2 Chronicles Chapter 32

At this point in history, King Hezekiah was ruling righteously in Judah. He had led the people to return to worship of the Lord and to turn away from idolatry and wickedness. Covenants were made and the work of the temple was a priority again. Hezekiah and his people were blessed for these choices. Meanwhile, the rest of Israel continued in their wicked ways. Without the promised protection of the Lord, they were prey to the surrounding nations, including Assyria. This enemy had been successful in taking much of the land of Israel around Judah. Hezekiah worked to stop their bondage to Assyria, by refusing to pay tribute to them, so the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, responded with the following:

1 After these things, and the establishment thereof, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fenced cities, and thought to win them for himself.
2 And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem,
3 He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city: and they did help him.
4 So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?
5 Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.
6 And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and spake comfortably to them, saying,
7 Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:
8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

The army of the Assyrians had entered the land of Judah and began to attack its cities. Hezekiah called a counsel of the leaders in Judah, and it was decided to stop the water outside of the city of Jerusalem, so that the enemy would not have that resource. Many of the people helped them to block the waters. The king also worked to strengthen the defenses of the city, by repairing broken walls (attacked by Israel previously, and broken down), raising towers and walls of fortification, and making weapons. Army captains were placed over the people, and Hezekiah told them not to fear the king of Assyria or his army. He reminded them to be strong and courageous, because they had the Lord on their side and far more help came with that, than the Assyrian army had with them. The men of Assyria trusted completely in the strength of their men. The people of Jerusalem were comforted by his words and relied on them.

Hezekiah did the right things in his role as ruler over this people. He saw an enemy and so he worked to prepare and protect his people. Not only did he seek to do this with physical things like weapons and walls, but he sought to do this with the Lord as well. He showed his humility in responding this way. He seems to have known that they could not or must not boast in their own strength. They would need the Lord and if they had faith in Him, the Lord had promised to fight their battles.

We, like Hezekiah have enemies coming upon us. Some may be dealing with battles physically and all of us are waging a spiritual battle with evil, even if we do not realize it. When, we recognize the enemies in our lives, we need to follow the example of Hezekiah and prepare for ourselves and for those who we watch over. The best protection and preparation we can have will not do the job to its fullest, without our choosing to also invite the Lord to be on our side. We need faith in Christ and trust in God.

9 After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem, (but he himself laid siege against Lachish, and all his power with him,) unto Hezekiah king of Judah, and unto all Judah that were at Jerusalem, saying,
10 Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria, Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide in the siege in Jerusalem?
11 Doth not Hezekiah persuade you to give over yourselves to die by famine and by thirst, saying, The Lord our God shall deliver us out of the hand of the king of Assyria?
12 Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it?
13 Know ye not what I and my fathers have done unto all the people of other lands? were the gods of the nations of those lands any ways able to deliver their lands out of mine hand?
14 Who was there among all the gods of those nations that my fathers utterly destroyed, that could deliver his people out of mine hand, that your God should be able to deliver you out of mine hand?
15 Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?
16 And his servants spake yet more against the Lord God, and against his servant Hezekiah.
17 He wrote also letters to rail on the Lord God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, As the gods of the nations of other lands have not delivered their people out of mine hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliver his people out of mine hand.
18 Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews’ speech unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.
19 And they spake against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people of the earth, which were the work of the hands of man.
20 And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven.

While Sennacherib was beseiging Lachish (part of outer cities of Judah), he sent servants to speak with Hezekiah (see also 2 Kings 18). His message to the people of Jerusalem, was that they were trusting Hezekiah, who was allowing them to die of thirst and hunger while the Assyrians beseiged their city. Also, that Hezekiah told them to trust their God, but had also removed all the high places of worship and altars in the land aside from the temple. Sennacherib knew that if his servants could persuade the people to doubt their leader, they would give up. The servants asked them if they did not know already what the Assyrians had been able to do to all the other lands, where they depended on their gods. They were not protected from the Assyrian army by their gods. They told them their god would not be any different than this and they should not trust the words of Hezekiah. The messages continued to speak against the Lord and Hezekiah, who served him. The Assyrian messengers tried to take the city by yelling out to those of Jerusalem who were on the wall, in attempts to scare them. As a result of these efforts of the enemy, Hezekiah and his chief advisor, the prophet Isaiah, prayed to God.

21 And the Lord sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.
22 Thus the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side.
23 And many brought gifts unto the Lord to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.

In time, the Lord sent an angel to the Assyrian army to destroy their leaders and captains. Sennacherib returned to his own land in shame. When he entered the temple of his god, his own sons went in and killed him. Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem were protected from the Assyrians and from any other nations by the hand of the Lord. Gifts were sent to Jerusalem to honor the Lord, as well as to Hezekiah the king. Many people from other nations saw him as a great leader.

24 In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the Lord: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign.
25 But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.
26 Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.

Hezekiah became deathly sick and prayed to the Lord. The Lord blessed him and gave him a sign (see also 2 Kings 20), but Hezekiah became prideful and did not do as he should have done at that point. The wrath of the Lord came upon Hezekiah and his kingdom, and they were humbled. Then, the Lord turned away his wrath.

27 And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels;
28 Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks.
29 Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very much.
30 This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works.

Hezekiah prospered greatly, making treasuries and storehouses for all his riches and goods, animals stalls for his flocks, and more. He rerouted water directly to city of David as well. The Lord had blessed him in all that he did.

31 Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.

The Lord did not direct Hezekiah in all that he did with his interactions with the leaders of Babylon. They had questions about the blessings that had been done for Jerusalem, and the Lord did not interfere in this experience to test Hezekiah’s faith. This life is a time for us to prove our character to God, that He will see if we are ready to abide by his law. Our actions will be judged by God and we need to be allowed the freedom to make choices without being compelled or directed in all things. We will each have our own faith tested in some way just as Hezekiah was tested.

32 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his goodness, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, and in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
33 And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honour at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.

Isaiah, as the living prophet in the days of Hezekiah, kept a record of the things that Hezekiah did as he ruled the people of the Lord, which can be read in the book of Isaiah. In addition to his record, the rest of Hezekiah’s act were recorded in the book of the kings, which was traditionally kept for leaders in Israel. Hezekiah eventually passed away and was honored by the people at the time of his passing, as a great king. His son, Manasseh, became the next king of Judah. Hezekiah did great things for the people of Judah and did what he could to influence those in all of Israel for good. He believed in God and led in a way that showed it. Moreover, he trusted that the Lord would protect and provide for those who followed Him. This trust comforted and guided the people of Jerusalem, so they did not give in to the threats of their enemies. As a result of their faith, the Lord was able to protect them and prosper them. Each of us faces difficulty and even enemies in our lives. The Lord is ready and willing to help even the least of us. He will not, however, interfere in our lives without our desire for his help. He will not force his will upon us. We need to believe and ask in faith for the help of the Lord. When we then, go forward and follow his guidance with faith in the Lord, he will help us. God and his angels are greater than any trial we face in this life. We can overcome all things, with Him on our side.

