Weekly Guide：Week 58
March 03, 2019
Forward
We continue to read the First Kings this week.
The First Kings has a lot of words on the construction of the temple. The temple has a very significant meaning which points to faith in the history of Israel. The construction of the temple established Solomon’s throne while its destruction signified the judgment of Israel. Although the prophets foretold the destruction, but they did not equate it to the end of promise. God made new covenant with His people while Christ, the highest priest sitting to the right of God’s throne representing God’ holiness, is the realization of the new covenant’s promise. God’s dwelling is the basis of His presence. Both the temple in the Old Testament and the believers, filling the universe in the new heaven and new earth, in the New Testament are realizations of the promise God gave in the tent of meeting in the wilderness.
May you all be renewed in God’s word every day!
Question
How did Solomon dedicate the completed temple to God?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Solomon summoned the elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes and the chiefs of the Israelite families, to bring up the ark of the Lord’s covenant from the City of David. The glory of the Lord filled His temple.
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King explained to whole assembly of Israel the purpose for constructing the temple, prayed to the Lord and then blessed them.
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King sacrificed offers to the Lord with the whole assembly of Israel.
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King Solomon gave twenty towns in Galilee to Hiram king of Tyre. King Solomon conscripted foreigner as forced labor.
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Three times a year Solomon sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings on the altar he had built for the Lord, burning incense before the Lord along with them.
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King Solomon also built ships at Ezion Geber, which is near Elath in Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea.
Meditation: My Story
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Walking with God - Solomon brought the ark into the temple and God’s glory filled the temple. Where is God’s glory now that He dwells in us today? (John 1:14, 2 Corinthians 3:18)
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Identity - Solomon’s prayer to the Lord included thanksgiving, petition, repentance, and blessings. How may I incorporate all these into my prayer?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
Why was God angry to Solomon when he grew old?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Queen of Sheba witnessed the wisdom of Solomon.
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King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. He also accumulated chariots and horses.
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King Solomon loved many foreign women. As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods.
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The Lord was angry with Solomon and raised up adversaries, Hadad the Edomite, Rezon son of Eliada, and Jeroboam son of Nebat against Solomon.
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Ahijah the prophet of Shiloh revealed to Jeroboam that Israel would be broken apart.
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Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. Rehoboam his son succeeded him as king.
Meditation: My Story
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Integrity - At the peak of Solomon’s time, with much wealth and power, he chose to follow other gods and angered God. How could Solomon fall so far? What should I watch out for while my career and wealth are picking up?
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Fidelity - What changed after Queen of Sheba visited Israel? What did Solomon do? Have I set a goal to glorify God every moment of my daily life?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
Why was Israel split into two parts, north and south?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Rehoboam was made king in Shechem.
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Rehoboam took advice from young men to treat the Israelites harshly caused them to rebel against the house of David.
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Jeroboam was made king by the Israelites. Only the tribe of Judah remained loyal to the house of David.
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God prevented war between Rehoboam and Israelites.
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Jeroboam made two golden calves and brought the people into sin.
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A man of God warned Jeroboam that he would be killed by lion if he defies God’s command.
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Jeroboam built shrines on high places and appointed priests from all sorts of people.
Meditation: My Story
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Identity - What was Jeroboam’s biggest mistake? Have I worshiped the created more than God?
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Community - Rehoboam rejected elders’ advice but took young men’s and caused rebellion. How should I look at the advices from elders? Am I humbly seeking elders’ experiences?
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Fidelity - The Israelites first submitted then rebelled because Rehoboam’s improper governing. Leaders have a lot of influences on people. How should I watch my own conduct when I serve?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What were the fates of the kings of the north and south, Jeroboam and Rehoboam?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Ahijah foretold the disaster and downfall of the house of Jeroboam.
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He reigned for twenty-two years and Nadab his son succeeded him as king.
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Rehoboam, son of Solomon reigned in Judah for seventeen years. Judah did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
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In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem. He carried off the treasures of the temple of the Lord and the treasures of the royal palace.
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Rehoboam died and was buried in the City of David. Abijah his son succeeded him as king.
