Chronological Reading Plan for July 1, 2 Kings 1-4

Today's readings are 2 Kings 1-4. Tomorrow's  are 2 Kings 5-8.

In the Jewish Bible, 1 & 2 Kings are one volume. It was divided into two volumes when the Hebrew text was translated into Greek. Together, they are a history of Israel as a monarchy first, under David, then divided into two nations, Israel to the North and Judah to the South. 

Overall, it is a sobering record of the fall of both nations. God gave specific guidelines to the leaders of Israel (Dt 12), nearly all of which are violated by the kings of the divided kingdom as it existed after the death of Solomon. 

Israel falls first, then Judah. Through the lens of 1 & 2 Kings, we will see God's grace, in how He sends prophets to warn the kings of their downfall, His faithfulness in continually refining both kingdoms in spite of their disobedience, His holiness in exacting discipline for their rebellion and His sovereign authority over all nations as He continually uses pagan nations to do His sanctifying work in both kingdoms. 

Hopefully, as we read through 2 Kings, we can see some of ourselves in Israel and Judah and become more aware of God's sanctifying grace in our lives. 

In 2 Kings 1-2, Elijah, after chastising Ahaziah, king of Israel, for consulting Baal, is taken up and replaced by Elisha after Ahaziah dies. God is making sure Israel has a prophet to convey His word to them. Again, we see God's grace toward a fallen nation. 

Elisha performs signs and wonders, establishing him among the people as Elijah's replacement. One of the signs occurs when a group of young men who had mocked Elisha are eaten by bears. Apparently God is serious about defending His faithful prophets against detractors and those who would mock the work God is doing among His people. 

Joram becomes king of Israel. Moab rebels against Israel. Joram calls upon the king of Judah, Jehoshaphat, for help (also related in 1 Kings 22). Elisha consults the Lord for the sake of Jehoshaphat, who is a descendant of David. The Moabites lose the battle with God's intervention. But their king, Mesha, sacrifices his son before Israel can fully take Moab. Human sacrifice is strictly prohibited (Dt 18:10). When the armies of Israel see the sacrifice, they withdraw out of fear. The text does not tell us, at this point, if that is a wise decision or not. 

in 2 Kings 4, God continues to provide for and protect Elisha, performing a number of miracles through him, constantly validating him as a true prophet and building his credibility in the eyes of the people of both kingdoms.

Throughout all 4 chapters, we see God's gracious provision for those who remain faithful (Judah). At the same time, we see Him provide for, but discipline, those who stumble (Israel). Meanwhile, the pagan nations surrounding both kingdoms are used by God as His refining tools.

Chronological Reading Plan for June 30, Obadiah 1

Today's reading is Obadiah 1. Tomorrow's readings are 2 Kings 1-4. 

Near the end of 2 Chronicles, we saw Edom, once conquered by David, rise up against Jehoshaphat and Judah. Obadiah, written sometime shortly after Syria takes Israel and perhaps as late as when the Babylonians take Jerusalem, is written as a warning to Edom and all who come against God's people. Obadiah prophesies strongly against Edom, a country populated by descendants of Jacob and Esau. 

Obadiah prophesies doom for Edom in vs 1-9. They will battle invading armies but their real enemy is the Lord who is sending enemies against them. God is sovereign, even over the godless!

Edom's sin is proclaimed in 10-14. Instead of helping their kinsmen, they attacked them when they were under siege, an act of cowardice and shame.  

Obadiah prophesies Edom's judgment in 15-21. All peoples who oppose God and His people will be defeated and their lands given to the children of God. 

This is a pertinent book for us today. the battle is the Lord's, even when we may feel surrounded, betrayed and outnumbered. God will not be mocked nor will He be opposed. Those who reject Him and His word will fall victim to his wrath. He will use everything in His creation to bring Himself glory, even those who reject Him...maybe especially those who reject Him.

Chronological Reading Plan for June 29, 2 Chron 19-23

Today's readings are 2 Chronicles 19-23. Tomorrow's is Obadiah 1. 

Much to be learned from today's story of Jehoshaphat and his reign. 

In ch 19, Jehoshaphat returns to Jerusalem. Jehu, a prophet of God, chastises Jehoshaphat for allying himself with wicked king Ahab. Jehoshaphat repents and institutes many reforms in Judah, turning the nation back toward God. He re-invigorates the Levitical priesthood and gives them authority to judge. 

