2 Chronicles 01

v 1-6. This portion is summed up in 1 Ki. 2:12; 3:4. See also 1 Chr. 29:23-25. The chief place of offering was still at Gibeon where David assembled all his leaders. This was where the tremendous sacrifice of 1000 animals was made. The ark was in a new tent at Jerusalem, but the bronze altar was still at Gibeon at the old tabernacle.

v 6-10. See also 1 Ki. 3:5-9 where God appears before Solomon in a dream and he asks for wisdom to govern this great multitude.

v 11,12. See also 1 Ki. 3:10-14. Because Solomon asked for wisdom instead of wealth, God will give him an abundance of both.

v 13-17. This does not record the act of wisdom in 1 Ki. 3:15-28, and it does not record these verses. 1 Ki. 4:26-28 mentions how Solomon ignored the command of the Lord for the kings not to multiply to themselves horses, Deut. 17:16. (He continued to violate the next verse and multiplied to himself wives,1 Ki. 11:1-4.) In this portion his great wealth in gold, cedar and linen is mentioned, along with the horse selling deals he made, v 17, certainly with considerable profit.

2 Chronicles 02

There was now peace in the land so Solomon immediately set about to build the temple. He knew David and Hiram had a good relationship and informed him of his goal to obey the Lord and David by building the temple. Solomon requested to purchase cedar (also fir and algum) [which was use on steps in the temple and his house and for frames for harps and lyres] from Lebanon). Lebanon had not given Israel any trouble so they had not conquered it, but apparently Tyre had control over it and could sell timber from it. Solomon offered his workmen (70,000 carriers, 80,000 stone masons and 3,600 overseers), to work along with Hiram’s skilled workers. (They were skilled, 2 Chr. 2:7, in all metal, dyed cloth and engraving.) ( In 2 Chr, 2:1-10 Solomon declares the great purpose of the temple and his testimony of being unworthy before the Lord except to bring sacrifices to him).  Perhaps through David, Hiram had come to know  the Lord, and he recognized Solomon’s wisdom. Hiram would agree with the Queen of Sheba, 10:9, that God made Solomon king because He loved his people Israel. He was pleased to do business with the young son of David and offered to be responsible for rafting the  logs to where an appropriate location (Joppa and Solomon would take it to Jerusalem). Hiram’s family and workers were to receive about 125,000 bushels of ground wheat, and 115,000 gallons of olive oil. (2 Chr. 2:10, also 125,000 bushels of barley and 115,000 gallons of wine.) It has been suggested that the food in Kings was for Hiram’s household, and that in Chronicles for the workmen. The two kings good treaty relationship lasted for many years. The conscripted men were apparently Israelites, as were his chief officers, v 16, who were over the work. There were 30,000 who served by courses, 1 month working, 2 months home. The rest of them were not Israelites, 2 Chr. 2:17, but had been captured or chose to live in the land. They would have received good treatment, as Israel was not to oppress a stranger, Ex, 23:9.

2 Chronicles 03

v 1,2. See 1 Ki. 6 for most information.  Add here, this was built on the same spot the Lord appeared unto David and he sacrificed  on the threshing floor of Ornan,          2 Sam. 24:18. Abraham offered Isaac here. Also it was the second day of the month.

v 5. 1 Ki. 6 says the walls were cedar, which seems more accurate than fir, which was only on the floor. Verse 6 adds that the house was adorned with precious stones.

v  8,9. Add the weight of the gold lining the most holy place was 23 tons, and the weight of the gold nails was one and one fourth pounds, so very few were used.

v  14. 1 Ki. 6 only mentioned the gold plated doors. Apparently this blue, purple and crimson fine linen veil was inside the bi-fold doors. No where can I find a comment of explanation, a few erroneously saying the doors replaced the veil. 

v 15-17. The account of the temple construction is interrupted to tell about Solomon’s other building programs. He had commendably rushed through the building of the temple, but his own house is larger and took twice as long, 13 years. The Forest of Lebanon house was in Jerusalem, but got it’s name from the amount of cedar from Lebanon in it’s construction. It appears to be a part of a large complex of buildings. I do not propose to go into detail on these houses, but the size can be noted by the 45 pillars and three tiers of lights. First building was the porch. Next porch was a hall of judgment enclosed in cedar. Adjoining that was his own house and a separate house for Pharaoh’s daughter. The foundations were of expensive hewn stones 12’ to 15’ in length. Around the “great court”  of the complex was a a four tiered wall, constructed like the inner wall of 6:36. This Hiram (or Huram) was a workman in bronze from Tyre, not the king. His father was a Phoenician but his mother was a Jew from Dan, 2 Chr. 2:14, who lived in Naphtali, or vice versa. The bronze pillars he built were 27’ high, 34’ with the capitals, and 18’ in circumference. They were erected as an obelisk on either side of the roofless front porch approach to the temple. The discrepancy with 2 Chr. 3:15 is probably because of the similarity between 35 and 18 in the Hebrew. The capitals top portion was like lilies, under which were gold pomegranates interwoven among seven lattice like chains on each pillar.

2 Chronicles 04

v 1-5. See 1 Kings 7:1-22.

v 6-8 and 10-18. See 1 Kings 7:23-47.  (v 9. See 1 Ki. 6:36.)

v 19-22. See 1 Kings 8:48-51.

2 Chronicles 05

This chapter is very similar to 1 Kings 7:51-8:11, except here, 11-14 adds that all 24 divisions of priests and Levites were present for the occasion instead of serving in the usual courses. Asaph, Heman and Jeduthin with all their musicians were clothed in white linen and had their cymbals psaltries and harps, and with them 120 priests east of the altar blowing trumpets. All were in unison and then praised the Lord saying, “For He is good, for His mercy endureth forever.” Then the cloud filled the temple. 

2 Chronicles 06

v 1-12 are Solomon’s sermon. In v 5 he reminds them that God permitted but did not choose a king. Saul was the people’s desire, not God’s. God may grant things that are not according to His will, Ps. 106:5 “but send leanness unto their soul.”

v 12. Being in public he stands and spreads forth his hands before the Lord.

v 13. He is on a 7 1/2 ‘ square bronze platform raised 4 1/2’ in the center of the court. Then kneels upon his knees before all the people with hands spread toward heaven.

v 14. He honors the Lord as the incomparable God who keeps His promise and shows mercy to those who walk with perfect hearts.

v 15. Acknowledges God had kept all His promises to David.

v 16. Asks God to continue to keep His agreement and promise to David.

v 17. Asks for verification of that promise.

v 18. Solomon admits the insignificance of the temple compared to heaven.

v 19,20. Humbles himself as a servant to beg the Lord to constantly hear, in respect to the house which God had commanded.

v 21. Solomon recognizes that forgiveness of sin is a priority for answered prayer.

v 22,23. If a man sins against  his neighbor, God hears and judge between them.

v 24,25. If they are defeated, confess God and pray  that He may restore them.

v 26,27. If there is no rain, confess and turn from sin that God may send rain.

v 28-31. In any problem, all Israelites are to confess their sin. The Lord knows if their heart is right, and will answer accordingly. (Stretching hands to heaven was not a condition of forgiveness, but in doing so they were to express their sincerity.)

v 32,33. Request that God even hear foreigners who turn to Him and pray.

v 34-39. Solomon knows all men sin, so if they go to war and / or are taken captive because of sin, they are to admit their sin and return to God wherever they are, and pray toward this place, God’s dwelling place on earth, and He will forgive.

v 40,41.  Solomon sincerely asks God to come and dwell in the temple.

v 42. Here is the first hint that Solomon may not practice what he preached. He seems to exempt himself from having to confess and forsake sin, maybe feeling that God should watch over him for the sake of the Lord’s promises to David.

v 12-42 See  also comments in 1 Kings, 8:12-53.

2 Chronicles 07

v 1-3. As soon as Solomon ended his prayer, the Lord made his approval of the sacrifices known by sending fire from heaven to consume them, and at this point, His glory filled the entire temple a second time. The first was in 5:14 and 1 Ki. 8:10, and the priests could not enter. The people were in awe and repeated the words of the musicians and Levites in 5:13. “For He is good, for His mercy endureth forever.”

v 4-11. In addition to what is said in 1 Kings 8:62-66, during this great sacrifice, the Levites played, the priests sounded the trumpets, and the people stood. After the 14 days of celebration, the next day was a solemn assembly usually coming after the 8th day. Ordinarily the feast began on the 15th and they would be sent home the 23rd, so they had begun the celebration early, on the 8th of the month.  

v 12. After the people were sent home, the Lord appears to Solomon at night. He acknowledges he has heard the prayer for forgiveness of the people’s sin and He has established the temple as the worship center.

v 13. God enumerates judgments He might bring for sin, then in the next verse He gives the remedy for those people and the secret of revival for all time.

v 14. a. This is for believers, those called by His name.
b. Humble themselves, the recognition and admission of sin and unworthiness. This is a chief prerequisite for answered prayer, Ps. 66:18.
c. Pray and earnestly turn to God. 1 Thess. 1:9, “how ye turned to God from idols”.
d. Turn from their sins, not just confess them and continue on in them.
e. Then God will hear, forgive and heal or cleanse. 1 John 1: 9.

v 15,16. God will not only answer Solomon’s prayer of 6:26-31, but especially because the focus is on the temple.

v 17,18. Solomon is assured that if he obeys, his rule will be perpetual.

v 19-20. On the other hand, if Solomon and the people turned from the Lord and followed other gods, they would be exiled and this magnificent temple destroyed and become a by word among all nations. We are still seeing that attitude today. This does not mean God will break the unconditional Davidic covenant, but there would be a period of time in which they would not have the advantage of it.

v 21,22. The temple and land will be in such reproach and desolation, that people will say, “It is because they have forsaken the Lord.”

2 Chronicles 08

v 1-10. are covered in comments 1 Kings 9:13-23.

v 11 Is covered 1 Kings 9:24.

v 12-16 Is covered 1 Kings 9:25 and 4:1-34.

v 17,18 are covered 1 Kings 9: 26-28.

2 Chronicles 09

v 1-12 is covered in 1 Kings 10:1-13.

v 13-28 is covered in 1 Kings 10:14-29.
(For Solomon’s failure see 1 Kings 11:1-40)

v 29-31 are covered in 1 Kings 11:41-43.

