Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 13

Below is a short summary or synopsis of the Bible reading for the day. Use it as a helpful tool to think through the Scripture. There are also some cross references to study other passages of Scripture to highlight or better understand that passage.

This psalm is often referred to as one of lament, as David cries out on behalf of Israel. After a heavy defeat in battle, David cannot help but feel that God had rejected them in his righteous anger, therefore he calls all of the people to repent. God has always made his truth and standard known (banner) and if the people will acknowledge him, there they will find hope, deliverance and restoration. God sovereignly speaks as he highlights his rule over all the earth, both his people and their enemies, making it abundantly clear that the only way anyone finds refuge and salvation is through him. Human efforts are futile and hopeless, but true dependance on God offers real hope and ultimate victory.

(Psalm 33:18, 130:7; Jeremiah 17:7; Romans 12:12; 1 Timothy 4:10)

These several parallel statements can be summarized by the last verse; the way of God is to life and on that road is there no death. Throughout the psalm there are several comparative phrases concerning the wise and ignorant, the good and the wicked, etc. Each making a valid conclusion concerning the positive blessings that come with the way of the righteous and the negative outcomes regarding the ways of the unrighteous. The righteous path, or walking with God, is not without hardships, but it is the easiest path. The way of the Lord guarantees not only a purposeful life now, but most importantly there is the gift of eternal life. The opposite path is void of real hope and leads to eternal death, defeat and suffering.

(Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 7:13-14, 11:29-30; 2 Corinthians 7:10)

This chapter is possibly one of the greatest highlights of Solomon’s reign as we see the temple dedication celebration. All of Israel gathers to honor this house that the Lord would have David’s son, Solomon, build. It is a special moment for the unification of the people as they come together in the name of their Lord to acknowledge and establish their ways dependent on him. Solomon falls to his knees, with hands stretched out to the Lord and unleashes a heartfelt prayer for the people. Solomon is indeed wise, focusing his prayer on seeking the Lord and repentance. Throughout their history, the Israelites had sinned and strayed from their God, bringing judgment. However, quickly correcting the issue by seeking the Lord through faith and repentance guarantees his presence. The Lord has made a covenant with his people and he has not failed to deliver on that promise. We must constantly depend on the Lord, seeking him for guidance and correction when we have gone off course.

(Jeremiah 15:19-20; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Acts 3:19-20; 1 John 1:9)

Solomon was overtaken by his lust for foreign women, something that the Lord had forbidden due to the intermingling with false religions. Sadly, we see no repentance of this apostasy here as Solomon falls prey to worshipping the gods of his wives which causes spiritual dysfunction for the people. Therefore, the unity of Israel is prophesied to be broken (the unified monarchy under Saul, David and Solomon) and the beginning of the divided kingdom is in sight. For many years to come the people would be split into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Great oppression and constant internal conflict plague the people and eventually both kingdoms are destroyed and conquered. Even with the lack of obedience and repentance the Lord still shows mercy with Solomon and the people, but divine judgment is approaching.

(2 Chronicles 15:2; Jeremiah 19:15; Ezekiel 18:30-32)

Both Rehoboam (Solomon’s son) and Jeroboam (former Solomon official) become entangled in a power struggle over the unified throne of Israel and end up leading all twelve tribes into confusion, turmoil and idolatry. Rehoboam’s leadership is heavily authoritative and ignores wise counsel, causing the 10 northern tribes to revolt against him, establishing Jeroboam as their king (prophesied by Ahijah in chapter 11). Only the southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin stand behind Rehoboam in efforts to keep the Davidic kingdom intact. This is the judgement of the Lord playing out in real time. Throughout the remaining history of the divided kingdom many kings will come and go. Some seek repentance for the people and reinstitute the worship of God, while others lead the people further into apostasy and judgement. Being given the opportunity to lead others is a serious task. A true leader understands the importance of his own spiritual and moral purity, as it will dramatically affect those under their leadership. One individual, leading out of a healthy relationship with Christ Jesus can bring spiritual blessing and prosperity to many.

(Deuteronomy 11:26-28; Joshua 1:8; Hebrews 13:17)

Asa, the great-grandson of Solomon, is considered to be a godly king who brings spiritual reformation to the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Asa is not a perfect leader by any means. He does not completely rid the land of idolatrous behavior and later in life, instead of seeking the Lord for deliverance, he looks to self and political relations. However, most of his 41-year reign Asa leads the people by honoring the Lord and outlawing pagan worship, which brings a time of blessing and rest to their land. Those of us who say we stand for the Lord must give more than lip service. God’s people must put their faith into action (obedience) by leading those around us towards the rest that is only found in his presence.

(Exodus 33:14; Psalm 62:1; Isaiah 26:3; Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 11:28-30)

Hezekiah, one of the godliest kings of Judah, brought sweeping reforms to the land as soon as he took office. He immediately (v.3) tore down and destroyed the idolatrous structures, reinstated temple worship, restored the Passover, and sought to unify God’s people. At this point the Northern Kingdom had fallen to the Assyrians (about 722 BC), so Hezekiah invited the remnant to come and join them in worshipping the God of their fathers. Hezekiah’s trust and obedience in the Lord brought success and provision to the people, as the Southern Kingdom survived for approximately an additional 130 years (fell to Babylonians in 586 BC). Just as his ancestor David, Hezekiah’s heart sought after the Lord. Even in times of sin and disobedience these men recognized the righteous anger of God and used it as an opportunity for repentance and correction (v.10).

(2 Kings 18:5; 2 Chronicles 31:20-21; Joel 2:12-13; Jonah 3:8-10)