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.
What Is 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.
What Is 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.
God’s response to Solomon’s prayer and the dedication of the temple may appear harsh and strong but God abhors sin. Solomon. And believers today, needed to understand the importance of obedience and the consequences for disobedience. God desires for us to be a part of His kingdom. But even if we are disobedient. Like the kings that followed Solomon, His kingdom will still prevail and His redemptive story will be fulfilled.
I struggle with answering the questions because I’m not sure if I’m a the right train of thought. I would appreciate some feedback from you ladies.
The intro pages of 1 and 2 Chronicles in my study Bible point out that 1 Chronicles is a commentary on 2nd Samuel and 2 Chronicles is a commentary for 1st and 2nd Kings. So helpful to see how this all fits together! I also appreciate the Revelation passage and seeing how it ties in and Ultimately completes what was started in the OT.
Today the presence of God really stood out to me when he inhabited the temple. His presence and his desire to be with his people is consistent – in the garden of Eden, promising Abraham & Isaac & Jacob “I will be with you”, his physical presence as the pillar of cloud and fire in the desert, the ark of the covenant, and now Solomon’s temple (those are just off the top of my head, I’m sure I’m missing many!)
This week’s podcast also reminded me that while yes, God uses sinful people (because he doesn’t have the option to use perfect ones!), the true story is about God! Not the people he uses! Through human triumph and failure the story remains the same – God himself working to be close to his people. Praise the Lord!
MAURA, such a joy and encouragement to read your message this morning! I had a message all typed out to you about Isaiah 39 but it seems to have disappeared…maybe I forgot to hit send?
Anyways… I hope you are holding up ok…my thoughts and prayers are with you dear friend ❤️
Isaiah 39 was super short, but I gleaned a lot of wisdom from it!!
…when God makes a promise to us it doesn’t mean it will turn out the way WE think it will…
…The treasure/s that God gives to us aren’t always meant to be displayed and/or shared…some treasures are intimate & specific gems meant to be seen/shared only by you & God in your relationship with Him. He ALONE knows the heart of man, how it operates and who that heart is serving.. so it is very important to LISTEN, HEAR & OBEY!!! Doing/showing ONLY what God has specifically prompted you to!!! Otherwise it leaves you open and vulnerable…without the protection of God. Pretty serious stuff!!
All of this reminded me a lot of Mathew 7:6
The “listen, hear, obey, consequences” thing seems to be a common theme throughout Isaiah and throughout my life right now!! It’s definitely shifting my “eyesight”, my thoughts, my responses and my actions to a much healthier place!! I need this adjustment and am so thankful for it!!
Hope you have a wonderful day!!
SO BLESSED by ALL you SRT ladies and am praying for all of you and your requests!! Much Love to each of you!! ❤️❤️❤️
My prayer after today’s reading is to really know what it looks like to walk humbly. I can get so caught up in being “a good person” but I need the Holy Spirit to change my heart so I can have pure and humble intentions starting from my heart so my actions follow.
@carleigh Bright thank you for you vulnerable and honest post! I too can feel God is being harsh but the perspective you gave about God knowing what was to come helps. It’s like when you are warning a teenager about upcoming temptations you see on the horizon, it can seem harsh but it comes from a place of love and concern.
Praying for all the SRT community today ❤️
Thank you for sharing such great insights every day.
@Shaena Elizabeth amen. I have the same prayer. I will be praying for al of us here to know what this looks like for each of us and to do it.
Hello ERB, Hoping this day blesses you. Isaiah 39 is short, but such implications of it seems perhaps Hezekiah maybe boasting of all he has in his kingdom. Showing off all of his riches and treasures to the envoy from Babylon. It makes me wonder, how often do we, well I really, show others things about me, instead of Him, who is my true treasure. I wonder, if God’s response had something to do with Hezekiah pointing to his wealth, instead of the One who had blessed him. Just my thoughts. How is your brother? Praying. Hugs to your heart and day. :) Foster Mama, your comment on Hezekiah made me smile.
Good morning sisters, I am one who does not comment but I always look forward to the comments in this community and I pray for those asking for prayer. Today I have a prayer request. I am seeing the retina specialist. He’s been watching my eye for about 6 months. I am on a new medication to see if that will alleviate the problem without surgery. Please pray for me this morning. Many thanks!
Good Morning Sisters, I always get a little overwhelmed by the thousands of animals sacrificed, so really appreciated your research and insights dear ERB. How great is our God, who sent, Himself/His Son, to be the sacrifice that was needed, Once and for All He shed His blood that we could be forgiven, again and again His mercy pours out on me and how much grace He has. Praying that my heart can remember this as I am called to have grace. God gave so much to Solomon, the greatest of which was wisdom, and still he warns Solomon what will happen if he turns away and abandons the statutes He has given. This struck me in how well God knows our hearts, and how easily tempted we are to put self, the world, things, circumstance above Him. We are divided in our hearts so many times. As you pointed out Angie. And, as always you bless me with your words. So good, wondering how you are doing, please let us know if you read this. Praying we find our rest and peace only in our Lord Jesus this day. Praying for your brother and his fiance, Sarah Joy. God’s peace for your heart, that He hears your prayer and knows all the details and is there. Hugs and Love Sisters.