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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 208 and 209

Jul28

NOTE: Sunday and Monday studies are posted together on MONDAY.

Day 208 – Reading – Isaiah 44 – 48.

Day 209 – 2 Kings 19, Psalms 46, 80, and 135.

Read today’s Scriptures.  PRAY and SING them too!

SUNDAY,

Day 208 – Isaiah 44.

(We are still in the section (chapters 40-66) that addresses Judah AS IF they were already in the Babylonian captivity, which in reality is perhaps 70/80 years off.)

Isaiah’s words from the LORD about the millennial kingdom are meant to encourage Judah.

  • But now hear, O Jacob my servant, Israel whom I have chosen! Thus says the LORD who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you. “Fear not, O Jacob my servant, Jeshurun* whom I have chosen. “For I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring and my blessing on your descendants.”

*Jeshurun is an honored name for Israel, whose root meaning is “right or straight,” the opposite of the meaning of Jacob, which is “deceiver.”

  •  Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts, “I AM the first and I AM the last; besides me there is no god.  WHO is like Me? Let him declare it.”  “Is there a God besides me? THERE IS NO ROCK; I KNOW NOT ANY!”

After that, the foolishness of idol worship is portrayed.  They are nothing!  “The carpenter cuts down a cedar, or cypress, or oak.  It becomes fuel to warm him, roast his meat, and bake his bread. He also makes an idol out of it and worships and prays to it, even though it falls down on its face.”

But the LORD, the LORD, is Israel’s Redeemer.

  • “I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like a mist; RETURN TO ME, for I have redeemed you! 
  • Sing O heavens, for the LORD has done it; shout, O depths of the earth; break forth into singing, O mountains, O forest, and every tree in it.  FOR THE LORD HAS REDEEMED JACOB AND WILL BE GLORIFIED IN ISRAEL.”

And then the LORD speaks of the way future Persian king, Cyrus.  “He is my shepherd, and he shall fulfill all my purpose, saying. “Jerusalem shall be built, the Temple will have its foundation laid.”

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Isaiah 45.

The Lord continues about Cyrus, His anointed instrument.  God will use him to “subdue nations,” and “loose the belts of kings,” and “open doors and gates before him.”

God pledges to Cyrus, “I will go before you to level the exalted places, break in pieces the doors of bronze, cut through bars of iron, and give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places.”

WHY? 

For the sake of God’s servant Jacob, and Israel, His chosen.  AND… “That you may know that it is the LORD, the God of Israel, who called you by name.  And that the people will know that there is none beside me; I am the LORD, and there is no other.

“I have stirred him (Cyrus) up in righteousness, and I will make all his ways level; he shall build my city and set my exiles free.”   Here Isaiah is telling about a Persian King who will come to destroy Babylon and release the Jewish captives….. and the captivity hasn’t even happened yet!

Many sections in this chapter are glorious statements and praises to the LORD God. Read them and let your heart swell. 

Verse 22:  “Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.”

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Isaiah 46.

The useless idols of Babylon are compared to the One True God.  “Bel (Baal) bows down, and Nebo (the Phoenician chief god) stoops and bows down. They cannot save themselves, and go into captivity. 

But God, who bore Israel before their birth, carried them from the womb, and will even to their old age and gray hairs, HE will carry and save them…. for He is God, there is no other like Him.  He will put salvation in Zion, for Israel His glory.

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Isaiah 47.

Isaiah foretells the humiliation of Babylon.  “Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon; sit on the ground without a throne. For you shall no more be called tender and delicate. Take the millstones and grind flour, put off your veil, strip off your robe, uncover your legs, pass through the rivers…. your disgrace shall be seen.  I will take vengeance, and I will spare no one. Our Redeemer — the LORD of hosts is his name — is the Holy One of ISRAEL.

“I was angry with my people; I profaned my heritage; I gave them into your hand (O daughter of the Chaldeans); you showed them no mercy; on the AGED you made your yoke EXCEEDINGLY HEAVY!!!

‘Now hear this …  “these two things shall come to you in a moment, in one day; the loss of children and widowhood shall come upon you in full measure in spite of your many sorceries…”  “…there is no one to save you.”

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Isaiah 48.

And now, a bit of harshness for Israel, for their good.  God speaks to the house of Israel, who swore by his name and confessed him, but didn’t do it in truth or righteousness. 

“Because I knew that you were obstinate, and your neck was an iron sinew, and your forehead brass… I declared things to you before they came to pass — so you wouldn’t say, “My idol told me. my carved and metal image commanded them.” 

And now “From this time forth I announce to you NEW things, hidden things that you have not known.”

God says he has refined them and tried them in the furnace of affliction – for His own name’s sake. 

  • “Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea……………..”
  • Go out from Babylon, flee from Chaldea, declare this with a shout of joy, proclaim it, send it out to the end of the earth; say, “The LORD has redeemed his servant Jacob!”

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MONDAY,

Day 209 – 2 Kings 19.  

Back to some history. This section is a repeat of what we read in Isaiah 37. Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, and his commander, Rabshakeh, came to harass Jerusalem and King Hezekiah. They also mocked and reviled the Holy One of Israel.  Hezekiah brought the threats before the LORD and prayed for help.

