We see God’s interaction with two great kings, as the exile draws near.

• Humility – It took capture and imprisonment to humble Manasseh. Josiah humbled himself when he heard the Word of the Lord.  How has God humbled you?  Do you humble yourself before God’s Word?
• Judgment and Mercy – God judged Manasseh for his sins, but then showed him mercy when Manasseh humbled himself and cried out for help. God’s judgment was coming against Judah because of their sins, but God mercifully postponed his judgment because of Josiah’s humility.  How have you seen God’s judgment and mercy at work?

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?

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?

An army came up against Jehoshaphat and Judah.  Observe:

• Seek the Lord’ Help – With the army approaching, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast and went to the temple to seek the Lord’s help, crying out to God in prayer. What upcoming battles do you see in your future?  Are you seeking the Lord’s help?  How might 20:6 encourage you?
• Joyful Praise – When God answered their prayers, the people responded with joy and praise. How will you respond when he answers your prayers for help?

Jehoshaphat, another good king, reigns in Judah.

• Drawing Others to God – Jehoshaphat sought the Lord and walked in his commands (17:3-6). But Jehoshaphat didn’t want to follow God alone; he wanted his people to follow the Lord too.  He sent out the Levites to teach the people God’s Word (17:7-9).  He went among the people himself to bring them to the Lord (19:4).  What might you do to draw your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors to the Lord?
• Bad Alliance – Jehoshaphat made an alliance with Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, and is confronted with this question in 19:2: “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?” Have you made some bad alliances?

Two good kings, Abijah and Asa, reign in Judah.

• Rely on God – Abijah’s army won the battle because they relied on God (13:18). When another army came against Asa, he relied on the Lord and was victorious (14:11-12).  Yet in Asa’s later years, he failed to rely on God (16:7-8).  Who are you relying on?  Who do you look to?
• Revival – Asa rid Judah of idols. He repaired the altar of the Lord and the people made sacrifices to the Lord.  They made a covenant to seek God with all their hearts.  Are you seeking God this way?  What sacrifices do you make for God?  What idols do you need to get rid of?

Rehoboam becomes king, and Israel divides.  Note:

• Heart for God – The Northern Kingdom strayed from God, so those who set their hearts to seek the Lord left their homes and came to Judah so they might offer sacrifices to God at the temple (11:16-17). Have you set your heart to seek the Lord?  Would you be willing to leave your home behind?
• Evil heart – Once Rehoboam’s reign was secure, he abandoned the law of God and led Israel to do the same. He did not set his heart to seek God.  Does your heart stray when your situation seems secure?  Is there someone whose influence is leading you astray?

The temple is finished and dedicated.  Note:

• Praise for God’s Love – As the ark was placed in the temple, the Levitical musicians were praising and thanking God for his steadfast love (5:5). The people bowed down and worshipped God “for his steadfast love endures forever” (7:3).  The priests offered sacrifices and the Levites offered praises to God – “for his steadfast love endures forever” (7:6).  How has God shown his love to you?  Take some time now to praise him!
• Heart – God knows your heart. You should walk before him with all of your heart.  When you sin, you are to turn your heart back to God.  Does this describe you?  What does God know about your heart?
• Humble Prayer – When the people strayed, God instructed them to humbly pray to him, seeking his face, and turning from their wicked ways, and God would hear them and forgive them (7:14). How have you strayed?  Will you humble yourself?  Will you seek his face?

Solomon becomes king, seeks wisdom, and begins work on the temple.  Observe:

• Heart for Wisdom – When God told Solomon to make a request, Solomon asked for wisdom. His heart desired wisdom to do the work God had called him to do – to lead God’s people.  Does your heart desire wisdom to do the work God has called you to do?  Will you ask God for wisdom?
• Great God – Solomon writes to the king of Tyre about his plans to build a temple for God. He describes God as greater than all other gods.  The heavens cannot contain him, let alone a house.  But Solomon is building a house to offer sacrifices to God.  Ponder the greatness of God in Solomon’s descriptions.  As God’s temple today (see I Corinthians 6:19-20), what offerings will you to make to this God?