2 Chronicles Chapter 31

King Hezekiah of Judah reestablished the work of the temple so that the faithful in Israel could make covenants with the Lord. This was a great undertaking, but had brought great joy and rejoicing to those who chose to participate. Hezekiah was committed to helping his people return to the Lord, knowing that the Lord would preserve the faithful. This next chapter begins with the following:

1 Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.

Those who had made sacrifices and offerings to the Lord, helped to remove all the symbols of idolatry in the lands of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh. They broke statues, destroyed the places and altars where false gods were worshipped, and cut down places where idolatrous rituals had been performed. Then, these faithful people returned to their own homes.

This is such an important step to returning to the Lord. When we have fallen into temptation and turn from God, we invite all sorts of things into our lives. Repentance and recommitting ourselves through covenants, is only part of the process needed to return. We must also take active steps in our lives, to remove those things that would be tempting to fall into doing again. These faithful Israelites had allowed idolatry to take the place of the Lord in their lives, and they needed to remove the images and places that would tempt them to go back to putting other gods before the Lord.

2 And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the Lord.
3 He appointed also the king’s portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, to wit, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of the Lord.
4 Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the Lord.

The priests and Levites were organized and assigned to their specific duties and schedules for service in the temple. Hezekiah prepared to have his portion necessary for the offerings that were to be made daily, on the sabbath, and at the feasts, according to the law of Moses. Then, he gave a command to the people of Jerusalem, to give their tithes and offerings as established in the law of Moses. In this action, Hezekiah was showing them the importance of following those things that God had established for them. The people needed to make the law of Moses a part of their daily lives again.

5 And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.
6 And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the Lord their God, and laid them by heaps.
7 In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month.
8 And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the Lord, and his people Israel.
9 Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps.
10 And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the Lord, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the Lord hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.

The people heard the command of their king, and brought their tithes and offerings in abundance. These tithes and offerings were laid in heaps, and grew for about 5 months. The heaps were so generous, that when Hezekiah and the other leaders saw them, they blessed the Lord and the people. Hezekiah asked the priests and Levites about the heaps, and the chief priest, Azariah, said that they were full of that which was left over after the priests and Levites had taken their share. The Lord had truly blessed his people and the people were showing great faith by giving so much to the Lord.

We have the same opportunity as faithful saints of the Lord today. We too can and should pay tithing as established again in modern times. In Doctrine and Covenants 64:23, we read, “Behold, now it is called today until the coming of the Son of Man, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming.” Moreover, we have the opportunity to pay generous offerings to the Lord. These tithes and offerings go toward the building up of the Kingdom of God on earth today, by helping to build and maintain churches and temples, care for the needy, help the work of missionaries, and more. It is an act of faith, to give of what we have, and can seem very difficult at times, but we need to do this. We have truly been blessed by the Lord in our day and if we want to see the protecting hand of God in our lives, it is required of us just as it was for those in the days of Hezekiah.

11 Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the Lord; and they prepared them,
12 And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next.
13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.
14 And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter toward the east, was over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the oblations of the Lord, and the most holy things.
15 And next him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their set office, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small:
16 Beside their genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even unto every one that entereth into the house of the Lord, his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses;
17 Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;
18 And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:
19 Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, which were in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every several city, the men that were expressed by name, to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all that were reckoned by genealogies among the Levites.

Hezekiah told them to prepare some of the space in the temple, to be places to store the tithes and offerings. Cononiah, a Levite, was placed in charge of these things, with his brother, Shimei, next in line (assistant). Certain men were given the duty of being overseers under the direction of Cononiah and Shimei. The porter of the east entrance to the temple, a Levite named Kore, was put in charge of distributing the contributions. Other men were assigned to distribute to their brethren, under his direction. Each of the priests and levites, in the service of the Lord, would recieve their daily portion. They sanctified and dedicated themselves to the Lord, as required for their service.

When the saints of modern times were commanded to give tithes and offerings, the Lord also gave directions on organizing the contributions received. Men were called to serve in these same capacities, because all things are done in order by the Lord. This pattern continues today. When worthy, righteous men serve in these important roles to gather, oversee and distribute the tithes and offerings of the saints, the work of the Lord moves forward. (see Doctrine and Covenants 42, 51, 70, 72, 83, and 119)

20 And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God.
21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.

Hezekiah did the things that were good, right and truthful in the eyes of the Lord. He served faithfully as king, and sought after God with all his heart. As a result, Hezekiah prospered.

It is a true blessing for a people to be led by one who desires to do good. This leads to individuals being able to choose to follow that example and also do good. Then the Lord, who is bound to keep his word by the eternal laws of heaven, cannot hold back the blessings of peace, protection, and prosperity that have been promised. This applies to all nations and people of the world. We will be blessed when we are led and choose to follow after those who want to do good in the eyes of the Lord.

2 Chronicles Chapter 30

Hezekiah was a righteous king of Judah, who began his reign by renewing the covenants of his nation with God. He reopened the temple for proper worship of the Lord, and led the people in making the sacrifices and offerings the Lord established in the days of Moses. This chapter begins as follows:

1 And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the Lord God of Israel.

2 For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the second month.

3 For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem.

4 And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation.

5 So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beer-sheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the passover unto the Lord God of Israel at Jerusalem: for they had not done it of a long time in such sort as it was written.

6 So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.

7 And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the Lord God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see.

8 Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the Lord, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.

9 For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.

10 So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.

11 Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.

12 Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the Lord.

Hezekiah sought to invite all of the people to honor the passover by worshipping at the temple. The leaders had wanted to hold the passover at the time established by the Lord, but they had to wait until the priests were prepared and worthy, and the people had been able to gather. Because it had been years since the nation had honored the passover, this decision pleased them. In the days of Moses, a second passover was established for this same reason, so this was an acceptable option for them (see Numbers 9:9-11). A decree was sent to all the people in Judah and Israel, with this invitation. He called the people to repent and return to the God of Israel, reminding them that the desolation that had come upon them in recent years, was because the Lord had left them to their enemies. If they would return to the Lord, and turn from the ways of men, he would be there for them. They could show their willingness to give themselves to the Lord, by returning to the temple and choosing to serve God. Hezekiah told the people that this would lead to the release of their loved ones, who had been taken from them by their enemies, because the Lord would be merciful to them. The majority of the people did not accept this invitation, but instead laughed and mocked it. Some listened and humbly went to the temple in Jerusalem. Those in Judah accepted the invitation with one heart.

