Day 162 - The Divided Kingdoms (1 Kings 15-17, 2 Chronicles 16-17) - Year 2
06/10/24 • 20 min
All the info you need to START + the printable schedule + links to the Bible we use are on our website: http://dailybiblepodcast.net!
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TODAY'S READING:
1 Kings 15:16-22, 2 Chronicles 16:1-10, 1 Kings 16, 1 Kings 15:23-24, 2 Chronicles 16:11-14, 2 Chronicles 17, 1 Kings 17:1-7
WORD OF THE DAY:
Responsible
After King Solomon’s death, old tribal loyalties resurfaced, leading to a civil war between the ten northern tribes and the kingdom of Judah. This division marked the beginning of the "Divided Kingdom," a time of constant strife and eventual conquest by outside invaders. As Jesus said, “A house divided against itself will not stand” (Matthew 12:25).King Asa of Judah faced invasions from King Baasha of Israel. Baasha blocked access to Judah, prompting Asa to seek help from Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram/Syria, by giving him silver and gold from the Temple of the Lord. Asa did not seek God's counsel, and Hanani the seer rebuked him, predicting ongoing wars for his lack of faith. Asa imprisoned Hanani, revealing his hardened heart.
Hanani’s son, Jehu, also a prophet, confronted King Baasha, declaring God's judgment for leading Israel into sin. Baasha died, and his son Elah briefly ruled before being assassinated by Zimri, a commander. Zimri's short reign ended when the army made Omri king. Omri ruled for 12 years, doing more evil than any before him. His son Ahab continued this legacy, marrying Jezebel and promoting idolatry and wickedness. Asa’s faith waned in his later years, and his son Jehoshaphat succeeded him, committed to following the Lord. Jehoshaphat removed pagan shrines and Asherah poles, and God was with him. Surrounding kingdoms feared the Lord, preventing them from warring against Judah.
Elijah emerged as a powerful spiritual force during Ahab’s reign, declaring a drought as judgment for Israel’s idolatry. Elijah’s name means “Yahweh is my God,” symbolizing his mission to redirect Israel back to God. His prayers caused the drought, as affirmed in James 5:17-18, showcasing the power of righteous prayer.
God instructed Elijah to hide by a brook, where ravens fed him. When the brook dried up, God had further plans, demonstrating His provision and care for those who obey Him.
Scriptural Reminder: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48) Responsibility involves not only avoiding wrong but actively doing right.
Elijah’s prayers brought a drought, showing his alignment with God’s will and his responsibility in Israel’s spiritual direction. Facing a wicked king and calling for drought was dangerous yet necessary. Elijah exemplified true responsibility by responding to God’s call.
God cared for Elijah during the drought, proving that He supports those who faithfully serve Him. As we see with Elijah, responsible actions, especially in prayer, can have profound effects.
Encouragement for Today: “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” (James 4:17) Being responsible is a weighty burden, but God, our ultimate responsible Father, supports us when we seek Him.
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DISCLAIMER: The Daily Bible Podcast, Tricia Goyer, Michelle Hill, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.
All the info you need to START + the printable schedule + links to the Bible we use are on our website: http://dailybiblepodcast.net!
Join the Daily Bible Pod Coffee Club: https://dailybiblepodcoffeeclub.substack.com/
TODAY'S READING:
1 Kings 15:16-22, 2 Chronicles 16:1-10, 1 Kings 16, 1 Kings 15:23-24, 2 Chronicles 16:11-14, 2 Chronicles 17, 1 Kings 17:1-7
WORD OF THE DAY:
Responsible
After King Solomon’s death, old tribal loyalties resurfaced, leading to a civil war between the ten northern tribes and the kingdom of Judah. This division marked the beginning of the "Divided Kingdom," a time of constant strife and eventual conquest by outside invaders. As Jesus said, “A house divided against itself will not stand” (Matthew 12:25).King Asa of Judah faced invasions from King Baasha of Israel. Baasha blocked access to Judah, prompting Asa to seek help from Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram/Syria, by giving him silver and gold from the Temple of the Lord. Asa did not seek God's counsel, and Hanani the seer rebuked him, predicting ongoing wars for his lack of faith. Asa imprisoned Hanani, revealing his hardened heart.
