May
It can sometimes feel difficult to read through historical writings. But, the Bible contains our history – our spiritual history. If you have never read through the Old Testament before, it may seem so unfamiliar to you that you might be tempted to give up. However, if you will consider reading your Bible a spiritual discipline, it can set you up for success. The first time you read a passage it gives you the information; but each subsequent time you come back to the passage you gain the familiarity and understanding. As your insight into the text grows, you will find that it sometimes it has an application in your daily life.
As you read about the divided kingdom (the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah) pay attention what the different kings do to get themselves in trouble. Worshipping gods other than Yahweh is the sin that gets repeated over and over.
Another thing to look for is any change in pattern. Sometimes the scripture gets very repetitive in its form, and then something breaks the rhythm. Whatever broke the pattern was placed there intentionally; try to look at what the author might be trying to convey. Years ago a book was published entitled, The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life by Bruce Wilkinson. It was written based on a change in the scripture pattern in the book of I Chronicles. The first three chapters of I Chronicles list a genealogy starting with Adam. In chapter four the genealogy continues until verses 9 and 10 which convey a very brief account of Jabez. Wilkinson wrote his book on that small section of scripture.
While long sections of repetition might seem boring, they communicate order and structure – until the rhythm is broken and something else is being highlighted.
As you read through the Bible take time each day to:
- Reflections on the Scripture
- What surprised or inspired you?
- What questions do you have?
- List three things you are thankful for.
This Month’s Memory Verse
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever!
(1 Chronicles 16:34)
I Kings Synopsis
The reign of King David is known as the “Golden Era” of Israel. During this time, the nation was unified and prosperous. Although David was by no means perfect, he was “A man after His (God’s) own heart.” (I Samuel 13:14) At the opening of I Kings, we find David in his old age. He is preparing to hand over the reign of the kingdom to his son, Solomon. I Kings is a book of transition. The kingdom of Israel will experience great success and tremendous failure as David passes and his children and grandchildren come to power.
I Kings is not simply a historical book, but it is also a prophetic book. Within the story of the kings is the constant reminder that we are called to be faithful to God. God desires His people to be more than political. God wants His people to be committed to His purpose and His commandments. I Kings is a reminder that, regardless of the transitions we face, God is constant, and we can trust in Him.
Unlike the book of I Kings, II Kings records the decline of the nation of Israel and Judah. By the end of I Kings,
the “Gold Era” of Israel has collapsed. The nation has split into two distinct nations, Israel and Judah. The new kings struggle to remain faithful to God and to their role as leaders of their nation. Their lack of faithfulness leads the nation of Israel (the tribes of the north) to be destroyed by the Assyrians. Judah survives and under the leadership of Hezekiah and Josiah the nation returns to God. They experience a time of peace, but only for a short time. Eventually, the Babylonians, under the rule of Nebuchadnezzar, destroy Jerusalem and lead the people of Judah
into exile.
These were the darkest of times for God’s people, but there was hope. In the midst of destruction God would speak of building a future. During exile, God would remain with His people. Through the prophets, God would speak words of encouragement and hope. The days would be difficult, but in the darkness, God’s light would shine.
I and II Chronicles were originally one long work, but eventually divided into two smaller books, because they were too long to fit on one scroll. These two books retell the history of Israel from a slightly different point of view than that of II Samuel and I and II Kings Although, many of the same stories are repeated.
Like most writings of its time, I Chronicles contains lists that trace the descendants of Adam to the generation of King Saul. The book deals mostly with King David and closes with his death. The narrative sections cover the events in David’s life, military exploits, and how he became king. Information about his staff and their duties, preparations to build the temple, and instructions for proper worship occupy much of the text.
The Chronicler, the author, uses many stories from other sources, especially I and II Kings, some scholars suggest that Chronicles was rewritten after the return from exile to encourage the people of Israel.
We encourage you to begin your Bible reading time by reciting the month’s memory verse and then the daily Bible reading. Reflect on the reading – did it raise questions or confusion; did it inspire you or warm your heart? Then, to live in a spirit of gratitude, write down three things for which you’re grateful. Finally, close your devotional time in prayer. While you might not feel the same way each day, the ongoing discipline of having a daily devotional time will have lasting impact on your life and certainly deepen your relationship with God.
Reading Plan
May 1: I Kings 8-9 and Psalms 105
May 2: I Kings 10-11 and Psalms 105
May 3: I Kings 12-13 and Psalms 106
May 4: I Kings 14-15 and Psalms 106
May 5: I Kings 16-17 and Psalms 106
May 6: I Kings 18-19 and Psalms 106
May 7: I Kings 20-22 and Psalms 107
May 8: II Kings 1 and Psalms 107
May 9: II Kings 2-3 and Psalms 108
May 10: II Kings 4-5 and Psalms 109
May 11: II Kings 6-7 and Psalms 110
May 12: II Kings 8-9 and Psalms 111
May 13: II Kings 10-11 and Psalms 112
May 14: II Kings 12-14 and Psalms 113
May 15: II Kings 15-16 and Psalms 114
May 16: II Kings 17-18 and Psalms 115
May 17: II Kings 19-20 and Psalms 116
May 18: II Kings 21-22 and Psalms 117
May 19: II Kings 23-25 and Psalms 118
May 20: I Chronicles 1-2 and Psalms 119
May 21: I Chronicles 3-5 and Psalms 119
May 22: I Chronicles 6-7 and Psalms 119
May 23: I Chronicles 8-10 and Psalms 119
May 24: I Chronicles 11-13 and Psalms 119
May 25: I Chronicles 14-16 and Psalms 119
May 26: I Chronicles 17-20 and Psalms 119
May 27: I Chronicles 21-23 and Psalms 119
May 28: I Chronicles 24-26 and Psalms 119
May 29: I Chronicles 27-29 and Psalms 119
May 30: II Chronicles 1-3 and Psalms 119
May 31: II Chronicles 4-6 and Psalms 119