2 Chronicles 10

v 1--11 is covered in 1 Kings 12:1-11

v 12-19 is covered in 1 Kings 12:12-19

2 Chronicles 11

v 1--12 is covered in 1 Kings 12:20-24

v 13-17 is covered in I Kings 12:31 In v 15 KJV has devils, which is better translated goats. Having come from Egypt where there were idols to goats, he set up goats and calves.

v 18-23 are about Rehoboam’s family, see my comments at 1 Ki. 15:1-6

2 Chronicles 12

v 1 See 1 Kings 14:21-24

v 2-12 See 1 Kings 14:25-28

v 13-16 See 1 Kings 14:21,29-31

2 Chronicles 13

v 1-19 See 1 Kings 15:1-7

v 20 See 1 Kings 14:19,20

v 21,22 is not recorded in Kings, but see my comments 1 Ki. 15:7,8 

2 Chronicles 14

v 1 See 1 Kings 15:7,8

v 2-5 See 1 Kings 15:9-15, also for conflict on removing high places

v 6-15 is summarized in comments at 1 Kings 15:15

2 Chronicles 15

v 1-7 This is only recorded here, but see my comments after 1 Ki. 15:15.

v 8-19 See 1 Kings 15:12-15. 

2 Chronicles 16

v 1-6 See 1 Kings 15:16-22 

v 7-10 is only recorded here, but my comments are added at 1 Ki. 15:16-22
See 1 Kings 16:6-34 before the next passage.

v 11-14 See 1 Kings 15:23,24 

2 Chronicles 17

 v 1 See 1 Kings 15:24. The rest of this chapter is not in Kings.

v 2-6. In defense against Israel, Jehoshaphat not only fortified cities, but he walked in close obedience to the Lord and removed idols. As a result the Lord blessed him with riches and honor.

v 7-9. In the third year of his reign, probably after the death of Asa, he sent priests, Levites and officials throughout the land teaching people the law of the Lord. Reminds one of circuit riders or traveling evangelists. (The Obadiah and Zechariah here are long before the prophets, writers of the books by their names.)

v 10-12. God blessed his faithfulness by putting fear on all nations around so he could live in peace, even Philistines bringing presents and tribute to him. Arabians brought him a vast number of animals, and he built cities for storage and commerce.

v 13-19. This is a summary of his soldiers and their captains in Jerusalem, besides others stationed in the fortified cities.

2 Chronicles 18

v 1-3. This adds detail to 1 Kings 22:1-4. Jehoshaphat was rich and honorable, as described in chapter 17, but he made a marriage alliance with Ahab. This contributed to peace and other alliances with Ahab, but it lead to many problems. When he visited Ahab, he and those with him were honored by a great feast, which put him in a mood of cooperation with Ahab.
Specifically, Jehoshaphat allowed his son Jehoram to marry Athalia the daughter of Ahab, 2 Chr. 21:6. She was extremely wicked like her mother, Jezebel, and turned Jehoram to wickedness. He killed his brothers, 2 Chr. 21;13, and they were better than he. She also taught her son Ahaziah, who followed Jehoram, to do wickedly, 2 Chr. 22:3. After Ahaziah’s death, she also killed all her grandsons, so she could be queen herself and rule, 2 Chr. 22:10-12. Exception was Ahaziah’s son, Joash (apparently her grandson, because her sons older than Ahaziah, who was her youngest, had been killed by Arabians, 2 Chr. 22:1), who was rescued by Ahaziah’s sister, Jehoshabeath, 22:11. Jehoshabeath was wife of Jehoida the priest, and they hid Jehoash in a bed chamber in priest’s area till he was seven years old.

v 4-11. See 1 Kings 22:5-12

v 12-27. See 1 Kings 22:13-28

v 28-34. See 1 Kings 22:29-40

2 Chronicles 19

The reigns of Ahaziah and Jehoram (of Israel) over Israel and the ministries of Elijah and Elisha precede the record that follows. See 1 Ki. 22:51,2 - 2 Ki. 8:15.

v 1-4. Jehoshaphat’s escape in chapter 18, when it was known he was not Ahab,  can be attributed to the Lord. However the Lord was angry with him for joining with wicked Ahab, and sent the prophet Jehu to rebuke him. The Lord showed mercy because of the good Jehoshaphat had done, and he continued to be a personal ambassador for the Lord.

v 5-7. He appointed judges in all of Judah’s fortified cities with orders to judge without partiality or bribery, Deut. 16:18-20, because they were judging for the Lord.

v 8-11. In similar fashion he appointed a sort of Supreme Court in Jerusalem which was to act in the same God fearing way to avert the wrath of the Lord. Amariah the chief priest was over religious matters and Zebadiah over civil matters. The Levites would be helpers, and he encouraged everyone to deal courageously.

2 Chronicles 20

v 1,2. Jehoshaphat was warned that Moabites, Ammonites and Edomites were gathered at Engedi midway on the west side of the Dead Sea for war against him.

v 3,4. He was alarmed and proclaimed a fast to the Lord, and people came from all Judah.

v 5-9. He stood in the temple courtyard in the midst of all the people and prayed, acknowledging God as the supreme ruler, the One who had driven out the enemies and given the land to Israel. Then he reminded God of His promise to deliver them if they would seek Him before His temple according to Solomon’s prayer, 6:34 and God’s answer, 7:14.

v 10-12. He builds his case that the Lord had not allowed them to harm those nations when they passed through, but this is the way Israel is being rewarded. Now he beseeches God to judge them, because Judah is helpless before them otherwise.

v 13. The people share the concern and petition as the women even stand their holding their babies.

v 14. The Spirit of the Lord came upon one man, Jahaziel, a Levite as he stood with the other people in the midst of the congregation.

v 15-19. Jahaziel gave comfort to “fear not, nor be dismayed” of the huge army, because the battle was the Lord’s. All they had to do the next day was to go to the mountain pass of Zif and watch what the Lord would do. They wouldn’t even need to fight, just go out against them. At this, Jehoshaphat and all the people fell down worshiping the Lord, then the Levites stood up to loudly praise the Lord. 

v 20,21. Early next morning, Jehoshaphat and the singers led the way as he reminded them to believe the Lord and His prophets and the singers praised the Lord.

v 22-25. When the “singing army” met the enemy, the Lord used this to cause such confusion by their own ambushers that the Ammonites and Moabites attacked and annihilated the Edomites. Then when they were destroyed the others continued to kill each other, possibly began battling for spoils, until every single one was dead. It took Jehoshaphat and his people three days to carry off the spoils of jewels.

v 26-30. They had no doubt thanked the Lord immediately, but they make the fourth day a day of praise in the Valley of Berachah, or Blessing. Jehoshaphat led the soldiers back with joy, and musical instruments accompanied them to the temple, if not before. When enemy countries heard how the Lord had fought Judah’s battle, they were fearful, and the realm of Jehoshaphat experienced peace.

v 31-34. See comments in 1 Ki. 22:41-46 concerning this phase of Jehoshaphat.

v 35-37. See comments in 1 Ki. 22:48-49 about shipping alliance with Ahab. 

2 Chronicles 21

v 1-7. Comments in 1 Ki. 8:16-19.

v 8--11. See my comments on 2 Ki. 8:20-23.

v 12-15. This part of history is out of context and is inserted after 2 Ki. 8:23

2 Chronicles 22

v 1-4. Comments in 1 Ki. 8:23-27

v 5-7. Comments are in 1 Ki. 8:28,29.

v 8,9. Comments on 1 Ki. 9:27-29.

v 10-12. Comments in 1 Ki. 11:1-3

2 Chronicles 23

Comments on entire chapter included in 2 Ki. 11:4-12

2 Chronicles 24

v 1-3 See 2 Ki. 12:1-4
v 4-7 See 2 Ki. 12: 5-8
v 8-14 See 2 Ki. 12:9-16
v 15-27 See 2 Ki. 12:19-21 

2 Chronicles 25

Comments on entire chapter included in 2 Ki. 14

2 Chronicles 26

Comments on entire chapter included in 2 Ki. 15.

2 Chronicles 27

Comments on entire chapter included in 2 Ki. 15:7, 32-38.

2 Chronicles 28

Comments on entire chapter included in 2 Ki. 16.

2 Chronicles 29

v 1,2. Time of Hezekiah’s reign allows Ahaz to have been only 11 or 12 years old when Hezekiah was born, so we must assume Ahaz was past that age and  Hezekiah was co-regent with him a few years. It is said of kings of Judah, Asa, Jehoshaphat and Josiah, they did what was right in the sight of the Lord but not like David. But Hezekiah came on strong doing “according to all” David had done. It is strange that after the influence of his wicked father Ahaz that he would be so zealous for the Lord, but it only shows what the grace of God can do in anyone. Even Urijah the priest cooperated with Ahaz in setting up the wicked altar, 2 Ki. 16:11-16, so Isaiah may have had much more contact and influence on Hezekiah than Scripture records, as well as his mother.

v 3-11. In the very first month of his sole reign he lost no time in opening the doors of the temple. Next step was to gather the priests and Levites to sanctify themselves and the house of the Lord, then remove the filth. He informs them that it is because of the evil and disobedience of their fathers that the wrath of God was on Judah and Jerusalem. Because of this, some of the people were in captivity, see my     2 Chr. 28:5-15 comments in 2 Ki. 16:5,6. As Jehoiada made a covenant between the priests, the people, the king and the Lord, 2 Chr. 24:16, Hezekiah proposes to also do to turn away the wrath of the Lord. He urges the priests to perform their ministry.

v 12-19. These concerned Levites brought their brethren and came & sanctified themselves preparatory for cleansing the temple. Of course only the priests could go inside, so they brought the trash into the court and the Levites took it to the dump. Eight days were spent in cleansing the temple, and another eight were used in cleansing the outside things such as the altar of burnt offering, and cleansing and sanctifying the  vessels which wicked King Ahaz had taken away to use in his pagan services.

v 20-30. Hezekiah began the day early, bringing the leaders of the city with 28 animals for a sin offering. They laid their hands on them and killed them for atonement of all Israel as the king commanded and according to Lev. 4:1-5:15. Instead of the usual one animal for sin offering, they offered seven, because of their continued sin.  Hezekiah had the musicians in place the way David had ordered, and the burnt offering was made accompanied by music. Everyone participated throughout the entire time of sacrifice of the burnt offering. The congregation worshiped, the singers sang, and trumpets played. After that, all present bowed and worshiped. After the singers had finished, Hezekiah had the Levites sing some psalms, and all worshiped.

v 31-33. Now that they were consecrated, Hezekiah invited the people to bring in sacrifices and thank offerings, and many of free will brought burnt offerings: 70 bulls, 100 rams, and 200 male lambs. Additionally, 600 bulls and 3000 sheep and goats were brought for peace and thank (fellowship) offerings in which the priests and the offerers shared the meat.

v 34-36. Many priests had been offering to idols, and perhaps thought Hezekiah was being too forward in reinstating temple worship, and did not sanctify themselves for their work. As a result, there were too few to handle all the offerings. The Levites had been quick to sanctify themselves, so they assisted the qualified priests. Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced that God had prepared people’s hearts in such short time.

