Read II Kings 22-23 Josiah Rules in Judah

Then the king stood by a pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people took a stand for the covenant. (II Kings 23:3)

Hezekiah was a good king but not so the two kings after him. Manasseh and Amon did evil. Amon was assassinated by his officials and his son, Josiah succeeded him as king.

Josiah did what the LORD approved. He repaired the temple by providing the workers silvers and trusting them for the management and constructions. He renewed Israel's commitment to serve the Lord. He repented and tore down the idols. The Lord was pleased with him and preserved his life as well as the nation when Israel had already fallen to Assyria. When the leader set the pace, the people followed. "Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since." (II Kings 23:25)

Whatever position of leadership the Lord has placed you in, whether it is over a large organisation or over your family, trust God for wisdom to perform the task pleasing to Him. It may be building something new and expanding or even rebuilding the foundation and infrastructure. See His favour working in your life as you rely on His strength and direction, standing on His promises of blessings in Christ.

Prayer: Father God, You have made us Your covenanted people through Christ. Your promise of blessing comes through obedience of Your words. We are Your beloved. Holy Spirit enable us to experience Gods love that spurs us to keeping Your word.

I CHRONICLES [11-14 MARCH Day 71-74]

INTRODUCTION

I Chronicles is a book of Narrative History, and Genealogies. Scholars suggested it was written after the exile by the prophet Ezra circa 430 B.C. It covers the events from 1000 to 960 B.C. as a reminder of Gods faithfulness and the call to worship as a unified people of God.

This book parallels some of II Samuel. However, its approach is from a priestly point of view and thus emphasis is on the religious history of Judah and Israel. It gives significant attention to proper worship of Yahweh and adherence to the regulations of His Law.

It was written after the exile; its purpose was to encourage the remnant that had come out of the Babylonian captivity. To unify Gods people and teach that genuine worship ought to be the centre of the individual and national life. Davids prayer summarizes the themes the chronicler wished to communicate: glory to God (I Chronicles 29:10-19). It expresses the gratitude David had for Gods blessings, and the desire that Davids descendants continued to devote themselves to God.

Chapter 1-9, the book begins with genealogies from Adam to the time of the writer. It is a picture of Gods work from Adam through Zerubbabel.

It demonstrates the legitimacy of a person or familys claim and its priesthood affirming the continuity of the people of God despite expulsion from the Promised Land.

Chapter 10-29, is a review of King David's life. His reign (I Chronicles 10-12). . The return of the ark to Jerusalem (I Chronicles 13-16). The preparation for the building of the new temple (I Chronicles 17, 22)., An account of David's conquests (I Chronicles 18-20). The census and the plague (I Chronicles 21). Designation of the duties of the Levites (I Chronicles 23). Organization of the government (I Chronicles 24). David's last words and his death (I Chronicles 28-29)

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