The Daily Walk 2025

April 16

1 Chronicles 10–16

Ark of God

Key Passage:1 Chronicles 11: 1-9; 13: 1-14; 15: 1-3

Overview

The ark of the covenant is a prominent feature of Chronicles, being mentioned more than 40 times. So, it should not be surprising that events surrounding the ark's journey to Jerusalem consume three whole chapters. The lesson is clear: the right action done with the right motives but carried out incorrectly produces deadly consequences. Three months elapse before the journey can be completed. But when the ark is at last installed in Jerusalem, David leads the people in celebration.

Your Daily Walk

The flashing blue lights and wailing siren make it clear that something is wrong. The motorist pulls over to the side of the road and listens in amazement as the officer announces, “I’m giving you a ticket for running a green light.”

Preposterous? Consider this: God gave David a “green light” to bring the ark to Jerusalem and led a joyous procession, but the merriment was cut short by God’s displeasure. An uneven spot in the road, a jostling of the cart, Uzzah’s steadying hand, and what began like a wedding march ended like a funeral procession—all because David overlooked God’s clear instruction in Numbers 4:15 regarding how to transport the ark.

How about you? Are you doing the right things with the right motives in the right way? Try this little test. Pick one area of Christian service you engage in regularly, and probe it with these two questions: (1) Are my motives right for doing what I do? (2) Am I seeking to do God’s work in God’s way?

Insight - Painting a Rosy Picture

If you compare Samuel with Kings and Chronicles, you’ll discover that the author of the Chronicles chose to record only the positive aspects of King David and Solomon’s lives. He was not trying to distort the people’s image of them, for his audience had no doubt read Samuel and Kings. Instead, his idealization of them foreshadows the coming messianic King.

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April 17

1 Chronicles 17–21

God’s Covenant with David

Key Passage: 1 Chronicles 17

Overview

David’s greatest dream is to build a house for God. The prophet Nathan encourages David in this God-honoring ambition. But God soon makes it clear to Nathan—and through Nathan to David—that only in Solomon's lifetime will the dream come to fruition. Though David is not permitted to build a house for God, God will build a house for David—a perpetual dynasty and eternal kingdom. In peacetime and war, through times of faithfulness and seeming faithlessness in David’s life, God remains true to His promise by preserving the line of David.

Your Daily Walk

Grab a sheet of paper, divide it in half, and for the next five minutes, make two lists. On the left, write “All the things I want to do for God in my lifetime.” On the right, list “All the things God wants to do for me in my lifetime.” Now compare lists. Are some of the items the same?

David experienced the death of a dream. He had his heart set on doing something great for God. Despite the prophet’s words of prohibition, David could have insisted on his way. He could have pursued his plans, built the temple anyway, and fulfilled his dream. But in the end, the temple would have stood silent and empty, for God was not in the plans. In the process, David would have missed a greater blessing that God had in store for him.

God may want you to attempt something great for Him or simply do something great for You. Are you available for either? Take your dream list and pray each part of it back to God. Consecrate your dreams, and then watch God work in and through you.

Insight - General David, Man of War

David’s life in chapters 18–20 reads like a chapter from World War II. At least a dozen battles can be discovered in the space of these 44 verses. How many can you find? How might this explain why God wanted Solomon, not David, to build the temple?

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April 18

1 Chronicles 22–27

David’s Temple for God

Key Passage: 1 Chronicles 22–23

Overview

David’s dream of a house being built for God is not denied—merely postponed. His son Solomon will erect the structure. But David is given the joyful privilege of planning and preparing for that tremendous architectural feat. A suitable site must be found; building materials must be secured; plans must be drawn; and priests, musicians, and officers must be organized to manage the worship services. After passing on the vision and responsibility of the project to Solomon, David passes on the reins of leadership as well.

Your Daily Walk

“Plan ahead. After all, it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.” That humorous motto stresses the importance of short- and long-range planning. You can render many services for God on a moment’s notice: witnessing to your neighbor, visiting a shut-in, extending hospitality to a stranger. But many more acts of service demand planning and long-range goal setting. If you are going to build a new church, become an overseas missionary, or begin a new degree program, it won’t happen by accident—or overnight.

Presumptuous living in the future is wrong (James 4:13-17), but careful planning for the future is right (2 Corinthians 9:1-8). Plan a get-together tonight with your spouse or a friend to set at least one new goal in your ministry for God.

Insight - David’s Lasting Legacy to the Levites

Almost unnoticed among David’s other achievements, but of enormous spiritual significance, were his efforts to organize the tribe of Levi for effective ministry. As you read chapter 23, think about these insights regarding the Levites’ divisions and duties (and fill in the blanks!):

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April 19/20

1 Chronicles 28–29

David’s Final Words and Deeds

Key Passage: 1 Chronicles 29:20-30

Overview

Compare the opening chapters of David’s life with the closing ones, and you will come to a startling conclusion: David ends his life the same way he began it—with humble confidence in God. Despite his numerous accomplishments, David never let greatness go to his head. Instead, his final words to Solomon and the nation reflect the same wholehearted devotion to God that characterized the young shepherd in the pasturelands of Judea. With the dream of a temple entrusted to his son and the tokens of God’s blessings all around him, David dies “at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor. His son Solomon succeeded him as king” (29:28).

Your Daily Walk

In an amazing epitaph inscribed over King David’s life. To discover it, you must look in an unlikely place—Acts 13:36. There, you’ll read these words: “When David had served God’s purpose in his generation, he fell asleep.” In the 40 years David ruled the nation of Israel, several things were true of his administration.

1. He lived to serve. Instead of the pride, revenge, and self-seeking that characterized so many of Israel’s kings, David’s reign was marked by mercy, justice, and humility.

2. He lived to do God’s will. Pleasing God was David’s daily passion; obeying God was David’s greatest delight. And the result?

3. He followed God’s purpose for his life. There was a job to be done in David’s day and, by God’s strength, David did it.

You can’t have three without 1 and 2, for God’s will for His children involves the path of service (Ephesians 6:6). But as David learned, there’s no more delightful calling in life.

Insight - Three Kings Two Times Crowned
The double coronation of Solomon (23:1; 29:22) followed a pattern that began with Saul (1 Samuel 10:1; 11:15) and continued with David (2 Samuel 2:4; 5:3). In each case, the second coronation was a public confirmation of the first.

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2 Chronicles

Second Chronicles spans Israel’s history from its highest peak to its lowest ebb: from Solomon’s reign to the Babylonian Exile. First comes the building of the magnificent temple in Jerusalem. Following years of power and world renown, Solomon dies, and the spiritual, moral, and military fortunes of the nation rise and fall with the quality of kingly leadership. The few righteous rulers cannot stop the nation’s downward slide, and God’s judgment ultimately falls: invasion, defeat, and captivity.

April 21

2 Chronicles 1–5

Solomon’s Temple

Key Passage: 2 Chronicles 1, 5

Overview

Today’s passage can be easily summarized by reading just the first verses of chapters 1–3 and chapter 5:

“Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom.”

“Solomon gave orders to build a temple for the Name of the Lord.”

“Solomon began to build the temple of the Lord.”

“All the work Solomon had done for the temple of the Lord was finished.”

Hidden in those verses is the fact that building Solomon’s temple required the efforts of 153,000 laborers over seven years.

Your Daily Walk

What do you give the person who has everything?

If you think that’s a tricky question, consider the one Solomon faced: What do you give God who has everything?

More specifically, how do you build a house for God, whom even the highest heavens cannot contain (2:6)? Though no finite structure could ever surround the infinite God, it could reflect His glory and majesty, causing those who saw it to respond in awe, adoration, and worship.

That is your assignment today: to reflect the glory of the One who dwells in you (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Jesus said: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). You can do that through your words, your habits, your clothes, your actions, and more. These will either reflect or detract from the glory of the Lord.

Put a candle in a prominent place in your home or office to remind you of the importance of letting your light shine. After all, that’s what temples of flesh and blood are made for.

Insight - Pillars of Godly Character (3:17)

In front of the temple stood two brass pillars named Jakin and Boaz. The pillar to the south, called Jakin, meant “He will establish.” The pillar to the north, Boaz, meant “Strength is in Him.”

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April 22

2 Chronicles 6–9

Solomon’s Worship and Wealth

Key Passage: 2 Chronicles 6: 1–7:3

Overview

The constructed temple now becomes the consecrated temple as Solomon inaugurates the worship services with a prayer of dedication. In it he commits himself and the nation to a faithful observance of God’s laws. By night God appears to Solomon to make a conditional covenant with him: if he will walk in the steps of his father, God will establish Solomon’s dynasty forever.

Your Daily Walk

Take two minutes to complete this sentence: “The most important thing I can do today to reverse the spiritual decline in my nation is.”

Ours is a society marked by activism, with interest groups lobbying and laboring for their particular viewpoints. Your first response might be to join a righteous cause. But today’s reading suggests an even more critical first step: to take a righteous pause. Before you let your voice be heard for God, let God hear your voice. Solomon’s prayer of dedication is a plea for God’s intervention in his nation's affairs. Eleven times, Solomon asks God to hear the repentant cry of His people, forgive their wicked ways, and restore their fortunes. Imagine Solomon’s delight when the Lord says, “I have heard your prayer” (7:12).

Prayer is the most powerful and yet, unfortunately, the most neglected weapon in the average Christian’s arsenal. Let your life be an exception to that rule today. Close your quiet time on your knees. Ask God to restore righteousness to our country’s government, courts, and congregations. Let it begin with you.

Insight - A Shrewd Diplomat from the South

The queen of Sheba visited Solomon to hammer out some trade agreements with her new competitor (9:1-12). Solomon’s empire spanned the route connecting South Arabia with Phoenicia and Syria. Moreover, Solomon had just made an agreement with Hiram, opening up a sea link to Ophir’s mineral wealth. The queen knew she would do well to befriend this powerful king.

