu went to Jezreel and killed King Jehoram (and Ahaziah, king of Judah, who was visiting King Jehoram). He continued by having Jezebel killed. Ahab had 70 sons living in Samaria, and they were also killed. Jehu did not stop there, he continued by killing every Baal worshiper in Israel. He then had all of the images burned, and they broke down the house of Baal. When Jehu died, we find his son, Jehoahaz, becomes the twelfth king of Israel. He reigned for 17 years in Israel, and “followed the sins of Jeroboam.” It was a greatly oppressed nation while he was king. When he died, his son, Joash (Jehoash), became the thirteenth king of Israel.

    As we read about all of the good that Jehu did, we will find an area in which he miserably failed. This is to be a lesson to us.

    Year Two Quarter One – Lesson 5 Questions

    Year Two Quarter One – Lesson 5 Children’s Worksheets

    You could have them make a journal including verses reminding them the importance of fearing the Lord and walking in His ways. That was Jehu’s failure – although he did much for God, he did not walk in God’s ways.