Lessons From Second Chronicles
Our readings for the week lie wholly within Second Chronicles, save the Sabbath lesson. They begin in Rehoboam's reign, just after the revolt of the ten tribes, which he thought to bring back, but was prevented by the prophet Shemaiah. The loss was the fault of the king himself. Fearing Israel's attack, he built fortresses and strengthened the cities of Judah greatly. He at first humbled his heart before God, and afterward forsook Him. But finally he departed from God, and became a tribute vassal of Egypt. Jeroboam, who might have been a king of good influence, became mighty for evil in the false worship of the golden calves, to which Chronicles only refers. He might have been a power for good, but his choice of evil was a curse to Israel to the end. In Judah the reign of Rehoboam was followed by the good reigns of Abijah, Asa, and Jehoshaphat, and the weak reigns of the wicked kings Jehoram and Ahaziah, who fraternized with the wickeder house of Omri. There are two great lessons, profitable for us, given to Asa and Jehoshaphat regarding union with unbelievers and dependence upon men. Our history lesson closes with the introduction of wicked Athaliah. Psalm 35 does not express David's disposition or revenge, but God's justice. Psalm 36 is especially comforting and helpful.