Meditation: My Story
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Community - Prophet Ahijah pointed out to Jeroboam the consequence of his sin. Is there anyone in my life who can help point out my weaknesses? Have I listened to them?
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Integrity - Israel was strong while Solomon reigned but gradually declined in the hands of his son Rehoboam. How should I pass on the blessings to the next generation? How should I keep myself disciplined so the blessings passed onto me are not lost?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How were the thrones of Israel and Judah succeeded differently?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Judah in the south: Rehoboam’s son Abijah reigned for three years. He committed all the sins his father had done before him.
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Abijah’s son Asa succeeded him and reigned for forty-one years. Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.
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Asa’s son Jehoshaphat succeeded him as king.
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Israel of the North: Jeroboam’s son Nadab reigned for two years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, following the ways of his father and committing the same sin his father had.
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Baasha struck down Nadab, succeeded him, and killed Jeroboam’s whole family, as the Lord had spoken through his servant Ahijah.
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Baasha became king of all Israel in Tirzah, and he reigned twenty-four years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
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Elah son of Baasha became king of Israel, and he reigned in Tirzah two years.
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Elah was betrayed and killed by Zimri, one of his officials. Zimri reigned in Tirzah for seven days. The Israelite army at war with the Philistines proclaimed Omri king over Israel. Omri laid a siege to Tirzah and Zimri set fire around himself and died.
Meditation: My Story
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Identity - Abijah committed all the sins his father had done before him; his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his forefather had been. Looking at these kings of Israel and Judah, what was more important in God’s eyes? Is my heart on myself or God?
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Integrity - Started with Jeroboam, the kingdom of Israel faced nonstop rebellions and killings. Judah was more peaceful in comparison. From verse 15:4 “for David’s sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and by making Jerusalem strong” we can see that God cared for Jerusalem because of David. What blessings shall I leave for my descendants?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How did the history of Samaria come about?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned twelve years, six of them in Tirzah. He bought the hill of Samaria and built a city on the hill. Omri did evil in the eyes of the Lord and sinned more than all those before him.
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Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria over Israel twenty-two years. Ahab did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him. He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he built in Samaria. Ahab also made an Asherah pole.
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Elijah said to Ahab, “there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”
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Elijah was provided by a widow in Zarephath and he made her jar of flour and jug of oil never run out and brought her son back to life.
Meditation: My Story
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Integrity - What sin did Ahab commit that was more than all those before him? What idols are in my heart that are hard to remove? Let me pray to God to help me identify and remove the idols in my life.
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Integrity - What are the various ways God used to strengthen Elijah’s faith? In my journey of faith, do I have any similar experience as Elijah’s?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What were the fates of the kings of the north and south, Jeroboam and Rehoboam?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Ahijah foretold the disaster and downfall of the house of Jeroboam.
+ He reigned for twenty-two years and Nadab his son succeeded him as king.
+ Rehoboam, son of Solomon reigned in Judah for seventeen years. Judah did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
+ In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem. He carried off the treasures of the temple of the Lord and the treasures of the royal palace.
+ Rehoboam died and was buried in the City of David. Abijah his son succeeded him as king.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Community** - Prophet Ahijah pointed out to Jeroboam the consequence of his sin. Is there anyone in my life who can help point out my weaknesses? Have I listened to them?
+ **Integrity** - Israel was strong while Solomon reigned but gradually declined in the hands of his son Rehoboam. How should I pass on the blessings to the next generation? How should I keep myself disciplined so the blessings passed onto me are not lost?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How were the thrones of Israel and Judah succeeded differently?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Judah in the south: Rehoboam's son Abijah reigned for three years. He committed all the sins his father had done before him.
+ Abijah's son Asa succeeded him and reigned for forty-one years. Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.
+ Asa's son Jehoshaphat succeeded him as king.
+ Israel of the North: Jeroboam's son Nadab reigned for two years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, following the ways of his father and committing the same sin his father had.
+ Baasha struck down Nadab, succeeded him, and killed Jeroboam's whole family, as the Lord had spoken through his servant Ahijah.