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April 23

2 Chronicles 10–12

Corruption Under Rehoboam

Key Passage: 2 Chronicles 10; 12: 13-16

Overview

Solomon’s vast wealth comes from many sources: tribute from neighboring nations, trade with foreign powers, and taxation of his own people. Those heavy taxes led to civil unrest, which, after Solomon’s death, erupts into full-scale civil war. The result is open hostility between the North and South and the formation of two distinct national entities: Israel (10 northern tribes ruled by Jeroboam) and Judah (two southern tribes ruled by Rehoboam).

Your Daily Walk

When it comes to dieting, some people will go to great lengths to maintain their slim widths. When it comes to hard work, many will stop at nothing. And when it comes to personal revival, some use incredibly thin thread to mend their ways. Why? Because it is easier—and less painful—to opt for half-hearted compromise than to pay the price of whole-hearted commitment to God.

Rehoboam followed the Lord only as long as it was politically expedient. Once his kingdom was solidly established, he had no further use for the Law of the Lord—or the Lord of the Law. But in the end, Rehoboam was the loser for his foolish decision.

Think of your life as a shiny new penny. You can spend it any way you wish, but you can only spend it once. And you cannot spend half a penny—it’s an all-or-nothing transaction. Find a penny and hold it in your hand as you talk to God about your life and how you will invest the remaining years of it in His service.

Insight - A Tale of Two Kingdoms

Beginning with chapter 12, the Chronicler narrates the course of the kingdom of Judah over 350 years—from the division of Solomon’s kingdom (about 930 B.C.) to the destruction of Jerusalem (586 B.C.). Of the 19 men and one woman who occupied David’s throne during this period, one commentator has said they “ranged in character from the strongest and best to the weakest and worst.” Who, in your opinion, was the best? The worst?

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April 24

2 Chronicles 13–16

The Reign of Asa

Key Passage: 2 Chronicles 14, 16

Overview

Rehoboam’s son Abijam “committed all the sins his father had done before him” (1 Kings 15:3). And yet he is God’s instrument of judgment upon an even more wicked king—Jeroboam in the North. In a titanic struggle involving more than a million fighting men, Israel suffers a devastating defeat; over half of her army is destroyed. After Abijam’s three-year reign is a decade of peace. His son Asa follows in the military footsteps of his father by defeating Ethiopia. But Asa’s greatest contribution comes not on the battlefield but in the sanctuary, as he purges the nation of idols and renews the altar of the Lord.

Your Daily Walk

It is difficult to believe that the Asa of chapter 14 and the Asa of chapter 16 are one and the same. Early in his reign Asa “did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God” (14:2). He zealously destroyed the altars, high places, images, and groves that were drawing his people away from the Lord. When confronted by a million-member Ethiopian army, he cried out to God: “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army” (14:11).

But later, Asa made an alliance with the heathen king of Syria and tried to appease him with silver and gold from the house of the Lord. Asa locked up the prophet of God who rebuked him for his foolish alliance, and he died of a foot disease when he “did not seek help from the Lord, but only from the physicians” (16:12).

Which part of Asa’s reign characterizes your life? Pick one of Asa’s godly traits and turn it into your personal project today. God will honor you for it.

Insight - How Old Can You Be and Still Be Young?

In 13:7, King Abijam refers to events in the first year of Rehoboam’s reign when he was “young and indecisive and not strong enough to resist them.” In fact, according to 12:13 Rehoboam was already 41 years old.

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April 25

2 Chronicles 17–20

The Reign of Jehoshaphat

Key Passage: 2 Chronicles 17; 19:4-11

Overview

Godly King Jehoshaphat’s reign over Judah is chronicled rather thoroughly—and with good reason. Jehoshaphat knows the key to spiritual revival is renewed commitment to the Law of God. He institutes a nationwide Bible reading program, using the princes, Levites, and priests as teachers. The people’s response is overwhelming, showering their king with gifts of love and gratitude. But his godly reign is nearly cut short by a foolish alliance with Ahab and later by a coalition of forces from Moab and Ammon.

Your Daily Walk

Perhaps when you came to today’s reading, Jehoshaphat was little more than a funny-sounding name to you. But his life is well worth studying, for he epitomizes the kind of person God searches for (16:9).

Jehoshaphat was noteworthy in his manner—“He did not consult the Baals” (17:3), but “sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel” (17:4). His conduct and pursuits were exemplary.

Jehoshaphat was noteworthy in the blessings he enjoyed— strength and stability from the hand of God and riches and honor from the subjects he ruled (17:5).

What was the secret of this monarch who received such high commendation from God? Simply this: “His heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord” (17:6). His first love was not wealth, power, or any of the kingly trappings; it was a deep love and delight in the Lord. What’s your first love?

Insight - Jehoshaphat’s Major/Minor Emphasis

In the 1 Kings narrative, Jehoshaphat’s reign is covered in only one chapter because it does not contribute to the demise of the South. In Chronicles, however, four chapters are given to his reforms to revive and preserve Judah’s religion.

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April 26/27

2 Chronicles 21–25

The Reign of Joash

Key Passage: 2 Chronicles 21: 1-17; 22; 24: 1-22

Overview

Were it not for God’s promise to David centuries before, Jehoram’s reign might mark the end of the Davidic dynasty. Blessed with godly parents, Jehoram chooses instead to follow the pagan practices of his wife Athaliah (daughter of Ahab and Jezebel). In only eight years, Jehoram manages to undo most of the godly reforms for which his father and grandfather labored so zealously. But even Jehoram’s wickedness is surpassed by that of the cruel queen-mother Athaliah, who murders her own grandchildren and sets herself up as monarch over Judah. In a thrilling story of danger and suspense, her one surviving grandchild, Joash, emerges to preserve the royal line of David...the line that eventually leads to Jesus Christ.

Your Daily Walk

There’s a sobering commentary on the passing of wicked Queen Athaliah: “All the people of the land rejoiced. And the city was quiet, because Athaliah had been slain by the sword” (23:21). Two things characterized the scene after Athaliah’s death: happiness and harmony. The world was a better place to live when she was no longer around.

Will there be mourning or merriment when your days on earth are through? Here are some epitaphs that were never hung over the lives of Athaliah or Jehoram. Would one provide a fitting epitaph for you?

“He brought Sonshine to the lives of others.”

“She was a carrier of contagious happiness.”

“He squandered his life on those he loved.”

“She harbored many a hurting friend, but never a grudge.”

“His calling in life was great—and greatly pursued.”

Insight - The Funeral No One Attended

When wicked Jehoram died of a divinely inflicted disease (21:18-20), no one regretted his passing. He was buried in a place apart from the “tombs of the kings” with no mourners nor the customary burning of spices in his honor (Jeremiah 34:5; 2 Chronicles 16:14).

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April 28

2 Chronicles 26–28

The Reigns of Uzziah and Jotham

Key Passage: 2 Chronicles 26: 1-5; 27: 1–28:4

Overview

Uzziah assumes the throne of Judah at age 16. His 52-year reign is marked by mighty military and agricultural achievements. Sadly, his life ends on a bitter note: In proud arrogance he intrudes into the priest’s office—and so is excluded from the temple for the rest of his life. His son Jotham continued in the ways of God. But the reintroduction of Baal and Molech worship under Ahaz sent the nation into a downward spiritual spiral.

Your Daily Walk

Does God have a say in every area of your life? Before you answer too quickly, run through a mental checklist of your daily activities: sleep, meals, leisure time, family life, work life, study habits, church duties, personal relationships, and physical fitness. Are God’s “fingerprints” visible in each area?

God considers every minute of your life important—not just the portion you spend in church, prayer, or Bible reading. He cares about the books you read, the food you eat, the friends you cultivate, and the habits you practice. Uzziah learned that God prospers the person who seeks the Lord and orders his steps accordingly (26:5). That doesn’t mean you’ll be free from problems or adversaries. Uzziah still faced daily “faith testers.” But armed with the strength of the Lord, he emerged victorious from many battles. So can you.

Put your name in place of Uzziah’s in 26:5: “As long as ____________ [seeks] the Lord, God [will give] ____________ success.” Which areas of your life need to come under His control for that verse to describe you?

Insight - Darkness and Death in a Valley of Fire

The Valley of Hinnom, which marked the southern boundary of Jerusalem, became noted as the scene of atrocious pagan practices, including child sacrifice (28:3; 33:6). It was later defiled by Joash when he turned it into a city dump (2 Kings 23:10), the perpetual fires of which became a symbol for hell.

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April 29

2 Chronicles 29–32

The Reign of Hezekiah

Key Passage: 2 Chronicles 29, 32

Overview

The Chronicler records not a word about the Assyrian assault and dispersion of Israel at this point—though they profoundly affect Hezekiah’s life and rule in Judah. Inheriting a disorganized and disheartened country, Hezekiah nevertheless puts first things first. In the first month of his administration, he reopened the house of God, restored the long-neglected temple worship and Passover celebration, and declared war on idol worship and pagan practices. When the Assyrian King Sennacherib besieges Jerusalem, the situation looks hopeless. But going to his knees, Hezekiah discovers that his great God specializes in great miracles.

Your Daily Walk

Have you ever tried to do the right thing, only to have it turn out all wrong? You help a friend who has a financial need, and your check bounces. You stop to assist a motorist in distress and get your pocket picked in the process. You prepare a special lesson for your church class, then forget to set your alarm. Hezekiah could identify with your plight. The king who faithfully stood for God soon found his “reward” was a swarm of Assyrian soldiers at the city gates. Instead of sulking or griping, Hezekiah responded by letting his faith in God shine through.

Unexpected blessings are wonderful; unexpected trials are often bitter pills to swallow. But God will use even unexpected trials to bring unexpected blessings if you’re ready for them. You can be if you have the same frame of mind as Hezekiah.