The LORD promises to send Sennacherib home, where he will be killed. (It happens.)

The LORD promises He will “defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David.”  And that night, the angel of the LORD goes through the Assyrian camp and kills 185K soldiers.  In the morning, there were only dead bodies. 

This chapter also recounts Hezekiah’s terminal illness, his prayer, and God’s adding 15 years to his life. 

But before YOU decide to pray to live longer, like Hezekiah pleaded, remember what the king DID with those extra years.  He foolishly (pridefully?) showed some well-wishing Babylonian emissaries ALL the treasures in his house and his realm, including the silver, gold, (precious stones), (costly vessels), spices, precious oil, (stalls for all kinds of cattle and sheepfolds), the entire armory, and everything in his storehouses (grain and wine). 

(NOTE:  The Babylonians – always interested in the cosmos – had heard – perhaps even experienced – the sundial going back those degrees, and had come to investigate – and… bring Hezekiah presents.)

When Isaiah heard what Hezekiah had done, he rebuked him for his stupidity and prophesied that EVERYTHING he had shown TO the Babylonians would one day be carried away BY the Babylonians. They would also take some of Hezekiah’s descendants, who would be made into eunuchs in the foreign king’s palace. 

“Oh well,” Hezekiah said. “At least there will be peace and security in MY days.”  Wow. How selfish!

(This story about Sennacherib, Hezekiah’s letter before God, and God’s actions, as well as Hezekiah’s foolishness with the Babylonian visitors, AND some of his later great accomplishments, are also written in 2 Chronicles 32, with a few more details.)

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Psalm 46.

  • “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…”
  • “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 
  • “He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the chariots with fire.
  • “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!  The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

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Psalm 80.

  • “Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel … You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth.” 
  • “… stir up Your might and come to save us!”
  •  “Restore us O LORD God of hosts! Let Your face shine, that we may be saved!”

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Psalm 135.

  • “Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD, give praise, O servants of the LORD … Praise the LORD for the LORD is good; sing to His name, for it is pleasant!
  • “For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the LORD pleases, he does..
  • “Your name, O LORD, endures forever, Your renown, O LORD throughout all ages.  For the LORD will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants. 
  • “Blessed be the LORD from Zion, He who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the LORD!”

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 207

Jul26

Day 207 – Reading – Isaiah 40 – 43.

Read today’s Scriptures.  

Isaiah 40.

We are now in the second division of Isaiah. The first part was about the threat from the Assyrians.  Now we begin to get a preview of the Babylonian captivity (as if they were already in it) (ch. 40-48), the Suffering Servant/Messiah (ch. 49-51), and Israel’s future glory (ch. 52-66).

In the first two verses, God tells His prophets what to say to His people, Judah in captivity.  Comfort them!  Speak tenderly to them.  Tell them the pardon for their sins has come.

Then a glorious foretaste of the coming Messiah. 

(Do you recognize the description of John the Baptist in the four Gospels?  “A voice crying in the wilderness…  Make straight the path.…”)

Imagine captive Judah hearing these glorious words!

  • “Behold your God!   Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might…  Behold, his reward is with Him…
  • Do you not know? do you not hear? Has it not been told to you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?  It is HE who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers…
  • All nations are as nothing before Him, they are accounted by Him as less than nothing and emptiness.
  • Have you not known?  Have you not heard?  The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. HE does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable.  
  • He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might, He increases strength.  They who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

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Isaiah 41.

God is calling the nations to plead their case before Him.  Then God hints at His “stirring up one from the east” who will conquer Babylon, and allow some of the Jewish captives to return to Israel. And who accomplished this?  “I, the LORD, the first and the last; I AM.”

And more words of comfort for the captive Judah:

  • “But YOU, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend;   YOU whom I took from the ends of the earth and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, YOU are my servant, I have chosen YOU and not cast you off.
  • Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
  • I am the One who helps you, declares the LORD; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
  • I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys, I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land springs of water… that they may see and know, may consider and understand together … that the hand of the LORD has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it.”

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Isaiah 42.

This chapter reveals God’s “Chosen Servant,” the Messiah.

  • “Behold my servant, whom I uphold, My chosen, in whom My soul delights, I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.
  • He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not quench; He will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not faint or be discouraged till He has established justice in the earth. 

Did you recognize the description of our gentle Savior?  

  • I am the LORD; I have called You in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people; a light for the nations, to to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.

Did you see where Matthew and Luke quoted Jesus’ ministry? 

Then, the LORD, through Isaiah, chides his people for being deaf and blind to the promises and provisions of God, so He poured on them “the heat of His anger” for a while.

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Isaiah 43.

This is a glorious chapter of God’s love and grace to Israel (and to us as well).

“But now, says the LORD, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel:

  • Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
  • When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
  • When you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 
  • For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. 
  • Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you..

And God’s wondrous proclamations:

  • Before Me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, I AM the LORD, and beside me there is no savior.
  • I AM He; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back.
  • Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
  • Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
  • I, I AM He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.