Then, some of the nations that the Jews showed mercy to when first arriving in Canaan and taking the land, suddenly turn on Judah and attack. Jehoshaphat calls out to the Lord who miraculously delivers Judah. 

It is no coincidence that these attacks happen just as Jehoshaphat makes a strong commitment to godliness. God frequently allows a vow to be tested just to reveal our level of sincerity and commitment. Jehoshaphat passes that test marvelously, by turning to God for help. God responds in such a way that no one but He can get glory for the victory. 

Amazingly, after the victory, Jehoshaphat makes an alliance with yet another wicked king of Israel, Ahaziah. They agree to build ships to go to Tarshish (Spain). Another prophecy goes forth, condemning the venture. The ships all sink. Apparently Jehoshaphat still struggles with worldly issues in spite of being a godly man. Those unchecked compromises he continues to make will complicate matters in generations to come. He dies, leaving the kingdom to his son, Jehoram. 

Jehoram immediately kills all of his brothers, along with some of the leaders of Israel. Jehoram is no better than the wicked kings of Israel. Edom and Libnah, to the West, revolt. 

Jehoram leads Judah dramatically away from God. The Philistines and the Arabians, tools in the hands of God, Himself, attack from the East. Meanwhile, Elijah prophesies a plague on Jehoram, his family and his people. Elijah accurately prophesies that Jehoram will die painfully from a "disease of the bowels" and the prophecy is fulfilled when Jehoram dies an agonizing death. Whatever slippery slope his father was on has accelerated in Jehoram, ultimately ending in his doom as well. 

Here's the lesson learned in this. When one generation compromises, the next generation takes that as the norm, then makes their own compromise...and so it continues until someone repents and turns back the the Lord. Jehoram's scriptural epitaph is one of the saddest and most tragic in the Bible, "...he departed with no one's regret."

Jehoram's son, Ahaziah (another Ahaziah different from Ahaziah, the king of Israel), assumes the throne of Judah. His mother, Athaliah, is his primary counselor. She is wicked, just like her husband. The situation deteriorates. Ahaziah dies at the hands of Jehu. 

Ahaziah's mother then kills the entire royal family except for Joash, making herself the sole heir to the throne. Athaliah is now queen. Joash is secreted away by Jehoshabeath, the wife of Jehoiada, the priest, and one of Ahaziah's daughters. Joash grows up, hidden in the Temple, protected from the queen. 

When Joash is seven, Jehoiada rallies the priests and the military commanders to establish Joash as king, by virtue of his sonship. 

Athaliah is executed Jehoiada forms an alliance between the priesthood and the military to protect Joash and bring Judah back to the Lord while the young king grows up.

The amazing thing about this complicated story is that God has brought the consequences of their actions down upon the wicked kings (and queen) of Judah while, at the same time, making good on His promise to keep a descendant of David on the throne.

Chronological Reading Plan for June 28, 1 Kings 22, 2 Chron 18

Today's readings are 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chron 18. Tomorrow's are 2 Chronicles 19-23.

Combining the narratives from both chapters manages to fill in details either lacks when read separately. It also smooths out a story line that can be a little hard to follow and understand. 

After being defeated by Ahab, Ben-Hadad is flexing his military muscle once again and has captured Ramoth-gilead, a strategically located fort a the entrance to the Valley of Jezreel, the valley that dominates Northern Israel. 

Jehoshaphat of Judah makes peace with Ahab and agrees to go to war with him to take back Ramoth-gilead. Ahab has replaced the 400 prophets killed in the encounter with Elijah, presumably from the same ungodly groups the original 400 came from. They tell Ahab he will win a great victory. Jehoshaphat wants to hear from a prophet of God. Ahab calls Michaiah who has been at odds with Ahab. 

At first, Micaiah gives Ahab a sarcastic reply. Ahab gets the sarcasm and wants the truth. Micaiah relates two visions to Ahab telling him his prophets are wrong and the king will lose the battle and die. Micaiah also reveals that God is behind the error of the king's prophets, sending a lying spirit (1 Kings 22:23) to deceive the king and draw him into battle (think about that one for a bit). So, even though Ahab repented previously, he hasn't really changed his ways and will now suffer the consequences of his actions. It is curious that Jehoshaphat, who seems like a godly man, seems so willing to ally himself with Ahab. 

Zedekiah, one of Ahabs primary prophets accuses Micaiah of trying to co-opt the Spirit of the Lord. Zedekiah's claim is that he's the true prophet and Micaiah the false one. Micaiah prophesies that Zedekiah will have to hide from the enemy before it's all over.