The choice to go beyond his kingdom and invite all of Israel to join them in worshipping the Lord, shows the deep desire Hezekiah had for the salvation of people. It wasn’t only about his kingdom. It was about the need for all the tribes of Israel to remember that they were the people of God. They would be blessed if they put aside things of this world and chose to return to the Lord. A true believer in the Lord, looks beyond things like nationality or race, because they desire the salvation of all the souls of the children of God. God loves all his children and desires for all of us to return to him.

13 And there assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great congregation.

14 And they arose and took away the altars that were in Jerusalem, and all the altars for incense took they away, and cast them into the brook Kidron.

15 Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the Lord.

16 And they stood in their place after their manner, according to the law of Moses the man of God: the priests sprinkled the blood, which they received of the hand of the Levites.

17 For there were many in the congregation that were not sanctified: therefore the Levites had the charge of the killing of the passovers for every one that was not clean, to sanctify them unto the Lord.

18 For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good Lord pardon every one

19 That prepareth his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.

20 And the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.

A large gathering began in Jerusalem. They removed the altars to false gods, that had been built throughout Jerusalem, and cast them into the stream bed Kidron (Cedron). Not everyone who came to the temple, had sanctified themselves. They had not followed after the pattern established in the days of Moses. Some had eaten of the passover meal, without sanctification. So, the Levites took it upon themselves to do the work of sacrificing for the sanctification of all the people. Then, the priests made atonement for the people, by sprinkling the blood given them by the Levites. Hezekiah prayed for the Lord to forgive the people who prepared their hearts to seek after God, even though they did not sanctify themselves properly. His prayer was heard and answered, and the people were healed.

Today, we have the opportunity to partake of the sacrament, to renew our own covenants with the Lord. This is a sacred ordinance that has been established by the Lord. The scriptures teach us that we should not partake of it unworthily, and that we should prepare our hearts to receive it. However, not all people, who are in the congregations of the church, know and understand the concept of preparing the heart and mind to partake of the sacrament. This teaches that the Lord will have mercy on those who are not fully prepared to receive the sacrament, when they do not have a full understanding of that preparation. He will forgive those who are truly seeking to return to him and trying to do what is right by partaking of the sacrament. We are all judged by our individual knowledge, understanding, desires and faith in action.

21 And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the Lord.

22 And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge of the Lord: and they did eat throughout the feast seven days, offering peace offerings, and making confession to the Lord God of their fathers.

23 And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days: and they kept other seven days with gladness.

24 For Hezekiah king of Judah did give to the congregation a thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the congregation a thousand bullocks and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves.

25 And all the congregation of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the congregation that came out of Israel, and the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in Judah, rejoiced.

26 So there was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem.

The feast of unleavened bread was held for seven days, and the people rejoiced with praises to the Lord. The people decided to worship and feast another week, and Hezekiah gave more of his flocks for sacrifices, so that even more of the priests could sanctify themselves. There was rejoicing by all who had come to worship, in a way that had not been since the time of King Solomon.

27 Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.

The worship was followed by a blessing given to the people by the priests and Levites. This prayer was heard by the Lord.

The scriptures teach us that God desires all people to come unto Him, so that he can bless our lives and we can have joy. The faithful in Judah, including those from Israel, rejoiced greatly when they turned back to God. I can only imagine the amazing feelings that would have existed in that place at that time. It must have truly been a blessing. Every person today, who sincerely chooses to turn to God and away from worldly things, such as the idolatry and wickedness of Hezekiah’s day, will find healing to their souls and will have joy and rejoicing in this decision. I know from experience, that I can personally feel this kind of joy as I serve in the temples we have now. There is nothing quite like the feelings that come from being worthy to participate and then being among other faithful saints, choosing to step away from the world for a time, to worship and serve God in his holy house. My heart has felt so full, when I have looked at other saints in the temple and have seen the joy on their faces. I know that the scriptures are true and that God wants this joy for all of us. I am so grateful that I live in a day when I can know by experience that these things are true.

2 Chronicles Chapter 29

At this point in the history of the people of Judah, King Ahaz had just died. He had been an unrighteous ruler for the people and had done many wicked things in the name of false gods of other nations. Among these things, he had closed the temple, destroyed the items used in worshipping the Lord, and changed the use of other places of worship throughout the land. He had also done strictly forbidden things, such as the sacrifice of his children. His choices had caused the Lord’s protection to be withdrawn, and he and the nation suffered for it. At his passing, his son, Hezekiah became the king of Judah. This chapter begins as follows:

1 Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah.

2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done.

At the age of 25, Hezekiah became king of Judah. He ruled in righteousness, for 29 years. According to the Bible Dictionary, he was a “great religious and political reformer”. His reform began with working on the temple.

3 He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the Lord, and repaired them.

4 And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the east street,

5 And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place.

6 For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord, and turned their backs.

7 Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy place unto the God of Israel.

8 Wherefore the wrath of the Lord was upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing, as ye see with your eyes.

9 For, lo, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our wives are in captivity for this.

10 Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.

11 My sons, be not now negligent: for the Lord hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.

At the beginning of his reign, he repaired and reopened the temple for worship. He gathered the priests and Levites, who would serve in the temple, and told them to prepare themselves to return to their service. This would require personal sanctification, or in other words, they would need to assess themselves and put themselves right with the Lord. The Lord had established specific instructions for sanctification in the days of Moses. Once they were prepared personally, they were to sanctify the temple, removing anything unholy and unclean from it. Over the years, the kings of Judah had abandoned the proper use of the temple and allowed it to be forsaken, along with their choices to forsake the Lord. Hezekiah reminded them that these things had brought great loss, death, and captivity upon their people. He planned to make covenants with the Lord, and believed that by doing so, the anger of the Lord would be turned away. The priests and Levites had a sacred duty to the Lord, as those chosen to bear the priesthood. They were to serve the Lord in his holy house, and Hezekiah stressed the importance of this duty.

Personal worthiness is just as important today as it was for the priests in the days of Hezekiah. We are all living in a fallen world and make mistakes all the time. The Lord wants us to consider the things that we need to clean out of our lives to bring us back into harmony with God, and we should be doing this every day. Sometimes, we let things go or we close the doors of our own service to God. When we remember who we are and have a desire to draw nearer to God, repentance is the process we have to become sanctified personally.

12 Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites: and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehalelel: and of the Gershonites; Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah:

13 And of the sons of Elizaphan; Shimri, and Jeiel: and of the sons of Asaph; Zechariah, and Mattaniah:

14 And of the sons of Heman; Jehiel, and Shimei: and of the sons of Jeduthun; Shemaiah, and Uzziel.

15 And they gathered their brethren, and sanctified themselves, and came, according to the commandment of the king, by the words of the Lord, to cleanse the house of the Lord.

