daily bible readings

The original hearers of the Chronicler’s history were more than likely, the exiles returned from captivity in Babylon. Things were not rosy. The city was in ruins. The Temple was a complete shambles. The people were divided and those few who remained in the land for the decades of captivity despised the “foreigners” who returned from captivity.

I wonder if the original hearers of 2 Chronicles 26 chuckled as they listened to history of the nation as told by the Chronicler. I don’t mean the raucous laughter of the congregation as Pastor Esa tells a joke or pun during the sermon but rather, the nervous chuckle of a people who realise that a deep truth has just been told. Such a laugh is more an awkward agreement with truth being told than the chuckle in response to a witty quip or funny pun.

As the Chronicler recounts the history of God’s people, see if you can picture the audience’s emotions as they listen. “Uzziah had a well-trained army, ready to go out by divisions according to their numbers as mustered by Jeiel the secretary and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officials. 12 The total number of family leaders over the fighting men was 2,600. 13 Under their command was an army of 307,500 men trained for war, a powerful force to support the king against his enemies. 14 Uzziah provided shields, spears, helmets, coats of Armor, bows and sling stones for the entire army. 15 In Jerusalem he made machines designed by skilful men for use on the towers and on the corner defences to shoot arrows and hurl large stones. His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful.”

I suspect the audience would have been excited and full of praise as the exploits and successes of King Uzziah are recited. They might have been filled with joy as the victories over the enemy were recited. Joy may have filled their hearts.  But, as the last verse was read - “for he was greatly helped until he became powerful” - that nervous laughter would have infected the air.

Everyone would have known that the exile was the direct result of kings and peoples rejecting God and worshipping false gods. The sin of the people and their federal head was the direct cause of the exile. The nervous laugh was more a recognition and acknowledgement of the truth rather than a laugh at a funny pun or joke.

Like all the previous kings, Uzziah too failed to live up to God’s standard. He was not the King who would faithfully lead God’s people in the Promised Land. Another king was needed. Of course, being this side of the cross, we know that this much needed King is Jesus. When He came into the world, He came as the Emmanuel, which means God is with us. God was with Jesus in the most amazing way and Jesus fulfilled the work of God perfectly.

Our Federal Head, Jesus, has done what no other king could do. He obeyed God fully. He lived out what the others kings could not and did not. He purchased our redemption at the cost of his own blood. He sealed our salvation and having died, rose to eternal life. Having ascended to the right hand of the Majesty in Heaven, He sends the Holy Spirit to all who believe in Him. God is with Jesus and there is no but that follows.

Prayer:

Adoration:

• Adore the Lord Jesus Christ that He overcame all temptation and was without sin.
• Adore the Lord God Almighty for providing for us in our sinfulness and for purchasing our redemption through the blood of His Son, Jesus.

Confession:

• Take time to confess your sins to the Lord and to ask for forgiveness

Thanks:

• Thank God that Jesus is the Emmanuel, the God with us, who purchases our salvation and brings us to God in righteousness and holiness.
• Thank God that every sin of yours is covered by the blood of Jesus.

Supplication:

• Pray that the Small Groups would grow in righteousness and holiness and that they would be havens of sharing love and growth.
• Pray that our Small Group leaders and Ministry leaders would be wise and discerning in their leadership and that they would be encouraged and blessed by leading their particular group.

Discussion Questions

1. As you read v11-15, what impression do you get of Uzziah?
2. Why does the Chronicler focus on his military strength?
3. What does the very last phrase in the NIV 84 (“until he became powerful”) do in the function of the narrative?
4. What is your take home application from this passage?