Our readings today examine the lives of two descendants of David who each reigned as king over Israel. First, there’s Abijah (or Abijam), who reigned for only 3 years, but who makes an impassioned speech against Israel’s king Jeroboam, warning him that he should not wage war against the Lord and those who serve Him. Abijah’s son Asa takes the throne after him, and Asa devotes himself to the Lord for most of his life. The Lord rewards Asa’s faithfulness by blessing the nation of Judah with a long period of peace. In 2 Chronicles we’ll also read about two of Israel’s kings: King Nadab is the son of Jeroboam, but he and the rest of Jeroboam’s lineage are cut down and destroyed in accordance with God’s judgment. Baasha becomes king after killing Nadab, and reign for 24 years.

1 Kings 15 - 1:07 .

2 Chronicles 13 - 7:28 .

2 Chronicles 14 - 13:03 .

2 Chronicles 15 - 16:15 .

Psalm 119:1 - 20:03 .

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.

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Our episode begins with a retelling of the insulting manner in which Rehoboam addresses Jeroboam, only this time the account is from 2 Chronicles rather than 1 Kings. Recall that it was the prophet Ahijah who tore a new robe into 12 pieces and gave 10 pieces to Jeroboam, symbolizing the number of tribes he would rule over. After Jeroboam leads a revolt, he became king over those 10 tribes. Despite the Lord’s kindness to Jeroboam, he also turned away from God and immediately set up two sanctuaries, each with a golden calf. As we read from 1 Kings 14, the same prophet who once declared God’s favor now declares God’s wrath upon the house of Jeroboam, for the king has acted wickedly.

2 Chronicles 10 - 1:08 .

2 Chronicles 11 - 5:04 .

2 Chronicles 12 - 9:21 .

1 Kings 14 - 13:01 .

Psalm 118 - 20:04 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.

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In marrying wives from surrounding nations, he has disobeyed the direct command of the Lord and fallen into idolatry. As such is the case, the Lord vowed to take the kingdom away from Solomon’s family after he is gone. Sadly, the wisdom that Solomon had passed on to his sons doesn’t take root, and the foolishness of his son Rehoboam causes a revolt and a division in the nation of Israel. Today, we’ll be introduced to Jeroboam, a man who Ahijah prophesies will rule over ten tribes of Israel. If Jeroboam walks in the ways of the Lord, God promises that he will be with him and build a lasting dynasty for him. Sadly, Jeroboam attempts to establish a center for worship outside of Jerusalem that is not ordained by God.

1 Kings 11:26 - 1:10 .

1 Kings 12 - 5:05 .

1 Kings 13 - 13:04 .

Psalm 116 - 20:36 .

Psalm 117 - 22:51 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.

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Solomon is not only a king, he is a king among kings, whose wisdom and splendor became well known. As such, the queen of Sheba pays him a visit to see his kingdom. Not only that, but the text tells us that “all the kings of the world wanted an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.” The 2 Chronicles passage concludes with Solomon’s death, but 1 Kings gives us other details about the end of Solomon’s life before concluding. In his old age, Solomon was not wholehearted in his devotion to the God of Israel, and his many wives turned his heart away to follow other gods. As such, the Lord tells Solomon he will tear the kingdom away from him.

2 Chronicles 9 - 1:07 .

1 Kings 10 - 7:22 .

1 Kings 11 - 14:00 .

Psalm 115 - 19:25 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.

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We’re concluding the book of Ecclesiastes today which was written by King Solomon. Keep in mind that we are reading the Old Testament chronologically, and when we’ve finished this book, we’ll be back in 2 Chronicles and 1 Kings, covering the rest of Solomon’s life. As you may have already heard, two major themes of the book of Ecclesiastes are the ideas of futility and humility. Though Solomon had almost every resource at his fingertips, he could not do all the things he wanted and though he could find pleasure, he could not find ultimate fulfillment in the things of earth. In all his searching, he ultimately concludes that men should enjoy life, fear God and keep his commands.

Ecclesiastes 8 - 1:03 .

Ecclesiastes 9 - 4:36 .

Ecclesiastes 10 - 9:44 .

Ecclesiastes 11 - 12:31 .

Ecclesiastes 12 - 14:17 .

Psalm 114 - 17:15 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.

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As we continue our chronological reading of the Old Testament, we’re spending some time in the book of Ecclesiastes which was written by King Solomon. With all of his wealth, fame and wisdom, Solomon discerned that these things could not ultimately extend one’s life or even necessarily make it better. No matter what a person may accomplish, one day he will die. In today’s reading Solomon considers the rhythms of life, the nature of death and eternity, justice and injustice, authentic religion, and wealth. Our reading concludes with wise sayings in chapter 7, including proverbs, meditations on moderation, and the limitations of wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 3 - 1:04 .

Ecclesiastes 4 - 4:32 .

Ecclesiastes 5 - 7:24 .

Ecclesiastes 6 - 12:21 .

Ecclesiastes 7 - 14:49 .

Psalm 113 - 19:41 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.

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Today, we’re going to be in four different books of the Old Testament, which makes this episode the record-holder in number of places. Don’t worry, though: it’s not any longer than the average episode. In 2 Chronicles and 1 Kings we’ll cover Solomon’s imposition of forced labor over non-Israelites and the initial institution of worship in the Lord’s temple. From there, we’ll transition to the book of Ecclesiastes, a wisdom book written by King Solomon. In it, the king tests the bounds of all that could be seen as valuable to men, and finds them all to be empty without God at the center. Finally, we’ll read a short Psalm.

2 Chronicles 8 - 1:07 .

1 Kings 9 - 4:44 .

Ecclesiastes 1 - 10:47 .

Ecclesiastes 2 - 13:40 .

Psalm 112 - 19:19 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.

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Solomon has finished the work of building the temple and the ark of the covenant is now in the newly constructed room known as the most holy place. The priests have consecrated themselves and will worship the Lord through music. Solomon prays to the Lord before the nation of Israel, asking God to hear their prayers, reminding the people through his prayer that God resides in heaven, and is not confined to the walls of the temple. At the conclusion of his prayer, the temple fills with a cloud and with the Lord’s glory to such a degree that the priests are not able to continue ministering. The Lord responds to Solomon by reaffirming his commitment to David’s lineage so long as they are faithful to His statutes.

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.

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