Pete’s Thoughts:

Esther 7

At last Esther springs her trap.  Imagine Haman’s surprise.  He thought everything was going well.  He was dinning alone with the king and queen something few others could say they had done.  This was sure to be a great step in his career in the palace.  Yet all at once his dreams come crashing down as Esther reveals the one who has threatened her and her people.  Picture the King’s face when he hears what Haman has done.  The shock and rage that he would dare harm the queen.  Look at the irony that Haman is hung on his own gallows that he had intended to hang Mordecai on.

Esther 8

King Ahasuerus knew he could not outright change the law.  That was the nature of the law of the Medes and Persians – once something was signed by the king it could not be revoked.  Therefore Esther had to come up with a way for the Jews not to be killed that worked within the framework of the law.

Esther 9

This chapter gives us the background to the founding of the feast of Purim.  Each year the Jews would gather and remember how they were saved by Esther when she boldly stood up and defended her people.

Esther 10

Mordecai was given power and authority because of his trustworthiness and his faithfulness.  The king saw these in him and promoted him.  What characteristics are showing forth in our lives?

Pete’s Thoughts:

Esther 2

It is important to note that when Esther went to the King to tell him about the plot to kill him, she gave the credit of the discover to Mordecai.  This was written in the chronicles.  This may seem like a trivial bit of information now but it plays a large part later in the book.

Esther 3

Mordecai remembered that the Israelites were not to bow to anyone but God.  Therefore when Haman would pass by, he, alone, would not bow.  Because of this, Haman set out to kill all of the Jews.

Esther 4

This chapter contains what is probably the most famous verse in this book.  Verse 14, “Yet who know whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”  Mordecai reminded Esther that nothing was done by chance and the God was divinely directing each one of her steps for a reason and a purpose.

Esther 5

Haman build his gallows expecting to hang Mordecai on them.  If he only knew who exactly would be swinging from them, they might not have pleased him so much.

Esther 6

One night, when the King could not sleep, he started to look over the chronicles of his time.  What better way to fall asleep than read something really mundane.  Yet while reading, he came across the account of Mordecai protecting his life and realize that he never rewarded him.  One of my favorite parts about this section is when the King asks Haman what should be done and Haman, thinking it is he that the king is talking about, responds that the king should bestow great lavishness upon him, only to find out that it is not him at all but Mordecai, his enemy.

Pete’s Thoughts:

Nehemiah 10

The people were so serious about their returning to a right standing with God that they made a covenant with God and each other.  There were two parts to this covenant an oath of what they would do and a curse of what would happen to them if they failed in this covenant.  That is a serious commitment – to put your well-being on the line.  Yet that is the type of commitment that God requires of us.  He commands us to be holy just as He is holy.  You can’t do that and be like the world.

Nehemiah 11

The next step that was needed was to determine who would live inside Jerusalem and who would live in the surrounding areas.  While everyone helped build and complete that wall, it would not have been feasible for everyone to live inside of the way for various reasons.  Some of these reasons would be as simple as the need for farmers to grow their crops to feed people, to as complex as making sure everyone received the proper inheritance according to the Law.

Nehemiah 12

The priests listed in this chapter had a very important role to play.  They were the priests who, after 70 years, would begin to lead the people in worship to God once more.  Without these men, the people could not offer sacrifices nor have intercession before God.  While it may look like just an ordinary list to us, these men were vastly important, especially in setting the scene for Christ entering the temple and being before the priests and high priest – the descendants of these men.

Nehemiah 13

The problem that constantly plagued the people of Israel before they went into exile was that they were constantly taking wives and husbands from the surrounding people groups.  This would open them to worshiping other false gods and lead them away from God.  The beginning of this chapter reminds the people of the principles of separation.  After the exile, the nation of Israel never faced that problem again.  I think they finally learned their lesson.  It’s a shame it took such a drastic measure for them to learn it.  What lesson is God trying to teach you?  Make sure you pay attention before He has to do something drastic in your life!

Esther 1

This chapter sets the stage for one of the most interesting accounts in the Old Testament – the account of Esther.  While the name of God is not expressly written in this book, we can see Him moving through out the entire story.  His hand is guiding, protecting, and moving in ever verse and chapter.  This is one of the greatest stories of Jewish history about the boldness of one woman to stand up against impossible odds, to take hold of the opportunities given her, and make a difference for her people and for the world.

Pete’s Thoughts:

Nehemiah 5

Nehemiah had to deal with the people being too much like the world.  He had to rebuke the elders for taking advantage of the people.  He had to lead by example of what it meant to be generous.  Too often today, we, as Christians, would fall into the traps that these people fell into.  From being too much like the world to taking advantage of each other for a “quick buck,” do people real notice a difference between the church and the world?