Micaiah is thrown in prison with Ahab condemning him to stay there until he returns peacefully from the battle. Micaiah warns Ahab that he will not return. 

Jehoshaphat joins Ahab in the battle in spite Micaiah's prophecy. Ahab, perhaps taking Micaiah's prophecy seriously, disguises himself, but dies anyway, being struck by a random arrow. Jehoshaphat is protected and preserved by God.

Ahab dies well but his men scatter after he succumbs. The prophecy concerning his death is fulfilled as they prepare his body and his chariot for burial. Dogs lap up his blood and prostitutes bathe in it. 

Jehoshaphat returns to Jerusalem. He is a godly man and is blessed. But he had allowed his son Jehoram to marry Ahab's daughter, Athaliah. This questionable decision is probably the motivation behind his alliance with Ahab. This will have consequences. 

We see, in Ahab, the God is gracious but will tolerate outright rebellion for only so long before consequences occur. We must never mistake God's patience for His acceptance of ungodly behavior. His patience is always an act of grace, giving us time to repent.

In Jehoshaphat, we see that our own willingness to tolerate ungoldy behavior or to compromise our godly behavior can be dangerous. Aligning ourselves too closely with ungoldy people, apart from God's clear leading, can be dangerous as well. Their influence on us can often be far greater than our influence on them. Jehoshaphat asked for a word from a prophet of God, then ignored it. 

Jehoshaphat has three areas of struggle pointed out; He went to battle with Ahab in spite of Mecaiah's warning. He entered into an ill-fated commercial venture with Ahaziah, an apostate. And, later, we will find out he and Jehoram embark on another ill-fated journey into Transjordan. 

Jehoshaphat dies at the end of 1 Kings 22 but we will pick up more detail about his reign in 2 Chronicles. 

Chronological Reading Plan for June 27, 1 Kings 20-21

Today's readings are 1 Kings 20-21. Tomorrow's are 1 Kings 22, 2 Chron 18.

1 Kings 20 finds Aramean King Ben-Hadad and an alliance of 32 kings coming against King Ahab of Israel. Ahab, who was worshiping Baal and had an inferior force is granted victory over Ben-Hadad by God. Two things become clear, God is the true God of Israel, regardless of Ahab...and God is exceedingly gracious. Ahab deserves destruction, yet God grants him victory instead. Simultaneously, God demonstrates His power to the Arameans, who, by all measures, should have easily defeated Ahab.

Believing Israel's God was a god only of the hills, a year later, the Arameans attack another of Ahab's cities, Aphek, which is in a valley. God grants Israel the victory again, showing that He is Lord over hill and valley.

Ahab violates the rules of holy war and spares Ben-Hadad. God sends a prophet, condemning Ahab for neglecting God's word. Ironically, Ahab ends up proclaiming his own judgment in 1 Kings 20:35-43. 

In 1 Kings 21, Ahab tries to buy a vineyard from Naboth. Lev 25 taught that God owned the land in Canaan and His people were not to dispose of it. Naboth rightfully refuses to sell. Ahab's wife, Jezebel, lies about Naboth, instigating his execution. Ahab and Jezebel acquire the land after Naboth is killed.  

Speaking through Elijah, God judges Jezebel and the land, holding Ahab responsible for all that has happened, prophesying that Ahab would die horribly and Jezebel in an even worse fashion, torn and eaten by dogs.

Ahab repents and God has mercy on him. Still His laws have been violated and blood has been shed. There will be earthly consequences for Ahab's actions. Notice, Jezebel does not repent. This will have grave consequences regarding her fate.

God's grace flows freely to those who exhibit heartfelt, contrite repentance. Those who stubbornly resist the word of God and continue in their rebellion, as we see time and again in the Scriptures, suffer serious and eternal consequences. 

Chronological Reading Plan for June 26, 1 Kings 17-19.

Today's readings are 1 Kings 17-19. Tomorrow's are 1 Kings 20-21. 

In 1 Kings 17, we meet Elijah, a prophet, sent by God to Ahab, the back-sliding king of Israel. Notice the grace of God working even in a back sliders life. God sends a man to bring the truth to Ahab. Ahab will either turn from his ways or have no excuse when judgment falls on him.  

There is a drought in which Elijah is supernaturally provided for. This drought is with purpose. Ahab worships Baal, the supposed god of rain and vegetation. The one true God clearly demonstrates this His power is greater than any false gods by overpowering Baal and controlling the weather in Baal's home territory, Phoenicia. We see the same sovereign power when God uses Elijah to raise the widow's dead son. Only God has the power of life and death, not any pagan "god". Yahweh is God of all nations and God of all people, whether they worship Him or not. 

