Commentary : Week of July 31 - August 6
July 31st, 2006 Commentator
The Big Picture
Second Kings 17 marks a major turning point for God’s chosen people. Their rejection of God was constant, and God permitted the enemy nation of Assyria to come and take the northern kingdom into captivity. Though God’s prophets had repeatedly warned the people to turn from their wickedness and idolatry, they had refused to do so.
The southern kingdom of Judah still stands, but precariously so. Though there are a couple of good kings, the majority of them are evil, including the notorious King Manasseh, whose wicked reign lasts 55 years. By the time we reach 2 Kings 25, God’s judgment is poured out against the southern kingdom. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon comes against the city of Jerusalem and, after a lengthy siege, conquers the city. The temple is destroyed by fire, as is most of the city. And the survivors are taken back to Babylon to begin 70 years in captivity.
What to Watch For
Why the long lists of names at the beginning of 1 Chronicles? This record is meant to remind Israel of her spiritual history. Though the people had rebelled against God and had been taken into captivity, they were still God’s people. God had every intention of remaining faithful to them and to His promise to eventually send a deliverer, the Messiah, who would come from the family lineage of David. In reminding the people of their spiritual heritage, God wanted to give them a sense of hope for the future.
Applications for Today from 2 Kings—1 Chronicles 4:4
- No matter what we do, God is faithful to keep His promises to His children. We may reap consequences for our sins, but God will never desert us.
- After their captivity, the Israelites never again fell into idolatry. They had learned their lesson. Likewise, the consequences or punishments from our past sins can serve as lessons that motivate us toward greater holiness in the future.
The Big Picture
Paul’s third missionary journey, which spanned four years, ends at Acts 21:16. Back in Acts 9, when God chose Paul to become an apostle, God said, “This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel” (verse 15). We see this prophetic declaration fulfilled in with amazing precision in the final chapters of Acts. Indeed, through persecution, God brings about opportunities for Paul to proclaim the gospel to the top religious leaders of Israel (the Sanhedrin) and as well as top Roman government officials (and later, King Agrippa in Acts 25).
What to Watch For
- What charge does Paul give to the elders at the church in Ephesus (Acts 20:27-31)?
- Note the special ways God protects the apostle Paul from being killed so that he can testify about Christ to people who would normally never hear the gospel. Note particularly Paul’s advantage in being a Roman citizen. This is just one of many details that God sovereignly ordained in the life of Paul so that the gospel message could be advanced.
Application for Today from Acts 20—24
Those who attacked Paul intended for their persecution to silence him, but instead, the persecution gave Paul wonderful new opportunities to spread the gospel. God can do the same in your life. He may bring difficult people into your life so that they have an opportunity to see God’s love, grace, and truth through you.