Wow! Praise You, O great God in heaven!

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O LORD, I know you love me because of Jesus. I know you discipline me to bring me back to You. You are good and righteous, great and holy, my redeemer and savior. Praise Your Holy Name.

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 206

Jul25

Day 206 – Reading – Isaiah 37 – 39 and Psalm 76.

Read today’s Scriptures.  

Isaiah 37.

This chapter continues the story from yesterday.  Sennacherib, king of Assyria, has come up against Jerusalem. He’s sent his Commander/spokesman, Rabshakeh, to harass the people on the wall and King Hezekiah.  He called to them all sorts of things to intimidate them and cause them to give up.  Hezekiah’s spokesman told him to speak in Aramaic instead of Hebrew so the people wouldn’t understand, but the man refused and laughed.  They need to know! 

Then Rabshakeh continued to tell the people that NO PEOPLE OR GOD has prevailed against the Assyrians so far. And the God of Israel is no exception.

The people answer zero, as per Hezekiah’s instructions.  Eliakim, took the horrible news to Hezekiah.

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As soon as King Hezekiah heard the words, he tore his clothes (grief, repentance) and went to the Temple. He then sent Eliakim to Isaiah, telling him how the man mocked the living God and asking him to “PRAY for the remnant that is left.”

Isaiah encouraged him by saying Sennacherib would hear a rumor (from God) to return to his own land, and there he would be killed. But before that rumor hit his ears, the Assyrian King summarized the vile things that Rabshakeh said about the Living God and sent it in a letter to Hezekiah. “Do YOU think you shall be delivered???”

After Hezekiah got the letter and read it, he went back to the Temple and spread it out before the LORD. And he prayed. 

  • “O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, YOU ALONE, of all the kingdoms of the earth; You have made heaven and earth.  Incline your ear, O LORD, and hear; open You eyes, O LORD, and see; all the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent TO MOCK the Living God.
  • “Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations and lands (around us) and their gods made by the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. And they were destroyed.
  • “So now, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, THAT ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THE EARTH MAY KNOW THAT YOU ALONE ARE THE LORD.”

Isaiah sent to Hezekiah, “because you have prayed to me concerning Sennacherib… this is the what the LORD has spoken concerning him…..

Isaiah then proclaims in poetic form the fallacies and the destruction of the king of Assyria. Verses 22-29. Then…   “Because you have raged against Me and your complacency has come to My ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will turn you back on the way by which you came.”

“He shall NOT come into this city or (even) shoot an arrow there …. ” declares the LORD. “For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David.”

And then!!!  WOW!!!  “The angel of the LORD went out and struck down a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians.  And when the people (of Jerusalem) arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.

Then Sennacherib, king of Assyria departed and returned home to Nineveh. (As the LORD said.)  And while he was worshiping his god, his two sons struck him down with the sword and escaped into the land of Ararat. And another of his sons reigned in his place.  (All according to the LORD’s words to Isaiah.)

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Isaiah 38.

Then comes Hezekiah’s “less great days.”

He became sick, and Isaiah told him to get his house in order because he was going to die.

Hezekiah prayed to the LORD, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness, and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.”  And he wept bitterly.

So Isaiah returned to Hezekiah with a new message from God. “I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.”  WHOA!

Then he gave Hezekiah a sign to “prove” the LORD would do it.  He made the shadow on the sundial move BACKWARDS (!!) ten degrees. 

(This was like turning back time several hours!  Something like in Joshua’s days when the LORD made time stand still so Joshua could win the battle. Joshua 10:12-13  Hey, God created the sun and time. He can do anything!)

The rest of the chapter is Hezekiah telling his story in poetic form – about being consigned to die, praying, and then the LORD answering. And then his thanking God.

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Isaiah 39.

Ah-oh……  Here comes Hezekiah’s big mistake. (From arrogance or foolishness. Had the extra years or age made him diminished?)

The son of the king of Babylon sent “get well cards and a present” to Hezekiah because he’d heard Judah’s king was seriously ill, but recovered.  Hezekiah welcomed the envoy, showed them his treasure house, the silver, gold, spices, precious oil, his whole armory, and all that was in his storehouses.”

SERIOUSLY, HEZEKIAH!!!!  Was that hospitality, or stupidity, or…. arrogance?

Isaiah came to Hezekiah in anger. “What did these men say?  Where are they from?”

Hezekiah answered, “Oh, they are from some far country … Babylon.”

Isaiah, “What have they seen in your house?“

Hezekiah, “Everything. There’s nothing I did not show them.”

Isaiah, angry, “Hear the word of the LORD of hosts: Behold the days are coming when ALL that is in your house … shall be carried to Babylon. NOTHING shall be left, says the LORD.  And furthermore, some of your own sons shall be taken away and made eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”

Hezekiah:  “Oh, well, at least there will be peace and security in my days.”

REALLY, HEZEKIAH??  Maybe those last 15 years weren’t so good after all………

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Psalm 76.

Written by Asaph in David’s time, this psalm almost seems to point to the glorious salvation from the Assyrians in Hezekiah’s time.