2 Chronicles 30  

v 1. The letters were sent to all Israel, but Ephraim and Manasseh are mentioned, perhaps because those people had not yet been carried into captivity.

v 2-5. Hezekiah had opened the doors of the temple on the first day of the first month, but of course it and the priests were not sanctified and ready for a Passover. The people had not yet been notified either. After consultation with the princes and heads of the congregation, it was decided to have it in the second month, as was allowed in Num. 9:10,11. Since the observance had been neglected for so long, they decided to send the proclamation all over Israel.

v 6-9. In the letters carried by the posts, the king urged those who had not yet been taken captive to turn to the Lord and He would turn to them. They should not be like their fathers but serve the merciful Lord. His fierce wrath would then be turned away and he would permit the captives to return.

v 10-12. Most of the people did not merely refuse, they laughed them to scorn and mocked them. (I’m reminded of a family I invited to come to our church and Sunday School. As I left down the walk I could hear them laughing and mocking behind me. However when they had family trouble later, they came to me for help.) However, a few from at least four, v 18, of the northern tribes came, and Judah came unanimously.

v 13,14. A great number of people assembled at Jerusalem. Hoshea was king of Israel but was not as evil as those before him, 2 Ki. 17:2, so he had not objected to the people coming for the Passover. Hezekiah had been so busy doing positive things, apparently he had not taken time to remove the heathen altars scattered all over the city. All the crowd took them to the dump along Brook Kidron.

v 15-19. The priests and Levites who had not sanctified themselves the first month were ashamed and did so, so they could serve and sprinkle blood of Passover offerings. Ordinarily a man put his hand on the head of his offering, but many of them were ceremonially unclean, so the Levites did that for them. All the people went ahead and ate the Passover even though not cleansed according to the Law. When Hezekiah found out, he prayed for the Lord to pardon every one whose heart was right in seeking Him.

v 20-22. The Lord not only forgave the people, but healed, that is, gave them health, comfort and peace. This was a wonderful week of “the feast”, with priests and Levites singing with loud instruments (not Christian Rock). Not only did the Levites teach, but the king even spoke encouragingly to them.

v 23--26. Just like some of our old fashioned revival meetings that kept going another week, everyone was enjoying themselves so much they decided to continue their celebration another seven days. Hezekiah was so pleased with this that he gave out of his own expense 1000 bulls and 7000 sheep and goats for the congregation, and the princes, or officials, gave 1000 bulls and 10,000 sheep. Many priests who had not sanctified themselves did so. Everyone was rejoicing in this great celebration, unlike any other since the dedication of Solomon’s temple. As the priests and Levites prayed and blessed the people in holy benediction, the Lord heard and blessed them.
Josiah’s was more organized and  offered more animals. But Hezekiah’s was spontaneous and lasted longer.

2 Chronicles 31

v 1. In a fitting follow up to this great revival, all the men at least who had been there went throughout Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh destroying every altar and item of idol worship they could find,  before returning to their homes. One wonders what kind of reaction they got from the people in Ephraim and Manasseh who had laughed them to scorn, 30:10.

v 2-4. Hezekiah restored the priests and Levites to the 24 divisions that had been set up by David, in 1 Chr. 27, and made everyone aware of their responsibilities. The people were to supply the prescribed offerings of Num. 28,29, but he generously supplied  them, since this had become a new thing to them. However, he commanded the people to bring in their tithes and offerings to support of the priests and Levites.

v 5-10. The people responded with enthusiasm in bringing in first fruits and tithes of all kinds of produce and livestock. From a couple weeks after the revival, when everyone had returned to their homes, till into the seventh month, they brought them and put them in piles. Hezekiah and the princes blessed the Lord and the people for their response. The people had neglected supporting the Levites as early as Jud. 17, when a young Levite was traveling because of no support. Since the people brought in their tithes and offerings, there was plenty to support the priests and Levites and there was a substantial amount left over.

v 11-13. Hezekiah commanded that chambers be made in the courts of the house of the Lord, and these piles of tithes, offerings and dedicated things were brought in and stored there. Along with Azariah, the priest, who was ruler of the temple, Hezekiah appointed Levites Conaniah and his brother and assistant, Shimei, along with ten supervisors under them, over the treasures.

v 14-18. The Levite Kore and six assistants were responsible for the distribution of these things to the priests in their 13 cities outside of Jerusalem, Josh. 21:13-19. They were entitled no matter what their rank, and even priest’s sons three years and older received an allowance because they would some day be priests. However, the Levites received a portion only if they were 20 years old or older. There were more Levites than priests, but the families of both were to be supported in this manner. The Law of Moses forbade them from working secular jobs to support themselves, Num. 18:21-24, but lack of support brought about the problem earlier mentioned, Jud.17.

v 19. They were also to provide for any priests or Levites who did not live in Jerusalem or the appointed cities.

v 20,21. All Hezekiah’s reforms he did in total compliance with the commandment of the Lord. Neither did he do it grudgingly, but with his whole heart. While he was being prospered by the Lord, the sinful northern kingdom was declining: [1] Hoshea’s sin and defeat, 2 Ki. 17:3-6; 18:9-12.  [2] Sins which led to Israel’s captivity in Assyria, 2 Ki. 17:7-23.  [3] Assyria repopulating Samaria with people from the north countries, the plague of lions and return of some Israelite priests to teach the new people about the true God, 2 Ki. 17:24-41.

2 Chronicles 32

v 1-8 comments are after 2 Ki. 18:13.

v 9-19 comments are included in 2 Ki. 18:14-37.

v 20-23 comments are after 2 Ki. 19:35.

v 24-33 are underlined in comments in 2 Ki. 20.

2 Chronicles 33

v 1-9 comments in 2 Ki, 21:1-9.

v 10 comments in 2 Ki. 21:10-16.

v 11-19. comments added between 2 Ki. 21:16 and 17.

v 20-23 comments in 2 Ki. 21:16-18.

v 21-25 comments in 2 Ki. 21:19-26.

2 Chronicles 34

v 1-7 Ordinarily if a man is wicked, his son may be more so, but Josiah is in great contrast to his wicked father Amon. Amon had followed the steps of Manasseh in his early days, but after his repentance and turn to the Lord, Manasseh may have been an influence for good on his grandson, Josiah. It is reasonable to assume that he may have held Josiah on his knee as he extolled the virtues of following the Lord, because Josiah was 6 years old when he died at the age of 61-67. A king at age 7, Joash had mechanically followed the leadership of Jehoiada in 2 Ki. 11 and 12, but lacked a personal commitment to God. Josiah, a king at age 8,  may have merely just followed in Manasseh’s later spiritual steps the first eight years of his reign, older men in government running the country much as it had been before. When he was 16 years old, he began to seek the Lord from his own conviction. Then when he was 20, he took full personal command of government  and began to purge Jerusalem and Judah of the high places and all kinds of idolatry, scattering the dust of the images over the graves of those who had worshiped them. He also burned the bones of the pagan priests on their own altars. His authority as king was limited to Judah, but as an envoy of God, he continued the destruction of the idols and altars of Canaanite worship through all the cities of Israel to the very northern limit. Apparently the Assyrian appointed rulers did not interfere in this religious matter. This is not the later reform where he destroyed Jeroboam’s altars etc. which is discussed in 2 Ki. 23:15-19 and 2 Chr. 34:33.

v 8-13 In Josiah’s 18th year, when he was 26 years old and he had completed purging all of Israel of idolatry, he turned his attention to the repair of the temple. He apparently had Levites collecting money for this purpose from Judah and the remnant  all over Israel while the purge was going on. Josiah commissioned officials, Shaphan a scribe, Maaseiah, governor of Jerusalem, and Joah the recorder, to be responsible for repair of the temple. They delivered the money to Hilkiah the priest to be counted and distributed to overseers to hire workmen and buy materials. The craftsmen were skilled in wood, stone and probably metal. The named overseers were  skilled musicians, sensitive to good artistry. Other Levites, who were scribes, officers and porters, oversaw all labor, from burden bearers to the most skilled. No general accounting was made of the money, because it was given to the workmen regularly and faithfully. Our Pentagon could not be run that way today?

v 14-17 While the temple was being repaired, Hilkiah the high priest was getting out money to pay workmen and came accidentally upon the book of the Law, the five books of Moses. He gave it to Shaphan the scribe, and he read it before making his report to the king. When he reported that the work and the payment of workmen was going on fine, he reported, almost as an after thought, that Hilkiah had found that book, and he read it before the king.

v 18-21 Josiah tore his clothes and wept at the words, possibly because he realized his reforms had not nearly fulfilled the great responsibility that Moses had given kings. All other copies had probably been destroyed by Manasseh, and Hilkiah only knew the rules pertaining to his own office. Josiah feared that the wrath of God would be upon the nation for disobedience so he sent him and four other important men, v 12, to Huldah the prophetess for instruction. Jeremiah, (Jer. 1:2),  Zephaniah, (Zeph 1:1) and possibly Nahum and Habakkuk were in the area, but perhaps they felt more comfortable going to her, an acquaintance, the wife of Shallum, who had charge of the royal or priestly wardrobe. Shallum may also have been Jeremiah’s uncle, Jer. 32:7. Her advice as a woman was just as valued as that of Miriam, Ex. 15:20, and Deborah, Jud. 4:4.

v 22-28 . Huldah sent the men back to Josiah with the message that since the people had disobeyed the Lord and worshiped other gods, He would indeed bring evil upon them in wrath which could not be quenched. This  included all the curses which were read in the book from Deut. 28:15-68 and Lev. 26:14-39. Concerning the king, his heart was tender and he had humbled himself before God, weeping and tearing his clothes. Therefore, he would die in peace before this judgment fell. He died 609 B C, four years before Nebuchadnezzar’s first attack on Jerusalem in 605. Death in the battle which he started may not seem like peace, but it was in peace from the terrible things which followed.

v 29,30 Josiah immediately took action and called in the elders, priests, Levites and inhabitants great and small from all over Judah. Then he read to them all the words of the book of the covenant which had been found in the house of the Lord.

v 33 Chr. 34:33 coincides with 4-19. It is strange that Josiah had not thoroughly purged the temple when he began his earlier reforms. Perhaps this was why he was so convicted when he heard the words from the book. Apparently his first reform was somewhat superficial, with no thought that priests were offering to Baal right in the holy temple. Now he goes about the destruction of idolatry with a passion. Vessels of Baal in Manasseh’s reform had been hidden in the temple instead of being destroyed, but now they are. Idolatrous priests are deposed, probably by death. The Ashera fertility pole which Manasseh put in the temple, 21:7, was burned at the brook Kidron. The houses of the male temple prostitutes were torn down as well as the tent of the women prostitutes. Josiah reassembled all the Levitical priests of the land and broke down the high places where they worshiped. They were not permitted to enter the cleansed temple, but were allowed to eat with their brethren. Even the governor of the city had a high place which Josiah broke down.  Topheth, v 10, means drums, for the drums which had been sounded to muffle the screams of children being offered in the fire. Sun worship, v 11, came from Babylon. Horses and chariots had been kept to ride out early to honor the sun, so the horses which were stabled in the temple courtyards were put to normal use and the chariots burned. (Not like the horses and chariots of fire seen around Elisha, 2 Ki 6:17.) Manasseh had made altars in the courts of the Lord, 2 Ki. 21:5, as well as on his flat roof, and these were destroyed. Solomon had built high places for the gods of his heathen wives, and those too were destroyed. In many places when pagan sacred stones and Ashera poles were removed and destroyed, human bones, probably of the pagan priests were put in the holes, making it unclean to offer sacrifices there again.