Hanani’s son, Jehu, also a prophet, confronted King Baasha, declaring God's judgment for leading Israel into sin. Baasha died, and his son Elah briefly ruled before being assassinated by Zimri, a commander. Zimri's short reign ended when the army made Omri king. Omri ruled for 12 years, doing more evil than any before him. His son Ahab continued this legacy, marrying Jezebel and promoting idolatry and wickedness. Asa’s faith waned in his later years, and his son Jehoshaphat succeeded him, committed to following the Lord. Jehoshaphat removed pagan shrines and Asherah poles, and God was with him. Surrounding kingdoms feared the Lord, preventing them from warring against Judah.
Elijah emerged as a powerful spiritual force during Ahab’s reign, declaring a drought as judgment for Israel’s idolatry. Elijah’s name means “Yahweh is my God,” symbolizing his mission to redirect Israel back to God. His prayers caused the drought, as affirmed in James 5:17-18, showcasing the power of righteous prayer.
God instructed Elijah to hide by a brook, where ravens fed him. When the brook dried up, God had further plans, demonstrating His provision and care for those who obey Him.
Scriptural Reminder: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48) Responsibility involves not only avoiding wrong but actively doing right.
Elijah’s prayers brought a drought, showing his alignment with God’s will and his responsibility in Israel’s spiritual direction. Facing a wicked king and calling for drought was dangerous yet necessary. Elijah exemplified true responsibility by responding to God’s call.
God cared for Elijah during the drought, proving that He supports those who faithfully serve Him. As we see with Elijah, responsible actions, especially in prayer, can have profound effects.
Encouragement for Today: “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” (James 4:17) Being responsible is a weighty burden, but God, our ultimate responsible Father, supports us when we seek Him.
SOCIALS:
Tricia: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Michelle: Instagram | LinkedIn
Daily Bible Podcast: Instagram | Facebook | Join the Community
DISCLAIMER: The Daily Bible Podcast, Tricia Goyer, Michelle Hill, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.
Previous Episode
Day 161 - The Ups and Downs of Israel and Judah (1 Kings 13-15, 2 Chronicles 11-15) - Year 2
All the info you need to START + the printable schedule + links to the Bible we use is on our website: http://dailybiblepodcast.net!
Join the Daily Bible Pod Coffee Club: https://dailybiblepodcoffeeclub.substack.com/
TODAY'S READING:
1 Kings 13, 1 Kings 14:1-24, 2 Chronicles 12:13-14, 2 Chronicles 11:18-23, 2 Chronicles 12:1-12, 1 Kings 14:25-28, 2 Chronciles 12:13-16, 1 Kings 14:29-31, 1 Kings 15:1-5, 2 Chronicles 13, 1 Kings 15:9-15, 1 Kings 14:19-20, 1 Kings 15:25-34, 2 Chronicles 14:9-15, 2 Chronicles 15
WORD OF THE DAY:
Steadfast
Today, we dive into the turbulent history of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The kingdom of Judah consisted of only one tribe, while the kingdom of Israel comprised all the others.
God sends a prophet to confront King Jeroboam of Israel about his idolatry. The prophet Ahijah predicts the downfall of Jeroboam’s dynasty, declaring that all his male descendants will be punished due to his turn to idols. This prophecy is fulfilled with Jeroboam's son, Abijah, who becomes ill. Despite Jeroboam’s wife seeking a different outcome, Ahijah tells her that the child will die as an act of mercy, being the only good thing seen in Jeroboam’s family.
Switching to Judah, Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, initially abandons God’s ways, leading to an attack by King Shishak of Egypt. However, Rehoboam humbles himself before God, prompting God to show mercy. Although Shishak takes treasures from the temple and the royal house, Judah is not completely destroyed.
"When the LORD saw their change of heart, he gave this message to Shemaiah: 'Since the people have humbled themselves, I will not completely destroy them and will soon give them some relief. I will not use Shishak to pour out my anger on Jerusalem. But they will become his subjects, so they will know the difference between serving me and serving earthly rulers.'"- 2 Chronicles 12:7-8
Rehoboam’s son, Abijam, takes over and goes to war with Jeroboam of Israel. Despite being outnumbered, Judah’s reliance on God leads to victory.
King Asa, succeeding Abijam, brings significant reforms to Judah by removing idols and commanding the people to seek the Lord. His loyalty to God brings peace and prosperity to the kingdom.