In Judah, God is known: His name is great in Israel.
His abode has been established in (Jeru)Salem,
His dwelling place is in Zion.

There, He broke the flashing arrows,
the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war.
Glorious are You, more majestic
than the mountains of prey.

The stout-hearted were stripped of their spoil;
they sank into sleep; all the men of war
were unable to use their hands.
At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob,
both rider and horse lay stunned.

But You, You are to be feared!
Who can stand before You 
when once your anger is roused?

LORD, truly You are to be feared, worshipped, honored, and obeyed. Your power and majesty are to be praised. You see, You hear, You answer prayer. You do marvelous things for us, even when we are weak … or foolish.  Thank You for being in utmost control, O Sovereign LORD.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 204

Jul23

Day 204 – Reading – Isaiah 31 – 34.

Read today’s Scriptures.  

Isaiah 21.

Isaiah continues with the “Ah’s” (woes) against the advisors of King Hezekiah in Judah/Jerusalem. 

“Woe to those who go to Egypt for help, and rely on horses and chariots and horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel.”  “The Egyptians are man, NOT GOD, and their horses are flesh, and NOT SPIRIT.”

Isaiah is asking which option Judah would rather have for help: man and horses, or God and His Spirit. 

This choice reminded me of the words of encouragement to Zerubbabel in Zechariah 4:6, “‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD.”   Of course, you can SEE men and horses, and the Spirit is invisible (you can only see His work), so Judah is tempted.

(We will see in 2 Chronicles 32:8 that Hezekiah wisely chose to rely on the Lord.)

God compares himself to a young lion and to hovering birds, protecting Jerusalem.  He says, “The Assyrians shall fall by a sword, not of man.”

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Isaiah 32.

Isaiah then sees a future kingdom, in which the Messiah will reign in righteousness, and princes in justice.  And the generation will have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart more receptive to the things of God.

But for now, Isaiah warns them of complacency. “In a little more than a year, you will shudder … for the palace is forsaken, the city deserted, the hill and the watchtower will become dens … for donkeys and flocks.

(The Assyrians would come and pillage the land and ruin their agriculture.)

Then Isaiah reverts again to the coming promised Kingdom, with justice and righteousness. “And the effect of righteousness will be peace, the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. And my people will abide in a peaceful habitation…”

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Isaiah 33.

The final “Ah” (woe) is directed towards not only the Assyrians, but to any power that sets itself against Israel.  “When you have ceased to destroy (and betray) YOU will be destroyed.”

We will learn of the mighty defeat of King Sennacherib (2 Chronicles), taking flight after Hezekiah went to the LORD for help. So the nations will scatter before the LORD in that day.  “The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure!”

Nevertheless, the current situation for Judah will be dire when Assyria surrounds them, having destroyed surrounding cities and their agriculture.  And just when their power seems overpowering… the LORD will intervene.

And when God intervenes, even Judah will fear. Verses 15-16 resemble passages in Psalm 15 and Psalm 24.

  • Who among us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who among us can dwell with everlasting burning?
  • He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly,
  • who despises the gain of oppression,
  • who shakes his hands, lest they hold a bribe,
  • who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed
  • and shuts his eyes from looking on evil.
  • HE will dwell on the heights; HIS place of defense will be the fortresses of rocks, HIS bread will be given him; HIS water will be sure. 

Then Isaiah continues to paint the picture of the Messiah’s glorious kingdom.  “For the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our lawgiver; the LORD is our king, He will save us!”  AND  “No inhabitant will say ‘I am sick,’ for the people who dwell there will be FORGIVEN THEIR INIQUITY.”

Halleluia!

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Isaiah 34.

Isaiah invites the nations and peoples to come close and hear God’s judgment on them…..  

The LORD is enraged… furious… has devoted them to destruction… given them over to slaughter.

He picks Edom as a representative of all the nations. 

The LORD has a sword… The LORD has a sacrifice… a great slaughter in the land of Edom. 

The LORD has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion.  (He paints a picture of the destruction of Edom, as with Sodom.)

  • Streams turned to pitch, soil into sulfur, the land a burning pitch,
  • night and day it shall not be quenched, its smoke shall go up forever. 
  • from generation to generation, it shall be waste. 
  • Its nobles, the kingdom, all the princes shall be nothing. 
  • A place fit only for jackals, ostriches, hyenas, wild goats, hawks, porcupines, owls, and ravens.

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(These passages remind me of today in many ways.  We see death and destruction, evil and suppression, threats and killing all around us in this fallen world.  We try to correct it by laws, and troops, and even Stealth Bombers, but evil still lives, oppression grows, and hatred rules mobs.  But… in God’s word, we read the promises of Eternity free from evil for His chosen believers, and we have hope. We praise Him as we look toward that time.)

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 200 (An addendum)

Jul19

 I forgot to include the lovely Psalm 48 from today’s post.

It goes with the history in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles so well!

 I thought I MUST write it in a “PS” post.

Psalm 48.

Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God!
His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth.
Mount Zion, in the far north, is the city of the great King.
Within her citadels, God has made Himself known as a fortress.