Nehemiah 6

It is a great mark on the leadership of Nehemiah to read that the wall was completed in only 52 days.  Considering the obstacles he faced, everything from the nobles not working, the people being attacked, opposition from the outside and so much more, Nehemiah was one of the greatest leaders and motivators to grace the earth.

Nehemiah 7

Nehemiah wanted to make sure that the great strides that the people had made in protecting the city didn’t go to waste with poor leadership.  Therefore, he appointed strong, faithful, godly men to the task of leading the city.  He also gave them strict orders about when to open the gates and how to guard them.  The wall would mean nothing if the gates were not properly defended and good leadership was in place to oversee the city.

Nehemiah 8

Look at the reaction the reading of the Word of God received from the people.  First, they stood for the reading of it – for at least 3 hours!  When they heard the words of the Lord, the people broke down and wept.  When was the last time that tears were brought to your eyes simply because you heard the Bible being read?  We will cry over a movie or a funny joke but the precious word of God doesn’t even stir our heart.

Nehemiah 9

As we saw in the book of Ezra, when there is revival there will always be confession of sin.  The people heard the word of the Bible and wanted to be right with God.

Pete’s Thoughts:

Ezra 10

Whenever there is revival taking place, there will always be repentance of sin.  When was the last time that you focused on the holiness of God so much that you had a realization of your sin?

Nehemiah 1

Nehemiah was in a unique position.  He was before the king everyday and had a relationship with him.  When his heart was burdened for the city of Jerusalem and the people living there, he had a responsibility to make use of the opportunities and positions that God had placed him in to change things.  When was the last time we took advantage of the positions and relationships God has given us to further His kingdom?

Nehemiah 2

Nehemiah wanted to see the wall in it’s current state with his own eyes.  In order to properly address the situation, he had to understand what needed to be done.  The best way to do this was to view the wall at night when no one else would be around and he could gain an honest opinion of what needed to be done.  It required him to lose a bit of sleep but the safety of his people was at stake and that was well more important that a couple of hours of sleep.

Nehemiah 3

It is sad that for all of eternity the nobles of the Tekoites will be remembered for not working with everyone else to repair the wall.  I don’t know if it was due to selfishness or pride but they have left a mark on this chapter that is very negative.  I would not want to be remembered as one of the ones who did not work when everyone else was.

Nehemiah 4

Nehemiah and the people were so dedicated to rebuilding the wall that when attacked they defended themselves with everything that they had.  The people were working so hard that they and the guards didn’t even take off their clothes except to bath and wash the clothes.

Pete’s Thoughts:

Ezra 5

The leaders in Israel sent a letter back to King Darius to have the articles for the temple sent to them.  Darius had possession of these articles because they were apart of the loot that Nebuchadnezzar took from Jerusalem when he destroyed the temple.  In order for worship to be properly restored, these articles were needed.

Ezra 6

It is evident that God was working in this situation to rebuild the temple.  Darius not only found the decree made by the Cyrus concerning the articles, he declared that all other expenses for the rebuilding of the temple would be paid at the king’s expense.

Ezra 7

When Ezra set out for Jerusalem he had with him one of the most important documents he could carry.  It was a letter from King Artaxerxes stating that anything that Ezra needed commanded was to be done in the King’s name and at his expense.  This gave him the authority to cut through all the red tape that would have defeated the process of rebuilding the temple.  Surely the heart of the king is in the Lord’s hand.

Ezra 8

There is a small sentence in verse 31 that is important but often overlooked.  God gave them safety while traveling.  Consider how much gold and silver these people were carrying.  Any and all the thieves from 100 miles around would descend upon this group and rob them.  Yet God provided protection for them and kept them safe on the road.

Ezra 9

Ezra was a righteous man of God who willingly interceded on behalf of his people.  When we hear of someone who is in trouble or in need or prayer, do we just pass it by or do we care enough about them to take that matter to the Lord in prayer?

Pete’s Thoughts:

II Chronicles 36

The last chapter of II Chronicles has the people of Judah being killed or led off into captivity.  The encouraging fact about the captivity is that Jeremiah had already proclaimed that it would only be for 70 years so the land could keep the Sabbaths that the nation never observed.  The end of the book sets the foundation for the book of Ezra to open.  Cyrus has just be told by God to build a temple in Jerusalem.

Ezra 1

It is important to be reminded that when God promises, He always fulfills.  He promised the captivity would only be for 70 years.  What do we find occurring at the end of those 70 years?  God stirring the heart of Cyrus to send the Jews back to Jerusalem to build a temple and worship the Lord.

Ezra 2

This was a large group that was heading back to Israel, as you can read in this chapter.  Just shy of 50,000 people were returning.  This was no small band of refugees trying to ilk out an existence by sheer luck.  These were the people of God freely returning from their captivity.