(Prophecy about Baal’s altar fulfilled 2 Ki. 23:15-20)

2 Chronicles 35

v 1-19  When Josiah rediscovered the Passover in the Book of the Covenant, he ordered everyone to observe the ceremonies exactly as prescribed. This Passove celebration was to have been a yearly holiday celebrated in remembrance of the entire nation's deliverance from slavery in Egypt ( Exodus 12 ) but it had not been kept for many years. Many people misunderstand that God is against celebration. God wants to give us life in its fullness ( John 10:10 ) and any one who love Him has a lot to celebrate,

v 20-27 Israel was a buffer state which nations to the north and south had to pass through in order to fight each other. Some 13 years after the great Passover, Neco of Egypt intended to pass through the land to aid the Assyrians against Babylon. Unlike Rabshakeh of 2 Ki. 18:25, he was not lying, but had actually received commission by dream, prophet or otherwise “from the mouth of God” that he was doing the command of God. Josiah was uneasy about this army going through to aid Assyrians and hoped to at least delay them, but if he had  done like David, he would have asked counsel of God before going out. He disguised himself as Ahab did, 1 Ki. 22:30, but was wounded by an arrow and moved from his war chariot to one of more comfort and taken back to Jerusalem, where he died. His people had not always heeded him as they ought, but just as many unsaved have for us today, they had great respect for him. Not only did the people mourn the loss of this good man, but Jeremiah gave a lamentation for him which the singers sang for a considerable time. It also became an ordinance for others to learn and sing. Josiah may be referred to in Lam. 4:20.

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kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk2 Kings 11

v 1-3. Comments also from 2 Chr. 22:10-12. Athaliah usurped the throne after Jehu killed Ahaziah. The Arabians had killed his brothers, 2 Chr, 22:1, so to make her kingdom sure, she had all her own grandsons killed. The exception was Joash, who was rescued by his Aunt Jehoshabeath, 2 Chr. 22:11. She was  the sister of Ahaziah and wife of Jehoiada the priest, and they hid Jehoash and his nurse in a bed chamber in the priest’s area of the house of God till he was seven years old. He would have been presumed killed.
v 4-12. See 2 Chr. 23. Jehoiada planned the coronation wisely. He gathered an assembly of Levites, heads of the people and other loyalists from all over Judah who did not support the Queen, under an oath of secrecy, and showed them the kings son. They included commanders over 100 soldiers, the Cherethites and Pelethites of 2 Sam. 8:18, and guards of the city and palace. He arranged them in three strategic locations,  a third porters at the temple door, a third at the king’s house, and a third at at the gate of the foundation. He armed them with the weapons in the temple which had been dedicated to the Lord by David. The two thirds of the guard not on duty on the Sabbath would be there.  It would be on the Sabbath, so people would not be out working, and they were to be in the court, but not enter into the house of the Lord. Anyone who broke through their ranks to get to the king must be killed. Everything was done as Jehoiada commanded, and the boy was brought out surrounded by his guards. They put a crown on him, gave him at least a portion of the law to hold, Deut. 17:18,19. At some point the priest anointed him with oil and he was proclaimed king. At this there was a loud clapping of hands and shouts of “God save the king”.
v 13-16. Athaliah came to find out what the celebration was all about. The little king with his crown was standing by a pillar toward the eastern part of the temple where kings usually stood to address the people in the temple area.  When she saw, she tore her clothes to show distress and called out “Treason”. Joash was the rightful heir of David’s throne and she was the one who had committed treason, so Jehoiada ordered that she be taken from the temple area and slain. This was where horses entered the palace grounds, not the horse gate of the city.
v 17-21. Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord, the king and the people that they would be the Lord’s people. They destroyed the house of Baal and killed it’s priest. He appointed officers over the house of the Lord and seated Joash on the throne. Joash was only seven years old, but he was followed the instruction of Jehoiada and the land rejoiced.
2 Kings 12 

v 1-3. Joash (Jehoash) began to reign when he was seven and reigned 40 years, from 835 -796 B.C. His mother, wife of Ahaziah, was Zibia of Beer-sheba. As long as Joash listened to instructions from Jehoiada, he was a good king. However, old habits are hard to break, and he was not able to remove all the high places of their worship.
v 4. Three kinds of offerings are mentioned here as in Lev. 23:38. Duet. 12:6
[1]  As Moses commanded one half shekel, Ex. 30:12 & 2 Chr. 24:6,9. 
[2]  Dedicated and vowed and value estimated, Lev. 27. (Min 3,  Max 50 shekels)
[3]  Free will offerings, Ex. 35:29 and many others places.
v 5-8. Compare with 2 Chr. 24:4-7. Joash’s idea was good, hurrying the priests and Levites all over Judah to collect money to repair the things destroyed or taken to the house of Baal by Athaliah’s wicked sons. But there was no responsibility attached to it, and they just went on using all the money for regular expenses, and the needed repairs were not done. No record is given as to how many years before his patience wore thin and he chided Jehoiada for not requiring it be done as Moses commanded.  He ordered that no more money be taken for this purpose but to get the job done.
v 9-16. Compare 2 Chr. 24:8-14. Now Joash assigned responsibility and had Jehoiada bore a hole in the lid of a chest and the doorkeeper assigned to put in all the money that came for that purpose . (Trespass and sin money continued to be used to support the priests, v 16.) Now individuals were responsible, and understanding how the money was to be used, princes and people gave abundantly. Using proper financial procedure, the accumulated money was counted, set aside, and paid directly to the repair people. Apparently they paid as money came in, and none of it was used for vessels, until the temple repairs were completed. The workman were more honest than the priests had been, and whatever it was worth, they were paid without question. Worship was done properly all the days of Jehoiada.
v 19-21.  2 Chr. 24: 15-19 tells of the death of Jehoiada at 110 years and his burial with the kings, for his good deeds. With his mentor gone, Joash, no depth of his own, was quickly led astray by the princes of Judah. He did not join them in their worship of idols, and even sent prophets among them to turn them to the Lord. However, he was not forceful, they paid no attention, and God began to judge Judah.
2 Chr. 24:20-22. Jehoiada’s son, Zechariah, denounced their action and told them the judgments of God were for their evil deeds. Joash was convicted, but instead of repenting, he became angry, and ordered that the messenger be killed, the son (or sons, v 25) of the  man who had saved his life and guided him through the years. At Zechariah’s death he committed them into the hand of the Lord, and we soon see Joash’s tragic end and later judgment on Judah for killing prophets.
2 Chr. 24:23,24. In judgment upon Joash, God allowed a small army of Syria to come in and kill all the princes of Judah and take back spoils.
2 Chr. 24:25-27. The Syrians left Joash badly wounded, and two of his servants, an Ammonite and a Moabite, killed him in vengeance (theirs or God’s) for him killing Zechariah. They may have also thought this would allay God’s judgment.

2 Kings 13

v 1,2. The first of Jehu’s sons, Jehoahaz, followed his example in repeating the sins of Jeroboam.
v 3-7. Jehoahaz (of Israel) was at least able to recognize God’s judgment in allowing Hazael to come in and oppress them, and he called out to God. Hazael was apparently doing the destruction Elisha predicted, 2 Ki. 8:12, and left Israel practically defenseless, v 7. God was merciful to Israel and restored them to peace, but they continued idol worship as Jeroboam had done. Their deliverer, v 5, was probably King Adad-nirari 3rd of Assyria who conquered nations from Damascus to Edom and Egypt. Israel had to pay him tribute, but were freed from the oppressions of Syria.
v 8-13. When Jehoahaz died, his son Jehoash reigned, but he continued following the sinful path laid down by Jeroboam. Jehoash of Israel began his reign when Joash of Judah was reigning, and in the second year of Jehoash of Israel, Amaziah began to reign over Judah.  Wars between them are described in 2 Ki. 14.
v 14-19. Even though Jehoash lived sinfully, he still had great respect for Elisha and wept over him on his death bed. The way he addressed Elisha showed that he considered him superior to himself, and that Elisha’s power came from God. Elisha gave him an illustration of victory over Syria by having him shoot an arrow out an east window, the direction which the Syrians controlled. By putting his hands on the kings hands, v 16, Elisha was showing that the power would come from the Lord. Elisha commanded him to smite the ground with the arrows, which probably meant as a bundle, not to shoot them out into the ground as he did the first one. Elisha had already explained that this was the arrow of deliverance, so he was angry that he only struck the ground three times. This had been a test of belief of beating the Syrians into the ground. His lack of belief meant he would only have three victories over Syria instead of beating them entirely.
v 20,21. After Elisha’s death, God still chose to work a miracle through him, no doubt for Jehoash’s benefit . Pall bearers were hurrying to escape Moabite raiders and the man whose body they tossed onto Elisha’s body was restored to life.
v 22-25. Even though Hazael had his hands full with Assyria, he still managed to be an irritation to Israel. In God’s mercy he allowed Jehoash to defeat Syria three times, as Elisha had promised, and was able to regain the captured cities.
2 Kings 14

