I Kings 15:25 – 16:34 and II Chronicles 17
During the second year King Asa ruled in Judah, Nadab son of Jeroboam began to rule over Israel. He did what was evil in God’s sight and continued the sins of his father Jeroboam. After two years, Baasha the son of Ahijah plotted against him and assassinated him so he could become the next king of Israel. Baasha killed all of the descendants of Nadab as Ahijah the prophet predicted.
Although you would think he would know better, Baasha also did evil in the Lord’s sight. I wonder if he was scared when the prophet Jehu told him the Lord would destroy him as he had the dynasty of Jeroboam. When Baasha died, his son Elah became the next king. He only lasted two years before being assassinated by Zimri, who was commander of half of the royal chariots. Zimri lost no time consolidating his position by killing all of Baasha’s family, even distant relatives and friend.
Zimri lasted only seven days because the army of Israel chose Omri, the commander of the army. Zimri burned the palace down around himself and was killed in the fire. In spite of some objection by some of Israel, who wanted Tibni to be king, Omri’s supporters defeated the supporters of Tibni.
What a chaotic situation this must have been, but Omri managed to stay in power for twelve years in spite of doing evil in the Lord’s sight. Omri’s son was the infamous Ahab, one of the most evil kings of Israel. He married Jezebel and began to worship Baal. He built an altar to Baal and set up an Asherah pole and “did more to provoke the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, than any of the other kings of Israel before him.
In II Chronicles 17, we learn that King Asa of Judah must have had a profound effect on his son Jehoshaphat who became king after Asa died. He was a good king who “followed the example of his father’s early years and did not worship the images of Baal.” He was “deeply committed to the ways of the Lord” and removed the shrines and Asherah poles.
He encouraged the people to follow the Lord, even sending out officials and Levites with copies of the Book of the Law and traveling throughout Judah, teaching the people.
The Word of God is “quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit.” This happened in Judah. The fear of the Lord fell over the kingdoms that surrounded Judah and none of them wanted to attack Judah. Plus, Jehoshaphat amassed a huge army which he stationed in Jerusalem and in the fortified cities throughout Judah.
Tomorrow, it’s I Kings 17 – 19.
Tropical Storm Debbie
Just heard that Tropical Storm Debbie is finally starting to move onto land. We needed the rain, but in some cases, we got way to much. Many streets are covered in water, the power is off in scattered areas. and the wind has done quite a bit of damage. So far, 18.63 inches of rain sets a new record. The last record set in June, 1945, at 18.5 or so inches. There are also 3 1/2 days left in the month of June, a potential to really change the record.
Today, my camper is smelling like Jalapeno peppers – I have a dehydrator full of sliced Jalapenos drying -- from my own pepper plants.
Until next time…
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