We have thought on Your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of Your temple.
As Your Name, O God, so Your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is filled with righteousness. Let Mount Zion be glad!
Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of Your judgments!

Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers.
Consider well her ramparts. Go through her citadels,
That you may tell the next generation that this is God.
Our God, forever and ever. He will guide us forever!

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 166 & 167

Jun16

Sundays and Mondays studies are posted together on Mondays

Day 166. Reading Psalm 134, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.

Day 167.  Reading 1 Kings 9,  2 Chronicles 8

Read Today’s Scriptures.
What insight or comfort do you receive?
 

Day 166 – Psalm 134 – 150.

What a wonderful psalm to remind us of Solomon’s dedication of the Temple.

  • Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who stand by night in the house of the LORD!
  • Life up your hands to the holy place and bless the LORD!
  • May the LORD bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!

Oh, DO READ the rest of these Psalms to 150.  These are the songs the people sang as they “sent up to Jerusalem” for the feasts of the Lord. They are psalms of praise!

Here’s just a verse or two from each.

  • Psalm 146.  “Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have being.”
  • Psalm 147. “Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.”  “Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving, made melody to our God on the lyre.”
  • Psalm 148. “Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise Him in the heights! Praise Him all his angels, praise Him, all His hosts!  Praise Him, sun and moon, praise Him, all you shining stars! Praise Him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens.”
  • Psalm 149. “Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, His praise in the assembly of the godly!”
  • Psalm 150. “Praise the LORD!”   “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! PRAISE THE LORD!”

 

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Day 167 – 1 Kings 9a.

The first part of this chapter repeats God’s “If-Then” blessings and warnings to Solomon and Israel.

IF Solomon will walk in the ways of David with integrity of heart and uprightness, keeping God’s statutes and rules … THEN God will establish his royal throne over Israel forever.

But IF Solomon and Israel do NOT keep God’s commandments and statutes but serve other gods and worship them … THEN God will cut off Israel from the land and make it a byword and a proverb among the peoples. And the “house” (Temple) will become a pile of ruins.

Dire warnings, indeed!

1 Kings 9b and 2 Chronicles 8.

It took Solomon twenty years to build the Temple, his own palace, and the palace of his queen. The queen’s “house” was outside Jerusalem, away from the temple, because she was the daughter of Pharaoh, a pagan, and Solomon did not want her living near the Ark of the Covenant.  

(You wonder why Solomon’s first wife (of Song of Solomon?) was a pagan Egyptian, the very people from whom God had rescued Israel. It was breaking God’s specific law about a King’s marrying.  Yes, it was a political deal, and Pharaoh had killed a bunch of Canaanites and given a city to Solomon as part of the dowery for his daughter, but still …  

  • Deuteronomy 7:3-4. “You shall not intermarry with them (pagans) giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, for they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods…”
  • 1 Kings 11:1-4. “Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh …. “Solomon clung to these in love …. “And his wives turned away his heart. For when Solomon was old, his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God as was the heart of David, his father.” 

There go God’s promises.

But meanwhile, Solomon got busy building cities.  He gave twenty of them in Galilee to King Hiram in appreciation for all the help and material he had supplied. But Hiram didn’t like them and gave them back. (What??)

Solomon used forced labor (slaves) for all his building projects, much like his father-in-law, the Pharaoh, had done.  But since God’s law forbade any Jewish people from being enslaved, Solomon used the Canaanites, which they had captured, to do the work and oversee the projects.

Solomon filled in the land depression between the city of David and the temple/palace, built the wall of Jerusalem, and the military outposts of Hazor, Megiddo, Gezer, and others, as well as grain storage cities (also like Pharaoh), and cities for stabling his horses and chariots.  He also built a fleet of ships at Ezion-Geber on the shore of the Red Sea for international trading. (Gold from Ophir, etc.) (King Hiram sent ship-builders and seamen to teach Solomon’s workers the trade.)

“And whatever Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion, he built.”

It’s interesting that in Ecclesiastes, Solomon bemoans all this grandeur and wealth as “vanity,” worthless to his soul. (We’ll get there soon.)

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  • 1 Timothy 6:6-10.  “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these, we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is the root of all evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith…”

 

  • Hebrews 13:5.  “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Oh, Father, keep me from greed and a desire for riches and the abundance of “things.”  Help me see the so much greater value of knowing YOU. Help me to be content with what I have.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 165

Jun14

Day 165.  Reading 2 Chronicles 6-7, Psalm 136

 
Read Today’s Scriptures.
*What truth about God stays in your mind?
 
Today’s reading is similar to yesterday’s verses in 1 Kings, about Solomon’s blessing the people of Israel and his prayer of dedication of the Temple.

2 Chronicles 6 and 2 Chronicles 7a.

Verses of note:

  • “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who with His hand has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to David, my father.”
  • “Now the LORD has fulfilled His promise that He made.”

God’s word is ever true, and we can be sure He will “fulfill what he promises.”

  • “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like You, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to Your servants who walk before you with all their hearts.”
  • “Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You, how much less this house that I have built.”