v 1-4. This picks up the reign of Amaziah who began to reign after his father, Joash of Judah was killed by his servants, 12:21. Jehoiada the priest had given Joash two wives, 2 Chr, 24:3, and Amaziah was born to the one named Jehoadin. He was not as good a king as David, but more like his father Joash. Like him, did not succeed in removing the high places where the people worshipped, 12:3. 2 Chr. 25:1,2 says that he did not serve with a perfect heart.
v 5,6. As in 2 Chr. 25:3,4, After he was established he slew the servants who had killed his father, but spared the children as commanded by Moses, Deut. 24:16, repeated in Ez. 18:4,20. Children should not be put to death for the sins of their fathers.
v 7. 2 Chr. 25:5-13 give the full impact of this section. Amaziah assembled an army of 300,000 choice soldiers and hired an additional 100,000 mighty men out of Israel for about three and a fourth tons of silver. An unnamed man of God rebuked this ungodly alliance, compare 2 Cor. 6:14, and told him to send the soldiers of Israel home or he would fall in battle. Amaziah was willing to obey, but was concerned about all the silver he had already paid. He was told that God could give him much more than that. Amaziah was successful, killing 10,000 and  brutally throwing 10,000 more over a cliff to their death. However the soldiers from Israel were angry at being sent back without having a chance to join in the plunder, so they killed 3000 in Judah and took their own spoil. 
Amaziah did a wicked thing, 2 Chr. 25:14-16 , which set him up for defeat. He brought back gods from Seir and worshipped them as his own. This angered the Lord and he sent a prophet to rebuke him for following gods that could not even save their own nation. Amaziah as much as told him to shut up or be killed, so the prophet told him God would destroy him for not heeding his counsel.
v 8-10. 2 Chr. 25:17-19 From the action of Israel’s soldiers, Amaziah had good reason for attacking Israel, but now he does not have God with him. Joash the king of Israel tried to persuade him not to join battle, giving him a parable of a thistle that wanted to marry a Cedar in Lebanon, but a wild beast trampled the thistle. Then he made it plain. Amaziah was proud about his victory over Edom and should be content with that, not bring himself and Judah to harm by fighting Israel.
v 11-14. 2 Chr. 25:20-24  Amaziah insisted on battle, because it was of the Lord he be defeated for turning to the gods of Edom. Otherwise the Lord would surely have given him victory, but he was soundly defeated and all his army fled. Joash captured Amaziah at Bethshemesh and took him to Jerusalem to watch him tear down about 600 feet of the city wall. Then he took all the gold and silver and the vessels and the treasures of the house of God, plus unnumbered hostages back to Samaria.
v 15,16. Jehoash’s death is mentioned again as in 13:12-15, because he was holding Amaziah prisoner. When Jehoash died he was replaced by Jeroboam 2nd,
v 17-20. 2 Chr. 25:25-28. After Jehoash died, Amaziah was released and returned to Judah, and outlived Jehoash 15 years. After he returned to Judah he made his son, Azariah, his vice regent until he died. Unrest because of him turning from the Lord continued, and some, possibly his own officers conspired against him. He fled to Lachish with intent to cross the border out of Judah, but they caught up with him there, slew him, and brought him back to Jerusalem on horses for burial.
v 21,22. Azariah began to reign at sixteen when his father was taken captive, and after his death, he had sole reign. Building Elath on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba was his most significant action. He is the same as Uzziah and is discussed further in chapter 15 and 2 Chr. 26.
v 23-29. Jeroboam 2nd, son of Joash, did as his fathers in following the sins of Jeroboam, but God had pity on Israel because they were in bitter affliction from the Syrians, begun by Hazael, and had no deliverers. The northern nations were weak at his time, and God enabled him to use his military skill to restore all of his northern boundaries and east and south to the Dead Sea. This accomplishment had been prophesied previously by Jonah, but recorded no where else for us. We usually only think of Jonah in connection with his rebellion and reluctant ministry to Ninevah. His town was a liite north of Nazareth. Other prophets active during the reign of Jeroboam 2 were Amos and Hosea. He reigned a total of 41 years, longer than any of Israel’s kings before him. After his death, his son Zechariah reigned, the last of the four generations promised to Jehu. 
2 Kings 15

v 1-4. As in 14:21,22, Azariah, who was Uzziah, began to reign at sixteen when his father was taken captive, and after his death, he had sole reign. With 2 Chr. 26:1-5 we see that Jechiliah was his mother’s name, and he was a good king like his father, but neither was he able to remove the high places. As long as he followed the counsel of Zechariah, the Lord caused him to prosper. He reigned 52 years, which was longer than any of the kings of Israel and Judah to this date (Manasseh 55). Later in this chapter we will see that Israel had seven kings during the time of his reign. Building Elath on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba was significant because Edom had taken it in rebellion against his great, great grandfather, Jehoram, 2 Chr. 21:8-10 .
2 Chr. 26:6-15 Tells of his other achievements. Verses 6-8 tell of capturing some Philistine cities and rebuilding others. He had victories over Arabians, Ammonites gave him tribute, and his fame went as far as Egypt. Within the country he built fortified towers including some in Jerusalem, probably in connection with rebuilding the wall torn down by Jehoash of Israel, 25:23. He had agricultural exploits, having wells dug for his many cattle, and vineyards which were his special hobby. Militarily, he had a large army with 2600 officers and 307,500 men. In addition to the usual and latest fighting equipment, he had slings to cast stones. In Jerusalem he had skillful men invent new devices to have on the walls and bulwarks to shoot arrows and great stones. This was modern warfare for that day and he increased in fame and power.
Engines were devices or inventions. Stones thrown were 50-300 pounds. Arrows were from small beams to large, and had a range of over a quarter of a mile. Battering rams had a metal head on a beam long enough to require 100-200 men to impel it. Heavier ones were on a movable tower and would really break down a wall.
v 5-7. The Lord smote Uzziah with leprosy for intruding into the priest’s office, and he had to dwell in a separate house from others, as required of a leper, till he died. Probably this was just outside the city wall. His son, Jotham, acted as his father’s executor over all the affairs of the land, then became king at Uzziah’s death.
2 Chr. 26:16-21 adds. With power, described in v 6-15, came pride, and he entered the temple to burn incense. Azariah the priest and 80 other priests rushed after him into the temple, told him only the sons of Aaron were to do that, and ordered him to leave. They warned that this would displease the Lord. He might have been spared if he had repented and quickly left, but he remained with the censer in his hand and became angry at them. While he stood in anger before them, leprosy broke out on his forehead. This made him ceremonially unclean, and though they would have thrust him out, he hastened out on his own. God no doubt forgave him, but his was a grave offense and he was cut off from the house of the Lord, which in many cases meant death. Ostracism as a leper continued after his death, and he was buried in the field near the kings, but not with them. Reference is made to Uzziah in Isaiah 1:1 and 6:1.
v 8-12. Zechariah only reigned over Israel 6 months before being murdered in public by Shallum, thus ending Jehu’s four descendant dynasty.
v 13-15. Shallum reigned one month and was murdered by Menahem.
v 16-22. Menahem was evil, knifed open pregnant women and reigned 10 years.
He extracted money from wealthy men to pay off Assyria with 37 tons of silver.
v 23,24. After he died, Pekahiah his son reigned for two years, doing evil.
v 25-28. Pekah apparently opposed Menahem’s conciliatory action with the king of Assyria, and while serving as a captain east of the Jordan, actually set up his own government there, overlapping the reign of Pekahiah. When the time was right he conspired with 50 men from Gilead and killed Pekahiah and two others, possibly princes, in the most secure part of the palace, and continued his reign another 18 years, for a total of 20. He was another wicked king,
v 29-31. It seems that in Pekah’s get tough policy he made a treaty with Rezin, king of Damascus against Assyria. So Tiglath-Pileazar 3rd led a campaign against Israel. He took all of Gilead east of the Jordan and all of Galilee in northern Israel. He also deported many of the people to Assyria. This first deportation for the wickedness of Israel was about 733 B C, and the second was eleven years later, 722 B C. As a result of Pekah’s defeat, Hoshea conspired and murdered him and became king. On an Assyrian inscription, Tiglath-Pileazar 3rd claims to have helped Hoshea get the throne, so we assume he cooperated with Assyria like Menahem and Pekahiah had.
v 32-35. Jotham was sole ruler of Judah for 16 years after his father, Uzziah, died. (The 16 years Jotham ruled did not include 11 years he reigned with his father or 4 years he reigned with his son.) He was good like Uzziah was before he entered the temple, but did not remove the high places. The only one of his accomplishments mentioned here is building the north gate of the temple. This was probably to make it convenient and encourage people to worship the Lord.
2 Chronicles 27 adds:  He did not make the mistake of entering the temple as his father had, but the people were corrupt. In addition to the north gate, he fortified the Ophel, or hilly, part of the old wall of Jerusalem. He also continued his father’s projects of rural fortifications. He overcame the Ammonites and they made him large payments of silver, wheat and barley for each of three years. His greatness was because he followed the Lord.
v 36-38. In the latter years of his reign, Jotham and his co regent, Ahaz, were harassed by Pekah of Israel and Rezin, king of Syria. This was at the time of Pekah’s alliance with Rezin mentioned in comments on v 29-31, and they were trying to get him to make an alliance with them against Assyria. To their credit, their faith in the Lord held firm and they did not make an alliance with the wicked. Ahaz replaced Jotham, and for his failures due to sin, see 2 Ki. 16. 
2 Kings 16

v 1-4. Apparently Ahaz was vice-regent under Jotham four years. Jotham was unable to remove the high places, but Ahaz sacrificed and burnt incense on the high places and promoted a proliferation of them. He was wicked and even sacrificed one of his sons (Obviously not Hezekiah) as a burnt offering as the heathen did, particularly in worship of Molech.
 2 Chr. 28:1-4 add that more than one child was offered, and the most prominent place was the Valley of Hinnom, later called Gehenna. (Because of these sacrificial offerings as well as garbage constantly burning, it became another name for Hell.)
v 5,6. Rezin of Syria and Pekah of Israel tried to force Ahaz into joining them in an alliance to resist Assyria. They did not succeed in this, but they did take Elath on the Gulf of Aqaba from him, which had been built up by Azariah a few years before. Thus it passed into Syrian hands, and later to the Edomites.
2 Chr. 28:5-15 add considerable detail. It was because of Ahaz’s wickedness that the Lord allowed Rezin and Pekah to come against him. They slew 120,000 valiant men in one day, because Judah had forsaken God. Zichri from Ephraim killed prince Maaseiah, also the governor of the house and the kings assistant. Israel also took to Samaria 200,000 women and children for slaves, and much spoil. The prophet, Oded, met the returning group and rebuked them for taking captives from Judah. They had been delivered because of Judah’s sin, but Israel had also sinned and the wrath of God was upon Israel. The named princes of Ephraim stood up against them and forbade them to bring the captives or they would incur great wrath from God. The army left the people in the hands of the princes and congregation, who fed, clothed and anointed the captives. Then they were put on donkeys and returned as far as Jericho from where they would be repatriated to their homes.
v 7-9 Instead of calling on God for help, Ahaz called on Tiglath-pileasar king of Assyria, but it was at a high price of the silver and gold from the house of the Lord and treasures that were in the King’s house. In response, Assyria took Damascus, carrying away captives to Kir to relocate them, and killing king Rezin.
v 10-16. Then Ahaz went to Damascus to see King Tiglath-pileasar, and was so impressed by a large heathen altar that he sent instructions to Urijah the priest to construct another just like it. The priesthood had so declined that he readily complied and had it built before Ahaz returned. When he returned he moved the old altar aside to give the new one a more prominent place, and offered on it. He instructed that all other offerings be made on that great altar, and the old one would only be used when he wanted guidance from the Lord. (When all else fails, turn to the Lord, as some say.)
v 17,18. He took the basins from the ten movable stands of 1 Ki. 7:23-26, and took the bronze oxen from under the bronze sea and placed it on a pavement of stones. He also removed a special covering for use on the Sabbath, the royal entry way into the temple, probably because he didn’t intend to use it much, and it somehow seemed to offend the king of Assyria. All these actions desecrated the temple and seemed to limit the purification  of the priests.
2 Chr. 28:16-25 add to verses 7-18: Ahaz was not satisfied that Israel would not come after him again, and because of his wickedness, Edom and Philistines began to cause trouble. Instead of calling on God, he called upon the king of Assyria. Isaiah tried to talk him out of it, Isa. 7:4-9, but he wouldn’t listen. The king of Assyria came and pressured Ahaz into some of the destruction at the temple, probably taking the above mentioned bronze items as well as other treasures for bribe, but didn’t help him. As times got tougher, Ahaz just turned farther from the Lord. Since the Syrians had overpowered him, he decided the Syrian gods were the powerful ones, so he started worshiping them. After making merchandise of the vessels of the temple, he barred the doors and made heathen altars all over Jerusalem and Judah, incurring more wrath from God.
v 19,20. Ahaz was buried in Jerusalem, but not in the royal sepulchers, which would indicate there were still some people in Judah who did not approve of Ahaz. His  son Hezekiah will be a sharp contrast by his obedience to God.
2 Kings 17