16 And the priests went into the inner part of the house of the Lord, to cleanse it, and brought out all the uncleanness that they found in the temple of the Lord into the court of the house of the Lord. And the Levites took it, to carry it out abroad into the brook Kidron.

17 Now they began on the first day of the first month to sanctify, and on the eighth day of the month came they to the porch of the Lord: so they sanctified the house of the Lord in eight days; and in the sixteenth day of the first month they made an end.

18 Then they went in to Hezekiah the king, and said, We have cleansed all the house of the Lord, and the altar of burnt offering, with all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread table, with all the vessels thereof.

19 Moreover all the vessels, which king Ahaz in his reign did cast away in his transgression, have we prepared and sanctified, and, behold, they are before the altar of the Lord.

The priests and Levites gathered together and sanctified themselves in preparation to sanctify the temple. The priests removed all that was considered unclean, from the temple. Then the Levites, took it and destroyed it in the brook called Kidron, where they would let the waters carry it away. Following this, they were able to sanctify the temple according to the pattern that the Lord had established with the Israelites. Once they were finished repairing, replacing, and sanctifying all the places and items used in their worship, they informed the king that they had done as he had commanded.

20 Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the Lord.

21 And they brought seven bullocks, and seven rams, and seven lambs, and seven he goats, for a sin offering for the kingdom, and for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And he commanded the priests the sons of Aaron to offer them on the altar of the Lord.

22 So they killed the bullocks, and the priests received the blood, and sprinkled it on the altar: likewise, when they had killed the rams, they sprinkled the blood upon the altar: they killed also the lambs, and they sprinkled the blood upon the altar.

23 And they brought forth the he goats for the sin offering before the king and the congregation; and they laid their hands upon them:

24 And the priests killed them, and they made reconciliation with their blood upon the altar, to make an atonement for all Israel: for the king commanded that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all Israel.

25 And he set the Levites in the house of the Lord with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king’s seer, and Nathan the prophet: for so was the commandment of the Lord by his prophets.

26 And the Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets.

27 And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the Lord began also with the trumpets, and with the instruments ordained by David king of Israel.

28 And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded: and all this continued until the burnt offering was finished.

29 And when they had made an end of offering, the king and all that were present with him bowed themselves, and worshipped.

30 Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the Lord with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.

31 Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the Lord, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the Lord. And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings.

32 And the number of the burnt offerings, which the congregation brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, an hundred rams, and two hundred lambs: all these were for a burnt offering to the Lord.

33 And the consecrated things were six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep.

34 But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the other priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.

35 And also the burnt offerings were in abundance, with the fat of the peace offerings, and the drink offerings for every burnt offering. So the service of the house of the Lord was set in order.

36 And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly.

The king gathered the leaders of Jerusalem to the temple where they gave their offerings to the priests, to make sacrifices for the people of Judah. They performed the rituals for sin offerings, atonement, burnt offerings, peace offerings, and drink offerings, as a symbol to God that they were returning to him. Hezekiah had the temple musicians return to their calling of playing and singing praises to the Lord, so that the people could worship appropriately. Sacred music has the power to invite the spirit in a way that no other thing can. The congregation made sacrifices willingly and humbly worshipped the Lord. It was a great number of sacrifices to the Lord, and took a lot of work on the part of the priests and Levites. They did the work in the temple, until all the priests had sanctified themselves for their service in the temple. After this, they rejoiced.

Any time a people or an individual make a choice and do the work to return to the Lord, it is deserving of great rejoicing. This is why the Lord offered himself as a sacrifice and provided the Atonement for all of us, so that all people can have the opportunity to return to the Lord through repentance and rejoice in the peace and strength that come from it.

When I think of all the things that were done in ancient times that could be recorded in the Bible, the efforts to serve in either the Tabernacle of the Lord and later the Temple, are mentioned with so much detail and far more often than many other types of events. This shows the known importance of the temple to the prophets of old. Why was it so important to them? Because it was so important to the Lord. Temples continue to have great importance to the Lord today. This is why the prophets of the Lord, in these modern times, have been directed by the Lord to build many temples around the world. Temples are a place for saints of the Lord, to worship and serve. They are here so that we can make sacred covenants with God and commit to follow the Lord, Jesus Christ. Additionally, they are here so that we can feel the presence of the Lord among us, just as the people of the Lord desired in ancient days. Temples bless the lives of people living and dead, as they are dedicated places for the work of the Lord to move forward. I feel very blessed to have a temple near my home and I know that I can go there to be sanctified and worship God, as the people of the Lord did in the days of Hezekiah.

2 Chronicles Chapter 28

Jerusalem and the people of Judah had been ruled by both righteous and unrighteous kings. At the point of this chapter, they were most recently ruled by Jotham, who had followed after the ways of the Lord in all things aside from entering the temple. The kingdom had been blessed during his reign. Following the passing of Jotham, his son Ahaz began to rule. This chapter begins with the following:

1 Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord, like David his father:

2 For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim.

3 Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.

4 He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.

5 Wherefore the Lord his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.

During the 16 years of his reign, Ahaz ruled like the worldly kings of Israel. He practiced idolatry to the point of sacrificing his own children to a false god, Moloch (god of fire). He used the places of worship in Judah, to follow after these other gods. As a result, the Lord would not protect them from their enemies. He allowed them to fall into the hands of the Syrians (under Rezin), who took many people captive. Then, the armies of Israel (under the wicked king, Pekah) fought them. (see also Isaiah 7)

6 For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers.

7 And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king’s son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king.

8 And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.

9 But a prophet of the Lord was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the Lord God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven.

10 And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the Lord your God?

11 Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the Lord is upon you.

12 Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war,

13 And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for whereas we have offended against the Lord already, ye intend to add more to our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel.

14 So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before the princes and all the congregation.

15 And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria.

Israel killed 120,000 men of Judah in one battle. This happened because the men of Judah had turned from the Lord. Those closest to Ahaz, were killed and 200,000 people of Judah were taken captive. Then, a prophet named Oded, told the Israelites that the Lord had allowed Judah to fall into their hands. They intended to make slaves or servants of those they had captured, but they, themselves had sinned against God. The Lord would also destroy the men of Israel for their sins, so the prophet told them to set their captives free. Some of the leaders in Israel, who listened to the words of Oded, stopped the army and told them that bringing prisoners of Judah into Israel was an even greater sin. The army left all they had taken with those leaders who had listened to the words of the prophet. The leaders clothed those of their enemies who were naked, fed all of them, put the weakest on donkeys, returned all of them to Jericho, and left them there free. They did these things to find some favor with God and to put off their own destruction. Even those who are not always righteous, will be blessed when they follow the prophet.

16 At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him.

17 For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives.

18 The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Beth-shemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there.

19 For the Lord brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the Lord.

20 And Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not.

21 For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the Lord, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not.