Insight - Killing Three Birds with One Stone

Hezekiah’s decision to delay the celebration of Passover one month not only provided time for the priests to be consecrated, but also gave people from distant regions time to travel to Jerusalem. When the kingdom was divided after Solomon’s death, Jeroboam moved the date for celebrating the Passover back one month so his people wouldn’t be tempted to go to Jerusalem. Thus Hezekiah’s move brought unity to the divided kingdom.

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April 30

2 Chronicles 33–36

Captivity by Babylon

Key Passage: 2 Chronicles 34; 36: 17-23

Overview

Manasseh, Judah’s longest-reigning king, is also its most wicked. He seals the nation’s fate by reestablishing Baal worship and turning the house of God into a pagan temple. By the time his grandson Josiah attempts to right the wrongs through godly reforms, it is too late to avert Judah’s approaching doom. The end comes during the reign of Zedekiah, as Babylon mercilessly slaughters and pillages the nation, burns the temple, destroys the walls, and takes the survivors back to Babylon, where they languish for 70 years. But the book closes on a note of hope. As the Exile draws to a close and Persia replaces Babylon in world dominance, Persia’s king makes an amazing statement: “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah” (36:23).

Your Daily Walk

There is no life so shattered or so wicked that God can’t make something beautiful out of it if there is a change of heart.

Manasseh’s life was spent defaming God and defiling His people —so much so that they did “more evil than the nations the Lord had destroyed before the Israelites” (33:9). Surely, Manasseh was a hopeless candidate for personal revival. Stripped of his kingdom at last, bound, fettered, and imprisoned in Babylon, Manasseh realized his folly, turned to God in humble submission, and prayed for mercy. Restored to his throne, he spent the rest of his life repairing the damage of his earlier years.

God is still looking for “Manassehs” today who—regardless of their past—are willing to give the shattered remains of their lives to God and say, “I need You.”

Insight - Babylon, the City That Should Have Stood Forever

The city of Babylon straddled the Euphrates River and was protected by a system of outer and inner walls, surrounded by wide moats. Numerous towers and huge brass gates guarded the city. Yet, with all this protection, the kingdom of Babylon fell to Persia in a single day.

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Ezra

In Ezra, the historical narrative of 2 Chronicles continues. After 70 years of exile, God fulfills His promise to return His people to their homeland. Under His sovereign direction, a Persian king now rules in Babylon, and the Jews are free at last to go home. The first group of returnees rebuilds the temple in Jerusalem (chs. 1–6). Fifty-eight years later, Ezra leads a second group back to Jerusalem to rebuild the spiritual and moral character of the people (chs. 7–10).

May 1

Ezra 1–3

Temple Commission

Key Passage: Ezra 1:1-8; 3:1-13

Overview

The people of God have paid dearly for their indifference and idolatry. For 70 years, they have languished in Babylonian exile. But though the situation looks bleak, God has neither forsaken nor forgotten them. At the appointed time, He raises a pagan Persian king named Cyrus, whose proclamation permits the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple—an event prophesied in remarkable detail fully two centuries in advance (Isaiah 44:28; 45:1-4). Sadly, only a handful of exiles respond to the invitation. Led by Zerubbabel and supported by the king’s treasury, about 50,000 Jews begin the long trek to their shattered homeland, where together they begin to rebuild the nation’s temple and the nation’s future.

Your Daily Walk

Could you try this experiment? Using a watch with a sweep second hand or digital counter, see how long it takes to find a paper clip, a postage stamp, and last year’s tax return. Ready . . . go! (Less than a minute—your house is arranged “decently and in order”; between one and three minutes—you could use some help; more than three minutes—you probably have small children around the house.)

Now ponder this observation. The myriad of numbers in Ezra 1–2 is not there to overwhelm you, but to show you that God is a God of detail and orderliness. In fact, those priests who sought their family records and could not find them were disqualified from the priest- hood because they couldn’t meet the legal requirements to prove their lineage (2:62). Take a moment to look up 1 Corinthians 14:40. Then put it to work in an area of your life that needs attention.

Insight - The Elusive Book of Ezra

In the English Bible, Ezra follows 2 Chronicles. But in the Hebrew canon, Ezra and Nehemiah were originally one book, located just before Chronicles. The first division into two books in the Hebrew Bible was not made until 1448, more than 18 centuries after the material was written.

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May 2

Ezra 4–6

Temple Completion

Key Passage: Ezra 4:15, 24; 6:13-22

Overview

Zerubbabel knows that the task of rebuilding the nation must begin at the altar, not the workbench. The challenge is primarily spiritual, not architectural. Accordingly, Zerubbabel’s first priority is to erect the altar and reinstate Israel’s national feasts, which are the times God had appointed for the nation to celebrate His work. Once materials are gathered and assignments made, the actual work of rebuilding the temple can commence. But it is not long before the local residents lodge complaints with the king, bringing the work to a halt. Not until Darius comes to power 15 years later can the project be resumed and completed.

Your Daily Walk

There has yet to be a work attempted for God that did not produce criticism. In fact, if you want to avoid criticism, there is only one way: say nothing, do nothing, and be nothing. Zerubbabel’s goal of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem sprang from pure motives. He marched 900 miles through perilous wilderness. He labored neither for monetary gain nor public notoriety. But despite all that, he met with stiff criticism and opposition from the local Jewish population, who had embraced foreign wives and pagan ways.

No one so thoroughly appreciates the value of criticism as the one who gives it. But consider these wise words from H. A. Ironside, American preacher and commentator in the early 20th century, on how to face criticism: “If what they are saying about you is true, mend your ways. If it isn’t true, forget it, and go about serving the Lord.” Good advice to remember next time you are the target. After all, sticks and stones are only thrown at fruit-bearing trees.

Insight - How “Great” Can You Get?

The rebuilt temple was constructed with “large stones” (5:8). The size of these stones is not specified, but they were large enough for Jesus’ disciples to respond in amazement (Mark 13:1)—great stones befitting a great God.

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May 3/4

Ezra 7–8

Priests and Pilgrims

Key Passage: Ezra 7:6-10; 8:21-36

Overview

A striking feature of the Book of Ezra is that the name “Ezra” does not appear until chapter 7. The first six chapters chronicle the life and ministry of Zerubbabel in rebuilding the temple; now, chapters 7–10 introduce a priest named Ezra, whom God uses to rebuild the spiritual condition of the people. Ezra begins his task 58 years after the events of chapter 6. The people have a house for God, but not a heart for God. Ezra realizes revival must begin with a national return to the statutes and requirements of God as contained in the Mosaic Law. With the support of Persia’s King Artaxerxes, Ezra sets out with 1,753 of his countrymen (not including women and children; see 8:21) to cover the 900 dangerous miles back to Jerusalem.

Your Daily Walk

Do you remember your first Sunday school teacher? Are you currently, or do you ever hope to become, a teacher of God’s Word?

Those who devote themselves to the teaching of Scripture have accepted a staggering responsibility. According to Ezra 7:10, they are accountable in four ways: (1) They are to devote their hearts to obedient service, (2) to study the meaning of God’s Word, (3) to obey what they discover, and (4) to teach what they have learned. Far from being merely a classroom lecture, true Bible teaching is the overflow of one obedient life into the life of another.

Think of one teacher who has contributed to your spiritual growth by seeking, doing, and teaching God’s Word over the past year. How can you honor that person today with a note, phone call, or special gift? (That’s one good way to put 1 Timothy 5:17 to work.)

Insight - The Etymology of “King of Kings”

The title “King of kings,” which we often read and sing, was originally used to describe Assyrian kings. The title aptly described them, for they had conquered many nations. Later, the Babylonian and Persian kings borrowed it when they had built their empires (Ezekiel 26:7; Daniel 2:37).

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May 5

Ezra 9–10

Pollution and Purging

Key Passage: Ezra 9:10,17

Overview

The bad news of mixed marriages in the community tempers the good news of Ezra’s arrival in Jerusalem. Jews are permitting their sons to marry heathen women from neighboring territories. Even the priests, Levites, and civic leaders are involved—a condition that the Law of God condemns and that Ezra finds intolerable. The process of righting these wrongs is painful, difficult, and time-consuming. But even those “rainy skies” cannot dampen Israel’s renewed commitment to personal and national purity.

Your Daily Walk

Marriage has been defined in many ways—some humorous, some tragic. Which would you say best describes yours? Marriage is...

• The peaceful coexistence of two nervous systems.
• a school of experience where husband and wife are classmates.
• a union that defies management.

Add to that list one more: Successful marriage always involves a triangle—a man, a woman, and God. The prophet Amos asked the right question more than 2,700 years ago: “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” (Amos 3:3). The answer is obvious. Yet, many of God’s people ignore the clear warnings and prohibitions of Scripture.

If you are single, read 2 Corinthians 6:14; if you are married, meditate on 1 Corinthians 7:10-16. Let those verses remind you again that Christian marriage is designed for three (you, your believing spouse, and God) for life.

Insight - The Chronic Problem of Pagan Partners

Ezra 10:18-43 lists more than 100 men guilty of mixed marriages— the very sin condemned and forbidden in Deuteronomy 7:1-5. Israel’s history from the period of the judges onward illustrates the chronic nature of the situation (Judges 3:5-7) and its devastating consequences. (Nehemiah 13:23-28) and (Malachi 2:11) also deals with the recurring problem of mixed marriages.

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Nehemiah

Though the Jews have rebuilt the temple and put away their pagan wives, Jerusalem’s walls still lie in ruin. But God finds a wall-builder in Persia. Nehemiah, cupbearer to the king, leads the third expedition of pilgrims back to the homeland. Even though Nehemiah encounters fierce opposition to his reconstruction efforts, the project is completed in record time. Then the public reading of God’s Word triggers a significant though short-lived revival within the rebuilt walls.

