Thursday

6-June

2 Kings 16-18; Psalm 72; Romans 15

2 Kings 16: What alliances did the kings of Israel and Judah make?  What terrible thing did Ahaz do?

2 Kings 17: Who was king and what happened to the Israelites in Samaria?  What happened in Samaria?

2 Kings 18: Was Hezekiah a good king or a bad king? What were the people worshiping that Moses made?  Who attacked Judah and what was the result?

Romans 15: Why was Paul going to Jerusalem?  What was Paul’s fear about going to Judea?

Journal Prompt: As we read through Kings and Chronicles, we see how the kings exercised great influence over God’s people. Their goodness or sinfulness affected the entire nation. In your leadership roles, how are you influencing those under you for the Lord?

Answer:

2 Kings 16:  Ahaz, king of Judah allied with the Assyrians and Pekah, king of Israel allied with Syria.  Ahaz had a replica of an altar in Damascus made to replace the main altar in the Temple.

2 Kings 17:  Hoshea was king of Israel and Samaria was invaded and all the Israelites in Samaria were taken to Assyria.  The towns of Samaria was resettled by people from Babylon, Cuthah, Sepharvim, Avva and Hamath.

2 KIngs 18:  Hezekiah was a good king.  The Israelites were worshiping a bronze serpent that Moses had made in the wilderness (Numbers 21:1-9).  Hezekiah destroyed it.  The king of Assyria attacked Judah and captured the fortified cities.  The field commander, Rashbuken, tried to convince the people of Judah to surrender, and told them that God could not be trusted. 

Romans 15: Paul was bringing a gift of goods to the poor and needy believers there. Paul feared the resistance and imprisonment from those who hated him for preaching the gospel.