This was not the end of their difficulties. The Lord would not support Judah in the time of their transgressions. Moreover, they would not repent and turn to God, but instead turned to the rulers of men. God continue to allow them to be brought low, or humbled, because Ahaz had forsaken Him and led Judah astray. The Edomites came against Judah and took more captives. Additionally, the Philistines invaded them to the South, taking several of their cities and villages. So, Ahaz tried to get help from the kings of Assyria, but this did not give him all he wanted. Ahaz gave him treasures from the temple and the king’s treasury, paying for assistance, but the king of Assyria did not actually help him. According to 2 Kings 16, Assyria made an alliance with them and did things to support Ahaz, but nothing they did truly strengthened Judah. Ahaz could not be satisfied, and the things he did made Judah more vulnerable to their enemies, because the Lord’s blessings withdrew from them.

22 And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the Lord: this is that king Ahaz.

23 For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.

24 And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the Lord, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem.

25 And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger the Lord God of his fathers.

Ahaz did not repent, but continued to practice idolatry and anger the Lord. He wanted the false gods of other nations to help him, because he thought they were helping those nations. So, after destroying the items used in worshiping the Lord, he closed up the temple and instead built up altars and places of worship to other gods throughout the land of Judah. This would not help his people, but would bring ruin.

God is merciful and forgiving to the repentant. Ahaz turned from God completely and sought after false gods. What Ahaz did not understand, was that false gods do not support their followers. All that is against God, is under the rule of Satan, and Satan does not support men when they are suffering. Rather, he continues to bring them down. This principle is taught in other scriptures such as Alma 30:60, which says, “And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell.”

26 Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.

27 And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, even in Jerusalem: but they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.

At around the age of 36, Ahaz died and was buried in Jerusalem. His son, Hezekiah, became the next king of Judah. (Note: More can be learned about him, through the words of Isaiah.)

Ahaz did not understand the workings of the Lord. He trusted more in the ways of men and the world, then in the ways of the Lord. When he saw that other nations were able to have power over his nation, he thought he needed to live like them. If he had looked to his own history and the leaders of the past in his own nation, he could have seen what he needed to do to succeed. Which was that when they failed to rely on the Lord, they failed to prosper and be free from enemies. When they repented and turned back to the true and living God, they found safety and prosperity. Ahaz had allowed his mind to be clouded by wickedness. This led to pride and selfishness, and stopped him as it will us, from seeing his own sins. If we want to avoid a life of sin and receive God’s blessings, we need to regularly assess our choices and see if we are remembering God, seeking to understand his ways, trust in him, and doing our best to avoid selfishness and pride.

2 Chronicles Chapter 27

Uzziah (also known as Azariah) was one of the kings of Judah. During the latter part of his reign, he was cursed with leprosy and was unable to perform the duties of the king. As a result, his son, Jotham, began to perform the king’s duties of judgement for the people. Upon his father’s death, Jotham became the king of Judah. This chapter begins:

1 Jotham was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok.
2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the Lord. And the people did yet corruptly.
3 He built the high gate of the house of the Lord, and on the wall of Ophel he built much.
4 Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.

When Jotham became the king, he was 25 years old. His reign would last for 16 years. He tried to follow after the commandments of God as his father had done, but he did not go into the temple like Uzziah. The people of Judah were not a strictly righteous people during his reign. Jotham strengthened the gate of the temple and built up the wall of Ophel. Likewise, he worked to build up cities in the mountains of the land, and fortifications in the forests.

5 He fought also with the king of the Ammonites, and prevailed against them. And the children of Ammon gave him the same year an hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand measures of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much did the children of Ammon pay unto him, both the second year, and the third.
6 So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God.

At one point during his reign, Jotham fought against the Ammonites and was successful against them. The Ammonites paid him a tribute in silver, wheat and barley. They did this year after year. Jotham was strengthened as he continued to do right by the Lord.

7 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.
8 He was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem.
9 And Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.

The book of the kings includes more of the details of his sixteen-year reign. Upon his death, he was buried with the kings in the city of David and his son, Ahaz, became the next king of Judah.

The record of King Jotham is not a very eventful record. In short, he was one of the few kings of Judah, who tried to live according to the commandments the Lord had given to the kings of the children of Israel, for the duration of his reign. This does not mean he was particularly spiritual, perhaps he was, but he tried to do right and he did what he could to strengthen the land of Judah. He served as judge of the people and did his duty. Most of us will not have huge, noteworthy moments in our lives, according to records on earth. However, if we follow after Christ, the best we can, and do our duty as Jotham did according to this chapter, we will receive the greatest blessings we can for our faithfulness. The good we do, that goes without recognition in this life, will bring far greater rewards after this life. The important thing this comes down to, is that we need to endure to the end as faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Be good, do good, trust in God, and keep yourself directed towards Christ and his light.

2 Chronicles Chapter 26

Under the reign of Amaziah, Judah was not protected by the Lord. This was because their king turned to idolatry and depending upon the counsel of men. As a result, the wall of Jerusalem was broken and the treasures from the house of the Lord were taken among other things. Amaziah had set up idols in the land for their worship. This was the state of Jerusalem and the land of Judah, when Amaziah was killed. The book of 2 Chronicles continues with the following:

1 Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah.
2 He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.
3 Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem.
4 And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah did.
5 And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.
6 And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines.
7 And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gur-baal, and the Mehunims.
8 And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly.
9 Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.
10 Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen also, and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.
11 Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king’s captains.
12 The whole number of the chief of the fathers of the mighty men of valour were two thousand and six hundred.
13 And under their hand was an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy.
14 And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones.
15 And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.

Uzziah (also known as Azariah – see 2 Kings 14:21 – and Ozias – see Matthew 1:8), the sixteen-year-old son of King Amaziah, was made the next king over Judah. He had a long reign of 52 years. In his days, he tried to live as a righteous king. He reigned in the days of Zechariah, who understood visions. When Uzziah did his part to seek after the Lord, he prospered. During his reign, he fought the Philistines with God on his side, breaking their cities’ defenses and building up his own cities there. God also was with him when he went against the Arabians and the Mehunims. Other nations brought him gifts and spoke of his strength. He made stronger fortifications in Jerusalem, had new weapons created, and was also productive in farming. He had a strong army of 2,600 leaders and 307,500 soldiers. Uzziah had provided them with shields, helmets, armor, bows and slings. With all this, Uzziah and Judah were strengthened.

This is another example of the Lord being there for those who seek after him. The word of the Lord to Asa, king of Judah, was “And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” (see 2 Chronicles 15:2) This principle is also taught in Helaman 12:1. “And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him.” This promise applies to all the children of God. Seek Him. Trust in Him. He will be there for you. You will find strength in sincerely seeking after God.

