This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book or two of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll finish the Historical Books and move into the genre of Wisdom Literature.
The Book of 1 Chronicles: The book of 1 Chronicles provides a history of Israel from a priestly perspective, focusing on David’s kingship through the start of Solomon’s reign.
The Book of 2 Chronicles: The books of 1 & 2 Chronicles were originally one literary unit. What is now known as 2 Chronicles continues recording the history of Israel from a priestly perspective. It documents the history of Judah from Solomon’s construction of the temple in Jerusalem to the Babylonians taking Judah captive and destroying the temple.
How 1 & 2 Chronicles Fit into the Story: 1 & 2 Chronicles bring together historical events, temple rituals, accounts of sin and judgment, and even some psalms. Together, these books give us the big picture of the Old Testament, capturing the Davidic covenant (2Sm 7:9–16) in light of Israel’s history, while pointing to the eternal continuation of that covenant through the reign of the Messiah.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does God’s response to Solomon’s prayer and the dedication of the temple in 2 Chronicles 7 demonstrate what God values?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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79 thoughts on "1 & 2 Chronicles"
God responded with fire from heaven, one of only a handful of times did He respond like this. He values humility, prayer, and our total dependance on Him. He responds sometimes in big ways we see, sometimes it’s a still small voice. But He is always present – in the good and bad..He is a promise maker & a promise keeper!
The OT is a hard read for me. I struggle so much when reading 1 & 2 Kings and 1 & 2 Chronicles, especially. (And, of course, my brain isn’t functioning optimally at the moment… too much on my mind right now… grrr!!) Any other takeaways, other than what ya’ll have shared already? Thank you.
I came across a good article abkut redemption on got questions. Here’s an excerpt:
[The benefits of redemption include eternal life (Revelation 5:9-10), forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7), righteousness (Romans 5:17), freedom from the law’s curse (Galatians 3:13), adoption into God’s family (Galatians 4:5), deliverance from sin’s bondage (Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:14-18), peace with God (Colossians 1:18-20), and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). To be redeemed, then, is to be forgiven, holy, justified, free, adopted, and reconciled. See also Psalm 130:7-8; Luke 2:38; and Acts 20:28.
The word redeem means “to buy out.” The term was used specifically in reference to the purchase of a slave’s freedom. The application of this term to Christ’s death on the cross is quite telling. If we are “redeemed,” then our prior condition was one of slavery. God has purchased our freedom, and we are no longer in bondage to sin or to the Old Testament law. This metaphorical use of “redemption” is the teaching of Galatians 3:13 and 4:5.]
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Continued prayers! ❤
1. How does God’s response to Solomon’s prayer and the dedication of the temple in 2 Chronicles 7 demonstrate what God values?
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He answered king Solomon with a condition. God is the God of conditional covenant (keyword: conditional). “BUT IF you turn aside and forsake my statutes and my commandments that I have set before you, and go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will pluck you up from my land…” 2 Chronicles 7: 19. His covenant is conditional on our journey with Him, and this spans both the Old and New Testaments, directly countering the doctrine of “once saved, always saved”. Using the vine metaphor, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. BUT IF you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned”. We see the phrase “but if” again. Remain is the condition. Departure forfeits the blessing. And on the Sermon on the Mount, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father.” These are people who called Him Lord, even performed miracles in His name yet Jesus says “I never knew you”. They had the name without the relationship, the profession without the condition being met. This is the very definition of a lukewarm believer. So the biblical evidence from Old to New Testaments proves that God is the same God, yesterday, today and forever, with the same character, who is both kind and severe, who values His condition. A warning to the end if we share in Christ in Hebrews 3:14 “We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.” The writer is explicit about the “if” is the condition. Sharing in Christ is not presumed regardless of behavior, it is conditional to perseverance. Even Solomon, despite his glorious dedication ceremony we just read, ultimately went astray. This is written for our warning. God remains unchanging (both kind and severe). As the warning to lukewarm believers who enter a covenant but refuse its conditions, God declares in Revelation 3:16: “Because you are lukewarm… I am about to spit you out of my mouth”. This is God’s own words for what happens when someone enters a covenant relationship with Him but refuses to fully honor the conditions. Does this cause us great fear and trembling? Yes. It should. We should fear the LORD with all our heart, because the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Don’t go around acting foolish, for the time is short, “Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15).
