August 3 - 2 Chronicles 32-33: Hezekiah Holds Ranks, Manasseh Repents of Mistakes

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 32-33

The Message

English Standard Version

The first half of today's reading repeats Isaiah 35-36 and 37-39. The second half repeats the story of Hezekiah's son and grandson which we read yesterday. Do not skip this section! There are a few gems which will be very helpful in understanding the comments below. However, since yesterday's and today's readings are the almost the same I will skip the summary go straight into the comments.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Manasseh, who was equally as bad as his grandfather, was allowed to live because he repented.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Hezekiah encouraged his people to trust in God and it helped morale within the city.

I love the way Eugene Peterson translated this section,

Hezekiah rallied the people, saying, “Be strong! Take courage! Don’t be intimidated by the king of Assyria and his troops—there are more on our side than on their side. He only has a bunch of mere men; we have our GOD to help us and fight for us!”
Morale surged. Hezekiah’s words put steel in their spines. (32:6-8, The Message)

Think about it. Jerusalem is surrounded by 100,000+ Assyrian soldiers telling them to surrender and enjoy a better life in captivity than they have in freedom. They cannot travel anywhere. Sooner or later they will run out of food and become desperate. But Hezekiah doesn't allow their dire circumstances blind them to God's ultimate Goodness and Power. They are encouraged to trust in God. Leaders should focus on helping their followers see how God is going to make the situation right. Because Hezekiah strengthened his people, they trusted in God.

God took Manasseh's punishment away.

The story of Manasseh is similar to the Israelite king Ahab. God punished Ahab greatly because he caused Israel to worship other gods. However, Ahab repented of his mistake and God delayed his punishment. Manasseh, too, repented of his mistakes, turned to God, and was returned to Jerusalem to finish his reign. If God can take away the punishment of a terrible, no-good, very bad king, He can take away the guilt of your past. How awesome is our god!

Are you inspiring your followers to trust in God, no matter what comes before them?

August 2 - 2 Kings 20-21: Hezekiah's Righteous End, Manasseh and Amon's Unrighteous Ends

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 20-21

The Message

English Standard Version

The first half of today's reading repeats Isaiah 38-39. The second half is the story of Hezekiah's son and grandson. Since today's and tomorrow's readings are the same I will summarize and comment on the son's and grandson's lives today and tomorrow I will link to the previous posts and comment on the few additions to the story. There will be no summary.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Even after all Hezekiah did for Judah to put it back in God's good graces, his son and grandson caused them to become worse than the Canaanites.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Manasseh reigned 55 years. He rebuilt the shrines and erected altars to foreign gods in Judah as his grandfather Ahaz did. One was built in the Temple in Honor of God, violating Moses' instructions and greatly angering God.
God's message, "Because you sinned more than the original Canaanites, I will bring a catastrophe on you. You will go into captivity. I will no longer put up with this."
Manasseh turned Judah into a nation of murderers and sinners.
Amon, Manasseh's son, reigned 2 years. He was equally wicked as his father. His servants assassinated him. Josiah became king.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

No matter how good a generation can be, everything can be undone in the next generation.

Hezekiah was a good king. He removed the shrines, rebuilt the Temple in Honor of God, and relied on God for help and salvation. His son, on the other hand, became more wicked than the Canaanites before him—sacrificing his son to another god! Righteous living is not inherited. It must be passed down.

What are you doing to ensure the next generation knows how to set things right with God and in the world?