+ Baasha became king of all Israel in Tirzah, and he reigned twenty-four years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
+ Elah son of Baasha became king of Israel, and he reigned in Tirzah two years.
+ Elah was betrayed and killed by Zimri, one of his officials. Zimri reigned in Tirzah for seven days. The Israelite army at war with the Philistines proclaimed Omri king over Israel. Omri laid a siege to Tirzah and Zimri set fire around himself and died.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Abijah committed all the sins his father had done before him; his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his forefather had been. Looking at these kings of Israel and Judah, what was more important in God's eyes? Is my heart on myself or God?
+ **Integrity** - Started with Jeroboam, the kingdom of Israel faced nonstop rebellions and killings. Judah was more peaceful in comparison. From verse 15:4 "for David's sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and by making Jerusalem strong" we can see that God cared for Jerusalem because of David. What blessings shall I leave for my descendants?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the history of Samaria come about?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned twelve years, six of them in Tirzah. He bought the hill of Samaria and built a city on the hill. Omri did evil in the eyes of the Lord and sinned more than all those before him.
+ Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria over Israel twenty-two years. Ahab did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him. He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he built in Samaria. Ahab also made an Asherah pole.
+ Elijah said to Ahab, "there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word."
+ Elijah was provided by a widow in Zarephath and he made her jar of flour and jug of oil never run out and brought her son back to life.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - What sin did Ahab commit that was more than all those before him? What idols are in my heart that are hard to remove? Let me pray to God to help me identify and remove the idols in my life.
+ **Integrity** - What are the various ways God used to strengthen Elijah's faith? In my journey of faith, do I have any similar experience as Elijah's?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Elijah defeat the false prophets of Baal?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ In the third year, the Lord told Elijah to present himself to Ahab to rebuke him for abandoning the Lord's commands to follow Baals.
+ Elijah battled the Baal's false prophets on Mount Carmel. The false prophets were defeated and slaughtered.
+ Jezebel wanted to kill Elijah. Elijah escaped to Beersheba in Judah. The Lord whispered gently to Elijah told him to go to the Desert of Damascus to anoint Hazael king over Aram, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed Elijah as prophet.
+ God had reserved seven thousand in Israel-all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal.
+ Elijah called Elisha to follow him.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - What attributes did God display when he gently whispered to Elijah? How am I hearing God's voice today?
+ **Identity** - Elijah rebuked the people for wavering between two opinions: "If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." Am I wavering between two opinions and not following God completely?
+ **Fidelity** - How did Elijah respond when called by God? How am I responding and submitting to God's will?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How much did Ahab know God and How much faith did he have?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The Arameans besieged Israel capital Samaria. A prophet came to Ahab and brought along God's help. Ahab followed God's command and defeated the Arameans to show them that God is a true God beyond all limits.
+ Ahab's pretentious use of mercy set free of the enemy whom God had determined to destroy and made Arameans a long-term threat to Israel. God sent one of the company of the prophets to rebuke Ahab and foretold him the consequence of his action. Ahab became sullen and angry.
+ Ahab was obsessed with Naboth's vineyard. Naboth feared the Lord and would not give away the inheritance from God. Ahab's wife Jezebel who worshiped Baal devised an evil plan to frame Naboth and killed him. Ahab took possession of the vineyard.
+ Prophet Elijah rebuked Ahab and announced God's judgment on him. Ahab humbled himself before God, therefore, God delayed the disaster on his house to the days of his son.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - From the Aramean wars and Naboth's vineyard, what can I tell about Ahab's faith and his relationship with God? How was Ahab's being sullen, angry, and humble after being rebuked by prophets different from David's remorseful repentance? How have I repented? When have I just pretended to repent or when have I repented from my heart? How did either change my soul and my relationship with God?
+ **Integrity** - From Ahab's mercy of no principle for the Aramean king to his backboneless submission to Jezebel, what life's integrity did he lack? Have I offended God to please others?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was Ahab's attitude toward God's discipline for him?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ By his own will, Ahab solicited Judah king Jehoshephat's help to go to war against the Aramean. Ahab loved to hear the good prophecies but never listened to bad prophecies from the true prophet of the Lord and even put him into prison.
