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Pages you visit will appear hereA retelling of Israel's history focused on hope and restoration
| Chapter | Summary | Commentary |
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| 1 |
Solomon begins his reign, offers sacrifices at Gibeon, and asks God for wisdom. God grants him wisdom, wealth, and honor.
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Commentary
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| 2 |
Solomon prepares to build the temple, securing materials and skilled workers from King Hiram of Tyre.
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| 3 |
Solomon begins construction of the temple in Jerusalem, with detailed descriptions of its dimensions and decorations.
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| 4 |
Temple furnishings are crafted: bronze altar, sea, lampstands, tables, courts, and vessels for worship.
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| 5 |
The ark is brought into the temple. The glory of the Lord fills the house so the priests cannot stand to minister.
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| 6 |
Solomon prays a dedication prayer, asking God to hear from heaven and forgive His people when they repent.
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| 7 |
Fire comes down from heaven to consume the sacrifices. God appears to Solomon, promising blessing for obedience and exile for disobedience.
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| 8 |
Solomon’s accomplishments: fortified cities, conscripted labor, temple service, and trade with Hiram.
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| 9 |
The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon, marvels at his wisdom and wealth. Solomon’s greatness surpasses all kings. He dies after reigning 40 years.
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| 10 |
Rehoboam becomes king. He rejects wise counsel, increases burdens, and Israel’s ten tribes rebel, making Jeroboam king.
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| 11 |
Rehoboam fortifies Judah, is faithful at first, and priests and Levites migrate from Israel to Judah.
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| 12 |
Rehoboam forsakes God, and Shishak of Egypt invades. Rehoboam humbles himself, and God spares total destruction.
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| 13 |
Abijah reigns in Judah, defeats Jeroboam in battle by trusting God.
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| 14 |
Asa reigns, removes idols, and experiences peace. God grants victory over a vast Cushite army.
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| 15 |
Prophet Azariah encourages Asa to remain faithful. Asa reforms Judah, removes idols, and renews the covenant.
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| 16 |
Asa relies on Aram instead of God against Israel. Hanani rebukes him; Asa imprisons him and later dies of disease.
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| 17 |
Jehoshaphat reigns faithfully, strengthens Judah, and sends officials to teach God’s law throughout the land.
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| 18 |
Jehoshaphat allies with Ahab. Micaiah prophesies Ahab’s death in battle. Ahab disguises himself but is killed.
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| 19 |
Jehoshaphat appoints judges and exhorts them to judge faithfully, fearing God above all.
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| 20 |
Jehoshaphat faces Moab and Ammon. He seeks God in prayer, and God miraculously defeats the enemies through confusion. Judah praises God.
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| 21 |
Jehoram reigns wickedly in Judah, kills his brothers, and follows Ahab’s ways. He dies painfully, unloved.
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| 22 |
Ahaziah reigns briefly and wickedly. Athaliah seizes power and kills the royal family, except Joash who is hidden.
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| 23 |
Jehoiada the priest crowns Joash king. Athaliah is executed, and covenant worship is restored.
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| 24 |
Joash repairs the temple under Jehoiada’s guidance, but after Jehoiada’s death he turns to idolatry and kills Jehoiada’s son. Joash is assassinated.
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| 25 |
Amaziah reigns, initially following God but later worships Edomite idols. He is defeated by Israel and assassinated.
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| 26 |
Uzziah reigns successfully and builds Judah’s strength. Pride leads him to usurp priestly duties; God strikes him with leprosy.
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| 27 |
Jotham reigns faithfully, strengthens Judah, and builds cities. He prospers because he walks uprightly.
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| 28 |
Ahaz reigns wickedly, practices idolatry, and sacrifices children. Judah suffers defeats, but prophets urge compassion on captives.
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| 29 |
Hezekiah reigns faithfully, purifies the temple, restores worship, and leads Judah in covenant renewal.
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| 30 |
Hezekiah invites all Israel and Judah to celebrate Passover in Jerusalem. Many respond, and the feast brings great joy.
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| 31 |
Hezekiah organizes priests, Levites, and tithes. Worship is restored and Judah prospers.
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| 32 |
Sennacherib of Assyria invades. Hezekiah prays, and God delivers Judah by striking down the Assyrians. Hezekiah later falls into pride but humbles himself.
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| 33 |
Manasseh reigns wickedly, filling Jerusalem with idolatry. Later he repents in captivity, returns, and reforms. Amon reigns briefly and wickedly.
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| 34 |
Josiah reigns faithfully, purges idolatry, and repairs the temple. The Book of the Law is found, leading to covenant renewal.
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| 35 |
Josiah leads a great Passover celebration. Later, he dies in battle against Pharaoh Neco at Megiddo.
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| 36 |
Judah’s last kings reign wickedly. Jerusalem is conquered by Babylon, the temple destroyed, and the people exiled. The book ends with Cyrus of Persia allowing Jews to return and rebuild.
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