16 But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense.
17 And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the Lord, that were valiant men:
18 And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the Lord, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the Lord God.
19 Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, from beside the incense altar.
20 And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the Lord had smitten him.
21 And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the Lord: and Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.

In his great strength, Uzziah forgot to remain humble. In pride, he transgressed against the Lord by going into the temple and attempting to burn incense upon the altar himself. This was specifically and strictly a priesthood duty for those called to serve in the temple. Azariah the priest, took 80 of the priests and followed after Uzziah. They confronted the king and reminded him that it was the duty of the priests who were set apart with priesthood authority, to burn the incense. In Numbers 16:40 it says, “…that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the Lord; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the Lord said to him by the hand of Moses.” This is referring back to what can be read in Exodus 30:7-8, “And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it. And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations.” The priests told Uzziah to leave, because he had acted against the Lord. Uzziah stood in front of them with a censer in his hand, and became angry with them for stopping him. In that moment of anger, Uzziah was cursed with leprosy. Azariah and the priests saw this and cast him out. He quickly left, once he realized that he had been cursed by the Lord as a punishment for his action. Uzziah remained a leper for the rest of his life, lived in separation, and no longer served in his capacity as the king. Instead, his son Jotham served for him as the judge of the land.

Prosperity is one of the greatest tests in this life. It is a promise from God, that as people seek after Him and follow His ways, they will have prosperity. The test comes in how a person responds to the blessings of prosperity that come. In Helaman 12:2, we read, “Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity.” It is of great importance that people stay humble and grateful to God through both bad and good times. When one is needy of the physical things in life, a physical humility can easily lead to being spiritually humble as well. It is when things are going well, that it becomes very easy to forget where the blessings come from. Uzziah forgot that even though he had become extremely prosperous, it came as a result of his following after the ways that God had established. He needed to continually remember the ways of the Lord, and not put himself above them. The price he paid for this choice, was a painful price both physically and spiritually.

22 Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write.
23 So Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which belonged to the kings; for they said, He is a leper: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

The prophet Isaiah recorded the rest of the details of Uzziah’s reign. After his death, Jotham became the king of Judah.

There is a common pattern for many of the kings of the Israelites and later the people of Judah. Many started out their reign, living after the manner that God had established with Moses, but they make some choice later in life and fall away from God. As I study this pattern over and over again, I realize that this is why part of the gospel of Christ is to endure to the end. Christ himself taught, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13) This is a hard thing to do. It is not difficult to make a covenant, in comparison to enduring, because making a covenant is a one time event in life. The thing that is difficult, is keeping that covenant that has been made, even through the temptations and trials of life. This is the real purpose of life, as it is a time to prepare. We are working on becoming like Christ. This does not happen with making a single promise to God. It can only happen as we learn to continually pray and rely on the Lord, day after day, to help us through the trials that will surely come in this fallen world. We must pray with faith, and then actually listen and follow the answers that come from God. When we make mistakes, which is bound to happen in our mortal state, we need to rely on the atonement of Jesus Christ. That is the time to repent and take another step towards God. That is what real endurance looks like in this life. And this is how we build the kind of character that will lead us to happiness in the face of God.

2 Chronicles Chapter 25

The record of Chronicles continues, at this point, to tell of the line of kings in Judah.
Some were righteous kings who did good for Judah and the people of the Lord, while others reigned in wickedness. In the previous chapter, Joash went from being a righteous king to leading in wickedness. Amaziah was the son of Joash and was the next king over the people of Judah. This chapter begins:

1 Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.
2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart.

Amaziah began to be the king of Judah, when he was 25 years old. His reign would last for 29 years. His actions were originally those of a righteous king, but he did not remain steadfast in the faith. He did not do the right thing wholeheartedly. This happens when one does the things that they know they are expected to do, but without being converted to the purpose behind those actions. If their purpose is more to please others or one self, than because one knows it is the right thing and desires to please God, then they will be more likely to change their actions to those things that are not righteous.

3 Now it came to pass, when the kingdom was established to him, that he slew his servants that had killed the king his father.
4 But he slew not their children, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, where the Lord commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.

As soon as he became king, he killed the servants that had conspired against his father. He did not kill their children, however, because they had not done wrong in this thing. His mercy towards them, was in keeping with the law of Moses.

5 Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and made them captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, according to the houses of their fathers, throughout all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from twenty years old and above, and found them three hundred thousand choice men, able to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield.
6 He hired also an hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver.
7 But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the Lord is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim.
8 But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.
9 And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The Lord is able to give thee much more than this.
10 Then Amaziah separated them, to wit, the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in great anger.

Amaziah gathered the army of Judah out from the people, with 300 spear-men. He also paid for 100,000 men of valour from Ephraim. A prophet came to him and said that he should not cause this army to go with him, because the Lord was not on their side. If Amaziah did not listen to him, the prophet said that he would fall by the power of God. Amaziah asked the prophet how he was to get his money’s worth from this army, and the prophet told him that the Lord could bless him with more than what he paid. Amaziah seperated the men of Judah from the army of Ephraim and sent the men of Ephraim back to their homes. They were angry with this.

11 And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.
12 And other ten thousand left alive did the children of Judah carry away captive, and brought them unto the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces.

Amaziah prepraed himself and led his own army against the people of Seir, called Edomites. The army of Judah destroyed 10,000 of the children of Seir, and took 10,000 as captives. He took the captives to the top of the rock and threw them to their death.

13 But the soldiers of the army which Amaziah sent back, that they should not go with him to battle, fell upon the cities of Judah, from Samaria even unto Beth-horon, and smote three thousand of them, and took much spoil.

The army of Ephraim came against Judah in their anger, and they killed 3,000 and took a lot of spoil from Judah.

14 Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them.
15 Wherefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?
16 And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king’s counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.

When returning from battle, Amaziah brought back things related to the false gods that were worshiped in Seir. He set them up to be worshipped in Judah and began the practice of idolatry. The Lord sent a prophet to deliver a message to Amaziah, because the anger of the Lord was now against him. The prophet asked why he would seek to worship gods of a people that could not save them from the army of Judah and the king refused to hear the words of the prophet because he was not part of his royal counsel. The prophet told him that God would allow him to be destroyed, because he refused to listen to his words.

At the time when the children of Israel were originally coming into the land of heathen nations, the Lord gave Moses commands as to how they were deal with the spoil of battle. With regard to their idols, Moses said the following in Deuteronomy 7:

2 And when the Lord thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them: …23 But the Lord thy God shall deliver them unto thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed.
24 And he shall deliver their kings into thine hand, and thou shalt destroy their name from under heaven: there shall no man be able to stand before thee, until thou have destroyed them.
25 The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the Lord thy God.
26 Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing.