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2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
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Redemption requires our active participation in GOD’s covenant. 2 Peter 1:10 says, “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.” We must “make every effort” to “abide to the Vine”. Jesus invites us to take His yoke and to abide in Him, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light”. He contrasts it with the heavy, legalistic burdens of the Pharisees (crushing burdens that leads NOT to salvation). Yet, a yoke is still a yoke (we are not free range), we are still joined to something and moving. It implies direction, discipline, and surrender of our own path. The difficulty most people feel is not the weight of the yoke, it’s the resistance of the flesh wanting to go a different direction. Paul lamented about this in Romans 7:15: “I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate”. His yoke isn’t heavy, the self is stubborn (culprit). Most people think of redemption simply as getting forgiven and going to heaven. Redemption is learning His pace, and not setting our own. Redemption is a school, “Take my yoke and learn from Me”, it is continual learning about GOD and practice doing things HIS way (faith without works is dead). Redemption is not just a courthouse pardon, but ongoing schooling after that. For that reason, we are Bible students for life.
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What redemption is NOT:
“Once saved, always saved no matter how I live”, “I’m saved by grace so conditions don’t apply to me”, these are smooth lies.
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The most beautiful truth is, we can repent and turn back to Him while there is still time. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”. Redemption needs repentance, it is us saying “I was going that direction. I am now choosing to go Your direction”. May we examine our hearts and use repentance as our daily path back to Him again and again.
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“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near” (Isaiah 55:6). There is a window, and that window does not stay open forever.
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Prayers ❤️
B-praying for you and your husband during this trial time.
ADRIENNE- for peace and patience with your mother, what an ordeal. I am so sorry.
Be blessed dear sisters.
“…we are Bible students for life.” ❤ With every baptism in our church, the new believer is given a Bible. How many actually use them for daily growth?
That is a beautiful gift for baptism. Your church is so thoughtful.
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Thanks much, Mercy! ❤️
Mercy I cherish your responses, thank you
Thank you❤️
Standing applauding with lots of Amen’s while reading! Your comment is so important to Christians that are that only by title, religion, and/or Sunday Church bench warmer. I used to wonder after the rapture how people wouldn’t know Jesus came for his people…for all the faithful saints would be gone and the churches empty. Now I know that churches will still be full and pastors will still be on the platforms. Those will be the ones with no relationship with Jesus. And God right now is separating Christ-follwers from christians. I have never seen such a precise split in the church. And it goes hand in hand with our dear Israel. There are many now that are turning against Israel (the apple of God’s eye, his chosen people). I never thought I would see this, even so many blatant hate coming against Jewish people. But we didn’t expect a little oh nation, the size of New Jersey to be such a controversial subject in 2026. All I can say is if you don’t realize it’s all coming to a head..well, you are not living with the Spirit. God is speaking and guiding His people, but if you are not listening to him, but the so called “influencers” on all this, you will be left. We HAVE to be ready and waiting like a bride waiting for the groom, coming anytime.
So thoughtful and wonderfully written, Mercy. Thank you for sharing.
“The difficulty most people feel is not the weight of the yoke, it’s the resistance of the flesh wanting to go a different direction.” – Oof! How true that is! His yoke is there (I liked that you called us not free range), but it’s us pushing against it that causes problems! May we surrender to Your yoke, God, as Your way is better!
From Mercy yesterday: “Our voices matter, our help matters, our showing up here daily for one another matters.”
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Thank you all so much for praying for my husband and me and for the encouraging words last week. Please continue to pray. At times we are consumed by our troubles. I do come here daily to study and pray for requests. This community is a lifeline. So grateful for the wisdom and encouragement shared here. It is a constant reminder of the love, mercy, discipline, forgiveness and glory of our triune God, and what is required of us as Christians.
There has been some improvement on one level a few days in a row so that is a praise!! I know I can count on this community “showing up here daily” and that means so much. ❤️❤️❤️
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That’s the same quote I highlighted yesterday!
Glad for that praise! Continued prayers! ❤
Thanks so much ❤️
Keeping you in Prayers B.