May 6

Nehemiah 1–2

Construction of the Walls

Key Passage: Nehemiah 1:1–2:8

Overview

In ancient times, a city was only as secure as its walls. In the case of Jerusalem, the temple stands in glistening splendor, but the walls lie in ruin and rubble. Enter Nehemiah, cupbearer to the king of Persia and God’s choice to rebuild the city’s defenses. After four months of prayerful intercession for his people and homeland, Nehemiah finds his opportune moment. Armed with both a blueprint and a burden, Nehemiah shares his request with the king—and receives even more than he asked for. After inspecting Jerusalem’s precincts personally, Nehemiah rallies his countrymen with the faith-inspired cry, “The God of heaven will give us success” (2:20).

Your Daily Walk

Look around, and you will see people in need, whether it’s money, food, shelter, health issues, encouragement, or the hope of Jesus. You can pray two kinds: comfortable prayers (“Lord, meet that need”) and commitment prayers (“Lord, use me to help meet that need”).

Learn a lesson from the life of Nehemiah. Don’t pray to be comfortable in your circumstances; pray to be available and ready to do the will of God in every situation. In the process, some essential walls may get built. Find a quiet corner as you reread Nehemiah’s prayer of commitment in 1:4-11. Then make it yours.

Insight - Autobiography of a Powerful Prayer

Nehemiah’s memoirs bear eloquent testimony to the power of prayer in the life of a child of God. As you continue reading the book, catalog Nehemiah’s prayers and God’s answers.

• Nehemiah 1:4-11- What did Nehemiah pray for? What did God answer with?
• 2:4-8- What did Nehemiah pray for? What did God answer with?
• 4:4-12- What did Nehemiah Pray for? What did God answer with?
• 6:9, 14–16- What did Nehemiah pray for? What did God answer with?
• 13:14-31- What did Nehemiah pray for? What did God answer with?

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May 7

Nehemiah 3–4

Rallying the Workers

Key Passage: Nehemiah 4

Overview

Like the earlier reconstruction efforts under Zerubbabel and Ezra, the rebuilding corps under Nehemiah faces opposition both from without and within. As the walls rise, so does opposition from leaders in surrounding provinces. For each problem, Nehemiah seeks—and finds—a God-honoring solution: Ridicule is handled with prayer; threats of violence are dealt with by adequate preparation; discouragement is met with a personal example of faith in God’s power.

Your Daily Walk

Think of a time when you looked ridiculous. Perhaps it was at a costume party or on a fishing trip or in a school play. In any case, you dressed in such a way that others laughed at the way you looked.

Did you ever stop to realize that ridicule is the act of making someone feel ridiculous? That’s why it’s so painful. Through coarse jesting, misrepresentation, or mocking, someone makes you (or what you believe) an object of derisive laughter.

One of the tests of your Christian character is the way you handle ridicule. Do you explode in anger and retaliate? Or do you, like Nehemiah, leave the matter to God?

Jesus had some special words of comfort for those suffering ridicule and persecution in their walk with God: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:11-12). Remember that the next time you or your godly views are laughed at. And if ridicule is not a problem you face often, perhaps you had better check to see if your light is really shining.

Insight - Nehemiah’s Notorious Neighbors

Several of Nehemiah’s persecutors are noted in historical sources other than the Bible. Sanballat (4:1) is identified as the governor of Samaria in the Elephantine Papyri. A rock inscribed with Tobiah (4:3) in ancient Aramaic script was found near present-day Amman, Jordan.

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May 8

Nehemiah 5–7

Completion of the Walls

Key Passage: Nehemiah 5; 6:15-19

Overview

With progress continuing to rebuild the walls, Nehemiah’s opponents shift their attacks from direct confrontation to subtle conspiracy. Sanballat and Geshem repeatedly try to sidetrack Nehemiah from his God-given assignment. Even a false prophet arises to lead Nehemiah into a potentially fatal trap, only to have his plan foiled by Nehemiah’s keen discernment. Despite loan sharks, deceit, espionage, and attempted assassination, Nehemiah and his dedicated band of bricklayers complete the city walls in less than two months—a feat even Israel’s enemies perceive is “done with the help of . . . God” (6:16). And now come new responsibilities for Nehemiah. As governor, he appoints (7:1), delegates (7:2), organizes (7:3), and utilizes the new leadership in the newly built city.

Your Daily Walk

How much of what others tell you do you believe without question? Jesus told His disciples to be “as innocent as doves,” but He also cautioned them to be “as shrewd as snakes” (Matthew 10:16). How are you doing?

Shemaiah hoped Nehemiah would be gullible enough to ensnare himself, thereby ruining the building project (6:10-14). Nehemiah realized Shemaiah’s suggestion was incompatible with God’s will because he knew the Scriptures. Look up Numbers 18:7 and you’ll see that what initially appeared to be a difficult decision for Nehemiah was quite simple when he recalled what God had already said.

Mastering your Bible is not just a good idea; it is essential for making wise, God-honoring decisions. Read 2 Peter 3:18 aloud and make it your personal growth project for today.

Insight - Whistle While You Work (7:1-3)

Nehemiah gave specific instructions about opening and closing the gates when the walls were finished. Because of the sparse population, he appointed residents to stand guard at vulnerable places in the wall. They joined the gatekeepers in standing guard.

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May 9

Nehemiah 8–10

Revival Within the Walls

Key Passage: Nehemiah 8:1-12

Overview

The first half of the Book of Nehemiah teaches valuable lessons about working for God; the second half emphasizes worshiping God. Beginning with chapter 8, the account becomes biographical rather than autobiographical (no longer is it in the first person, “I”). Now it centers on the spiritual rather than physical well-being of the people. The public reading and explanation of God’s Word brings a sweeping revival to the city. Rejoicing at the sound of God’s precious laws as preached by Ezra the priest, the people respond with prayers of confession, worship to God, and a fresh resolve to live godly lives in keeping with their commitment.

Your Daily Walk

Revival is the phenomenon perhaps most often discussed and yet least experienced by Christians today. The reason is not hard to find. Though the way to revival is simple, the price of revival is high. And few are willing to pay it. There were three main ingredients in Israel’s revival:

(1) the reading of God’s Word, (2) confession of sins, and (3) wholehearted commitment to God. The people made a solemn covenant to “follow the Law of God” (10:29)—a promise that only a decade later would be shamelessly broken.

Think of an area in your life that needs revival: your marriage, business ethics, or prayer life. Now count the cost. What good things will you have to give up to gain God’s best? What sin will you have to forsake? What action can you take now to show God you mean business?

Insight - The First Old Testament Commentaries

Ezra and his assistants read from “the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read” (Nehemiah 8:8). After their years of exile, many Jews no longer understood Hebrew, requiring interpretation and explanation in Aramaic, the language of the common people.

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May 10/11

Nehemiah 11–13

Resettlement Within the Walls

Key Passage: Nehemiah 13

Overview

With the walls in place and the nation's spiritual condition revived, Nehemiah now consolidates and organizes the populace. One-tenth of the people are chosen by lot to relocate within the city walls, while the rest remain in the suburbs. The walls are formally dedicated, and temple officers are commissioned to oversee the functions of national worship. After an extended leave of absence, Nehemiah returns from Babylon to find Tobiah living in a temple storeroom, and the people displaying a shocking disregard for God’s laws concerning marriage and the Sabbath. Assuming the role of reformer again, Nehemiah labored to restore national purity.

Your Daily Walk

People. You can’t live without them, but how often have you yearned to try nonetheless? Nehemiah’s greatest challenge came not from trying to lay bricks, but from trying to love the bricklayers! Perhaps he pondered questions like the one expressed by Peter in Matthew 18:21: “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”

If Nehemiah had stopped at seven, he never would have lasted through chapter 3 of his book! Notice Jesus’ reply to Peter: “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22).

What Nehemiah did with bricks and mortar is well known; what he did with stubborn men and women, forgiving their offenses against him, is just as well documented in God’s Word. Nehemiah knew that forgiveness is our command from God; criticizing, grumbling, and condemning are not.

Insight - Malachi, a Prophetic Postscript on Nehemiah

Four centuries of divine silence follow the Book of Nehemiah. No Scripture was written during that time span, possibly because of the people's hardheartedness. Malachi, a contemporary of Nehemiah, left a brief but powerfully convincing record of the heedless attitude of their day.

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Esther

While Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah led some 50,000 people to their homeland, many more were reluctant to leave Persia. Esther’s story takes place against this Persian background. Chosen to replace the banished queen, Esther soon finds that she and her countrymen are threatened by a bizarre plot. Her faithful and courageous action saves God’s people from destruction and provides the occasion for an annual celebration still observed by Jews today—the Feast of Purim.

Overview

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah recount the return of about 50,000 Jews to their homeland after the Babylonian Exile. But thousands more remained behind in Persia. And though they were not concerned about God, God was still very much concerned about them. Nowhere is this more clearly visible than in the Book of Esther— the story of a beautiful Jewish girl who rises from obscurity to prominence when she becomes the new queen of Persia. Though God’s name is nowhere mentioned in the account, His hand is everywhere visible as He places Esther in the Persian palace and her cousin Mordecai’s name in the Persian chronicles “for such a time as this” (4:14).

Your Daily Walk

“Of all the bad luck! Why did that have to happen to me?” It’s truly amazing how quickly we credit our setbacks in life to bad luck and our successes to hard work.

You'll find many setbacks and successes as you read the Book of Esther. But one common thread runs through them all: God was at work behind the scenes. Esther’s unexpected promotion, Mordecai’s forgotten act of heroism—neither was an accident. Rather, God was weaving a beautiful lesson about sovereignty from the threads of their lives, showing that in their day, as in ours, God is in control.

It’s a truth found not just in the Book of Esther. Read about God’s sovereign control in Exodus 4:11; Psalm 115:3; Daniel 4:17, 25, 28; Romans 8:28.

Insight - A Fatal Plot at a Fateful Moment

At a strategic moment, Mordecai became aware of a plot devised by two eunuchs of the royal bodyguard to put King Xerxes to death (2:21-23). On this occasion, Mordecai secretly passed the news to Esther. Esther reported it in Mordecai’s name, and the conspirators were hanged. The incident was written up in the Persian court diary. Ironically, about 15 years later, Xerxes lost his life due to a similar plot.