Ezra 3

What a wonder it must have been to see the temple being rebuilt after 70 years of desolation.  It must have brought tears to the people’s eyes to hear the praises of God being sung once more by grateful hearts.

Ezra 4

When ever we attempt to make great strides for God, there will always be opposition.  It is the way in which we respond to this opposition that defines our character.

Pete’s Thoughts:

II Chronicles 31

Hezekiah initiated many reforms in Judah to bring the people back to the Lord.  One of the greatest things written about his is that “in every work that he began…he did it with all his heart.”  Too many times we are fickle in our service to God.  We need to commit ourselves with our whole heart to serving Him.

II Chronicles 32

Sennacherib boasted against the Lord yet when he went to worship is ‘god’, his own children struck him and killed him.  Some god he served!

II Chronicles 33

Manasseh caused his nation to do more evil than the nations God destroyed when He brought Israel into the land.  Because of this, the Lord allowed him to be carried off by the Assyrians.  Yet God is merciful and heard the repentant cries of Manasseh and restored him.

II Chronicles 34-35

When Josiah had the priests clean out the house of God, they found a copy of the Pentateuch.  This was a great revelation to them.  They had no idea how far they and their fathers had fallen away from God.  Having the Law meant that they could restore proper worship and serve God has He had commanded them.

Pete’s Thoughts:

II Chronicles 26

Uzziah was struck with leprosy and was a leper until the day of his death because he became proud and arrogant.  He decided that he was able to preform the duties of the priests, completely against what God had directed.  He should have been willing to serve the Lord by allowing the priests to preform their duties and he preform his duty of leading the people in his example of worship.

II Chronicles 27

We don’t have much information in this chapter on Jotham when compared to the information given about other kings.  One interesting note, however, is the reason behind his might.  He became mighty because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God.  There are several things we can learn from him in this one sentence.  First, we know that God is this source of his might and thus he relied on God.  Second, when he considered a course of action he prepared according to the Lord.  Third, we know he had a personal relationship with God because it tells us “before the Lord his God.”  This may be just one sentence use to describe Jotham but we know a lot from it.  What are the descriptive sentences in you life and what are they saying about you?

II Chronicles 28

Ahaz completely shut down the worship of the Lord and built up many altars to worship the gods of the Syrians.  What a sad thing to read about – the very king of Israel turning his back on the Lord and teaching the people to do likewise.

II Chronicles 29-30

Hezekiah is a stark contrast to Ahaz.  In his first year, he reinstated the worship of the Lord and begins Israel on the right path of worshiping the Lord.  Hezekiah lead his nation and the nation of Israel in returning to worshiping the Lord and celebrating the Passover.  It had been since the time of David and Solomon that the Passover was celebrated.  It took a strong and bold leader to stand up and make a change for the Lord.  What are you going to stand up for today?

Pete’s Thoughts:

II Chronicles 21

Jehoahaz choose not to follow the Lord but to follow the kings of Israel instead.  Due to this, we find a very interesting account of how he died.  He died in severe pain from his intestines falling out from the disease the Lord struck him with.  Sure it was fun for a while when he was following the “cool” kings of Israel in their disobedience from the Lord but he propably didn’t think it was so cool when he was in such pain at the end of his life.  Our choices have consequences.

II Chronicles 22

Joash spent six years hidden in the house of God.  He had to do this because his grandmother, Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab, was killing all of her grandsons so that she could rule the nation of Judah as queen.

II Chronicles 23-24

Look at the difference between having a godly influence in your life verses having an ungodly influence.  Joash was raised in the Temple and led by Jehoiada where as Athaliah was raised by her father Ahab and followed in all of his ways.

II Chronicles 25

Amaziah was smart enough to understand the Law of Moses and wise enough to follow it.  He realized that, just as he killed the servants who killed his father, if he killed the servants children, the cycle would repeat and the children’s children would come after him.  Instead, he gave the servants the punishment required for killing the king.

Pete’s Thoughts:

II Chronicles 16

Asa started out so well but then turned away from the Lord.  It is always sad to see someone follow the Lord but fall away at the end.  The legacy that you leave is just as important as how you lived you life, if not more.

II Chronicles 17

You will never have a lack of blessings when you set out to seek the Lord.  They may not be the blessing you would first think of but you can be certain they are the best blessings for you.

II Chronicles 18

Wearing a disguise will not hide you from the Lord.  Ahab though he could escape the prophecy of the Micaiah by changing his clothes, yet it was this change that brought his doom about.

II Chronicles 19

It takes a strong, godly leader to enact a change for the better.  There will always be opposition to being godly but this cannot deter us from still moving forward.