Then Solomon prays for all the “if-then” times when Israel will fail and sin, and God will bring disaster on them … that if they turn, repent, and pray, that God will indeed HEAR and FORGIVE.

  • “…then hear from heaven your dwelling place and forgive and render to each whose heart You know, according to all his ways, for You, You only, know the hearts of the children of mankind.”

Even when Israel is taken into captivity for their sin, perversion, and wickedness (wow, prophecy for sure!), but they REPENT with all their mind and with all their heart and pray toward their land and this house…. Solomon prays that God would HEAR and FORGIVE.

And when Solomon’s prayer was finished, “fire came down from heaven and consumed the burn offering and the sacrifices ... and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.  And everyone – Solomon, the priests, and the people – bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and WORSHIPPED and GAVE THANKS to the LORD, saying, “for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.”

King Solomon offered sacrifice before the LORD = 22K oxen and 120K sheep (wow!).  The Levites stood at their posts with instruments playing music to the LORD that King David had written for giving thanks, “for His steadfast love endures forever.”

Psalm 136.

David wrote: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good.”  “Give thanks to the God of gods.”  “Give thanks to the Lord of lords.”  “For His Steadfast Love (mercy) endures forever.”  

In this psalm, David repeats that concluding phrase after every element of praise he states about the awesome God of Israel…. 25 TIMES!   For His Steadfast Love endures forever.  

Read all those praise phrases!  If you ever find your heart stingy and grumpy.  Read all these beginning praise praises. How awesome is our God. He does such wonderous things for His own people. He is strong and mighty.  He is tender and kind. 

SERIOUSLY!! Read them and praise Him.  

WHY is He so good to His own people???  For (because) his everlasting love and mercy towards us …. endures…. forever!  (FOREVER!  THINK ON THAT.)

(And then, after you read those praise phrases in Psalm 136, make a list of your own.  I’ll start…

  • Lord, You searched me out and found me – Why? Your love endures forever.
  • You saved me and gave me new life – Why? Your love endures forever.
  • You help me walk in righteousness – Why? Your love endures forever.
  • You forgive and restore me when I sin and repent – Why? Your love endures forever.
  • You supply all I need – Why? Your love endures forever.
  • You give me joy in sorrow and suffering – Why? Your love endures forever.
  • Your presence is with me, even in death – Why? Your love endures forever.
  • You have promised me eternal life with YOU – Why? Your love endures forever. 

And on, and on, and on…….

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2 Chronicles 7b.

After all the celebration, glory, and praise, God appeared to Solomon in the cool, dark, silence of the night.

  • “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice.”  “My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time.”

And then that verse we know so well, and often maybe mistakenly pray for our own countries.  God says about Israel, 

  • “If my people who are called by name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
  • “If you (Solomon) will walk before me as David your father walked, doing according to all that I have commanded you and keeping my statutes and rules, then I will establish your throne, as I covenanted with David your father, saying ‘You shall not lack a man to rule Israel.”

Such glorious promises!!

But there is a dire warning as well.  Sadly, this one comes to pass…. 

  • “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 that I have given you, and THIS HOUSE THAT I HAVE CONSECRATED FOR MY NAME, I will cast out of my sight, and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples.
  • “And THIS HOUSE, WHICH WAS EXALTED, everyone passing by will be astonished and say, ‘Why has the LORD done thus to this land and this house?’
  • “Then they will say, ‘Because they abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers who brought them out of the land of Egypt and laid hold on OTHER gods and worshiped them and served them. Therefore He has brought all this disaster on them”

Solomon’s dream/vision turned into a nightmare of warning.  Will it keep his heart wholly for the LORD???

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*As for the truth(s) about God that stays in my mind after this reading?  It is His utter, enduring, amazing grace and love that He has for His people …. until they raise a fist in His face, turn their backs on Him, and seek to fulfill their own sinful and prideful cravings away from Him.  EVEN THEN, He is willing to forgive and restore if they repent and return to Him.  SUCH MERCY and STEADFAST LOVE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 164

Jun13

Day 164.  Reading 1 Kings 8, 2 Chronicles 5

Read Today’s Scriptures.

What truth about God stays in your mind?

1 Kings 8 and 2 Chronicles 5.

The Temple that King David had imagined, planned, and provided for, and that King Solomon had built … was finished.  A fantastic monument for the LORD GOD of Heaven, glorious and magnificent, only awaiting the breath of God Himself!

Solomon gathered all of Israel for the dedication. The priests were consecrated and sacrificed so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted. Then, they brought up the Ark of the Covenant from Zion, the City of David. They placed it in the Most Holy Place in the Temple, under the wings of the cherubim.

And when they came out … a cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not minister, for the GLORY of the LORD filled the house of the LORD!

King Solomon then blesses the LORD God of Heaven.

  • Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who with His hand has fulfilled what He promised with His mouth to David, my father, saying… ‘Since the day that I brought My people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel in which to build a house, that My Name might be there. But I chose David to be over my people, Israel.’  Now it was in the heart of David, my father, to build a house for the name of the LORD, the God of Israel. (But the LORD said, you shall not build the house, but your son shall build the house for my name.)  NOW, THE LORD HAS FULFILLED HIS PROMISE.”