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1 Kings

The story of King Solomon’s illustrious life is told in the first half of 1 Kings. Under his leadership, Israel rose to great power and glory. The crowning touch of his reign and his life comes with the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. But Solomon’s zeal for God cools as pagan wives turn his heart away from his worship of God. He dies a man religiously divided, leaving behind a nation that soon divides physically into the northern nation, Israel, and the southern nation, Judah. The next century sees the decline of the two nations, as each one grows more and more indifferent to God’s prophets and precepts.

April 1

1 Kings 1-4

Solomon’s Rise to Glory

Key Passage: 1 Kings 2: 1-4; 3: 1-15

Overview

As David’s life draws to a close, his son Adonijah attempts to usurp the throne from the rightful heir, Solomon. But the plot is foiled when David publicly proclaims Solomon his true successor. In the final hours before his death, David charges Solomon to walk with God in integrity and truth—a request Solomon fulfills in the early days of his reign. When God presents him with a “blank check,” Solomon asks for wisdom to rule skillfully rather than for wealth to live lavishly. God gives him both.

Your Daily Walk

Humility is a paradox: the moment you think you’ve found it, you’ve lost it. There has yet to be written a book titled Humility and How I Achieved It. Yet, God expects and rewards an attitude of servant-like humility.

Solomon had everything going for him: godly heritage, distinguished family name, financial security, and the one true God on his side. But he also had a realistic view of himself. He knew his weaknesses: partiality, insensitivity, impatience—weaknesses that, if left uncorrected, might doom his reign from the start. In childlike humility, he asked for what he needed from God, not merely what he wanted.

Here is a sentence to complete and a project to begin: “I know I am weak in the area of [what?], but this month, with God’s help, I’m going to strengthen that area of weakness [how?].” When you ask Him, God will strengthen you (see Isaiah 41:10).

Insight - Did They Use a Different Calendar?

Many scholars pointed out the discrepancies between biblical chronology and archaeological evidence. However, we now know that some historians counted the year of a king’s ascension in their calculations while others did not. Some would count the years when two kings reigned together, while others would not. This understanding has cleared up many difficulties with dates and has increased scholarly respect for the Bible.

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April 2

1 Kings 5–8

Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem

Key Passage: 1 Kings 6: 1-14; 8: 12-61

Overview

Before his death, David had charged Solomon with the responsibility of building a house for God in Jerusalem. At last, it is time to make that dream a reality. Nothing is too good for the place where God’s glory will dwell: cedar trees from Lebanon, costly stones, tons of precious metals. For seven long years, Solomon planned and prepared the temple. When, at last, the ark of the covenant is installed in the Holy Place, the cloud of God’s presence fills the house of the Lord.

Your Daily Walk

The reason people may sometimes feel like complete failures is because they fail to complete. Look around your home or office and make a list of all the jobs, projects, and assignments you’ve begun but have never brought to completion. Wouldn’t you agree that one worthwhile task carried to a successful conclusion is worth 50 half-finished tasks? It wasn’t until the temple was completed that God’s glory took up residence there—God’s stamp of approval upon a job well done.

On a sheet of paper, jot down three unfinished tasks. Perhaps it’s a Christian book you’ve never finished reading, an unsaved neighbor you’ve been meaning to get to know, or a family project that has never gotten off the ground. Next to each one, write a realistic date for completion and mark your calendar. Turn those half-done jobs into well-done jobs for God (Matthew 25:21).

Insight - The Tabernacle and Temple—A Study in Contrasts

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April 3

1 Kings 9–11

Solomon’s Fame, Fortune, and Failure

Key Passage: 1 Kings 9: 1-9; 11: 1-13

Overview

Under Solomon’s able leadership, the nation’s boundaries expanded to five times the area ruled by David. Financially, Solomon enjoyed prosperity as tribute from neighboring nations flowed into the treasury. But even as the nation prospered, the seeds of spiritual decay were being sown. Solomon’s passion for pagan women, of whom he took hundreds to be his wives and concubines, turned his heart from the God of heaven to the gods of men. Result: God tears most of the kingdom away from Solomon’s son.

Your Daily Walk

Find a flashlight, some aluminum foil, and a piece of black paper. In a dark room, lay a piece of foil on the paper and shine the flashlight on it. Then, move the beam of light so that it hits the paper but not the foil. Which is brighter: light hitting the paper (and being absorbed) or light hitting the foil (and being reflected)?

Hearing of Solomon’s wealth and wisdom, the queen of Sheba wanted to learn firsthand if the reports were true. She concluded: “Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel” (10:9). Rather than absorbing the glory himself, Solomon reflected God’s glory. When others saw the king’s greatness, they, too, gave glory to the King of Kings.

Meditate on Matthew 5:16 throughout the day, looking for creative ways to reflect, rather than absorb, the glory of God.

Insight - Developing Your Talent for Talents

Though the precise weight (and therefore the value) of Old Testament monetary measures is unknown, the talent was approximately 75.6 pounds. Using these numbers and a conservative gold price of $500 per ounce, the total value of the gold mentioned in 1 Kings 10:14 was about $400 million!

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April 4

1 Kings 12–16

A Nation Torn in Two

Key Passage: 1 Kings 12

Overview

Solomon’s great wealth is a result of the soaring taxes he exacts from his countrymen. After his death, his son Rehoboam must decide if he will continue or cancel the harsh taxation policies of his father. Following foolish advice, Rehoboam increases the tax burden—and spawns a national “tax revolt.” When the dust settled, the United Kingdom was no more, and in its place stood a divided kingdom of two distinct nations (Israel and Judah) ruled by two decadent kings (Jeroboam and Rehoboam).

Your Daily Walk

A grade school class wrote essays on the subject “What’s Wrong with Parents Today?” One child said it all: “We get our parents so late in life that it is impossible to do anything with them.”

Parents, you received your children when they were only minutes old—but at what age will they receive you? Parents are prone to give their children everything except the one thing they need most: time—time for listening, time for understanding, time for helping, time for guiding. It sounds simple, but in reality it is the most difficult and sacrificial task of parenthood.

Whatever spiritual legacy Rehoboam received from his father, Solomon, it apparently did not help him learn to love the God of Israel. The spiritual vacuum that resulted after Solomon’s death led to the fracturing of the nation. Will your home be any different? Call a family council this evening to evaluate how you spend time together as a family—and how often.

Insight - The Divided Kingdom Doubly Divided

Most readers will be familiar with the divided kingdom—10 tribes in the north (Israel) and two tribes in the south (Judah). But did you know there was a time when the northern 10 tribes nearly divided again? Two power blocks, led respectively by Tibni and Omri, struggled for control of the northern kingdom. In the end, who prevailed as king of the north (16:22)?

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April 5/6

1 Kings 17–19

Ministry of Elijah in the Days of Ahab

Key Passage: 1 Kings 18:20–19:21

Overview

Chapter 15 begins a pattern that will extend throughout the rest of 1 and 2 Kings. The writer flip-flops in his account between the nations of Israel and Judah, first describing the reigning power in the North, then moving to the South, and so on. He traces the parallel stories of two nations in spiritual decline, occasionally highlighting a prophet (such as Elijah) or a king (such as Ahab) who contributes significantly to the spiritual rise or fall of one of the nations. Today’s reading centers around the mysterious (yet very human) person of Elijah, the prophet who courageously faces a heathen Israelite king and 850 pagan prophets of Baal, only to flee for his life from the murderous Queen Jezebel.

Your Daily Walk

How often do you pray the prayer of inconvenience?

In James 5:17-18, Elijah is held up as a model of prayer. He was no super-saint but rather “a man just like us.” He got tired, discouraged, and anxious on occasion, but his first reaction was to take everything to God in prayer.

The remarkable thing about his prayer life was how often he prayed inconvenient prayers. He prayed for a drought, then watched as God answered his prayer... and dried up his only source of water. He prayed for fire from heaven, knowing it would make him a marked man in Jezebel’s eyes. His constant prayer was, “God, do something great...and I’m available if You need me.”

Examine your prayer life. Which do you pray: “God, save my heathen neighbor,” or, “God, use me to help lead that neighbor to You”? Take a situation you are facing today, and write out your own prayer of inconvenience to God.

Insight - And Speaking of Jogging Enthusiasts...

With his life on the line, Elijah “ran for his life” (19:3) from Mt. Carmel to Jezreel to Beersheba—a distance of about 110 miles. He took no chances.

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April 7

1 Kings 20–22

Reign of Ahab

Key Passage: 1 Kings 20; 22:29-40

Overview

You will be disappointed if you expect a climactic finish to the Book of 1 Kings today. Originally 1 and 2 Kings were a single continuous account, and the division between them in the English Bible is only literary, not historical. Today, you will read about the conclusion of Ahab’s wicked reign in Israel and briefly examine Jehoshaphat’s righteous reign in Judah. Ahab’s life is one long illustration of a man with no heart for God. In spite of God’s powerful display on Mount Carmel and two heaven-sent victories over the Syrians, Ahab shows utter disregard for His commands.

Your Daily Walk

Fighting against God can be a dangerous business. Ahab tried it, and it cost him his life.

In today’s reading, notice how God made Himself known to Ahab many times. God showed Israel’s king that He rules in the affairs of humanity. Despite fire from heaven, two divinely provided victories over superior foes, and the ringing declaration of the prophets, Ahab would not be swayed from his wicked ways. Refusing to be convinced that there are no accidents with God, Ahab became the object of one such “accident.” Disguising himself to avoid the prophetically decreed end of his life, he was struck by an arrow sent flying at random and guided by a divine hand straight to the one chink in his armor.

Think back over the first week of this month. How has God demonstrated His reality and His power to you through daily displays of protection and provision? Write in the margin how you responded and how you’d like to respond.