In 1 Kings 18, Elijah and Ahab meet. Ironically, Ahab calls Elijah the "Troubler of Israel" when Ahab is the true problem Israel is struggling with. Elijah defeats the prophets of Baal in spectacular fashion, once again demonstrating the sovereign power of the God of Israel. God also prophesies through Elijah to end the drought. The drought in Baal's backyard is completely controlled by God who puts Himself on display magnificently through His prophet Elijah.

Amazingly Elijah is intimidated by Jezebel, Ahab's wife, who threatens to kill him in 1 Kings 19. Elijah runs ending up on Mt Horeb (Mt Sinai) in the same spot where God spoke to Moses. Elijah naively complains that he's the only one on God's side, but God reveals that there are actually 7,000 others that Elijah was unaware of. All this happens after God brings wind, an earthquake and fire, ultimately speaking in a quiet whisper. By all this, Elijah learns that God, at times, moves in quiet ways that we may not always be aware of. God tells Elijah to anoint three men who will defeat Ahab, effectively removing him from kingship and demonstrating that God is the one who raises up kings and brings them down as well. 

One of the three men is Elisha, Elijah's replacement, the beginning of a long series of prophets God will use to speak to Israel and Judah. 

Chronological Reading Plan for June 25, 1 Kings 15, 2 Chron 17

Today's readings are 1 Kings 16, 2 Chron 17. Tomorrow's are 1 Kings 17-19. 

In 1 Kings 16, Baasha comes to a bad end for bringing ungodly and sinful behavior to God's people. Those who become leaders will be accountable for how they lead. God makes it clear, through His prophet Jehu, that He is the one who put Baasha in place and He will be the one to exact a consequence for Baasha's rebellion against God.

Baasha's son takes over and come to a bad end at the hands of Zimri who wipes out the entire house of Baasha just as God prophesied. 

Zimri is no better. He dies almost immediately when Omri attacks the capital. 

Notice the breathtaking slide Israel is taking. First they fight with Judah. Now they are fighting and killing each other, all over who will be the leader/king. 

Israel now divides, half following Omri and the other half following Tibni. Omri's most significant achievement is to establish Samaria as a city. Still, Omri is not a good man, another in a growing line of evil kings of Israel. 

Ahab takes over from Omri and seems to be the worst of the entire lot, so far. Ahab leads Israel in total apostasy, worshiping Baal and setting up altars to false gods and idols. 

 Meanwhile, in 2 Chron 17 we see Jehoshaphat reigning in Judah and fortifying it against Israel. This is what they have been reduced to - wasting time and resources defending themselves against people who are supposed to be their brothers. 

There is a stark contrast between Israel and Judah at this point. Jehoshaphat leads Judah in godliness while Israel continues to move away from God. Judah is blessed. Israel's struggles begin to multiply. 

Has Judah learned their lesson? Will Israel learn theirs? The story is just beginning to get interesting.

Know this, Israel's slide did not happen overnight. It started when they were unjustly treated by Rehoboam. This is a key point. Their indignation over being treated "unfairly" caused bitterness to grow, resulting in the division God warned them not to allow to happen. Israel's slide began in self-righteous anger and a demand for their rights. While there is nothing wrong with speaking up for our rights, that should never threaten the unity of God's people. Furthermore, it should never become a cause for anger or bitterness. Look where it has gotten Israel so far. Watch where it takes them.   

Chronological reading Plan for June 24, 1 Kings 15, 2 Chron 13-16.

Today's readings are 1 Kings 15, 2 Chron 13-16. Tomorrow's are 1 Kings 16, 2 Chron 17. 

In 1 Kings 15, Abijam's (sometimes known as "Abijah") reign typifies the constant tension between Judah's propensity to fall into idolatry and God's faithfulness to His people. Meanwhile, tensions between Israel and Judah escalate. 

Asa reigns after Abijam. He is a godly man who initiates reform in godly worship and does much to set Judah on the right path.  But he fails to tear down the "high places", the sites for pagan idol worship. His heart is for God. His commitment to holiness is enviable but not total.  This is probably evidence of the culture he lives in. Nonetheless, it will prove to be a problem for those that follow. The Scriptures compare Asa favorably to David. 