Then Solomon spread out his hands toward heaven and prayed a lengthy prayer to the LORD, filled with praise, humility, contrition, and confidence in God.

  • “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like You, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart.”  “Now therefore, O God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you have spoken to your servant David, my father (that he would not lack a man to sit before you on the throne of Israel). 

Solomon pleads that God when He hears prayer offered from that place, would hear it and forgive.

  • If a person sins against his neighbor and comes before the altar…
  • When the people of Israel are defeated because they have sinned…
  • When there is no rain because the people have sinned…
  • If there is a famine, pestilence, blight, mildew, locus, or enemy at the gates because they have sinned and they come before this place with repentance…
  • When a foreigner comes to pray before this place…
  • If your people go to battle and pray for help…
  • If they sin against You, and you send enemies to take them captive, and they turn to you….
  • If your people repent with all their mind and hearts…

“Then, O God, hear in heaven Your dwelling place their prayer and their plea and maintain their cause and forgive your people who have sinned against you, and for all their transgressions that they have committed against You, grant them compassion.”

Then Solomon got up from his prayer and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice:

  • “The LORD our God be with us, as He was with our fathers, may He not leave us or forsake us, that He may incline our hearts to Him to walk in all his ways and to keep His commandments, statutes, and rules he commanded our fathers.  Let your heart, therefore, be wholly true to the LORD our God.”

After that, there were tons more sacrifices and offerings.  After eight days, the people went home to their houses, joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had shown to David, his servant, and to Israel, his people.

(More tomorrow on Solomon’s prayer and dedication and God’s well-known promise of forgiveness and healing. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

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(Oh, the mountain-top experiences! How we all wish we could stay there. Filled with the joy of the LORD, praises, goodwill, and full tummies. 

There will be more good things about Solomon, but eventually, as he goes against the laws for a king, we will see him falter. God is faithful, but sin will show its ugly head in his own son’s reign. 

Message to me?  Stay alert, be on guard, for my heart tends to sin, pride, greed, and wishes for glory.)

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 150

May30

Day 150.  Reading Psalm 119.

 
Read Today’s Scriptures.
 
Psalm 119.

God’s Word is precious and good for any problem, joy, need, and instruction. 

This psalm reminds me of Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16 (“All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man (or woman) of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”) 

READ ALL 176 VERSES OF THIS WONDERFUL “ACCROSTIC” PSALM AND BE BLESSED. The verses in each alphabetical section begin with that letter in Hebrew.

Here are a few of my “fave” verses from each alphabetical section.

ALEPH, “A” verses 1-8

  • Oh, that my ways may be steadfast in keeping Your statutes!

BET, “B” verses 9-16

  • I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

GIMEL, “G” verses 17-24.

  • Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.

DALET, “D” verses 25-32

  • I have chosen the way of righteousness; I set your rules before me.

HE, (hay) “H” verses 33-40

  • Incline my heart to your testimonies and not to selfish gain!

VAV, “V” verses 41-48

  • I find my delight in Your commandments, which I love.

ZAYIN, “Z” verses 49-56

  • I remember Your Name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law.

CHET, “CH” (like clearing your throat) verses 57-64

  • At midnight, I rise to praise You because of your righteous rules.

TET, “T” verses 65-72

  • Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep Your word.

YOD, (yood) “Y” verses 73-80

  • I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

KAPH, “K” verses 81-88

  • My soul longs for Your salvation; I hope in Your word.

LAMED, “L” verses 89-96

  • If Your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.

MEM, “M” verses 97-104

  • How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.

NUN (noon), “N” verses 105-112

  • Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

SAMECH, (guttural) “S” verses 113-120

  • You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.

AYIN, (guttural) “AYE” verses 121-128

  • Therefore, I love Your commandments above gold, above fine gold.

PE, (pay) “P” verses 129-136

  • The unfolding of Your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

TSADHE, “TS” verses 137-144

  • Your promise is well-tried, and your servant loves it.

QOPH, (koof) “Q” verses 145-152

  • My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.

RESH, “R” verses 153-160

  • The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous rules endures forever.

SHIN, (sheen) “SH” or “S” verses 161-168

  • Great peace have those who love Your law; nothing can make them stumble.

TAV, “T” verses 169-176

  • My tongue will sing of Your word, for all Your commandments are right.

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.There are so many more that are my favorites. How about you?  Which have you memorized? or held dear?

How David must have enjoyed composing this Psalm!  Can YOU try it?  Write one praise to God or His Word from each letter of your alphabet!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 149

May29

Day 149.  Reading 1 Kings 1-2 and Psalms 37, 71, 94.

 

Read Today’s Scriptures.

 

1 Kings 1.

Today, I say goodbye to King David, my favorite Bible character after the Lord Jesus. 

He has been many things:  a shepherd boy, giant killer, court musician, psalm/songwriter, lover of God, soldier, compassionate leader, architect for the Temple, humble, honorable, repentant, promise-keeper, “the sweet psalmist of Israel,” “a man after God’s heart,” “the lamp (hope) of Israel“, and a loyal lover of God and His Word.

