David’s Prayer
The title of this psalm identifies it as “A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.” Even in the confession of such heinous sins, we can see why God looked to David as “a man after his own heart”.
Trusting in the Lord
This psalm points to the final deliverance of Israel in the time of the future kingdom age. However, much help is given to the believers of any age.
Jonah Displeased
In this chapter, God gives Jonah a lesson in mercy. Jonah knew the evil Nineveh had done and probably knew of the evil Nineveh would do to Israel. As such, he wished that the city be destroyed and was angry when God had pity on the city.
The Extended Life of Hezekiah
In this chapter, we see a great miracle performed on Hezekiah’s behalf in giving him fifteen additional years of life.
The Destruction of Sennacherib
Those who serve Him faithfully will find that God occasionally shows Himself in a mighty way as the protector and provider of His own people.
The Assyrian Invasion of Judah
This chapter begins our study of the reign of king Hezekiah over Judah.
The Assyrian Captivity of Israel
The Fall of Samaria and the Assyrian Captivity of Israel are dated at 722BC. The destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian Captivity of Judah are dated at 586BC, 136 years later. Much of this chapter deals with the sins of the people of Israel that led to their judgment. The last part of the chapter deals with the sins of the people who continue to inhabit the land after the captivity. This chapter actually describes the beginning of the Samaritans who will show up again in the New Testament.
Various Kings of Israel and Judah
This passage records the reigns of five kings of Israel and one king of Judah (in addition to the reign of Azariah of Judah in the first seven verses of the chapter). It is mostly a story of conspiracies and short reigns.
The Reigns of Amaziah and Jeroboam
Amaziah gave to the Lord a mixed level of devotion. In turn, he received a mixed level of blessing. God wants our whole heart. He is not willing to share the throne with other gods.
The Decline of Israel and Death of Elisha
Despite the mercies of the Lord, Israel continues its march toward destruction. The death of Elisha, who must have been over eighty at this time, marks the end of an era as well. For decades, Elijah and Elisha had been a voice for God in the northern kingdom of Israel. Now that they are silenced, there are few to proclaim the word of the Lord.
