BibleProject | One Story That Leads to Jesusનમૂનો

The book of Chronicles began with great hope for David’s royal family line to continue and bring peace throughout the land. But the kings of Judah who should follow in David’s good way of ruling decide instead to rule like the wicked kings of Babylon. They send the Southern Kingdom down a disastrous spiral.

Jehoram may be a descendant of David (good king), but he’s also a grandson of Ahab (very bad king). Jehoram murders all his brothers to protect his claim to the throne, then leads the Southern Kingdom into idolatry. But those who sow evil will reap the same, and Jehoram dies a painful, humiliating death.

Unfortunately, Jehoram’s son, Ahaziah, fails to learn the lesson and follows in his father’s footsteps. He teams up with Ahab’s family in the north. When Yahweh’s severe judgment comes for Ahab’s line, it takes down Ahaziah too.

Joash gets off to a better start, spending the early days of his reign tearing down the altars of Ba’al and rebuilding the temple. But after Jehoiada the priest dies, Joash turns his back on Yahweh.

An insidious evil has its hard claws wrapped around the hearts of Jerusalem’s kings, turning the city into a breeding ground for violence, injustice, and corruption. Watch today’s video to learn about the monster that stalks cities in the Bible—and about God’s surprising plan to reclaim the city for his garden Kingdom.

Reflection Questions

• Look back at Genesis 10:8-10 and Genesis 11:1-4. Why did people choose to construct cities in these two stories? How might these early city projects shape your attitude toward cities in the rest of the biblical story?
• Compare the chronicler’s history of Joash’s reign (2 Chron. 23-24) to the version found in Kings (2 Kings 11-12). What material is the same? Where does the chronicler add new information? What themes do you think the chronicler is trying to highlight through these details?