Insight - Murder Without a Weapon

Ahab cared nothing for the Law of God, a fact seen in his disregard for the divine restriction on transferring land from one tribe to another (21:1-3; Leviticus 25:23-28; Numbers 36:7-8). In shameless greed, he allowed Jezebel to mastermind Naboth’s murder—a crime for which he would later be held responsible by God (21:18-19).

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2 Kings

As the glory of the once-united kingdom eroded, Israel and Judah pursued a collision course with captivity. Despite the efforts of Elisha and the prophets, the division ends in double deportation. Corrupt Israel is captured and dispersed by the Assyrians in 722 B.C.; almost a century later, in three waves of conquest, Judah is taken to Babylon. In 586 B.C., the city of Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed. God’s patience is long. His pleading is persistent. His love is sometimes challenging. As a result, the kingdom divided (in 1 Kings) becomes the kingdom dissolved (in 2 Kings).

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April 8

2 Kings 1–3

Elijah's Successor

Key Passage: 2 Kings 3

Overview

The prophetic ministry of Elijah provides the bridge between 1 and 2 Kings. God directs His spokesman to pronounce a sentence on Israel’s wicked King Ahaziah for seeking counsel from idols rather than God. It’s Elijah’s last prophetic pronouncement. With his replacement Elisha looking on, Elijah is transported to heaven by a fiery whirlwind and chariot, leaving behind both a mantle and an unfinished mission: to call the people of God to righteousness.

Your Daily Walk

The time to prepare for a crisis is before, not after, it hits. The time to learn to swim is when the water is calm and shallow, not when the flood tides rage. When you are prepared, the unexpected storms of life can become occasions to show where your confidence lies.

In chapter 3, wicked King Joram of Israel and godly King Jehoshaphat of Judah are allied against the Moabites, preparing to attack them from the southwest. After a hard seven-day march, they find themselves in the middle of the wilderness with no water. What a revolting development—and what an excellent attitude test! Joram responds by blaming God; Jehoshaphat responds by beseeching God. Joram looks for a loophole; Jehoshaphat looks for a lesson God wants him to learn.

The same heat from the sun hardens the brick and melts the butter. How do you react when the heat is on? Before the first crisis of your day arrives, spend some preparation time with your Crisis Counselor to get His perspective on your problems. You’ll find His professional prescription in James 1:2-4. Read it, write it out, and carry it with you. Memorizing the first of those three illuminating verses will help you respond rightly when those crises come.

Insight - A Bloody Mirage

God showed His creative genius not only by supplying water but also by tricking the Moabites into a foolish attack. The red sandstone of Edom (see 2 Kings 3:16-24, Genesis 25:30), common in that area, caused the water to look like blood.

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April 9

2 Kings 4–8

Miracles of Elisha’s Ministry

Key Passage: 2 Kings 4: 1-7; 5: 1-14; 6: 1-23

Overview

Today’s section is filled with miracles God performed through His prophet Elisha. While Elijah’s ministry mainly consisted of public displays of God’s power, Elisha’s is largely private: miracles of provision (for the widow, the deceased son, and the poisoned prophets); miracles of perception (reading the king’s mind, opening the eyes of the young servant); and miracles of protection (removing the threat of the Syrian army). Each shows God’s willingness to do for the nation what He does for the individual—provide, protect, and defend all who will turn to Him.

Your Daily Walk

Read the sentence in the next paragraph carefully, counting the number of times the letter F occurs. Write your answer in the margin.

“The bride's father paid for half of the festivities; the unpaid balance of the bill he left for his new son-in-law as a wedding gift.” Did you spot 5...6...7? The correct answer is 10. It’s one thing to have “eyes to see” hidden letters in a sentence, but infinitely more significant to have eyes to see God at work in the world around you. Elisha’s young servant was distraught when he saw the soldiers of Syria surrounding the city of Dothan. The outlook was grim; there seemed to be no hope of escape. Then, in response to prayer, God opened the servant’s eyes to see the angelic host He had dispatched to protect His prophet.

You will never “see” many things until you view life from God’s perspective. Look up these verses to test your spiritual acuity today: Psalms 25:15; 101:3; 119:18; 123:2; 141:8.

Insight - Two Kingly Books Compared

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April 10

2 Kings 9–12

The End of Ahab by Jehu

Key Passage: 2 Kings 9: 1-10; 10: 1-11; 11: 1-21

Overview

In an ironic twist, the prophet of God anoints a new king in Israel for the purpose of destroying the existing king and his family. Jehu wastes no time carrying out his divine mandate against the family of Ahab. Politically and spiritually, the situation is not much better in the South. Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, usurps the throne and seeks to secure it by killing her grandchildren. Only 1-year-old Joash escapes; six years later, he emerges as one of Judah’s brightest reformers.

Your Daily Walk

Imagine for a moment that the minimum age requirement has been lifted for candidates for the presidency of your nation. And imagine further that the “kids of the kingdom” have pooled their voting power to elect a 7-year-old child as president. Would that worry you? If so, why?

Now read the last verse of chapter 11 and the first two verses of chapter 12. It really happened in the nation of Judah, not by popular vote but by divine appointment. And the amazing thing is this: “Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him” (12:2). As long as young Joash listened to godly counsel, the nation enjoyed godly leadership.

Now ponder this sobering thought. Somewhere in your country today, there may be a 7-year-old who will one day be president. Perhaps that child is in your home, church, school, and neighborhood. How are you seeking to influence the children in your life for God? Today’s investments will pay rich dividends tomorrow—if you are faithful.

Insight - Curious Facts about Judah’s Monarchs

• The only queen to rule Judah was _____________ (11:1, 3).
• The longest reign was Manasseh’s, lasting _______ years (21:1).
• Josiah was _______ years old when he became king (22:1).
• Jehoahaz and Jehoiachin each ruled only _______ months (23:31; 24:8).

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April 11

2 Kings 13–17

Israel Is Destroyed

Key Passage: 2 Kings 13: 14-19; 17:4-41

Overview

The time is coming when God will scatter the 10 tribes of Israel throughout the nations because of their idolatry and wickedness. After the death of Elisha until her downfall, Israel’s leaders will aimlessly try to cope with the mounting national crisis, but they will find no help. Reduced at last to a vassal state under Assyrian domination, Israel stages an uprising to throw off the Assyrian yoke. But the revolt is utterly crushed, and many Israelites are deported. Israel’s long-delayed judgment has come at last.

Your Daily Walk

Why does the unrighteous prosper at the expense of the righteous, and why does God not seem to do anything about it? Isn’t He concerned? Doesn’t He want the righteous to prosper?

Don’t misinterpret God’s seeming inactivity today. He is neither unconcerned nor impotent to judge the unrighteous for their wickedness. He is simply longsuffering in withholding deserved judgment to give men and women every possible chance to turn to Him in faith (2 Peter 3:9).

During Israel’s 200-year history, all of her kings (19 out of 19) and most of her people did evil in the sight of their God. Patiently, He waited for them to turn from false gods and return to Him, but it never happened.

Are you presuming upon God’s patience in your own life? Are you putting off accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior or giving an area of your life to God? Then, you are in the same precarious position as the nation of Israel. What will you do about it today?

Insight - So That’s Where the Samaritans Came From!

After the Israelites were deported, other conquered nations were transplanted to take their place. They intermarried with the remaining Israelites (a violation of the Mosaic Law) and gave birth to a mixed race of people, the Samaritans, who pure-blooded Jews hated for their mixed race and mixed religion.

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April 12/13

2 Kings 18–21

Hezekiah’s Godly Rule

Key Passage: 2 Kings 18: 1-7; 19:8- 20; 20: 1-11

Overview

After the captivity and deportation of Israel, the author’s focus shifts to the surviving kingdom of Judah—whose days are also numbered. During this critical hour in Judah’s history, God raises a righteous reformer named Hezekiah, who institutes sweeping changes in the nation. Hezekiah’s heart for God is nowhere more visible than in his prayer life, which is both persistent and potent. But the spiritual dynamic that marks his life is strangely absent in the life of his son, Manasseh, whose wicked leadership brings the nation to the brink of collapse.

Your Daily Walk

Try your hand at a word association game. Jot down the first five words that come to mind when you read the word youth.

Did you think of words like enthusiasm, idealism, or immaturity? (If you have teenagers at home, your list probably looked more like car keys, cell phone, car keys, money, and cell phone.)

In a period of Israel’s history when black despair hung over the nation, a young, inexperienced king took an uncompromising stand for God and turned the tide of spiritual decline. Hezekiah’s youthfulness was tempered by his commitment to obey God’s commands at any cost. His age became an asset, not a liability. Yours can, too, if you become “an example for the believers in _______, in _______, in _______, in and in _______.” (1 Timothy 4:12). Make one of those areas your exercise in exemplary living today.

Insight - The Sign of a Swift Recovery (20:1-11)

In response to Hezekiah’s fervent prayer for length of days, God gave the king a sign that he would undoubtedly be healed of his critical illness. The reversal of the sun’s natural course—rather than its mere deceleration—helped relieve the king’s anxiety and strengthen his faith. For the natural sequence of events, read the verses in this order: 1–6, 8–11, 7.

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April 14

2 Kings 22–25

Judah’s Godless Ruin

Key Passage: 2 Kings 22, 25

Overview

Josiah, yearning to turn his spiritually lifeless nation back to God, knows the place to begin is with the temple. He repairs the long-neglected house of worship and, in the process, discovers the forgotten Book of the Law. In it, Josiah reads prewritten history: Israel’s promised judgment by dispersion and Judah’s chastening if she does not learn from Israel’s fate. After Josiah’s death, the palace, priests, and people alike return to their corrupt course. It is left for Babylon to initiate the nation’s collapse.

Your Daily Walk

How do godly parents end up with rebellious children?

