The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Quarter Two

  • Lesson 8: 2 Kings 8:16 – 9; 2 Chronicles 21 – 22:9 Jehoram (Joram) and Ahaziah

    Key Verse

    You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.

    —Amos 3:2

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Have you ever known someone who got away with doing something wrong? Does it seem fair when you get in trouble for doing something wrong? Do you understand why it is that you may get into trouble, but others seem to get away with doing the same kinds of things? Our Key Verse today may help to remind us that if we are a Christian, belonging to the Lord, we cannot get away with doing things that other people seem to get away with. God will discipline His people (see Hebrews 12:5-8).

    Emphasis: To recognize that when God’s people sin against Him, God will discipline them.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we remembered King Jehoshaphat – a very good king. Notice that the kings were compared back to King David to determine if they were good kings or bad kings. 

    In this lesson, we will look at two more of Judah’s kings. Notice that we only include the kings of Israel when they are directly involved with a king of Judah – for none of them were legitimate kings (because none were descendants of King David). We begin in this lesson with King Jehoram, son of good King Jehoshaphat. What a disappointment his son was! He rose up and killed all of his brothers, and he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel – for wicked King Ahab’s daughter, Athaliah, was his wife. Remember that King Ahab was a very wicked king from Israel. Elijah sent a writing warning that King Jehoram would die of a sickness in his bowels because he rejected the Word of the Lord. King Jehoram died of a sickness in his bowels after reigning for eight years. 

    His son, Ahaziah, became king, reigning only one year. He, too, was a bad king – walking in the ways of the kings of Israel. Because of advice from bad counselors (including his mother, Athaliah), he helped the king of Israel in battle. The king of Israel was injured in battle. Because King Ahaziah visited the injured king of Israel at the same time God told Jehu to seek God’s revenge upon the household of wicked King Ahab, King Ahaziah was killed.

    Y2Q2 Lesson 8 Questions

    Y2Q2 Lesson 8 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to young children, the following is a craft idea to go with this lesson:

    For this lesson, we made a journal to remember that God keeps His promises, and we added Scriptures inside of it.

  • Lesson 7: 1 Kings 22; 2 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 17-20 Jehoshaphat

    Key Verse

    What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  

    —Romans 8:31

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. As you read this verse, recognize that when God is for us, no one can stand against us. But the important thing to understand – just when it is that God is for us. God is with the people who seek to obey God’s commands. “In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it” (Deuteronomy 30:16). Also see: “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing” (Psalm 34:10). 

    Emphasis: As you look at today’s lesson, understand the importance of not only hearing and learning God’s Words, but that it is imperative to implement God’s Word in our lives. Then when the enemies oppose, we can trust God to fight our battles for us.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we considered King Rehoboam a bad king, for he forsook God. We also remembered his son, King Abijam (a bad king) and King Asa (a good king). We learned about many good things they did for Judah. However, King Asa was the king that did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. He put away the false idols and served God only.

    In this lesson, we remember that when King Asa died, his son, Jehoshaphat, became king of Judah. He too, was a good king. Once he became king, he eliminated idol worship. He then strengthened the cities of Judah – physically and spiritually. By placing mighty soldiers in the different cities, he strengthened them physically. When he sent princes, priests, and Levites into every city teaching the Word of God to the people, he strengthened them spiritually. 

    When King Jehoshaphat helped wicked King Ahab in battle (the battle in which King Ahab died), King Jehoshaphat almost lost his life. When he cried out to God, God delivered him. For that alliance with wicked King Ahab (and also with King Jehoram), Jehoshaphat was rebuked by the prophet of the Lord. After that rebuke, he sent judges throughout the land to be sure the people not only knew the Word of the Lord, but that God’s Word was implemented in their lives. Then the enemy came up against them. We will see what happens to a people who place their trust in God – not man. When King Ahab’s son became king of Israel, he asked for King Jehoshaphat’s help against Moab. God gave the promise of victory through his prophet Elisha.

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

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 7 Questions

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 7 Children’s Worksheets

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

    We made a castle frame with the verse 2 Chronicles 20:21 inside to help us remember when God told Jehoshaphat to send the musicians before the army, and God won the battle for them.

  • Lesson 6: 1 Kings 12:1 – 15:24; 2 Chronicles 10-16 Rehoboam, Abijam (Abijah), and Asa

    Key Verse

    Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left.