II Chronicles 20

Jehoshaphat followed in the footsteps of his father, Asa, and did not turn aside from it.  What a great thing to say of someone.  To be able to proclaim that they have followed in the footsteps of righteous men and did not leave that path.

Pete’s Thoughts:

II Chronicles 11

The nation of Israel should have taken it’s lead from the spiritual leaders.  The priests and Levites sided with Rehoboam and moved to Jerusalem.

II Chronicles 12

It is interesting to note that the reason that Rehoboam did evil was because he did not prepare his hear to seek the Lord.  It would be interesting to see the sheer number of people through out history who have failed at their tasks simply because they failed to prepare beforehand.  The first thing we should always do is prepare our hearts to seek the Lord, every day.

II Chronicles 13

It is sad to read about the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people, to be fighting amongst themselves.  It is just as sad to hear of Christians today fighting and bickering over petty things.  Our focus should be on the glory of God and seeing more people come to a saving knowledge of Him.

II Chronicles 14-15

Asa is a great example of what it means to seek the Lord.  He sought Him and was blessed because of it.

Pete’s Thoughts:

II Chronicles 6

In his prayer of dedication, Solomon calls upon the Lord to have His word come true.  God loves it when we “hold” Him to His word.  It means we have placed ourselves in a position to test Him by taking Him at His word.  His word never fails.

II Chronicles 7

How awesome it must have been to see at the end of Solomon’s prayer fire come down from heaven and consume the burnt offering.  There would be no need to provide a fire that day.  I can imagine anyone who saw that never wondered for the rest of their lives if God really heard people when they prayed.  I am sure they told their children and their grandchildren about that event.  God hears and answers prayer.

II Chronicles 8

Solomon made many accomplishments that are recorded in this chapter.  Yet in the midst of this we see the foundation for his heart turning away from God.  He married Pharaoh’s daughter.  While he may have built her a city so she would not be in the holy places and he most likely married her for political reasons, the Lord directly commanded the Israelites not to marry anyone outside of their people.

II Chronicles 9

Solomon was one of the richest men to ever live.  We read through all of his riches in this chapter.  Yet at the end of the chapter, he is dead and all of his riches are left to another.  While having riches and wealth is not wrong it is important to be reminded that you cannot take it with you and that we all must die one day.

II Chronicles 10

This chapter recounts the beginning of the split of the nation of Israel.

Pete’s Thoughts:

II Chronicles 1

This section recounts Solomon’s request for wisdom from God.  If God were to ask what one thing you wanted, would you answer be wisdom?  Solomon could have asked for anything but he showed the beginning of wisdom in asking for more.  James tells us that God freely gives it to all who ask.  Maybe it’s time we start asking for wisdom.

II Chronicles 2

Solomon desired to build the temple of God.  He knew that this would be a large undertaking and thus needed much planning.  Jesus said that only a fool builds a house without first contemplating the cost otherwise he will get half way done and run out of money and become the laughing stock of the community.  The wise, on the other hand, carefully considers what is required and verifies that they can meet the need before they begin.  Solomon was just as wise in this matter as in all others.

II Chronicles 3-4

These chapters deal with the actual building of the temple along with the furniture of the temple.

II Chronicles 5

It always amazes me to think of the glory of God being so physically manifested at the dedication of the temple that they priests could not enter to continue their duties.  This was not an ethereal “glory of God” that people sometimes talk about.  This was a brick wall that prevented the people from entering.  God came down and made this temple His own.  Consider what it means, then, that the Holy Spirit has come down and dwells not in the temple but in Christians.  We have the glory of God living inside of us and yet we drag His name and His glory through the mud on a daily basis.

Pete’s Thoughts:

I Kings 7

Here we find the specific pieces for the Temple being manufactured.

I Kings 8

It is amazing to consider that when the priests brought the ark of the covenant into the holy place, the glory of God so filled the Temple that they had to stop what they were doing.  This is a physical manifestation of the glory of God.  I know that no one who was there that day ever forgot what it was like.  

I Kings 9

In this chapter, God comes to Solomon and reminds him of all David, his father, did.  He also reminds him that you cannot ride on someone else’s coattails.  You have to choose for yourself if you will follow God or not.  Just because your mom or dad followed God doesn’t mean that you will live a perfect and happy life.  It is your choice follow God or not, no one can make it for you.

I Kings 10

How wonderful it is that when the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame, she also heard of God.  It was Solomon’s testimony that God was the one who had prospered him.  And when she investigated it with her own eyes, she saw that it was not only true but she personally saw all God had done and praised His name.  Our testimony should also always point towards God.

I Kings 11

However, it was not to last.  Solomon took wives from foreign nations and those wives brought their gods with them.  It was these wives that turned Solomon’s heart from the Lord.  The friends that we hang around determine where our future leads.