Thank you❤️
2 Chronicles 7:14 stood out to me and seemed to answer both questions, in a very small nutshell.
“If…..my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”
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1st Chronicles 29:11-13 also stands out. “11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to you. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and you are exalted as head over all. 12 Riches and honor come from you, and you are the ruler of everything. Power and might are in your hand, and it is in your hand to make great and to give strength to all. 13 Now therefore, our God, we give you thanks and praise your glorious name.”
I believe this was the memory verse for the first study I did here—Lent 2023?— and one of the ones I have kept fresh enough in my memory to be able to recite.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does God’s response to Solomon’s prayer and the dedication of the temple in 2 Chronicles 7 demonstrate what God values?
He values our faith and love for Him. If we do what is right in His sight He will offer His wisdom and protection. If not, He will discipline us.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
That our God is steadfast in how He teaches and disciplines us.
I just want to commend you for your faithfulness every day sharing your answers, even some day at 1am I saw your post and i felt so touched. Thank you ADRIANNE for inspiring us to make time and commit our time to learn and reflect. ❤️
I love the genealogy. the original ancestry. com
I call today “my special day” to the befuddledness of my child…the day God bless me wonderfully with my one and only child! He is 26 today! How do the years go by so quick!? Can you say a prayer for him to be blessed and have a beautiful day?!
Believing God’s word Provers 22:26 “Train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he is older he shall not depart.from it.”
Believing that for all of our prodigals!
Praying for Michael and all our prodigals! God has got this, sweet sisters!
Praying over Michael and God’s blessings over him on this special day that he was born, and the great purpose he was born for, that he will turn back to God. And over you RHONDA, a devoted mother who has prayed, believed, and refused to stop, may GOD honor your every prayers you have sown over Michael’s life and may you continue to be the mirror of the Father’s heart and holiness to your beloved Michael. Hugs.
Praying for Michael today, to have a wonderful day, to feel the prayers of many being said for him, and to know God’s love and return to Him. Bless your heart as his mother today.
Praying for Michael, Rhonda. ❤️
Thank ya’ll! :) (heart!)
God values an
upright, pure, and undivided heart,
gratitude,
acknowlegement of His provision and sovereignty,
obedience/faithfulness,
humility,
sincere worship/praise.
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The Lord’s Prayer came to mind as I read these passages.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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SONG SHARE:
Tauren Wells – Bless Your Name (Official Lyric Video)
Great summation ❤️
Thanks, B! ❤
Love this so much!
Thanks, Mercy! ❤
I think this shows how God desires obedience over sacrifice. We can just go through the motions but it is our heart He desires.
This shows me how much I need my Savior! I could never satisfy all the requirements of the law! So thankful for Jesus and his sacrifice!
On a lighter note, my great niece was learning at church how Jesus died on the cross and that they hammered the nails into His hands. She told her mama her version of her lesson. “Jesus got hammered!” She got the lesson just her version sounded a little different.
Praying for all!
Little ones say the cutest things!!❤️
When our oldest was learning the Lord’s Prayer, he prayed “give us this day our daily toast”.
Our youngest used to call the concession stand the “confession stand”.
Now it’s the grandkids that amuse us! ❤️
Awww! Sweet memories, Cheryl and B! ❤
There was such a magnitude of sacrificing going on. But God tells Solomon that if His children humble themselves, pray(talk with Him, have a relationship with Him), seek him (get to know Him), turn from evil ways, he will forgive us, heal us and our land.
2) God provided his people a way out of bondage. And he provided the Way for all people out of bondage. The Way to be with Him in a promised land called Heaven. We will never be perfect and that’s why he made a Way . Jesus our Beautiful Savior. We can trust him and rely on Him. Have joy today in this Truth ❤️
These passages remind me that God is a God of faithfulness, and that His word is truth. He fulfills His covenants with His people in such a beautiful way, and He expects us to also keep our covenant to love Him and be humble to Him. His grace for us is unending and He promises to always hear us and forgive us, as long as we humble ourselves and seek Him, and live in accordance with His word.