He was also a great sinner. He did not discipline any of his sons (and paid the price); he lied; he lusted and committed adultery; he committed selfish murder.

But, unlike any king of Israel that followed him, he never EVER looked to or worshiped any god but the LORD God. He built no idols, poles, or temples to pagan gods.  Yes, a sinner, but never apostate. And God loved him dearly. He promised David that “His Messiah” would come through his line, the King of kings!

Hebrews 11:32-34 lists David as a man of faith, “who (with others) conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, escaped the edge of the sword, became mighty in war, and put foreign armies to flight. 

WOW.  My man!

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1 Kings 1.

David’s old age, last deeds, and his death.

The book begins with a natural state of advanced age.  David’s muscles were wasted; he was thin and “cold all the time.”  Even a pile of blankets couldn’t warm him in a Jerusalem winter. And so, a beautiful young woman named Abishag was brought to him to look after him and lay beside him when he was cold.  Abishag’s own body heat would warm him.  And NO, there was no sex involved. (verse 4)  Kind of pitiful, right?  But there were no electric blankets.

Then we read of the final coup.

We’ve read how both the LORD and David had declared and planned for Solomon to be David’s successor. David organized the building materials and plans so Solomon could build the House for God. He organized all the priests, gatekeepers, Levites, musicians, “providers and protectors” for the Temple and when/how they would serve.  All for Solomon. 

  • (Do you get the feeling that Solomon was VERY young, both in age and in readiness to rule the nation? He definitely was NOT a military man, and he didn’t seem to be aware of any danger to himself or the kingdom.)   Solomon was a man of peace, a builder, and a wise judge and author.  He indulged himself and amassed huge mountains of wealth, women, and praise.  The very opposite of his father.)

Anyway, while he sat at home doing — what? —, his older brother Adonijah decided HE would be king in place of David. He attempted a coup. David knew nothing about it either.  But it was told to Bathsheba and the prophet, Nathan.  They approached King David in a sneaky way and got some action.  David rose to the occasion, instructed Nathan, Zadok the priest, and Benaiah (head of his personal bodyguard) to Take Solomon to the public square, make sacrifices to God, and officially anoint and crown him king in his father’s place.

They did, and the new king sat on David’s throne.

Adonijah and his followers (including the priest Abiathar and Commander Joab) were afraid. Solomon’s brother came to him and asked for mercy, which the peaceful Solomon granted.  However, he told him, “Bro, you have to straighten up and fly right. Any misdemeanor, and your toast!” Adonijah agreed.

But, after David died, he came to Bathsheba and requested Abishag (body warmer of the king, also considered his concubine) as his own wife.  Um, NOPE!  Solomon recognized just what it was, an attempt to steal the kingdom by “sleeping with the former king’s concubine.”  So…. “off with his head.”

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1 Kings 2.

David finally realized he was about to die, and like all the patriarchs before him, he summoned his son to his bed for a final blessing.  He charged and encouraged Solomon to stay true to God and to walk in all His ways, statutes, commandments, rules and testimonies as written in the “Law of Moses.”  In doing that, Solomon would be blessed, and his son’s after him too, if they did the same.

You can picture young Solomon nodding.

Then, I think because David knew Solomon was not street-wise in the ways of politics, he commanded the young man to “clean house.”  

  • “You know, Joab, Commander of the Army?  Do not let his gray head go down to the grave in peace.” (kill him)
  1. “You’ve heard about how Shimei cursed me and threw stones at me all the way to the Jordan when I was escaping from Absalom?  You know what you ought to do to him. You shall bring his gray head down with blood to the grave.”
  • “About Barzillai, he showed me much loyalty when I was escaping.  You deal loyally with his sons; let them eat at your table.”

(David did not instruct Solomon about the priest Abiathar, who had sided with Adonijah “because the priest had carried the Ark of the Lord GOD and because he had helped David when he had to escape Absalom.  Solomon later just expelled him from Jerusalem and service as priest.) 

And then the Prince of Israel died.  He had reigned over Israel for forty years.  They buried him in Jerusalem, “the city of David.”  Solomon sat on the throne of his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.

Then, Solomon took care of business just like David had instructed.  Joab was killed, and Chief Bodyguard Benaiah, was made Commander of the Army.  Abiathar was sent home.  Shimei was given house arrest, and lived as long as he stayed home.  When he ventured out, he was killed. 

Done and Dusted.

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Psalm 37.

  • Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! They will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.
  • Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the LORD; trust in HIM, and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your justice as the noonday.

Can’t you hear David saying this to Solomon?  And the rest of the Psalm as well.

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Psalm 71.

  • My mouth is filled with Your praise, and with Your glory all the day.  Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.
  • O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.  So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, Your power to all those to come.
  • O Holy One of Israel, My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to You; my soul also, which You have redeemed.

We’ve seen David’s old age, still praising his God.

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Psalm 94.

  • Blessed is the man whom You discipline, O LORD, and whom You teach out of your law. to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked.  For the LORD will not forsake His people; he will not abandon His heritage.