Yesterday, you read about Manasseh—the vilest king in Judah’s history and the son of Judah’s greatest reformer, Hezekiah. Today, you learn about another servant of God, Josiah—father of three idolatrous sons. How could this happen? There are no easy answers, but this much seems clear: the parents’ firsthand knowledge of God never became more than secondhand information to the children. Through oversight or neglect, the parents never challenged their children to discover how God could be real in their own lives.

God has no spiritual grandchildren. Each new generation must respond to Him personally and find Him all-sufficient. Think back over the times God has shown Himself to be real in your life, and then answer one of these penetrating questions: (1) Parents, are you denying your children vital learning experiences regarding spiritual truth? (2) Children, are you resisting your parents’ efforts to show you the reality of faith in God?

Insight - Two Kingdoms Summarized

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1 Chronicles

The books of 1 and 2 Chronicles describe the same period of Jewish history as 2 Samuel through 2 Kings, but from a different perspective. Chronicles provides a priestly commentary on the people of God during this historical period. After tracing King David’s royal line back to the beginning, 1 Chronicles outlines the spiritual significance of David’s righteous reign, demonstrating how the nation prospers when its leaders honor and obey God.

April 15

1 Chronicles 1–9

The Line of David and Israel

Key Passage: 1 Chronicles 1

Overview

Chronicles does more than just recount the same political history contained in the books of Samuel and Kings. It gives a priestly perspective on the history of God’s people, a sort of divine commentary on the kingdom period. It carefully weds the nation’s history with the active hand of God. Chronicles centers on the southern kingdom of Judah. First Chronicles opens with a lengthy series of genealogies tracing the line of David back to Adam. The genealogies provide clear evidence of God at work throughout history by selecting a people for Himself and then protecting a family within that people to provide leadership.

Your Daily Walk

Today’s section is not a candidate for “Favorite Devotional Passage of the Year.” Apart from providing some dubious practice in Hebrew pronunciation, it serves little purpose except to fill nine chapters of the Bible. Why is it there?

It is there to show you the historical basis of your faith. The opening chapters of 1 Chronicles form the skeletal framework of the entire Old Testament. They unite the Old Testament into a unified whole, showing that it is history and not merely legend or myth. From Adam to Abraham, Boaz to Benjamin, they’re all there to show the outworking of God’s plan and purposes throughout the generations. Although today’s reading could be a great cure for insomnia, stay with it until the point of the passage sinks in: God has a plan for history; He has a plan for Israel; and He has a plan for you.

Insight - A Legacy to Build On

Written by Ezra, the books of Chronicles encouraged the returned Jewish remnant to remember their spiritual heritage as descendants of God’s chosen people. Focusing almost exclusively on the royal line of David and the Levitical priesthood, they demonstrate how God kept His covenant promises through centuries of turmoil. In emphasizing God’s grace and forgiveness, Chronicles was a positive message of encouragement for those facing an uncertain future.

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March 15/16

1 Samuel 1–3

Samuel’s Call and Childhood

Key Passage: 1 Samuel 1: 1-20; 3: 1-21

Overview

The period of the judges is nearly at an end. One last judge remains: Samuel, a man of godly character and integrity who will guide the nation from judgeship to kingship. Samuel’s early life parallels that of another famous judge—Samson. Both are the offspring of barren women and the answer to fervent prayer; both are consecrated to the Lord’s service from birth; both enter a society marked by moral decline and spiritual apathy. But while Samson spent much of his life avoiding his calling, Samuel willingly embraced his. Even as a child, he was quick to obey the voice of the Lord.

Your Daily Walk

Disciplining children—once considered standard operating procedure for parents—is becoming rare; in its place, permissiveness reigns.

But that’s nothing new. A thousand years before Christ, the Bible paints a picture of the ruin of a family because the father failed to discipline his children. Eli, the high priest of God, allowed his two sons to do what was right in their own eyes. In shameless greed, they stole the best parts of the sacrifices offered to God. In response, God said He would “judge [Eli’s] family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons made themselves contemptible, and he failed to restrain them” (3:13).

As parents, our role as disciplinarians is not just a good idea but our God-given duty. If you are a parent, God has instructions for you to follow in your child-rearing assignment (Proverbs 19:25; 23:13-14). Read about it, build upon it, and watch God bless.

Insight - A Four-Question Quiz (with Only One Answer!)

1. Who was the last judge in Israel?
2. Who was the first prophet in Israel after Moses?
3. Who anointed the first two kings in Israel?
4. Who was the only man in the Old Testament to have two books of the Bible named after him?

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March 17

1 Samuel 4–8

Israel’s Defeat

Key Passage: 1 Samuel 4, 6, 8

Overview

When faith in God wavers, faith in man-made objects increases. In a scene reminiscent of the golden calf incident at Mount Sinai, the people of Israel carry the ark of the covenant into battle, confident that its presence will ensure victory over the Philistines. Instead, they suffer a shattering defeat in which 30,000 lives are lost (including the two sons of Eli), and the ark of the covenant is captured. Upon hearing the news, Eli falls backward and breaks his neck—a symbolic picture of a broken nation. It remains for Samuel to assume the reins of leadership and to guide the people back to repentance. But his declining years prove no more successful than Eli’s as Samuel’s sons once again corrupt the priesthood, causing the nation to clamor for a king so that “we will be like all the other nations” (8:20).

Your Daily Walk

The desire to keep up with the Joneses is nothing new. It was present thousands of years ago when the Israelites demanded a king just like their neighbors had. It’s a human tendency to want what someone else has. Call it what you may—covetousness, lust, envy, the grass-is-greener-on-the-other-side syndrome—but God calls it sin. Contentment, not covetousness, should mark the lifestyle of God’s children.

Check up on your CQ—your “Contentment Quotient.” What purchases in the last 30 days were prompted more by envy or greed than by genuine need? If so, what needs to change about our spending habits and attitudes if we are to be good stewards of the resources God has given us? We must remember that Jesus told us to seek “first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

Insight - An Inglorious Birth at an Infamous Moment

Before her death, Phinehas’ wife gave birth to a son and named him Ichabod (“no glory” or “the glory has departed”)—a fitting title for a child left orphaned by disobedient parents (4:19-22).

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March 18

1 Samuel 9–12

Saul’s Selection

Key Passage: 1 Samuel 10; 12:6-25

Overview

From all outward appearances, Saul’s selection as the first king of Israel is an outstanding choice. From a human perspective, his kingly demeanor and imposing presence make him a promising candidate. Saul is anointed by Samuel, installed as king at Mizpah, proven in battle against the Ammonites, and confirmed as king at Gilgal. But the fact remains that God—not Saul—should be king over Israel.

Your Daily Walk

What does it take to lead a nation? See if you can list the “Five Indispensable Qualities of a Leader.”

Perhaps you thought of things like a commanding presence, eloquent speech, an aura of authority, toughness of character. But study the early years of Saul’s reign—the only part of his life that received God’s commendation—and you’ll discover something interesting about Saul’s leadership style. He held his peace with dissenters, and he refused to make examples of them when they were proven wrong; he gave God the credit for his successes; he didn’t think of himself more highly than he ought; he was sensitive to the needs of the people. In short, he was a faithful servant of God and the people he was trying to lead.

What is your leadership style? Do you seek to serve or be served—to meet needs or have your own needs met? Remember, man looks at (and applauds) the external appearance; God looks at (and rewards) the internal attitude (see 1 Samuel 16:7). Which leadership role will you turn into an opportunity to serve this week?

Insight - Warfare and Weaponry in Israel’s Army

The soldiers of Saul’s army most likely carried small, round shields made of leather with wooden frames. Those at the front held larger rectangular shields to form a solid wall against the enemy. Once they were engaged in hand-to-hand combat, they fought with clubs, axes, poles, and swords.

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March 19

1 Samuel 13–15

Saul’s Rebellion and Rejection

Key Passage: 1 Samuel 13: 1-14; 15: 1-23

Overview

Saul is faced with a critical test only two years into his reign. Confronted by a Philistine onslaught, would he obey God’s word as delivered by Samuel? The answer is a resounding “No!” At Gilgal, Saul assumes a priest’s role and offers sacrifices that only a Levite can offer—thus blatantly disregarding God’s Law. Samuel’s announcement that God will take the kingdom from him only spurs Saul on to greater efforts at doing God’s work—but not in God’s way. By ignoring Samuel’s command from God to annihilate the Amalekites, Saul seals his fate.

Your Daily Walk

Is God pleased when you use company time to prepare your Bible study lesson? How about driving 65 mph in a 55 mph zone? Is it OK to cheat on your income tax if you give the benefits of your creative math to God?

There is a fundamental question that you will face many times during your lifetime: How important is obedience to God’s Word? Or stated another way: Is keeping His commands more important than trying to do something else you think will please Him more? For King Saul, the question carried life-or-death importance. He concluded that God would overlook his incomplete obedience because of the sacrifices he offered, the money he gave to God’s service, and the time he spent in God’s house. The decision cost him his kingdom— and eventually his life.

When God speaks, do you listen? And then do you act? You can not learn the lesson Saul completely failed to learn too well: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice” (15:22).

Obeying God with half a heart can only lead to a broken heart.

Insight - If God Is For Us...

Saul’s army was ill-equipped compared to the Philistine army. Except for Saul and Jonathan, Saul’s army didn’t even have swords and spears (13:22). In addition, the Philistines had three thousand chariots while the Israelites had none (1 Samuel 13:5).

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March 20

1 Samuel 16–19

David in the Court of Saul

Key Passage: 1 Samuel 16–17

Overview

The rejection of a king after the people’s heart (Saul) sets the stage for choosing a king after God’s heart (David). A young shepherd more suited to the pasture than the palace, David possesses few claims to fame. He is a good marksman with a sling, an excellent lyre player, and the youngest of eight sons from a Bethlehem family. But David’s heart attitude is one of undivided devotion to God— a quality readily visible in the way he dispatches the Philistine giant Goliath and handles Saul’s jealous attacks.