King Baasha of Israel fights an ongoing war with Judah. He builds Ramah, which lies on the Central Benjamin Plateau north of Jerusalem. Ramah guards the only easy-to-navigate roadway to Jerusalem. If Baasha controls Ramah, he can nearly control Jerusalem. 

To counter, Asa forms an alliance with the kingdom of Aram and Baasha abandons his plans for Ramah. 

2 Chron looks at Abijah a bit more charitably but  still exposes his weaknesses. 2 Chron 16 reveals that Asa's decision to ally himself with Aram's King Baasha was not only later in his career but misguided. 

Asa, like Solomon before him and many that will follow, should depend on God to protect and provide for His children, not worldly alliances. 

Asa's error is further exacerbated when he contracts a disease and relies on physicians instead of the Lord. This is not an indictment against medical care. God provides us with doctors and medicines for His glory. Asa's struggle was in not trusting God first and foremost. Going to a doctor is not an ungodly thing to do. Thinking the doctor can do something that God cannot is a grievous error. 

One of the lessons we can learn from these first kings of Judah is that we should always be on guard about where we place out trust and who or what we depend upon. God is our provider, protector and preservation. When our situations get tense, it's easy to turn away from God and look to those around us...or even ourselves...to get us out of trouble. Placing God in a lower priority in our lives can be the start of a slippery slide.  

Chronological Reading Plan for June 23, 2 Chon 10-13

Today's readings are 2 Chron 10-12. Tomorrow's are 1 Kings 15, 2 Chron 13-16. 

Rehoboam's choice of Shechem to declare his kingship is ironic. Shechem lies in the narrow valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. Those are the two mountains Joshua gathered Israel upon when they had occupied Canaan (Josh 8).  With half of Israel on one mountain and the other half on the other, they heard and affirmed the blessings they would receive if they obeyed the Lord and the curses the would endure if they disobeyed Him. 

Now, Rehoboam is clearly being corrupted. Still, he returns to the spot of the blessing and curses and beings acting in decidedly ungodly and self-centered ways. 

The northern tribes, now known as Israel, begin to separate from the southern, known as Judah. 2 Chron 1 gives us some additional detail. Basically, Rehoboam is neither a godly man nor a good leader. He seems to have all of the faults of his father and none of his virtues. 

Jeroboam unites Israel in their rebellion against Rehoboam. Rehoboam begins consolidating his power in Jerusalem as the rift between Israel and Judah widens. 

2 Chron 12 begins with a key verse. Rehoboam has abandoned any semblance of godly behavior. A prophet rises up and tells Rehoboam that because he has abandoned God, God will abandon him and turn him over the Pharoah Shishak.

Rehoboam humbles himself. He and Judah repent. God relents. Their riches are lost but God protects and provides from them. 

We see more ongoing lessons here. Self-centered decisions always lead to something less than God's best.  Frequently, they lead to disaster. When sin is revealed, the only remedy to severe consequences is repentance. Even at that, it must be sincere and heartfelt. In other words, there must be some grieving over sin, not just a desire to find a way out of the consequences. 

The tale of Rehoboam's slide away from God is not yet complete. Judah is doing well because they repented. However, Israel is now being led by Jereboam. The kingdom is divided. God's commandment was for them to be united, a reflection of their corporate relationship with God. The twelve tribes are not only supposed to be one, they are also God's messengers on earth. Instead they have been reduced to squabbling. 

Watch what happens as everyone seems to forget the curses warned about on Mount Gerizim in Dt 27-28.

Self-centeredness is a serious stumbling block. Pair it with a willingness to ignore the word of God and you have a recipe for disaster. God is faithful and true. But it is becoming increasingly clear that His intention is not only to bless His people, but the make them holy as well. 

This would be good for us to remember. Our own path to sanctification does not lead only to blessing, but to holiness and godly living. Our loving Father will do whatever is necessary to get us there. 

Chronological Reading Plan for June 22, 1 Kings 12-14

Today's readings are 1 Kings 12-14. Tomorrow's are 2 Chron 10-12.

1 Kings 12 records the rise of Rehoboam, Solomon's son. His stubborn nature and willingness to ignore the counsel of the aged while embracing the advice of his younger friends nearly loses him the kingdom. Ultimately, he is left with a much smaller kingdom comprised of Judah and Benjamin. He reigns in Jerusalem, where the Temple is.

Jeroboam reigns over the 10 Northern tribes, setting up idols in Shechem at Dan and Bethel, in 1 Kings 12, hoping to prevent his subjects from going to Jerusalem. 