v 1,2. This chapter leaves Judah and goes back to Israel. Hoshea assassinated Pekah, 15:30, and continued to do evil, but not as bad as the kings before him. Some Jewish tradition is, he may have even permitted people to go to Jerusalem to worship.
v 3,4. He came under the power of the king of Assyria, Shalmanezer, successor to his father Tiglath-Pileazar 3rd, and gave him tribute. Then he decided to rebel, not pay tribute and call on Egypt for help. Egypt could not or would not help, and the king of Assyria bound him in prison.
v 5,6. The king of Assyria over ran all of Israel, but it took three years of siege to capture the city of Samaria. Then he took captives of Israel and repopulated them throughout Assyria. In a little over two centuries, from 931-722 B C, Israel ceased to exist as a nation. All her kings were wicked, and seven of the 20 were assassinated.
v 7--13. Israel had gone full circle, from deliverance from Egypt to Hoshea calling on Egypt for help. Starting with Jeroboam 1, Israel had followed all the practices of the gods of the heathen of the land. They built innumerable places to worship these false gods and serve idols. Some of the things they had done in secret, but the Lord knew. God even sent many prophets to warn the people to turn from sin and back to God.
v 14-17. Israel did not listen to the prophets but continued to harden their necks, (hearts) rejected all of God’s commandments, worshiped the two gold calves, made by Jeroboam, Baal, and astrologers. They practiced all kinds of divination and sorcery, and even offered their children as sacrifices to placate  these false gods.
v 18--23. The Lord was very angry with all of Israel and removed them from the land except Judah, and Judah also had been disobedient. God forcibly removed Israel out of the land by the spoilers He permitted to come in, because they had continued in the sins which Jeroboam had introduced into the land. So Israel was deported to Assyria, as God had been warning through His prophets.
v 24-28. The  king by this time was probably Sargon 2, because Shalmanezer died about the time of the end of the siege of Samaria. Assyria repopulated the land with influential people captured from other lands, but they did not fear the Lord, so the Lord sent lions among them. The people recognized or believed by superstition of gods, that the lion trouble was because they did not know the God of the land. The king of Assyria ordered that one of the captured priests be returned to teach the people the manner of the God of the land. So one of the priests came to Bethel, where he taught them how they should fear the Lord.
v 29-33. The people simply added the Lord to their other gods and continued to worship them in the many high places and burned children for sacrifice. They said they feared God, but they made common people to be priests in the high places and went on serving their own gods as before.
v 34-41. These verses loosely reiterate commands to serve the Lord only, and emphasizes that these people just added the Lord to the list of gods they served.
Of the 20 kings of Israel, I believe only one died a natural death.
2 Kings 18

v 1,2. Time of Hezekiah’s reign allows Ahaz to have been only 11 or 12 years old when Hezekiah was born, so we must assume Ahaz was past that age and  Hezekiah was co-regent with him a few years. Of kings of Judah, Asa, Jehoshaphat and Josiah it is said they did what was right in the sight of the Lord but not like David. But Hezekiah came on strong doing “according to all” David had done. It is strange that after the influence of his wicked father, Ahaz, that he would be so zealous for the Lord, but it only shows what the grace of God can do in anyone. Even Urijah the priest cooperated with Ahaz in setting up the wicked altar, 2 Ki. 16:11-16, so Isaiah may have had much more contact and influence on Hezekiah than Scripture records. He had a Godly mother, but each is responsible for himself. It may be he saw how his father’s actions were bringing the judgment of God. He was mature when he began full regency, different than Joash 7, and Josiah, 8.   See also a parallel text for the whole chapter in Isa. 36. 
v 3. Compare 2 Chron. 30:5-10.  In doing right he invited the rest of Israel to come worship with Judah. Some came, most mocked and ridiculed. (Ilus. The family that ridiculed my invitations to them until they  were in spiritual trouble, then walked across the fields to see me.) See 2 Chr. 29, 30, 31 for Hezekiah’s reforms.
v 4-6. The brazen serpent had become an object of worship instead a symbol of faith. As such it was Nehushtan - filthy. Hezekiah not only removed the high places and idolatry, but trusted, faithfully followed and obeyed the Lord like no other king of Judah before or after him. See 2 Chr. 29:3-31:21.
v 7,8. Because he followed the Lord, God prospered him, enabling him to rebel out from under Assyria, and to defeat the Philistines every where he went. Rebellion against Assyrian precipitated their invasion of 18:13-19:36.
v 9-12. This shows the time element of Israel in relationship to Judah, and repeats the overthrow of Israel because of their disobedience to God, as in 17:3-6.
v 13. When Hezekiah rebelled against Assyria, it was tied up controlling Babylon, so anticipating retaliation he (1) made alliance with the surrounding nations. However the Assyrians conquered the surrounding nations one by one, then turned and took all the fortified cities of Judah. (Sennacherib’s inscription refers to capturing 46 strong cities and many villages.)
Insert from 2 Chr. 32:2-8 When Hezekiah saw that an attack on Jerusalem was imminent, he decided with his princes to have all the nearby springs stopped, which would also stop most of the water running down the brook at that time of year. This would force the enemy to have to haul in water for their army and horses. He also built up his fortifications, including an outer wall. He assembled weapons,  appointed captains, and spoke encouraging words to the people. He assured them that though the enemy had superior numbers, God would help Jerusalem to fight their battles.
v 14-16. The Assyrians set up camp in Lachish in preparation for the siege of Jerusalem.  Hezekiah confessed his error against Assyria but should have (2) confessed it before God. He (3) compromised with the enemy by giving him about 11 tons of silver, and about a ton of gold, some of which he obtained by stripping the temple doors of gold. 
(Insert from Isaiah 36:1 First invasion of Judah was when Hezekiah paid tribute. Israel had already fallen. Isa. 36:2 and on begins with I Ki. 1:13, and in verse 17, Isaiah had been sent to Ahaz at the same location, conduit of the upper field, and he was told Aram-Israel would not succeed, but he lacked faith to ask for a sign. Hezekiah now faces a test as his men talk there with Sennacherib.)
v 17,18. Sennacherib sent a great host in spite of the gold ransom, with intent to terrorize Jerusalem and cause it to surrender without a fight. The results of Hezekiah’s compromise continued. Compromising with sin has long lasting effects.
v 19-22. Assyrian Rabshakeh rightly mocked Israel for trusting in Egypt, but he thought Hezekiah had offended God by tearing down the high places and having worship at one Jerusalem altar. (Unsaved don’t understand our stand for the Lord.)
v 24,25. He intimidated by inferring Israel wouldn’t know how to use the horses it they had them. Then he lied, “God told me to attack Jerusalem.” Compare Gal. 1:8 and 1 Kings 13:24. Don’t even believe an angel if it is contrary to God’s word.
It was in God’s plan that Assyria eventually overrun Judah because of their sins, so some think it is possible this was a command from God. Compare 2 Chr. 36:20,21, where apparently God did instruct Neco of Egypt, or Isa. 45:1-6, where God definitely instructed Cyrus. However, in this case he had broken the agreement to withdraw after payment was made, he did not honor the customary request not to speak in the Jews language, he misrepresented what captivity would be like, and blasphemed God. So I insist on the view that he was definitely lying about his instruction from God.  
v 26-30. The Jewish representatives wanted Rabshakeh not to speak in the Jews language, because it would make them fearful. That was just the thing he wanted to do, so he only talked louder, telling how foolish it was to trust God for deliverance.
v 31,32. He implied captivity would be a nice land of plenty. Like Satan tempting Eve. The Rabshakeh didn’t mention how their sons would be made eunuchs etc.
v 33-35. He continued to seek to undermine Hezekiah’s leadership and pointed out that if the gods of all the other countries hadn’t been able to deliver them from him, then it was useless to expect the Lord could deliver them.
2 Chr. 32:11-17 adds intimidation that Hezekiah would have them die of famine and thirst if they trusted in God for help. Also that none of the other gods could help their nations, so it was ridiculous to let Hezekiah deceive them into thinking God could deliver them. (He must have heard of Hezekiah’s deep trust in the Lord.)
v 36,37. All the people on guard or watching from the wall were faithful to the words of Hezekiah that they should not answer. The Jewish representatives then tore their clothes and reported the message to Hezekiah. 