I love the way they used to gather..the whole nation and worship the Lord! Giving him honor and praise. Giving him their tangible (valuable and many) gifts. All day long, seeing God’s glorious fire consumption, falling in prayer on their faces. Praising with song and worshiping with all they were. It’s just a beautiful picture!
I remember watching the Charlie Kirk funeral, and seeing so many in the stands and down in front…even influencers and political people not caring about how they look, but singing praise music, raising their hands. And the leaders, in their speeches giving Praise to God!! It was so wonderful to see and hear. I know God was so pleased with that. Just watching from TV was such an anointed time.
Also, there have been many times in the capitol in the last 2 years of prayer over the President and worship in the different events and happenings. You can say all you want about the man if you don’t like him, but this should move you as a Christian, and bring you joy. God’s hand is on him, and he has used him in a great way, saving his life miraculously. Other recent Presidents have basically laughed in God’s face. One popular one removed swiftly so many provisions for Christians and no one batted an eye. This is why we pay attention and be aware of what is happening politically in our nation. I will keep saying this because we are reading it today and it still matters. When we give God praise and honor, and bless God at the top, like was started at the beginning of our nation, God will bless the nation. So we, as Christ followers stand firm and steadfast in not just prayers, but make our voices heard together. We see that when we slack, we will wonder how we got to where we are. We can see how different our country is today than just 20 years ago, and far different than 40 years ago as in “one nation, under God”. We float away gradually, as can happen with our own convictions. (I have to add this in b/c Ann Grahm Lotz just was saying on the radio how we need more Isaiah’s in today’s world! Reminds me of what Mercy so wonderfully said and convicted us with yesterday!)
So how do we stay devoted to God individually? It is a daily practice of growing our roots down. We don’t see them overnight…but by reading our Bibles, praying without ceasing, meditating day and night, and putting his word on our hearts, souls, and minds. We build slowly over time a sturdy and strong foundation. Ultimately we look to the cross and Jesus Christ. We trust and OBEY if we truly believe he came and died for us and put them into practice. To love others, in truth, always trying to show them a better way. It is active faith in every part of our life, not just Sundays. Waking up and on fire for the Lord, overflowing out of thankfulness and gratitude! Giving back to him because of what he gave for us! David is always referred to as “a man after God’s own heart”! I want God to know me as the same, and you, my sisters! Us as a Whole—She’s after God’s own heart! Amen! Praise God! All Glory and honor to Your Name Lord!!
My memorization this week is perfect for us- Ephesians 3:17 “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, you will be rooted and grounded in love,..”
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“Greater is he who is IN you than is in the world.” The world is currently ruled by Satan, alive and well, and seen, BUT GOD, ultimately has his hand on all things. Jesus is coming back soon, but will take his children home before! That is exciting and the only thing left on the prophetic time line!! Make sure your lamp is lit sisters. And that you are eagerly ready and waiting, for it will come when least expected and anytime now!
Amen! Truth in everything you said! May God embolden each of us to stand and speak truth!
Amen!
Every day you share your zeal for the Lord and I (we) are inspired. Thank you!❤️
Amen Rhonda. So beautifully said.
The song “Heal our Land” by Michael Card comes to mind. It was the theme song for The National Day of Prayer many many years ago. It is relevant to this scripture and sadly remains relevant for us all these years later. When will we ever learn?
Michael Card music! Love it and I have one of his songbooks. ❤
Me too! Such meaningful songs-rich with theology.
❤ yes, the theology!
I just listened to this song. Oh, my! I’d never heard it. I wish it could become our national prayer today.
Thank you for sharing it.
God showed up! I think the people and King Solomon were mentally and physically there to worship God.
They showed up for God and He showed up for them.
They were there with a mission and it was to dedicate the Holy Temple and God moved in.
This reminds me when Paul and Silas were in jail and they began to sing hymns and worship.
God showed up!
God wants to be in communion with us and we have to be redeemed to be in the presence of a Holy God. God desires fellowship with his human creation.In order for that to happen, we have to desire God. In our fallen state, we are our own God’s, we build our own kingdoms,and we don’t desire the one thing that is needful.
Yes, Amen Tanya! No matter our circumstances…we CALL on the name of God, trusting and full of faith! Then bones shake, mountains move, rivers part, AND prison walls fall!! It changes the atmosphere and influences others in the process!