+ The Lord made true the prophecy He put into the mouth of His prophet. Ahab died on battlefield, his chariot was washed at a pool, and the dogs licked his blood, as the word of the Lord had declared.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - It might sound uncomfortable and piercing to the ears when God reminds us but the voice of Satan is always sweet like honey. How have I, in my experiences, distinguished the voice of God through circumstances and those around me from the sweet voice of Satan?
+ **Fidelity** - Judah king Jehoshaphat repeatedly suggested Ahab to ask Micaiah of God's will even though Ahab did no like him. However, Jehoshaphat did not attempt to persuade Ahab to submit to God's will and continue to join Ahab in war. How may I faithfully serve God to the unbelievers and go beyond performing lip services?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What sin did David commit on the matter Bathsheba?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ David was going to show kindness to Hanun the new Ammonite king, but the envoy David sent was humiliated. Thus, the war between Israelites and the Ammonites began. Joab was fighting on the frontline and the ark was encamped, but David stayed behind in the palace.
+ The army was fighting and yet David stayed in Jerusalem, saw Uriah's wife Bathsheba, and committed adultery. David called Uriah back as a failed attempt to cover up Bathsheba's pregnancy. Then, David used Joab and through the enemy's hands to kill Uriah.
+ But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - While the army fought on the frontline and the ark encamped on the battlefield, David stayed behind and did the preposterous thing. What life's integrities can I see in Uriah from his answer to David? Much time had past from David first saw Bathsheba to when she became his wife. Why didn't David repent in such a long time? How am I being warned seeing David did not repent immediately even though he had a good relationship with God? Have I ever fallen into the depth of sin but never realized it? How is God reminding me?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was David's attitude after Nathan had rebuked him?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ God sent Nathan to David to rebuke him and told him that he would be judged.
+ Nathan started with a fable to point out that David was insatiable, had despised the Lord's command, and done things displeasing to the Lord.
+ Nathan declared God's judgement that the sword will never depart from David's house, his wives will be tarnished under broad daylight, and his son with Bathsheba will die.
+ David repented immediately. The Lord took away his sin, but David must bear the consequence.
+ David fasted and prayed to the Lord for mercy to the child. But the Lord's mind did not change. David submitted to the Lord, cleansed himself and worshiped the Lord.
+ God blessed David and loved Solomon, a son David had with Bathsheba.
+ Joab subdued the Ammonites and invited David to receive the victory. The Ammonites were defeated.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - Nathan told David that his sin began with his insatiability. From his insatiability, what laws of the ten commandments did David break? David's seemingly insignificant insatiability, like Israelites' in the wilderness, became ever greater sin. How am I being insatiable with everything God had given me? Let me pray to God to help me to be joyful and satisfied.
+ **Integrity** - Although God had made up His mind on the judgment, David still prayed for His mercy and, at the same time, submitted to His will. What can I learn about prayer from seeing David's worship to God after knowing His will would not change?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What were David's problems in educating his sons?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Encouraged by Jonadab, Amnon devised a plan to trick David into bringing Tamar, Amnon's sister of different mother, to him and raped her. Tamar's brother Absalom hated Amnon.
+ Two years later, Absalom devised a plan to trick David and murdered Amnon. Absalom escaped to Geshur.
+ Three years later, Joab found a wise woman and devised a plan to persuade David in bringing Absalom back to Jerusalem. However, David would not see Absalom.
+ Two years later, Absalom devised a plan to force Joab to talk to David to let Absalom meet and reunite with David.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - Amnon raped his own sister of another mother. David did nothing besides being angry. What should have David done that would be pleasing to God? Absalom murdered Amnon and escaped to Geshur. Why again did David do nothing? Why did Joab persuade David to bring Absalom back? David would not see Absalom after he had come back so Absalom forced Joab to help with his meeting with David. What was Absalom's motive? As a father, what should have David done but didn't do during the seven-year span of all these events? Have I ignored my responsibility as a custodian of my inheritance from God and did not do what I should do, whether I am a parent or not?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
On way of his fleeing, what helps did David receive from God?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Absalom built his power and status in the dark and earned the heart of the Israelites. He went to Hebron by way of an excuse to fulfill a vow to conspire for mutiny against David. David's counselor Ahithophel followed Absalom and the conspiracy gained strength.
