Journal Through the Bible: Week 96 Monday

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II Chronicles chapter 23

There was great rejoicing when Joash, the descendant of David, was revealed as surviving the wicked attempt upon his life and was placed upon the throne of Judah!

Does God issue any commands?

• Jehoiada was instrumental in reestablishing the sacrifices and offerings as established in the law of Moses. He also recommissioned the singers for the worship services at the Temple such as David had appointed.

Does God make any promises?

• When Jehoiada gathered the captains and the Levites into his confidence concerning Joash, the son of Ahaziah whom he and his wife had kept hidden for over 6 years, he told them that Joash was a fulfillment of the promise that God made to David.
• Jehoiada made sure that only the priests and Levites entered armed into the house of the Temple while the people were made to wait in the courtyards while the work of anointing the young king was accomplished.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• The brazen Athaliah had no fear in entering the Temple and confronting the rightful heir to the throne and the people who followed him. This is such a picture of Satan who dared to approach the rightful Heir to the kingdoms of this world and tempted Him by demanding that Jesus bow down to him. He has no fear in confronting Christians either which is why we need to be vigilant and keep watch for this roaming lion.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• When the wicked ruler was deposed the people celebrated and rejoiced! When the ruler of darkness is deposed from his rule over this world all God's people will celebrate and rejoice also. What a day it will be when order has been restored, the wicked one destroyed, and the King reigns for all eternity!
• The fall of the house of Baal, its altars and images is reminiscent of the description in Revelation when the angel says, "Babylon the Great is fallen!" Babylon the Great is not just a reference to a city and its commerce but is also a reference to its system of religion or religions.
• Jerusalem was quiet once the opponent of the king was killed. New Jerusalem will likewise have a peaceful existence after the devil is cast into the Lake of Fire for eternity and Jesus lives among us.