    —Joshua 23:6

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. In this verse, courageous means “to be firm; be strong; to retain, hold fast, or keep.”  What are we to be strong doing? We are to do all that is written in God’s Word. Notice especially the addendum:  “that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left.”  There is no allowance for variance – one must adhere directly to God’s Word and hold fast to it with all of our might. In this lesson, we will learn of three kings. Rehoboam, who was not courageous to do all written in the book of the law; Abijam (Abijah), who walked in the sins of his father, and a king (Asa) who, after being very courageous, turned aside at the end of his life.

    Emphasis: In this lesson, we are to understand that God wants to show Himself mighty to His people (Christians). We are also to recognize the importance of remaining courageous – obeying God and His Word all throughout our lives – never failing as King Asa did toward the end of his life.

    Lesson Summary: In the last quarter, we learned about Israel, the Northern Kingdom, and how they were carried captive. In this lesson, we will begin our study of Judah, the Southern Kingdom. 

    We will begin by remembering King Rehoboam’s reign and what happened to cause the nation to divide into two separate kingdoms. King Rehoboam was considered a bad king because he forsook God. When Rehoboam died, his son, Abijam (Abijah), became the king of Judah. He “… walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father” (1 Kings 15:3). Abijam (Abijah) was also considered a bad king. Little is recorded about him in First Kings, so we will focus on information in Second Chronicles. He only reigned for three years, and although God used him to do good things for Judah (King Abijam had the right reasons for fighting King Jeroboam), God knew King Abijam’s (Abijah’s) heart.

    When King Abijam (Abijah) died, his son, Asa, became king. Asa reigned for 41 years in Jerusalem, “And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father” (1 Kings 15:11). He was a good king and it was during his reign that he made many great reformations, and the people of Judah turned their hearts back to God. King Asa knew to cry out to God when the enemy came against Judah, and God was able to show himself mighty before the people. When God sent His prophet to speak to King Asa, he listened. He was told to be strong and seek God, continually. He took courage, and removed the idol worship and broke down the false places of worship. The people recognized God was with King Asa. He even removed his grandmother as queen because she worshiped an idol. He also destroyed her idol. Nevertheless, toward the end of King Asa’s reign, King Baasha of Israel came against a city in Judah. King Asa sought the help of an enemy nation. Although they gained the city back, Asa had failed to seek the Lord. God sent his prophet with a message, but King Asa rejected the message. After this, King Asa was diseased in his feet, but he sought the physicians and never sought God. He died of the disease in his feet.

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 6 Questions

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 6 Children’s Worksheets

    See the following for a craft idea if you teach this with young children:

    We made a book with the Ten Commandments in them to remember the importance of obeying God’s commands.

  • Lesson 5: 2 Chronicles 1-9 Solomon and the Temple

    Key Verse

    Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

    —Psalm 33:12

    Key Verse Thought: After reading the key verse, understand that God has promised to bless the nation who acknowledges God as supreme, and where the people establish a relationship with Him. How can one have a relationship with God? (i.e.:  first, ask Jesus in one’s heart; spend time with Him; pray; read the Bible; obey God’s commands and encourage others to obey Him as well; etc.)  In this lesson, we will see how God blessed the nation, Israel, who made God the Lord of their nation – and obeyed Him! 

    Emphasis: Christians are to choose to obey God, doing what He wants over what self wants, understanding that God will bless those who put God first.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned that David prepared greatly for the building of the Temple. He declared that his son, Solomon, would succeed him as king, and Solomon would build the house of the Lord. In this lesson, we will learn about Solomon as he becomes king of Israel.

    Solomon returned to the tabernacle Moses had built in the wilderness and offered great sacrifices to God. God came to Solomon that night, asking what he desired. Solomon took his father’s advice and asked for wisdom to rule God’s people. God not only promised him wisdom, but riches and fame as well. 

    Solomon immediately set about to build the Temple for God. Once it was completed (and the furnishings were made and placed inside), he had the Ark of the Covenant brought into the Temple, addressed the people, and prayed to God. When Solomon finished praying, God answered his prayer by sending fire from heaven that consumed Solomon’s sacrifice. The glory of the Lord so filled the Temple that no one could enter. God then gave many promises, and warnings, to Solomon.

    Solomon’s kingdom increased, and his fame extended. The Queen of Sheba heard of King Solomon and came to meet him herself. She recognized that God had given him this great wisdom.  Solomon’s fame continued to spread, and many kings gave him great gifts – increasing his wealth.

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

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 5 Questions

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 5 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are doing this with younger children, the following area craft ideas to go with this lesson:

    We decorated a frame with the verse 2 Chronicles 7:14 in it to remind them of King Solomon’s prayer.
    This is another idea of a decorated frame with 2 Chronicles 7:14 in it to remind them of King Solomon’s prayer.