+ David fled Jerusalem but left ten concubines to take care of the palace.
+ The foreigner Ittai did not want to leave David and vowed to accompany David, live or death. The priests Zadok and Abiathar carried the ark with them to David, but David asked them to go back. David went up the Mount of Olives, weeping, barefooted and head covered. David met his confidant Hushai on the summit and asked him to go to Absalom in Jerusalem to frustrate Ahithophel's advice. Ziba brought food to David and claimed that Mephibosheth was going to betray David. So, David gave all that belonged to Mephibosheth to Ziba. Abishai wanted to kill Shimei as he cursed David but was stopped by David saying that it was coming from God.
+ Absalom listened to Ahithophel's advice to sleep with David's concubines who stayed behind. This was God's judgment to David. See 12:11.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - From what David said to priest Zadok when he fled Jerusalem, in his prayer to God on Mount of Olive, as well as what he said to Abishai in response to humiliation of Shimei's curse, what was the state of his spirituality?
+ **Walking with God** - Although he had to bear the consequences of sin, God's blessings were never too far away from David. What protections and helps did David experience in the journey of his fleeing?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Who defeated Absalom?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Ahithophel's advice was not taken by Absalom which allowed David to avoid demise. This was God's plan to disrupt Ahithophel and bring destruction to Absalom.
+ David was supplied by Shobi, Makir, and Barzillai at Mahanaim.
+ David deployed his troops and commanded them to be gentle with Absalom. Absalom was routed, his hair caught in the tree and unable to escape. Joab defied David's command and killed Absalom. David mourned for Absalom.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Absalom was defeated despite the great strength from support of all Israel and a very good counselor. It is God who brings victory and it is also God who brings defeat. Is there ungodly power in the circumstance I'm in which seems to be strong and invincible? Looking from this passage, is God who is in absolute control giving me peace?
+ **Integrity** - What was Joab's motive in killing Absalom? What should have he done to be pleasing to God? What news did David want to learn most anxiously from the two messengers? How would David react differently had he submitted to God's will? Contrast with David's prayer when Bathsheba's first son died.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did David do after he had gone back to Jerusalem?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ David sunk deep into the sorrow of losing Absalom. Joab warned David of calamities if the people were not comforted.
+ All Israelites were arguing amongst themselves to bring David. However, David sent for the priests to ask the Judah elders to bring him back and made Amasa in place of Joab as the commander of army to win over the heart of Judah. This brought about discontentment of the Israelite tribes which indirectly caused Sheba's unrest and Joab's murder of Amasa.
+ Shimei went to David and fell prostrate before him to ask for clemency. David refused Abishai's request to put Shimei to death and vowed that Shimei would not die. Mephibosheth came and told David that Ziba slandered against him. David did not scrutinize Ziba's motive nor did he ask him to return the land. David only asked Ziba and Mephibosheth to divide the land. Barzillai came to David to send him on his way. Barzillai refused David's invitation to go to Jerusalem but sent Kimham to go with David.
+ David sent Amasa to summon Judah to put down Sheba's unrest but Amasa delayed his return. David sent Abishai to pursue Amasa. Joab went and killed Amasa then led his troops and killed Sheba.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - It was God's mercy that David was able to return to Jerusalem. Did David rely on God? Is there evidence of interaction between David and God in these two chapters? How am I being reminded? David went for the support of Judah, his own tribe, but what was the consequence? Have I leaned on the power of the world more than God?
+ **Integrity** - Did David truly forgive Shimei? (see 1 Kings 2:8-9) What might be the reason he forgave Shimei at this time? Was David's treatment to Mephibosheth befitting to God's will? Mephibosheth was misunderstood but remained loyal to David. How does this remind me when I'm being misunderstood?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was the source of Babylon's destruction?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Babylon would be punished, captured, put to shame and Marduk would be filled with terror.