The Lord did not want his people to be influenced by the idolatrous practices of other nations. These things have always been a tool of Satan, to draw the hearts of men away from God. Amaziah must have known that this would be against the ways of righteousness, but chose to do this anyway. As a result, the Lord was not pleased with him and the manner in which he had chosen to lead the people of the Lord.

17 Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us see one another in the face.
18 And Joash king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.
19 Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast: abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to thine hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?
20 But Amaziah would not hear; for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods of Edom.
21 So Joash the king of Israel went up; and they saw one another in the face, both he and Amaziah king of Judah, at Beth-shemesh, which belongeth to Judah.
22 And Judah was put to the worse before Israel, and they fled every man to his tent.
23 And Joash the king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, at Beth-shemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits.
24 And he took all the gold and the silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God with Obed-edom, and the treasures of the king’s house, the hostages also, and returned to Samaria.

Amaziah was advised to face the king of Israel, so he sent an invitation to King Joash, to meet him in battle. Joash responded questioning the actions and motives of Amaziah, which seemed prideful, and told him to stay home and not pursue a course that would bring him and Judah to ruin. Amaziah refused to listen and went to face Joash. They met in the land of Judah, at a place called Beth-shemesh. Judah was defeated by Israel, and those remaining fled. Joash took Amaziah back to Jerusalem. He broke through the wall of Jerusalem and took all the treasures of the temple and the king’s house, including the vessels used for work in the temple. The spoil was taken back to Samaria by the Israelites.

25 And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.
26 Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, first and last, behold, are they not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel?

Amaziah continued to reign in Judah, and more details of his reign were written in the book of the kings.

27 Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the Lord they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.
28 And they brought him upon horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah.

The end of Amaziah came when a conspiracy was formed against him in Jerusalem. He fled to Lachish and was followed and killed there. The people returned his body to be buried with his fathers.

The question posed by the prophet in this chapter, is one worth considering. If a people believed in gods, but were not protected by those gods in battle, why would their attacker choose to worship those same gods? The logic of the prophet was sound, and yet Amaziah refused to listen. Amaziah had experienced the protecting power of God, but was quick to forget. The draw to worshipping false gods, who are truly nothing but the objects one worships, is that one can choose to do things they want to do and claim it as the desires of their gods. However, when difficulties come, objects of worship cannot help them. Amaziah’s false gods could not protect him from the army of Israel, nor from those who conspired against him. On the other hand, experience and history had showed him, that if he relied on God, trusting in him and keeping the commandments, he could have been guided and protected from ruin. The story of Amaziah, is a lesson in trusting in the only true and living God, who is ready and willing to save his people. Trust the words of his prophets over those words of the world. Likewise, pride from our own successes can lead to downfall. Humility is the key to success, when we choose to be influenced by God rather than men.

2 Chronicles Chapter 24

Joash, the son of Ahaziah, was made the king of Judah. He had been saved by his aunt, Jehoshabeath, when he was just a baby. She took him and hid him in the temple. He was in hiding for six years before he was anointed by the high priest, Jehoiada. This chapter begins:

1 Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Zibiah of Beer-sheba.
2 And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest.
3 And Jehoiada took for him two wives; and he begat sons and daughters.

As a child of seven years old, he became the king. He was a righteous ruler in the days of Jehoiada. Joash married two wives and had children. He would end up ruling for forty years.

4 And it came to pass after this, that Joash was minded to repair the house of the Lord.
5 And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened it not.
6 And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the collection, according to the commandment of Moses the servant of the Lord, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?
7 For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the Lord did they bestow upon Baalim.
8 And at the king’s commandment they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of the Lord.
9 And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to the Lord the collection that Moses the servant of God laid upon Israel in the wilderness.
10 And all the princes and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and cast into the chest, until they had made an end.
11 Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the king’s office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there was much money, the king’s scribe and the high priest’s officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.
12 And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the Lord, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the Lord, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the Lord.
13 So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.
14 And when they had finished it, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, whereof were made vessels for the house of the Lord, even vessels to minister, and to offer withal, and spoons, and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the Lord continually all the days of Jehoiada.

At some point during his reign, Joash decided that he would do work to repair the temple. This was due to the fact that, in the years while Athaliah had lived in Jerusalem, she had brought the wickedness of idolatry. Her children had destroyed the temple of the Lord and had taken things from it as tribute to her false god. Therefore, Joash gave a command for the Levites to go out to the people and collect the money needed to do this work. They did not follow his command and Joash asked Jehoiada why he had not required the contributions (atonement money) from the people of Judah, as had been laid out with Moses for the tabernacle. Under the direction of the king, they made a collection box and placed it just outside of the temple. Then, they sent a proclamation through the land, that all were to bring the collection to the temple as was laid out in the law of Moses. The leaders and people rejoiced, and brought their collection to the temple. When the box was full, the Levites took it inside. It was then emptied and returned to the collection location daily. The money was then used to pay those who did the work to repair the temple and strengthen it. They used the remaining money to make new vessels for the work of the Lord to be done in the temple. The burnt offerings were continued all the days of Jehoiada. (see also 2 Kings 12)

15 But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died.
16 And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.
17 Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.
18 And they left the house of the Lord God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.
19 Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the Lord; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.
20 And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the Lord, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the Lord, he hath also forsaken you.
21 And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the Lord.
22 Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The Lord look upon it, and require it.

Eventually, Jehoiada died in his old age of 130. He was given the honor of being buried with the kings in the city of David, because he had done so much good in his service to God and Israel. Afterwards, the leaders in Judah came to Joash and honored him, so he heard what they had to say. They turned from the Lord and his temple, and instead fell into idolatry. As a result, the wrath of God came upon the kingdom of Judah. Prophets were sent to call them to repentance, but the leaders in Judah would not hearken to them. Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada the priest and a prophet, spoke by the spirit. He told them that as they had turned from God, God had forsaken them. This was fulfillment of the message from the Lord to Asa, a previous king of Judah. “The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” (2 Chronicles 15:2) Sadly, Joash took no thought of Zechariah being the son of Jehoiada, who had kept him safe and done so much good for him. Rather, Joash and his princes were angry with the prophet, rejected him and his words, and stoned Zechariah in the temple court at the command of Joash. At his death, Zechariah said the Lord saw this act and would require it, which was possibly to mean that the Lord would take vengeance upon them or judge them for his death.

23 And it came to pass at the end of the year, that the host of Syria came up against him: and they came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people, and sent all the spoil of them unto the king of Damascus.
24 For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the Lord delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers. So they executed judgment against Joash.
25 And when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great diseases,) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died: and they buried him in the city of David, but they buried him not in the sepulchres of the kings.
26 And these are they that conspired against him; Zabad the son of Shimeath an Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith a Moabitess.