In 1 Kings 13, a prophet warns Jeroboam against his actions. The prophet, however, heeds bad advice and lies and comes to a bad end. 

In short, because of Solomon's drift away from God, Israel, once a glorious and powerful nation, is in disarray and beginning to crumble. 

Chronological reading Plan for June 21, Prov 30-31

Today's readings are Proverbs 30-31. Tomorrow's are 1 Kings 12-14. 

Prove 30 deals with godly wisdom and the temptations of the world, a fitting follow up to Solomon’s story.

In Prov 31, we find the “words of King Lemuel” which actually come from his mother (31:1). This is one of a few passages of Scripture that, while not necessarily authored by a woman, contains teachings that are clearly attributed to them (compare Exod 15:21; Judg 5, Luk 1:46 ff ).

Those in authority should not use their power for self-indulgence and depravity (31:2–7). Instead, they should devote themselves to defending the poor and the powerless (31:8–9).

This poem is an acrostic, a poem whose lines start with certain letters that, when viewed separately, form words on their own. This is hard to see in English but is readily apparent in Hebrew. Nonetheless, the poem is powerful. 

The one being praised is a woman, but the audience is a young man The opening question in 31:10 implies that the reader ought to find such a wife for himself. The woman is trustworthy (31:11), industrious (31:13–19), intelligent (31:16, 18), and kind (31:20). She adds dignity to the family (31:23, 25) and has much foresight and prudence (31:21, 26). For all this she is much loved in her family and is the real center of the home (31:27–29). Above all she fears God (31:30). The final verse speaks eloquently against the tendency to regard her role as of inferior significance.

Chronological Reading Plan for June 20, 1 Kings 10-11, 2 Chron 9

Today's readings are 1 Kings 10-11 and 2 Chron 9. Tomorrow's are Prov 30-31.

1 Kings 10 introduces the Queen of Sheba. Sheba is usually associated with Southern Arabia, a region that controlled the shipping lanes between the Far east and the West. Sheba's importance is that fame in Sheba would mean fame throughout the world. The Queen pays high honor to Solomon, spreading his fame and fortune throughout the world. Solomon's wealth and power make him the most powerful king on earth. He has 666 talents, about 22 tons, of gold, not counting the gold used to build the Temple. We don't want to make too much of the "666". It most likely represents an annual income based on Solomon's various enterprises and would carry no ominous overtones to the Jews. In support of this idea, Solomon attributes all he has to the wisdom God gave him. 

In 1 Kings 11, Solomon falls away from God to pursue other gods. His world-wide fame led him to wed foreign wives for diplomatic reasons. His love for ungodly women became greater than his love for obeying God's commandments. Unlike David, who sinned as well, Solomon fell into idolatry and the worship of other gods, defeated by his own success and wealth. Solomon does evil in the sight of the Lord and dies after forty years of reigning. 

The results of Solomon's reign are a total reversal of the peace and prosperity Israel has been enjoying. The kingdom begins to divide, Jereboam leading the ten northern tribes with Rehoboam, Solomon's son, ruling over the two remaining. 

2 Chronicles 9 looks back on all these events showing us that one of the great success moments in Solomon's life, the visit of the Queen of Sheba, actually leads to his downfall. The worldwide fame and wealth her visit brings goes to Solomon's head and he departs from what he knows as right. 

Even the best and brightest of us needs to be cautious. The seduction of the world can make wrong things look right, lead us to compromise and take our eyes off the Lord. 

Chronological Reading Plan for June 19, Ecc 7-12.

Today's readings are Ecc 7-12. Tomorrow's are 1 Kings 10-11 and 2 Chron 9.

The second half of Ecclesiastes deals with the realities of life and the truth of living in a fallen world. Trying to find meaning or hope in wealth, education, politics, relationships or power only leads to frustration, disappointment and despair. For many, the endless pursuit of those things has left them empty and jaded. 

Furthermore, any sense of self-importance should be put into the proper perspective of fearing God (a reverential awe of Him, not a trembling apprehension) and obeying His commandments. 

Solomon drifted away from God. His pursuit of his own pleasure and self-image only made him realize how futile life was apart from God. Ultimately, he came to the point that his response to God, even when he didn't fully understand him, was one of faith and trust. The wisest man in the history of the world tried to find meaning apart from God and failed. He concludes by finally confessing that he is unable to understand God's ways...but trusts Him and His word anyway. 

His final words provide the framework for the entire book, 

Ecclesiastes 12:13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.