2 Kings 19

v 1-5. Hezekiah tore his clothes and put on sackcloth as a part of his deep grief. This time, instead of appealing to other nations, he appealed to God and to His prophet, Isaiah. Hezekiah is concerned for the remnant of Jews left in the city, and he possibly shows even more concern for the way Rabshakeh reproached the Lord.
v 6,7. Isaiah assures him from the Lord, that he need not fear Rabshakeh and Sennacherib. The latter will hear a rumor, v 8,9; return to his own land and there be assassinated by two of his sons, v 36,37.
v 8-13. These battles are what he heard rumors of in v 7. He warns Hezekiah not to trust God, even while he is being moved out by God. He threatens him that none of the gods of the other nations could save them.
v 14. When Hezekiah read the letter from the messengers he immediately went to the house of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord, even though the Lord already knew it’s contents. It is all right for us to lay out a message or our problem before the Lord in the very same manner.
v 15. Notice how he honors God at the very start of his prayer. Compare Matt. 6:9.
v 17-19.  Hezekiah calls on God to notice how Sennacherib had reproached God, but they have destroyed other nations because they had false gods. He is not praying for deliverance for any personal reason, but to show all nations that He is the one true God. Hezekiah’s prayer is to vindicate the Lord. Contrast his selfish prayer, 20:3.
v 20. Isaiah assured Hezekiah that the Lord had heard his prayer.
v 21-26. Now God elaborates that Jerusalem will mock Sennacherib. He had not only reproached Jerusalem, but he had reproached the Lord, 2 Chr. 32:17, a big mistake. That bad king had boasted that his conquests were all because of his own strength, but the Lord points out that He had permitted them to be weak and  overrun.
v 27,28. God is aware of the Assyrian’s rage against Him, and because of that rage, God will permit enemies to lead them captive by a ring in the nose, just as they have done to their victims, thus humbling them. (A game warden once had a rage against God and Christians, wouldn’t listen to witness and tried desperately to catch me in some wrong doing. He even denounced without the slightest evidence, it was Christians of our own church who broke into our house while we were gone to church.) 
v 29-34. In  the near future Assyria would stop the siege and return to their own land without entering the city. The Jews would be able to eat harvest of volunteer crops, and the third year they would plant and harvest normally. This illustrated how the number of the people who had been decimated by Assyria would quickly multiply. Judah had sinned, so this deliverance was coming for the sake of the Lord Himself, and for his promise to David.
v 35. This supernatural slaughter by the death angel of 185,000, including mighty men, leaders and captains in one night must have made Sennacherib realize that this was truly the hand of God, so he left in shame, 2 Chr. 32:21.
2 Chr. 32:23. The prosperity here would be after the revival, 2 Chr. 31:1-21.
v 36,37. Some years later, as Sennacherib was worshiping his false god, who was powerless to help him in his own temple, he was assassinated by his own sons in fulfillment of v 7. They escaped to the land of Armenia (Ararat) and Esarhadden, his son, reigned in his stead.

2 Kings 20

v 1. We see in verse 6 that God added 15 years to Hezekiah’s life at this point, and since he reigned 29 years, this was the 14th year of his reign, the same year that Sennacherib invaded Judah, 18:13. God put him to a test, saying he would die.
v 2,3. Ahab turned his face to the wall and pouted, 1 Ki. 21:4, but Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed. Hezekiah’s grief, was especially for the culture of those days is understandable. He was not married yet and, according to Josephus, had no son to succeed him on the throne. He was also concerned that he might be able to help the people against the impending invasion of Sennacherib. However instead of humbly beseeching the Lord, he asked God for healing on the basis of all the good things he had done. Certainly he learned from the experience, which accounted for the very noble prayer later, which is  recorded in 19:14-19.
v 4-6. Before Isaiah had left the court, God told him to return with the message that God had heard the prayer and on the third day (day after tomorrow), he would go worship in the temple. He would also have 15 added years, and God would deliver the city from Assyria. This would be on the basis of God’s own and David’s sake, not because of the good things Hezekiah had done. This accounts for Hezekiah humbly, and in total respect, claiming God’s promise in 19:14-19.
v 7. This boil had nearly caused Hezekiah’s death, but God instructed Isaiah the proper treatment, a fig poultice. This was a common treatment and was of therapeutic value here, not like when Elisha tossed salt in the water to purify it, 2 Ki. 2:21. However, the speed of recovery proved that the healing power was still a miracle from God.
v 8-11. Hezekiah was so ill that it seemed incredible that he could be up and about on the third day. He asked for a sign, also 2 Chr. 32:24, Not that he doubted God, but such a great thing was worthy of confirmation. Various Israelites of those days asked for a sign, and if it  strengthened their faith, God readily provided it. Hezekiah chose the thing most unlikely, that the shadow would go back 10 degrees on the dial of Ahaz. Probably this dial (or set of 10 steps as some think) could be seen from his bedroom window. Some think the rotation of all the planets would not be changed and this was a local occurrence, as they think happened when the sun and moon stood still, Josh. 10:13. Certainly the God who created the entire universe and maintains it, Col. 1:16.17, has the power to altar any of it’s rotations at any time He chooses. The Babylonians apparently experienced the same thing, as that was their purpose in coming to inquire, 2 Chr. 32:31.
Isaiah 38:21,22 merely mention the lump of figs and Hezekiah asking for a sign. However verses 9-20 give extended writing of Hezekiah about his grief that he was going to die, and his bitterness. He acknowledges God forgave his sin and his healing was from the Lord. The dead could not praise God but the living could, so he would sing praises unto him for the rest of his life. (Look this portion up and read it.)
v 12,13. This portion merely mentions their coming to bring Hezekiah a present. They worshipped the sun and Hezekiah’s God proved to be greater than the sun, so they wanted to be on friendly terms with him as they were attempting to throw off the Assyrian yoke on themselves. The Babylonian king had been deposed by Assyria and was ruling from exile, so he was trying to make alliance with other kings. Hezekiah failed to give God credit for the healing, his wealth or for the miracle of the universe. He showed these things in pride, possibly also to let him know how Judah could give to their joint efforts against Assyria. He should have been showing him the temple, the book of the law and their manner of worship, that they would come to know God. The order of events during 701 BC seem to be. [1] Hezekiah’s illness; [2] Merodach-Baladan’s visit; [3] Sennacherib’s attack in which Hezekiah gave him the gold etc.
v 14,15. Hezekiah freely gave complete answer to Isaiah, apparently not realizing he had done anything but what was a good political idea.
v 16-18.  Because of Hezekiah’s pride, 2 Chr. 32:25,  God told him through Isaiah that all the things of value he had shown the Babylonians, they would carry to their country. (This would be the golden vessels and all except those things which were given to Sennacherib, 18:15,16. Also things accumulated after this date.) By Isaiah’s words, Hezekiah learned that he would marry and have sons, but some of them would be taken away and made eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon. This did not mean upon his own sons, but his descendants, some 120  years later.
v 19. Hezekiah repented of his pride, 2 Chr. 32:26, and accepted that God’s judgment was right, in fact good, better than he deserved. He was grateful that God would allow peace and security in his lifetime. He seems inconsiderate of the trouble his descendants would experience, but even so he recognizes God’s actions as good.
Perhaps in our eagerness to be caught up at the Rapture away from the struggles of this world, we may seem inconsiderate of those who will remain. However, God’s judgment is good. Those who have rejected the Word have had their chance to turn to God. Those who have not heard, or or perhaps born in an interval between the Rapture and the Tribulation, will experience many terrible things, but they too will have a choice.
v 20,21. More details in 2 Chr. 32:27-33. Hezekiah had great riches, honor and might. He had treasures of costly items and storage for much produce and livestock, and built agricultural settlements and villages. His feats included rerouting the water supply from Gihon spring in the east, to the west side of Jerusalem into the pool of Siloam. This was a 1,777 foot tunnel through solid rock, with workmen starting at each end and meeting in the middle. Hezekiah was buried with honor among his royal ancestors in Jerusalem, and Manasseh reigned.
Schofield gives the sequence of events in Hezekiah’s life as follows:
[1] Hezekiah threw off the Assyrian yoke, 2 Ki. 18:7
[2] His successful Philistine campaign, 2 Ki. 18:8
[3] Sennacherib’s first invasion of Judah, 2 Ki. 18:13-16
[4] Hezekiah’s illness and recovery, 2 Ki. 20:1-11
[5] Hezekiah’s imprudent exposure of his defenses and wealth to the Babylonian embassy, 2 Ki. 20:12-19; 2 Chr. 32:25-26:31; Isa. 39
[6] Hezekiah’s wealth and building, 2 Chr. 32:27-29
[7] Sennacherib’s 2nd invasion of Judah and God’s miraculous deliverance in answer to prayer, 2 Ki. 18:17-19:37; 2 Chr. 32:1-23,30; Isa. 36:2-37:38
[8] Hezekiah’s death, 2 Ki. 20:20-21; 2 Chr. 32:32-33.
This seems pretty good, but there may be room for more study.
2 Kings 21

v 1. Manasseh was born three years after Hezekiah’s great sickness, and at twelve years of age, began as vice-regent  with his father. For some reason, God allowed him to reign 55 years, longer than any other king of Israel or Judah.
v 2,3. Apparently proud of being a ruler at such a young age, he fell easy prey to flatterers who secretly objected to Hezekiah’s reforms. It is also strongly possible that Hezekiah’s later life were not exemplary. He reverted to every bad thing Grandfather Ahaz had done and worse, 2 Ki. 16:3,4. He made an idol as wicked Ahab of Israel had done. We must look to 2 Chronicles 33 for his captivity in Babylon and repentance.
v 4-9. Manasseh desecrated the temple by building altars to idols and astrology (2 Ki. 17:16) figures in heaven, right in the temple and the two courts. In addition to offering his son (children, 2 Chr. 33:6) on an altar, he consulted mediums, wizards etc. contrary to Moses.  He even set up an Ashera fertility pole right in the temple, which God had set as the place where His name was to be exalted. God had promised David and Solomon that the temple and His people would be permanent if they obeyed His commands. Manasseh not only sinned, but seduced the rest of the nation to sin worse than heathen nations that the Lord had destroyed before Israel.
v 10. The Lord had been sending prophets to both Israel and Judah to warn them.
v 11-16. The Amorites were one of the most wicked nations driven from the land, yet Manasseh was more wicked, and caused the rest of Judah to worship idols. The Lord would bring shocking destruction on Judah. They would be measured out for destruction as Samaria had been. This would be to cleanse out the filth and lay them aside for a time, just as a dish is laid aside after cleansing. Israel had provoked God from the days of Moses, but now so severely that He is giving them over to the enemy.  Manasseh disregarded justice and shed innocent blood throughout the land.
[Jewish tradition says that he had Isaiah killed for rebuking his sin. That Isaiah hid in a hollow cedar tree, they fastened him in and sawed both in two.]
2 Chronicles 33:11-19 tells of Manasseh’s capture by Assyrians and taken in chains and fetters to Babylon. Though he had been so wicked, when he was afflicted he sought the Lord, humbled himself and prayed. God heard his prayer and returned him to Jerusalem, so he was convinced that God is the Lord. After his return, he built a high outer wall for the original portion of the city, and put officers over fortresses all over Judah. He was a good illustration of what God can do to wicked men who turn to him. He removed all traces of idol worship which he had built, then repaired and started giving offerings on the altar of the Lord. The people still worshiped in high places, but not to idols, only to the Lord.
v 17,18. He was not buried with the kings, but in a garden on his own property.
v 19-22. His son Amon was just as inclined to evil as he had been. 2 Chr. 33:23 add that he did not humble himself as his father did, but went deeper in sin. Manasseh’s repentance came to late to turn Amon to the Lord, but his years of repentance may have had a dynamic influence on his little grandson, Josiah.
v 23-26. Amon’s servants assassinated him, and the people executed them and made little Josiah king. Amon was buried with his father.
2 Kings 22

