Study the Bible in Two Years

Wednesday – 2 Chronicles 6-7

1.  The Lord used a dark cloud to indicate his presence in the temple. This is the same thing as the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, when the Lord ledIsraelout ofEgypt. When did the Lord use a similar cloud during the life of Jesus?  See Matthew 17:5. What does the Lord use today to indicate his presence with us?

2. In Solomon’s dedication prayer, he asks many times that the Lord would not neglect the prayers of his people, especially when they sin.   “Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive”   Solomon understands that God is not just in this man-made temple, but his primary dwelling has always been where?   Yet the temple serves as a “connection” for their prayers.  What connects our prayers to God the Father?  See 1 Timothy 2:5.

3.  How did the Lord show that this temple and the sacrifices were acceptable to him?  See 7:1. This happened the first time with the tabernacle at the time of Moses.  See Leviticus 9:23,24.  How did the Lord show that the sacrifice of Jesus was acceptable to him? It also has something to do with the temple!  See Matthew 27:51.

4. Probably the most famous verse from this book of the Bible is 7:14.  It is often used today to apply to the U.S.A.  There is one difference:  God was speaking to “my people,” which are the true believers.  The passage should be used to warn and encourage all Christians to do what?

Study the Bible in Two Years

Tuesday – 2 Chronicles 3-5

1.  As you read these chapters, use this diagram to help locate the items described.  Remember that a cubit is 1½ feet.  Note the wing span of the cherubim and their description, 3:10-13.  This type of angel is described holding the throne of God in Ezekiel 1.  How does that fit with theArk– the earthly symbol of God’s presence?  Where is the ark placed?  See 5:7-8.

2.  In Ezra’s day (remember, he’s the author), the extravagance of Solomon’s temple was only a memory.  Their rebuilt temple was the same size, but had none of the beauty and wealth that was poured into the first temple.  Was that necessarily a bad thing?  Compare worshiping in a humble mission church vs. a cathedral inEurope.  What makes a true house of God?

Study the Bible in Two Years

Monday –  2 Chronicles 1-2

1.  Ever since the early days of Samuel, about 80 years before this, the ark of the covenant had been separated from the tabernacle, or “Tent of Meeting.”  You might like to review why in 1 Samuel 4.  Where was the ark now?   The sacrifices and altar were done inGibeon, about 12 miles northeast.  The correct worship of the Lord had been disjointed for a long time. It’s a little bit like saying today:  “We worship here at Risen Savior, but if you want Holy Communion, you have to go toDaytona Beach.”

2.  AtGibeon, what did God say to Solomon?  How did Solomon respond?  Would you have responded in the same way?  How is the Lord’s reply in 1:11-12 an illustration of the passage:

“Seek first thekingdomofGodand his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33)?

3.  Gentiles are involved with building the temple!  Hiram, the King of Tyre, provided what types of things for the temple?  How many “aliens” worked on the temple, according to 2:17? “Aliens” means that these people were non-Jews or Gentiles.  They were not recent immigrants but had lived inPalestinefrom the beginning ofIsrael.  God’s house is for whom?

Study the Bible in Two Years

Saturday – 1 Chronicles 29

1.   The good example of one Christian often inspires other Christians to do the same. How did this work in David’s case?  See 29:3-6. What person in your congregation or from your past has provided an example for you to follow?

2.  What does 29:14-16 teach us about giving generously towards the Lord’s work?  What does the Lord desire in our hearts for offerings that are pleasing to him?  See 29:17.

3.  David was far from perfect.  Yet how did the Lord bless David’s humble and sincere devotion?  See 29:26-28 for the final summary of David’s life.  When you reach life’s end, what summary would you want people to write about you?

Study the Bible in Two Years

Friday – 1 Chronicles 28

1.  What evidence of God’s grace does David emphasize, that he and his family received?  See 28:4-7.   How has the Lord done the same for us?  See 2 Thess. 2:13 and John 15:16.

 2.  David encourages his son to serve the Lord not just in outward obedience but how?  See 28:9.  Why can’t you get away with devotion to the Lord by “going through the motions” of proper conduct?

3.  How did David receive the plans for the temple?  See 28:12,19.  This is a good description of how the Spirit inspired the writers of the Bible.  How does the Holy Spirit guide our thoughts?

4.  What encouragement did David give his son in 28:20.  Take those words to heart as you do the Lord’s work in your life.

Study the Bible in Two Years

Thursday – 1 Chronicles 23-27

To Start:   We are going to read chapter 23 and skim the contents of the other 4 chapters.  Once again, skip reading the lists of names!  That’s basically chapters 24-27.

1. Note that David made Solomon king before he died, unlike modern kings who rule until they die.  That is why it is sometimes hard to figure out the years of the kings in the Bible.

2.  What were the four main duties of the Levites?  See 23:4-5.  The biggest division is to take care of the Lord’s work, which is described in 23:28-31.  How would you compare these four divisions to the work in God’s church today?

2.  There are three sons of Levi, 23:6.  Under which son do you find Moses and Aaron?  For what duties were Aaron and his descendants set apart?

Study the Bible in Two Years

Wednesday – 1 Chronicles 22

1.  The Lord had forbidden David from building His house, for what reason?  See 22:8.  The work would be done by his son, Solomon, whose name is derived from “shalom,” peace.  What great promise does the Lord give in 22:10?  This is fulfilled only in one person – the one who would be the Prince of Peace!

2.  Note the extensive gathering of materials and precious metals.  How much gold?  How much silver?  The NIV footnotes tell you how much this really is in tons!!  But the most important thing David did to prepare is in 22:17-19.  What is that?

3.  We do not have the same need to build an extravagant sanctuary for the Lord.  Why not? The answer lies in the purpose of this temple.  It would be a place of worship, especially for what?  Look ahead to 23:31.  Why don’t we do that?  The temple would be theMost Holy Placefor the Ark of the Covenant, 22:19.  The ark was the earthly article associated with God’s actual presence with his people.  What do we have that is better?

Study the Bible in Two Years

Tuesday – 1 Chronicles 21

1.  What was wrong with David wanting to know the number of fighting men were in his land?  By itself it isn’t necessarily wrong, but Joab knows that David’s attitude is wrong and calls it sin.  What sin must have been in David’s heart?

2.  David is given three options as an earthly punishment for his sin.  How did David choose?  See 21:13.  Why was this a wise choice?

3.  The angel of the Lord appears at Araunah’s threshing floor.  It is good to know that threshing was done on tops of hills, where there would be a good breeze.  What does God command David to do?  See 21:18.  What did the Lord do with David’s sacrifice? See 21:26. This should remind you of a similar event in the life of Elijah.  How would this location become significant in the future? See 22:1  Is there any similar place in our lives?

Study the Bible in Two Years

Monday – 1 Chronicles 18-20

1.  These three chapters record many of David’s military victories.  The commander of his army is Joab, who works closely with his brother Abishai.  Both of them are David’s nephews, sons of David’s sister Zeruiah.   The Lord gave David victory over all the enemies that surroundedIsrael, all the way to what landmark?  See 18:3 and find it on a map.

2.  What did David do with all the precious metals he plundered in war?  See 18:11.  What would they be used for? See 18:8 for one of the items.  When the Lord gives his people wealth today, how can they thank him like David did?

3.  It is good to know that thekingdomofAmmon, with its capital of Rabbah, is just east of theJordan River.  Rabbah is still the capital of today’s country ofJordan, and it is calledAmman.  It is about 50 miles east ofJerusalem.  What foolish thing did the new king of Ammon do?  19:1-4.  Instead of trying to make peace, what did he do next?  What good example does General Joab give us when we face troubles or battles with our enemy, the devil?  See 19:13.

Study the Bible in Two Years

Saturday – 1 Chronicles 17

1.  David now has a fine palace and he wants to build a house for the Lord as well. How does the
Lord react?  See 17:4-6.   How necessary is it for God to have a fine house?  What does this say about churches we build today?

2.  Yet the Lord is honored by a fine temple, but David is not the one to build it.  Who will?
See 17:12.  The Lord is more concerned about building David’s “house.” 17:10. What is he talking about?  How is 17:14 fulfilled?

3.  Note what David says in his prayer about God’s promises, 17:23.  What promises of God do you cling to, where you might pray the same thing?