This passage shows that God values when his people show reverence towards Him and when His people follow His commandments. He also values when we humble ourselves, and when we lay ourselves at His presence and reverence Him.
Amen ❤️
ThIs reading shows that God loves to be worshipped and given honor – he wants their worship to turn their hearts towards Him and to have their obedience. He wants to be present with His people.
Yes! That was the main thing I got from God’s response. He wants to be the object of their worship and wants to dwell with his people.
Q1 God always values our obedience, honoring Him with all that we are, have or do.
Deuteronomy 20:1-3 And God spoke all these words, saying:
2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.
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Anything that is not honoring God, not reflecting His values … this falls under the definition/examples of forsaking His statutes and His commandments (2 Chronicles 7:19). He IS the LORD our God and He has given us EVERYTHING we have. You’d think we would be so appreciative that we would worship and honor Him every waking moment … and yet I have to admit I did not do that yesterday or any day. I’m not doing too bad so far today but no doubt I have already failed in some way that isn’t coming to mind right this second.
Keep our minds on the Lord, sisters.
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Q2 We are so blessed to have our salvation through the sacrifice Jesus made for us – from David’s line on the earthly side, just as promised. But if we don’t follow His commandments and precepts, there are still consequences even in light of the Lord’s forgiveness. Praise the Lord for His mercy and grace.
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KIRA H ❤️ how great to hear of Harper’s progress in her recovery ❤️
ADRIENNE ❤️ praying for your mom! And praying for wisdom for you in figuring out a solution to get her where she needs to be on time.
“He IS the LORD our God and He has given us EVERYTHING we have.” Amen! ❤
Thank so much, Searching. ❤️
These passages show that God values relationship with His people, but as He is a holy God, there is a right way to commune, to worship, and to live with Him. Echoing back to Exodus, He will be their God, and Israel will be His people—but they must remain faithful to Him. But we know that they did not remain faithful, and they lost the temple communion, reminding them that they still needed a once for all salvation that cleanses them from sin and changes their hearts. God shows His mercy, grace, love, and faithfulness by sending Jesus to make the way for salvation, allowing communion with God, and by sending the Holy Spirit to renew hearts and minds so we can live as people Holy unto God! Praise the Lord for never giving up on us!
Very good summation Kayla, amen!
These passages show how God values honesty and humbleness. When we humble ourselves before Him and genuinely offer up praise, we invite Him to do His work in & through us!
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Amen
I loved today. Praying we all humble ourselves and pray and turn from our evil ways
My heart is heavy today for my 4 kids would love some prayer and for God to make a way and provide joy for them
Praying, sister ❤️
Praying for your 4 kids
Praying!
Praying for your kids
1 – God’s response to Solomon shows that He cares about our heart posture towards Him. He wants pure, humble hearts that are willing to obey him.
Hosea 6:6 -For I desire faithful love and not sacrifice,
the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
2 – We see God’s promise to David that one of his offspring would build the temple, ultimately pointing to Christ, the true temple. And what a scene! I was trying to imagine the hundreds of thousands of sacrifices, the music, dancing, and rejoicing for 14 days. That must have been something.
A verse that stood out to me: v15 “My eyes will now be open and my ears attentive to the prayers of this place”. Lord let this be so here is this place. Have a blessed day ladies!
I was thinking of all those animals as well! Visually it is such an impact of giving back to the Lord!
God’s response to Solomon’s prayer shows that God values a wholehearted commitment to love Him above all else and showing that love through obedience to walk in His ways.
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Today’s reading reinforced the truth that each generation needs to make their own commitment to God’s redemption plan. We cannot get by on the previous generation’s commitment (nor are we condemned by their lack thereof).
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Praying for your requests. May you keep this truth at the front of your minds today: “His faithful love endures forever”
@Kelly I love this- I never really thought about “each generation making their own commitment to Gods redemption plan”. Thanks for sharing!! Going to figure out how to incorporate my kiddos!!
Well said! ❤
So true!!
“And now we thank You, our God and praise Your Glorious Name”. I am so glad that this was part of today’s reading. We thank God first because of all that He has done for us!
God bless all of you today! ❤️Hannah
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