2 Kings 23

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2 Chronicles 36 

v 1-5 Includes 2 Chr, 36:1-5. Three of Josiah’s named sons were kings. The people, v 30, anointed the middle son, Jehoahaz king. His grandfather was not the prophet Jeremiah. He did evil and must have antagonized Pharaoh-neco, because after three months he took him captive to Riblah, 65 miles north of Damascus, while he went on to fight Babylonians at Haran. Then he sent Jehoahaz to Egypt where he eventually died, made Josiah’s son Eliakim king, and to show his authority, changed his name to Jehoiakim. He had not been the people’s choice, and Neco probably thought he was weak and easier to control than Jehoahaz. He fined Judah  three and three fourths tons of silver and seventy five pounds of gold, which Jehoiakim provided by taxing the people according to his assessment. He did evil instead of following in the steps of his good father, Josiah. I am unable to account for His eleven year reign  as vassal under Egypt, and Babylon. Jeremiah and Daniel both state positively that Nebuchadnezzar came up in his third year, Jewish figuring, and took him  (the fourth year Babylonian figuring). Neither do commentaries give consistent explanation. 

v 6, 7 Jehoiakim rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar after three years and tried to get help from Egypt but could not. In his weak condition, the four named nations were sent against Judah as vassals of Nebuchadnezzar, but really from God in answer to prophecy, because Manasseh had killed so many innocent people in Judah, which the Lord could not overlook. This bloodshed also mentioned in 2 Ki. 21:16. 2 Chronicles 36:6,7 adds that Nebuchadnezzar bound Jehoiakim in fetters and took him to Babylon, along with some of the vessels of the temple, which he put in his own temple in Babylon. Daniel and some others were taken to Babylon in this first deportation from Judah, Dan. 1:1-6.  Apparently Jehoiakim was permitted to return and rule a while, but Jer. 22:17-19 says he shed innocent blood and was so wicked that he was drug outside Jerusalem like an ass to be buried.

v 8, 9 2 Chronicles 36:8,9 is more precise in that Jehoiachin actually reigned 3 months and ten days, but errs in him being 8 instead of 18 when he began his short evil reign. By this time Nebuchadnezzar, son of Nabopalasser had conquered Egypt and all nations between in the battle of Carchemish on the Euphrates.

v 10a Includes 2 Chronicles 34:10a. About eight years after the first attack, Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem, and Jehoiachin surrendered with his wives, mother, and all his important officers. 10,000 others were taken captive including 7,000 able soldiers,1000 smiths and craftsmen. Continued attacks had driven all leading people into Jerusalem. More like Daniel were wanted, and Ezekiel was taken. Only the poorest of the people were left. The temple and king’s house and large pieces were stripped of gold or cut up. Most of the remaining treasures and golden vessels such as those Belshazzar used, Dan. 5:2,3, were taken. This was the second of three times Nebuchadnezzar spoiled the temple.

v 10b-16 Includes 2 Chronicles 34:10b-13. In another show of power, Mattaniah, his successor, had his name changed to Zedekiah. Even though Jeremiah warned him, Jer. 22:1-22:9, he continued to do evil and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar in his ninth year. He was probably under pressure from nationalists to rebel This was the final deportation of Judah.                    
2 Chronicles 36:14-16. The reason for Judah’s captivity was because they did after the wicked nations around them, they polluted the temple, and mocked God’s prophets and misused them repeatedly.
1st deportation 604 BC in Jehoiakim’s reign ; 2nd deportation 597 BC in Jehoiachin’s reign ; 3rd deportation 586 BC in Zedekiah’s reign ; Return was 538 BC. The full 70 year captivity can only be figured on the dates used, keeping in mind a difference in the Jewish and Babylonian methods of dating.

v 17-21 Comparing with Jer. 37, 38, we see that Zedekiah made alliance with Egypt and the siege was lifted briefly while Nebuchadnezzar dealt with them, then resumed siege. The entire time was about a year and a half,  from the tenth day of the tenth month in the ninth year of Zedekiah to the ninth day of the fourth month of his eleventh year, with severe famine at the last. Possibly had water due to Hezekiah’s tunnel. The Babylonians broke through the wall one night and Zedekiah fled with the remaining soldiers through a gate between two walls in an attempt to get to the Jordan. He was caught near Jericho, soldiers were scattered and he was taken to Nebuchadnezzar’s headquarters at Riblah, by the Orontes River 65 miles north of Damascus, from where he was also fighting Tyre and other cities. There sentence was given and they killed Zedekiah’s sons before his eyes for mental torture. They put out his eyes so he could never hope to rebel again, killed all others who might seek to gain power, and took him in bronze fetters to Babylon.  About a month later, Aug. 14, 586 BC, so Nebuchadnezzar would never have to deal with rebellion and a long siege again, he sent commander Nebuzaradan with men to burn the temple and all other important houses in Jerusalem. Then they destroyed the wall so Jerusalem could not be defended. All the people in the city and all who had come out willingly were taken to Babylon, leaving only poor farmers to keep the land from becoming barren.
The magnificent bronze pillars, the bronze sea (basin), the bases and all utensils of bronze were broken up and taken to Babylon. Solomon had made all these in such size and quantity that the weight was not known. All of value or harm taken. Seraiah, chief priest and ancestor of Ezra, Ezra 7:1, along with all other priests and important men who remained in the city were taken to field headquarters in Riblah. These were the last who could stir up rebellion, so they were killed there. It was from Ramah that more were slain and Jeremiah was permitted to return, Jer. 40.

v 22,23 We hear no more of Zedekiah, but Jer. 34:5 indicates he did receive an honorable burial. After Jehoiachin had been in prison 37 years, the new Babylonian king, Evil-merodach, looked favorably upon him and released him from prison. He was treated better than all other kings there, given princely clothing, and in addition to being housed in the palace, he was given a daily allowance for the rest of his life. It seems likely, that like Manasseh, he may have repented and received God’s favor. The king may also have had respect to the long dynasty of David and even influenced by the prophet Daniel. This was the 36th year of the 70 year captivity, and the Lord may have used this to give the Jews hope of return. 
2 Chronicles 36:22,23. This is the first year of Cyrus over Babylon, but he had been a king for 20 years. It seemed profitable to him to repatriate captives to their lands and make his outlying areas friendly. Of course this was the work of the Spirit of the Lord on his heart. Then he was somehow introduced to Isa. 44:28, where he was named 150 years earlier as the one who would have Jerusalem and the temple rebuilt. The Spirit caused him to take this amazing prediction to heart, and he arranged for Jews to return if they chose. He had his own false gods, but he had to recognize the God of heaven.

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In the early 90's I started studing the bible by taking college courses, because I believe the Lord wanted me to become a pastor in a Nazarne Church. My goal has changed with all my studies. My wife and I have both joined the Catholic Church. I have read and compared numerous translations and commentaries in my many years of studying the bible. Some of these authorities disagree with each other. I come across information on studies and classes that I have taken 15 to 20 years before and I have no documentation of where it came from. Plus I have given away or returned many books for college classes that I have taken. So if I have failed to give someone the credit that is due them I ask for their forgiveness. The following is a list of translations and commentaries that I still have and use.

1. Apocrypha
2. Confessions of St Augustine
3. Divine Comedy of Dante (Henery Carytr)
4. King James Bible
5. LDS (Mormons)
6. Martin Luther
7. St John of the Cross
8. Budhist
9. Christian-King James
10. Hindu
11. Islam
12. Judaism
13. Sikh
14. Tao
15. Zoroastrian

OUR ETERNAL HOME by Richard W. Dehaan,
PROPHECY STUDY BIBLE by Tim Lahaye
READER'S DIGEST JESUS AND HIS TIMES by the Readers Digest Association Inc,
REFLECTING GOD STUDY BIBLE By Zondervan Corporation;
SAINT JOSEPH EDITION OF THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE by Catholic Book Publishing Co.
SEVEN KEYS TO FAMILY POWER by Billy Joe Daugherty,
SIX HOURS ONE FRIDAY by Max Lacado,
THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE by the Zondervan Corporation;
THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD by Jocyce Meyer,
THE BIBLE PROMISE BOOK by Babbour Publishing Inc,
THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER by Charles Mortimer Guilbert
THE BOOK OF HOPE by Tyndale House Publishiers, Inc,
THE BORN AGAIN CATHOLIC by Albert H. Boudreau,
THE CASE FOR CHRIST by Lee Strobel,
THE CATHOLIC ANSWER BOOK by Peter MJ Stravinsiasi
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF BIBLE KNOWLEDGE by Mark D. Taylor;
THE DAY CHRIST DIED by Jim Bishop,
THE GREAT BIBLE QUESTION AND ANWERS BOOK by Playmore Inc
THE HOME BIBLE STUDY COURSE by Dr. Harold L. Wilmington;
THE KING JAMES BIBLE ARCHAIE WORDS DEFIND by David W. Daniel
THE KING JAMES BIBLE COMPANION by David W. Daniels;
THE KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE by Thomas Nelson Publishers,
THE LAYMAN’S BIBLE  DICTIONARY by George W. Knight and Rayburn W. Ray;
THE LAYMAN’S PARALLEL NEW TESTAMENT by Zondervan Bible Publisher
THE LAYMAN'S LIST by Calance Stucup
THE MESSAGE BIBLE by Eugone H. Peterson,
THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE by World Catholic Press;
THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE Saint Joseph Edition;
THE NEW STRONG’S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE by James Strong LL. D S.T.D.;
THE RISKS AND REWARDS OF INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE by Cardinal Francis Arinze
THE TRINITY by Rose Publish
THE VERY FIRST ESTER by Paul L. Maier,
THE WAY CATHOLIC LIVING BIBLE by Tyndale House Publishers;
UNCHRISTIAN by David Kennan and Gabe Lyon
UNDERSTANDING GOD’S LOVE by Ronald Greib
VINE’S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT WORDS By W. E. Vine;
WHAT’S SO SECRET ABOUT THE RAPTURRE? By Christian Record Services, INC
WHEN GOD WINKS AT YOU by Tomas Nelson
WILLMINGTON’S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE by Dr. H.L. Willmington,
WOMAN OF FAITH STUDY BIBLE by Zschech/Heillsong
YESTERDAY TODAY AND FOREVER by New Leaf Press
YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS by Anthony Wilhen