Day 129 – Friday, 5/9/2025: 2 Kings 11-13 and Psalm 129
Old Testament Reading: 2 Kings 11-13
Psalm/Proverb: Psalm 129
Reflection: God’s Sovereignty in Times of Transition
2 Kings 11
Athaliah, the queen mother, attempts to usurp the throne after the death of her son, but Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram, hides Joash, the rightful heir. This act of preservation sets the stage for Joash’s eventual coronation as king. The Hebrew word מַלְכוּת (malkûṯ), meaning "kingdom" or "reign," underscores the theme of God’s providence in maintaining His covenant through the rightful rulers of Israel. Even in times of turmoil, God preserves His promises.
2 Kings 12
Joash, now king, initiates repairs on the temple, a project he faithfully oversees with the guidance of the priests. The Hebrew word תִּקּוּן (tiqqûn), meaning "repair," is significant here as it reflects a restoration not just of the temple, but also of the nation’s relationship with God. This chapter reminds us that when we return to God’s purposes, He restores our foundations.
2 Kings 13
Elisha dies, but his prophetic legacy continues as God uses his bones to perform a miracle. King Jehoahaz and his son Jehoash, however, fail to fully turn to God, and Israel continues to suffer from external oppression. The Hebrew word צָרַר (ṣarar), meaning "to oppress" or "to distress," captures the theme of God allowing hardship as a consequence of disobedience. This chapter illustrates the tragic consequences when kings refuse to follow God’s commands fully.
Prayer for Day 129
"Lord, thank You for the reminder that You are sovereign even in times of transition and upheaval. Help us to remain faithful in our responsibilities, just as Joash did in restoring the temple. May we also be sensitive to Your presence and guidance in our lives, seeking to align our hearts with Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Additional Resources:
Bible Project Video on 2 Kings: Watch the video to gain a deeper understanding of the book and its themes.
Using the Google Checklist for Tracking Your Progress
Keep track of your journey through the Bible with our Google Drive checklist. Just make a copy, or print it out, and check off each day’s reading. It’s a great tool to stay motivated and see your progress grow as you immerse yourself in God's Word. You can access and use the checklist here: Google Drive Checklist.