"His heart remained completely faithful to the Lord for the rest of his life."- 1 Kings 15:14
The Word of the Day: Steadfast
Definition: Resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.
Throughout these passages, we see the stark contrast between those who remained steadfast in their faith and those who did not. The priests of Judah continued to serve God faithfully, leading to divine victory.
Asa’s reign is marked by steadfast devotion to God, resulting in peace and blessings for Judah.
God's unwavering love and faithfulness are evident throughout the scriptures. His steadfast love never ceases, offering mercy and grace to those who repent and seek Him.
We read about those who did evil against God, but those who stayed steadfast shine bright. Witnessing the change in Rehoboam’s heart likely impacted Asa, encouraging him to faithfully serve God. When the people of Judah cried out to God, He showed up. Their steadfast faith and trust in God led to victory and blessings.
This message resonates with us today. No matter the challenges, remaining steadfast in our faith and trust in God will lead to His guidance, support, and ultimately, His reward.
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Next Episode
Day 163 - Elijah's Journey: Dependence on God (1 Kings 17-20) - Year 2
All the info you need to START + the printable schedule + links to the Bible we use is on our website: http://dailybiblepodcast.net!
Join the Daily Bible Pod Coffee Club: https://dailybiblepodcoffeeclub.substack.com/
TODAY'S READING:
1 Kings 17:8-24, 1 Kings 18, 1 Kings 19, 1 Kings 20:1-22
WORD OF THE DAY:
Dependence
In the midst of a severe drought, God sends Elijah to a widow in Zarephath. Despite her meager resources—a handful of flour and a little oil—she obeys God's instruction to provide for Elijah. Miraculously, her supplies do not run out. However, her son falls ill and dies, leading her to blame Elijah. Elijah prays earnestly, and God restores the child’s life. The widow’s faith is strengthened, and she declares, “Now I know for sure that you are a man of God, and that the Lord truly speaks through you.”
In the third year of the drought, God sends Elijah to confront King Ahab. Elijah challenges 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah to a test on Mount Carmel. The true God will answer by fire. Despite their fervent efforts, Baal's prophets fail. Elijah prays, and God sends fire from heaven, consuming the sacrifice. The people proclaim, “The Lord—he is God!” Elijah then slays the false prophets and announces the end of the drought.
Jezebel vows to kill Elijah, causing him to flee in fear. Despite his previous victories, Elijah is overwhelmed and prays for death. He journeys to Mount Sinai, where God reveals Himself not in wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. God reassures Elijah, instructing him to anoint new leaders and to appoint Elisha as his successor, promising that justice will prevail.
King Ben-Hadad of Aram, allied with 32 kings, attacks Samaria. Despite being vastly outnumbered, King Ahab of Israel receives assurance from a prophet that God has given him the victory. Israel’s small army triumphs, and the Aramean forces flee. A prophet warns Ahab to prepare for another attack, emphasizing ongoing vigilance.
Word of the Day: Dependence
Definition: The state of relying on or needing someone or something for aid, support, or the like; reliance; confidence; trust.
In times of need, God’s provision becomes evident. The widow's flour and oil lasted as promised, and her son was brought back to life. Elijah’s prayer brought fire from heaven, and his announcement ended the drought. True dependence on God involves trusting Him in every circumstance, acting in faith even when resources seem insufficient.
Scriptural Insight:
- Isaiah 53:6: "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way."
- Romans 7:15, 18, 24-25: "For I do not do what I want, but do the very thing I hate... Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
Dependence on God isn’t just belief; it’s living out that belief, as the widow did by providing for Elijah and as Elijah did by confronting the false prophets.
Elijah’s journey shows a deepening dependence on God. Despite his weariness and fear, he trusted God’s guidance. Ministry and life can be exhausting, but God sustains those who rely on Him. Elijah’s despair led to a deeper revelation of God’s presence and purpose.
Dependence is more than avoiding wrong; it’s about actively doing right. Elijah trusted God’s call, prayed earnestly, and saw miraculous results. Even when feeling defeated, God’s gentle whisper reminded him of His presence and plans.
SOCIALS:
Tricia: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Michelle: Instagram | LinkedIn
Daily Bible Podcast: Instagram | Facebook | Join the Community
DISCLAIMER: The Daily Bible Podcast, Tricia Goyer, Michelle Hill, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.
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