Later that year, the Syrian army came against Judah and destroyed all the wicked leaders. They took the spoil of their victory to the king of Damascus. The Lord had allowed the Syrians to have victory, because the leaders of Judah had turned away from Him. When the Syrians left, Joash was sick or injured badly and his servants made a plan against him, to kill him. They did this because he had killed the sons of Jehoiada. Joash was killed as he lay in his bed and for his burial he was not given the honor of being placed in the sepulchers of the kings. Those who went against him were Zabad (Jozachar) and Jehozabad.

If the words of Zechariah were to mean that the Lord would take vengence upon those wicked leaders for his death, then those words were in fact fulfilled. They were not protected from their enemies, as they would have been if they were leading in righteousness. The Lord had forsaken them as they had turned their worship to false gods and false traditions.

27 Now concerning his sons, and the greatness of the burdens laid upon him, and the repairing of the house of God, behold, they are written in the story of the book of the kings. And Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.

More of the story of Joash was recorded in the book of the kings. Joash had a son named Amaziah, who was the next to reign in Judah.

It is a wonder, what the princes or leaders of Judah would have said to Joash, that persuaded him to stop being a good and righteous king for Judah. Somehow, they pushed him into changing his ways and without the good influence of Jehoiada, Joash gave in and became a wicked man. He is yet another example of a leader of the people of God, who was quick to forget the Lord and suffered for his wicked ways. When we choose to turn away from God, we also allow ourselves to fall prey to the dangers of the world. Our own destruction may not be as dramatic as physical enemies coming in and killing us, but the destruction still remains. In fact, one might say that the result today would be far worse, because the longer we have to make choices against our own knowledge of right and wrong, the greater the condemnation will be when we face God at our day of judgement. The only way to avoid this greater condemnation, is to remain firm in our faith and put our complete trust in God.

2 Chronicles Chapter 23

Joash was the son of Ahaziah (also known as Jehoahaz or Azariah). He had been taken by Jehoshabeath, the daughter of Jehoram and wife of the high priest. He was hidden in the temple to protect him from Athaliah, the widow of Jehoram and mother of Ahaziah. At the death of Ahaziah, Athaliah had killed all the royal seed she found remaining in Judah, and made herself ruler of Judah. Joash was hidden in the temple for six years while Athaliah reigned. This chapter begins:

1 And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him.
2 And they went about in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the chief of the fathers of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.
3 And all the congregation made a covenant with the king in the house of God. And he said unto them, Behold, the king’s son shall reign, as the Lord hath said of the sons of David.
4 This is the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you entering on the sabbath, of the priests and of the Levites, shall be porters of the doors;
5 And a third part shall be at the king’s house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation: and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the Lord.
6 But let none come into the house of the Lord, save the priests, and they that minister of the Levites; they shall go in, for they are holy: but all the people shall keep the watch of the Lord.
7 And the Levites shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand; and whosoever else cometh into the house, he shall be put to death: but be ye with the king when he cometh in, and when he goeth out.
8 So the Levites and all Judah did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest had commanded, and took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that were to go out on the sabbath: for Jehoiada the priest dismissed not the courses.
9 Moreover Jehoiada the priest delivered to the captains of hundreds spears, and bucklers, and shields, that had been king David’s, which were in the house of God.
10 And he set all the people, every man having his weapon in his hand, from the right side of the temple to the left side of the temple, along by the altar and the temple, by the king round about.
11 Then they brought out the king’s son, and put upon him the crown, and gave him the testimony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, God save the king.

Jehoiada, gathered captains and leaders in the seventh year of Athaliah’s reign and made a covenant with them. They went through the land of Judah, gathering the Levites and rulers from the cities of Judah. All those men went to the temple in Jerusalem. There, Jehoiada had them covenant, and revealed to them that Joash was alive and would be king. Joash was the rightful heir, under the direction of God, because he was a son of king David’s line. From among the preists and Levites, Jehoiada organized porters at the doors of the temple, some at the palace of the king, and some at the gate. Any other people at the temple, were to stay in the courts of the temple, while only the called priests and Levites were to be in the temple itself. The Levites were to surround Joash as his guards, killing anyone else who came into the temple. They did these things as he commanded. Jehoiada gave the gathered army spears and shields of king David, that had been kept in the temple. These men were set as guards around the temple. Joash was brought out and given the crown of the king. Jehoiada anointed him as king of Judah, and read him the directions given to kings, as the Lord had established with the first kings of Israel. (see also 2 Kings 11)

12 Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of the Lord:
13 And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason.
14 Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds that were set over the host, and said unto them, Have her forth of the ranges: and whoso followeth her, let him be slain with the sword. For the priest said, Slay her not in the house of the Lord.
15 So they laid hands on her; and when she was come to the entering of the horse gate by the king’s house, they slew her there.

Athaliah heard the noise of the people praising the king, so she followed the people into the temple. She saw Joash, the king, along with princes and trumpets. The people were rejoicing with trumpets and singers. Athaliah said that this was treason. Jehoiada sent the army to her and anyone who followed her, to remove her from of the temple and slay her. They grabbed her and took her to an entrance of the palace and killed her.

16 And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the Lord’s people.
17 Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and brake it down, and brake his altars and his images in pieces, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.
18 Also Jehoiada appointed the offices of the house of the Lord by the hand of the priests the Levites, whom David had distributed in the house of the Lord, to offer the burnt offerings of the Lord, as it is written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, as it was ordained by David.
19 And he set the porters at the gates of the house of the Lord, that none which was unclean in any thing should enter in.
20 And he took the captains of hundreds, and the nobles, and the governors of the people, and all the people of the land, and brought down the king from the house of the Lord: and they came through the high gate into the king’s house, and set the king upon the throne of the kingdom.
21 And all the people of the land rejoiced: and the city was quiet, after that they had slain Athaliah with the sword.

Jehoiada covenanted with the people and the king, that they would again be the Lord’s people. The people went to the temple of Baal, and destroyed it and the priest of Baal. The offices in the temple and the service of offering burnt offerings, were reestablished. Porters were set at the different entrances of the temple, to make sure that only those worthy or clean were to enter there. The king was placed on the throne of Judah in the presence of captains, nobles, governors and some of the people of Judah who had been gathered. After Athaliah was slain, the people rejoiced and there was peace in Jerusalem.

As the high priest in Judah, Jehoiada had the duty of directing the people back to the Lord. The first step in this, was to pull down the wicked leader, who through her marriage to the king years earlier, had introduced great wickedness into the nation. Having been hidden in the temple for six years, Joash had likely been taught to lead Judah with the Lord’s direction. Jehoiada was also doing his duty to anoint the rightful king and in the presence of those who would need to support the king in his service. It was a good thing for Judah and it’s people, to then be able to renew covenants with God and be led by one who would strive to do what was right for them. Jehoiada was doing his duty to establish leadership in Judah according to the plan that the Lord had laid for the people. He is a good example of diligence in serving the Lord.