Read the Bible in a Year: Week 42 – 2 Chronicles 4-26

During week 42 of our journey to read the Bible in a year, we will continue through the book of 2 Chronicles. In chapters 4-26, the focus will remain on the reigns of various kings in Judah, providing a comprehensive historical account of the southern kingdom. Following the detailed descriptions of the construction and dedication of the temple under Solomon in chapters 1-3, the narrative shifts to the broader political and spiritual landscape. This section delves into the leadership of kings such as Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, Joash, Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, spanning a significant period of Judah’s history.

The Chronicler meticulously records the actions of these kings, drawing attention to their adherence or departure from God’s commandments. Righteous leaders like Jehoshaphat and Hezekiah are commended for their commitment to God, implementing religious reforms, and seeking divine guidance during times of crisis. On the contrary, kings such as Jehoram, Ahaz, and others lead the nation into idolatry and disobedience, resulting in divine judgment and, in some cases, tragic consequences.

Throughout these chapters, recurring themes include the importance of faithfulness to God, the consequences of disobedience, and the divine intervention in the affairs of Judah. The Chronicler emphasizes the role of the kings as spiritual leaders, influencing the nation’s worship practices and societal norms. Additionally, the narrative highlights the cyclical pattern of repentance, restoration, and judgment, showcasing the ongoing relationship between the people of Judah and their covenant-keeping God.

Flexible Plan: Reading for Week 42

If you are following the flexible plan for reading the Bible in a year, here is your reading assignment. You can break up the reading however you like throughout the week!

Passage 1: 2 Chronicles 4-26

Printable Resource: Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Weekly Assignments

7-Day Reading Assignment: Week 42

For those who prefer a more organized approach, the weekly assignment can be broken into seven sections:

Printable Resource: Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Daily Assignments

5-Day Reading Assignment: Week 42

Or if you know that you are likely to miss a day or two of reading, the weekly assignment can be broken into five sections:

Reflection Questions

Consider the following reflection questions:

Leadership and Spirituality: How do the actions and decisions of the various kings in Judah reflect their commitment to or departure from God’s commandments? Consider the impact of their leadership on the spiritual landscape of the nation.
Faithfulness and Consequences: Reflect on the recurring themes of faithfulness to God and the consequences of disobedience in these chapters. How do the outcomes of the kings’ actions serve as a lesson for individuals and communities about the importance of adherence to God’s commands?
Divine Intervention: Explore instances of divine intervention in the affairs of Judah. How does the Chronicler portray God’s involvement in response to the faithfulness or disobedience of the kings? What can we learn about God’s character and interaction with his people through these narratives?
Cycles of Repentance and Judgment: Examine the cyclical pattern of repentance, restoration, and judgment in the narrative. How do the leaders and people of Judah respond to times of crisis and divine judgment? What insights can be gained from this pattern about the nature of God’s relationship with His people?
Influence of Leaders on Worship and Society: Consider the role of the kings as spiritual leaders influencing the worship practices and societal norms of Judah. How does the leadership of righteous kings like Jehoshaphat and Hezekiah impact the nation’s relationship with God? In contrast, how do unfaithful leaders contribute to spiritual decline?
Application to Personal Faith: How can the experiences of the kings in Judah be applied to personal faith and leadership today? What lessons can individuals draw from these historical accounts to enhance their commitment to God and their influence on the spiritual well-being of their communities?