  • Lesson 4: 1 Chronicles 21-29 David

    Key Verse

    Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

    —2 Corinthians 9:7

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. Understand the key verse with the following definitions:

    • purposeth means to prefer, choose, or intend for oneself; to resolve
    • grudgingly means in grief or sorrow
    • necessity means compelling force as opposed to willingness
    • loveth means to love, or regard with strong affection
    • cheerful means joyous, happy, or glad

    In this lesson, we will learn that David gave of his time and substance to prepare for the house of the Lord.

    Emphasis: We are to learn to want to please God with all of our heart – just as King David did. We are also to understand that God forgives our sin and still wants to use us to complete the work He has for us to do.

    Lesson Summary: Today we will remember when David was moved to number the people. We will learn that Satan was the one who stood up against Israel. Satan is the enemy of God’s people, and he wants to destroy them. Through this event, we will see David remember that God is a forgiving God. We will find out the importance of Mount Moriah (the threshing floor of Onan). 

    David had a burden to build a permanent house for the Lord, and God revealed to David where the Temple was to be built. God said David could not build that house, but promising that David’s son, Solomon would be allowed to build it. Even though David would not be the builder, he prepared for the Temple. The first thing David did was anoint Solomon as the next king of Israel (remember that God had told David that Solomon was to be the next king of Israel). David then organized the people, gathered many supplies to build the Temple (giving much of it himself), and made the plans for the Temple, and instructed Solomon and the people of Israel. David emphasized to the people the importance of completing the Temple – and to make it such a magnificent building that all of the world would recognize its glory. 

    David led by example when it came time to bring gifts in preparation for the building of the Temple. David was greatly pleased that he was able to give toward that building. David’s praise turned into a prayer recognizing that God saw the intent of the heart in wanting to give back to God with what He had abundantly blessed them. Solomon then became king of Israel, and God magnified Solomon greatly.

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

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 4 Questions

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 4 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are doing this lesson with young children, the following is a craft idea to go with the lesson:

    King David prepared for the building of the Temple. He gave his son, Solomon, a copy of the Law and the plans for the Temple.

  • 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 1: 1 Chronicles 1-2: Adam – The Genealogy of Judah

    Key Verse

    “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.”

    —Philippians 3:1

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. In this lesson, we will remember many people we have studied before – ones we cannot forget!

    Emphasis: We are to never tire of remembering God’s people, and what He did for them (and does for us today)!

    Lesson Summary: It is important, upon occasion, to take a minute and stop to remember.  In this lesson, as we begin the book of 1 Chronicles, we can see it begins with the genealogy from Adam – which is basically a time of remembering back to what God had done. Oftentimes we find the genealogies mundane and boring. As we go through the first chapter of 1 Chronicles, try to see the genealogy from a different perspective. It can be fascinating if you are able to recognize names, which in turn causes a remembering of great events in history. Be encouraged to look at genealogies from this perspective. Now that we have studied many great men and women in history, we should be able to read through these genealogies with much fascination. 

    One important reason that the books of the Chronicles were kept was to accurately record the lineage of the Israelites – to reveal to mankind with great assurance that Jesus was the rightful heir to the throne of David. 

    In our last quarter, we focused on the kings of Israel, the Northern Kingdom. As we continue our study, we will focus on the kings of Judah, the Southern Kingdom. In these lessons, we will look at the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings along with the additional information about events and people that was not recorded in the records of the kings but in the books of 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles. These bits of information will be helpful in better understanding some events. The books of the Chronicles help us consider the spiritual significance of these events. First Chronicles begins with Adam and brings us to the kings of Judah. Especially notice the same struggle mankind has fought since the beginning of time: man’s choice. The choice is whether to obey God, or to choose not to obey God. The choice one makes determines one’s standing with God. See an example of man’s disobedience and obedience as recorded in First Chronicles:      

    1. Disobedience brought defeat and destruction: “13. So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; 14. And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse” (1 Chronicles 10:13-14).

    2. Obedience brought peace and God’s blessing: “12. And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; 13. That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. 14. And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets. 15. And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about” (1 Chronicles 15:12-15).

    As we have learned and will continue to discover, faith in God, repentance, and seeking God with the whole heart (obedience) – not necessarily one’s genealogy – will determine one’s standing with God.

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 1 Questions

    Y2Q2 – Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children and would like a craft idea to go with the lesson, see the following:

    We made a coloring book of the Bible lessons Adam and Eve through King David (could include Noah, Abraham, etc.).