+ The people of Israel and the people of Judah together would go in tears to seek the Lord their God.
+ Announced once then again, the punishment of Babylon.
+ The people of Israel were oppressed, and the people of Judah as well. All their captors hold them fast, refusing to let them go.
+ A sword against the Babylonians, those who live in Babylon and against her officials and wise men!
+ The young of the flock will be dragged away; their pasture will be appalled at their fate.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - What is our responsibility when God's chosen people are being devoured? Take a look at verses 17 and 18. What shall I do when facing those who have sinned and those who deserve punishment?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the Lord avenge against Babylon for Israel?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The Lord would bring devastation to Babylon to avenge her abuse of the Israelites.
+ The Lord would stir up the spirit of a destroyer against Babylon and the people of Leb Kamai.
+ Israel and Judah have not been forsaken by their God, the Lord Almighty. Flee from Babylon! Run for your lives!
+ The Lord has stirred up the kings of the Medes, because His purpose is to destroy Babylon.
+ The Lord would dry up Babylon's sea and make her springs dry. Babylon would be a heap of ruins, a place where no one lives.
+ Jeremiah had written on a scroll about all the disasters that would come upon Babylon. He asked Seraiah to read all these words aloud.
+ When finished reading this scroll, tie a stone to it and throw it into the Euphrates.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - What was written about Babylon's prosperity and standing in this chapter? But, Babylon fell to disgrace because she did not put a leash on her desires. How am I putting to proper use of the gift and privilege from God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How was Jerusalem captured?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Zedekiah became king and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
+ King of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army. They encamped outside the city and built siege works all around it until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah. The whole army fled the city at night through the gate between the two walls near the king's garden.
+ The king of Babylon killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes; he also killed all the officials of Judah. Then he put out Zedekiah's eyes, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon.
+ Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem. He set fire to the temple of the Lord, the royal palace and all the important buildings.
+ The Babylonians broke up the bronze pillars, the movable stands and the bronze Sea that were at the temple of the Lord. The commander of the imperial guard took away all that were made of pure gold or silver.
+ The commander of the guard took as prisoners Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest next in rank and the three doorkeepers. The king of Babylon had them executed.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Had Zedekiah reasons or just himself to blame for his miserable end? Are other people, fate, or God responsible for how my life is?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Jerusalem describe her own pain?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jeremiah laments the capturing of the people of Zion. How deserted lies the city, once so full of people! Bitterly she weeps at night, tears are on her cheeks. All her friends have betrayed her; they have become her enemies.
+ Jerusalem describes the insufferable pain was inflicted on her, that the Lord brought on her in the day of His fierce anger.
+ Jerusalem admitted that the Lord is righteous, yet she rebelled against His command.
+ Jerusalem pleaded to the Lord to see that there's no one to comfort her in her distress.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Zion laments that her pain was the result of righteous judgment from the Lord. Does the suffering in the world today come from God's judgment? What's the source of suffering? How should I face suffering?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Jerusalem experience the anger and fury of God's judgment?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jerusalem tells of God's fury in His judgment of the city and her people, He has shown no mercy to all.
+ Jerusalem's prophets did not point out her sins, but said so many foolish things, false to the core, to put her into slavery.
+ Jerusalem's enemies derided her and rejoiced over her suffering.
+ Lift up your hands and cry to your God, pour out your hearts like water to the Lord.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Facing the consequences of sins, the prophet called upon the people to repent and cry out to God. What shall I do when I suffer in sins?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Where to find hope in suffering?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jerusalem tells of her suffering as if she was in a dead end without hope.
+ She found a ray of hope when thought of the Lord's endless compassion.
+ It is good to both hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord, examine ourselves, repent and turn again to the Lord, and lift our hearts and hands to him in heaven.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - One would find a ray of hope in suffering just by changing one's direction. I may find myself falling into a dead end of suffering. How shall I face that situation and find the heavenly hope?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses