Category: Bible Journey

Amos 1-9: Justice and Righteousness

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(1-8) Amos begins by confronting the violence of Israel’s neighbors, but then turns his focus on Israel.  What sins does Amos confront?

2:6-8 –

3:9-10 –

4:1 –

4:4-5 –

5:7, 10-12 –

6:4-6, 12 –

8:4-6 –

How would you summarize the sins that Amos is confronting?  What does God want to see (5:24)?

How might we see these same sins in our country?  In our lives?

(2-9) How does Amos describe the judgment that is coming?

2:13-16, 3:11-15, 4:2-3, 5:1-2, 6:14, 8:7-10 –

4:12-13, 5:16-17, 7:7-9, 8:2-3 –

5:27, 7:17 –

5:18-20 –

8:11-12 –

9:1-10 –

(4-7) Our God judges sin, and yet he is also willing to show mercy.  How do we see his mercy in the following verses?

4:6-11 –

5:1 –

5:4-6, 14-15 –

7:1-6 –

How do we need to apply each of the above passages in our lives?

(9) What hope does Amos leave for the people?  For us?

v11-12 (see Acts 15:16-17) –

v13-15 –

Reflections on II Chronicles 25-28

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Three pretty good kings reign, followed by one evil king.  Consider:

  • Prone to Wander – Amaziah did what was right in God’s eyes, but later he set up and worshipped Edom’s gods. Uzziah did what was right in God’s eyes, but later grew proud and entered the temple which he was not supposed to do.  Are you persevering in your walk with God, or have you started to wander?
  • Need for Instructors – Uzziah set himself to seek the Lord and had Zechariah instruct him in the fear of God (26:5) – in the same way Joash had had Jehoida to instruct him. Are you seeking the Lord?  Whose instruction are you seeking?

Reflections on II Kings 14-17

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Kings and kingdoms come, and kings and kingdoms go.  Note:

  • The Summary of Your Life – King after king comes onto the scene, reigns, and dies. And this book summarizes each one by only one standard – did he do right in the eyes of the Lord or evil in God’s sight?  What matters most is your how you live in relation to God.  How will your life be summarized?  Even the kings who did right often had exceptions noted.  Are there exceptions in your life you need to deal with?
  • Sin and Consequences – According to chapter 17, God dispersed the nation of Israel because they sinned against the Lord. Sin has consequences.  Are you taking sin in your life seriously?

II Kings 14-17 & II Chronicles 25-28: King & Exile

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(2K14-16) Trace the kings of Judah and Israel.  How long did each reign?  Did they do right or evil in God’s sight?  How did they die?

What observations or applications can you make from your summary of these kings?

The first three kings in Judah did right except…  What were the exceptions?  What are the exceptions in your life?

How do you see God’s control during this period (14:25-28, 15:10-12, 15:37 – see also II Chronicles 28:1-6)?

(2K17) This chapter records the exile of Israel.  What reasons are given for their exile?  Make a list.

What do these reasons tell you about God?  About people?

(2Ch25) How did Amaziah respond to God’s instruction through the prophet in v5-11?  What were the results?

How did Amaziah respond to God’s instruction through the prophet in v14-24?  What were the results?

What application might you draw from this contrast?

(2Ch26) How do v4-5 highlight the importance of godly instruction?  What applications can we draw for our own lives?  Our families?

What was Uzziah’s downfall (v16a), how was it expressed (v16b-19a), and what were the results (v19b-21)?

When are you tempted to be proud?

(2Ch25-28) How would you describe the heart of Amaziah (25:2)?  Uzziah (26:4-5)?  Jotham (27:2,6)?

How are these kings like us?

How do these kings point to the need of a greater future King?

Reflections on II Chronicles 22-24

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Two wicked kings and one wicked queen rule Judah, before Joash becomes king.  Observe:

  • Advisors – Ahaziah followed wicked counselors, and so Ahaziah ruled as a wicked king (22:3-4). Joash followed the advice of Jehoida the priest, and Joash did what was right in God’s eyes all the days of Jehoida (24:2).  But after Jehoida’s death, Joash and the people went after other gods; they would not listen to God’s prophets (24:17-19).  Who are your advisors?  Who do you listen to?  What direction are your counselors leading you?
  • Revival – After years of apostasy, Jehoida made a covenant with Joash and the people that they should follow the Lord. The house, altar, and images of Baal were broken down.  Joash restored the house of the Lord, and sacrifices were again made to the Lord with rejoicing and singing.  In what ways do you need to return to the Lord?

Reflections on II Kings 8-13

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Jehu becomes king of Israel and Joash becomes king of Judah.  Consider:

  • God’s Sovereignty – God said that Ahab’s family would be destroyed, and it was. God pulls down dynasties (like Ahab’s) and raises up new kings (like Jehu).  God is clearly in control.  How does this truth help you as you see the events of our world today?
  • Need of Instruction – Joash did what was right because he had someone to instruct him (12:2). Who is instructing you in the way of the Lord?  Do you listen to the instruction you receive?  Take time to pray for and thank God for those who instruct you.  Who are you instructing?

II Kings 8-13 & II Chronicles 22-24: God’s Control & Godly Counsel

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(2K8-13) Summarize each of the following passages without any reference to what God is doing:

2 Kings 8 –

2 Kings 9-10 –

2 Kings 11-12 –

2 Kings 13 –

What descriptive words would you use to describe these stories?  What similarities do you see with our world today?

(2K8-13) Now notice what God is doing in these stories:

2 Kings 8 (v13, 19) –

2 Kings 9-10 (9:6-10, 26, 36; 10:17; 2 Chr 22:7) –

2 Kings 11-12 (11:2-3; 2 Chr 24:24) –

2 Kings 13 (v23) –

What application is there for us as we see what is happening in our world today?

How might 13:23 apply to us today?  Point to Jesus?

(2C22-24) Whose counsel did Ahaziah follow, and what did he do as a result (22:2-4)?

Whose counsel did Joash follow, and what did he do as a result (24:2, see also 2 Kings 12:2)?  Whose counsel did he follow later, and what did he do as a result (24:17-19)?

How do these stories highlight the importance of godly counsel?

Where can you and your family find godly counsel?  Is receiving and following godly counsel a priority in your life?

Reflections on II Kings 5-7

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Elisha continues to do mighty works by God’s power.

  • Greed – After Elisha heals Naaman from his leprosy, Elisha’s servant Gehazi wants some of Naaman’s wealth, and goes after Naaman to get it. Elisha condemns him for his greed.  What are you seeking after?  Material things or the things of God?
  • God’s Sovereignty – The Syrians surround Elisha, but God protects him by blinding the army. Syria surrounds Samaria, but again God saves them.  An army is no match for God – God is clearly greater, and in control.  Are you trusting in God’s sovereign control?  Do you look to him for help when trials come upon you?

Reflections on II King 1-4

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Two sons of Ahab take turns as king, and Elisha takes Elijah’s place.  Observe:

  • Inquiry – Ahab’s son Ahaziah hurts himself and sends messengers to inquire of Baal to see if he will recover. Elijah intercepts the messengers and brings word that Ahaziah will not recover because he sought out a false god rather than the Lord.  Where to do you turn in your trials?  Do you look to the Lord?  Do you seek his help?
  • God’s Provision – After Elijah is taken to heaven, Elisha begins to perform numerous miracles by God’s power. He makes bad water good, provides water for an army (like Moses), multiplies oil (like Elijah), raises the dead (like Elijah and Jesus), purifies bad stew, and multiplies food for 100 men (like Jesus).  Again and again, God provides through his servant Elisha.  How has he provided for you?  Do you look to the Lord to provide?

II Kings 1-7: Elisha

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(1) How does Ahaziah dishonor God in this chapter?  What is the result?  How might we dishonor God in the same way?

How do the first two captains dishonor God?  What are the results?

How does the third captain humble himself before the Lord, and what is the result?  What lesson is there for us?

(2) Elijah goes up to heaven, and Elisha becomes his successor.  How do the boys dishonor God, and what are the results (v23-25)?  What application is there for us?

(2-4, 6) Make a list of all the ways God uses Elisha to provide for other people.  Is any of this hard for God to do (see 3:18)?

How might these examples help us trust God today and strengthen our hope for the future?

(5) How does the young girl point Naaman to the Lord?  How might we point others to the Lord?  Do we look for these opportunities?

How does Naaman initially respond to Elisha’s instructions?  When are we tempted to act this way?

What happens when Naaman humbly obeys?  To what conclusion does Naaman come regarding the Lord (v15)?

How does Gehazi dishonor the Lord?  How might we dishonor the Lord in a similar way?

(6) A Syrian army encamps around the city where Elisha is staying. What does Elisha want his servant to know (v16) and see (v17)?

How can this knowing and seeing help us in our trials?

(6-7) Another Syrian army encamps around Samaria.  What word from the Lord does Elisha give (7:1)?  How does the captain dishonor God, and how does Elisha respond (7:2)?

How does God bring about his word?  What happens to the captain?  What do we learn about the importance of faith as it relates to receiving God’s provision?