Your Daily Walk

Do you see life from God’s perspective?
Here’s a quick way to find out. Simply answer these three questions honestly:

1. Do you see a calamity in every opportunity or an opportunity in every calamity?
2. When confronted with a Goliath-size problem, do you respond, “He’s too big to hit,” or like David, “He’s too big to miss”?
3. Do you feel that you’ve been put out to pasture, or do you see your present circumstances as proving grounds?

If you chose the second response to each question, then you see life from David’s (and God’s) perspective, the perspective that views one plus God as a majority in any situation, the perspective that enables you to walk with God when you are at peace and when you are pursued.

To sharpen your perspective, spend some extra moments today reading Psalm 139, a page from David’s diary that shows the heart attitude God delights to find.

Insight - David, the King Without a Crown

In 16:13, Samuel anointed David as the second king in Israel’s history. But not until 2 Samuel 5:3 did David assume the reins of leadership over all 12 tribes—a wait of about 15 years. During that interval, God had many important lessons to teach the young king-elect how to shepherd His people.

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March 21

1 Samuel 20–23

David on the Run from Saul

Key Passage: 1 Samuel 20–21

Overview

Today’s section paints a peculiar picture: David, the king-elect of Israel—anointed, approved in battle, and awaiting the inauguration of his reign—is fleeing for his life from the deranged Saul. Saul’s pursuit drives David to take desperate measures, such as eating the forbidden shewbread at Nob and feigning insanity at Gath. But Scripture records that David’s confidence in God never slackens, as his frequent petitions to God for direction and protection testify.

Your Daily Walk

Do you find yourself attracted to great individuals? Do you find something magnetic about a gifted athlete who performs effortlessly on the playing field or a musician who plays an instrument or sings with consummate skill? If so, then you’ve also probably felt a sense of defeat and frustration, for you knew you could never be like the great individual you so admire.

David was a great man of God in the truest sense of the word. He excelled as a warrior, writer, administrator, and musician. Perhaps you wish your life could be like his. But that isn’t possible, is it?

When the Bible paints a picture of a believer, it paints blemishes. Victory and defeat, joys and heartaches, faith, and faithlessness, are all there, so you can identify with David. The same relationship he learned to experience with God day by day, you can experience.

As believers forgiven by God’s grace, we never stop learning and growing. How about you? Are you mired in an unfortunate situation as David was? Then, learn from it and move on. Get back in stride with God. Pick a quality you admire from David’s life and work on it in your own life today.

Insight - Psalms Written in the Crucible of Experience

The Psalms are songs of worship and praise, written by David and others as emotional responses to crisis experiences. Some of David’s most moving psalms were written during Saul’s murderous pursuit. For an inside look, read Psalms 34, 52, 54, 57, 142.

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March 22/23

1 Samuel 24–26

David’s Mercy Toward Saul

Key Passage: 1 Samuel 24

Overview

After a brief delay in dealing with a Philistine threat, Saul returns to pursue David. Saul’s renewed zeal nearly pays off as (unknowingly) he traps David and his men in a cave. Then, miraculously, the tables are turned as David stands poised over King Saul with the power of life and death in his hand. And though vengeance is within his reach, David refuses to end the life of God’s anointed. Again, in chapter 26, the scene is repeated, this time in the Wilderness of Ziph. Once again, David must make a choice. Once again, David resists the temptation to assume God’s role by prematurely ending Saul’s life.

Your Daily Walk

Picture the tall, youthful figure of David standing over King Saul, who is finally at his mercy. What thoughts must David be wrestling with? Hatred for his mistreatment? Pity for the demented king? The exhilaration that, at last, his moment of revenge has come? No, there is no hint of animosity or vengeance. Instead, David knew that his own life belonged to God. David’s only desire is that his own life be spared until God fulfills His promise.

Are you waiting for a chance to avenge a wrong suffered? God wants to replace that spirit of bitterness with a spirit of love and forgiveness. But, as in David’s case, the choice is yours. Are you willing? Then let Ephesians 4:31-32 show you the way.

Insight - Rest in Peace, Old Testament Style

You may have seen old gravestones marked with the letters “R.I.P.”— Rest In Peace. The Old Testament analogy is found in 1 Samuel 25:29 (KJV)—“Bound in the Bundle of Life.” This saying is often applied to life beyond the grave, and the first letter of each Hebrew word is found on virtually every Jewish tombstone. The phrase is taken from the custom of binding up valuables in a bundle or sack to prevent them from being damaged or lost (Genesis 42:35).

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March 24

1 Samuel 27–31

Saul’s Downfall

Key Passage: 1 Samuel 27–28, 31

Overview

After months of running for his life, David concludes that leaving Israel entirely is the only way to escape Saul’s relentless pursuit. By convincing the Philistines he is a true defector, David is given the city of Ziklag as his base of operations. But instead of aiding the enemy, David and his army methodically destroy Philistine strongholds. Meanwhile, Saul’s desperate attempts to counter the Philistine threat finally lead him to consult with a medium (i.e., a witch) from Endor. Instead of the promise of victory, Saul hears alarming predictions of death and defeat—forecasts that come true the very next day as he and his sons die on the field of battle.

Your Daily Walk

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going!”

That’s a well-known slogan initially describing the grit and determination of a certain branch of the military. But despite the slogan, even a good soldier knows when it is best to get going in the opposite direction.

David was a first-rate soldier. Consider his military accomplishments: he whipped Goliath with one stone, led a rout of the Philistine army, and leveled several Philistine cities while living in Ziklag. If anyone could hold his own against an enemy, it was David. Why then did he decide to run from Saul’s army and hide in Ziklag? Because he knew that sometimes it was wiser to get out than to get tough. Fighting with Saul would have served only to reduce David to Saul’s level of petty jealousy and revenge.

Are you defending your rights against someone who has wronged you? Instead of “fighting it out,” let God fight for you. Meditate today on Psalm 37:1-8: “Do not fret...trust...delight...commit...be still...do not fret.”

Insight - No Middle Ground with a Medium

Saul’s visit with the witch of Endor not only violated God’s Law (Leviticus 19:31), but it also contradicted Saul’s actions in 1 Samuel 28:3, in which he expelled all witches and mediums from Israel.

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2 Samuel

David, the king-elect in 1 Samuel, becomes the king-enthroned in 2 Samuel, ruling first over Judah and then over all Israel. Characterized at first by victory and success, his reign is soon marred by the dual sins of adultery and murder. The aftershocks of unrest rock the kingdom for the rest of his life and beyond. Despite his personal weakness, David remains “a man after [God’s] own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14) because of his repentant attitude and his responsiveness to God’s will.

March 25

2 Samuel 1–4

David’s Divided Nation

Key Passage: 2 Samuel 1: 1–2:7

Overview

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel are a single, continuous story. In 1 Samuel, the mood is one of death and despair; in 2 Samuel, a ray of hope shines through. In 1 Samuel, Saul’s dynasty is destroyed; in 2 Samuel, David’s dynasty is established. But the transition of power is not a simple one. Proper mourning for Saul, the inauguration of the leader, the purging of the former regime’s influence, and the overthrow of rival factions—all must be done before David can rule in peace.

Your Daily Walk

Make a mental list of three candidates for the title “My Least Favorite Person on Earth.” Pick one name that seems to emerge as the prime contender. Now ask yourself this question: “How would I react to the news that [their name] had met a violent death?”

In a sense, David’s prayers had finally been answered. Without raising a finger against God’s anointed, David had finally been vindicated in his claim to the throne of Israel. The man who had tried so long and hard to snuff out his life was now dead. Yet, instead of rejoicing over the misfortunes of Saul, David wept unashamedly at the news. He even composed a beautiful song of testimony as a perpetual memorial to Israel’s first king.

Do you love your enemies? Can you highlight their virtues and strengths—and minimize their faults and failings—without bitterness or envy? That’s what divine love is all about (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Ask God to give you a heart like David’s. Then, turn your list of least favorite people into a prayer list. It will revolutionize your prayers; it may even turn some of your enemies into friends.

Insight - The Irony of David’s Tears

Deep mourning for Saul (1:11-12) came from the people he had hated and persecuted most severely. Compare this to the weeping of Jesus over the city of Jerusalem just days before its inhabitants would nail Him to a cross (Matthew 23:37-39).

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March 26

2 Samuel 5–7

David’s United Nation

Key Passage: 2 Samuel 5: 1-5; 7: 1-29

Overview

With the death of Ish-bosheth, the people of Israel transferred their allegiance to David as their rightful king. As his first official act, David conquers the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem and makes it the nation’s capital. However, something more than political and military reform is necessary. The worship of God must return to its place of primacy. Knowing this, David made plans to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and build a place for it to reside. In the process, he learns some hard lessons about doing God’s will in God’s way and in God’s timing.

Your Daily Walk

Think carefully about each question in this true/false quiz:

1. True or False? If God has placed a desire in my heart, then it must be His will for me to accomplish it.
2. True or False? If my goal is to please and glorify God, then how I go about it is really insignificant.
3. True or False? Doing God’s will in something other than God’s way cannot truly be God’s will.

David had two ambitions in the early years of his reign: to bring the ark to Jerusalem and to build a house for God there. To accomplish the first, David chose the expedient—rather than the obedient—mode of transportation, costing an unsuspecting man his life. David’s wish to build a majestic temple for God was commendable, but it simply wasn’t God’s plan for David’s life.

It’s wonderful to dream big dreams for God. But be sure those dreams are implemented in God’s way, in God’s timing, and with the people God intends to use.

Insight - Finding the Chink in Jerusalem’s Armor

Jerusalem was ideally suited for defense: Located on a hill with steep slopes on three sides, attackers most easily approached from the north, but strong walls blocked their way. David and his men sneaked through the water shaft from the Gihon spring (located outside the wall) into Jerusalem.

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March 27

2 Samuel 8–10

David’s Expanding Nation

Key Passage: 2 Samuel 8–9

Overview

Once the opposition to his rule has been silenced, David can secure his kingdom against foreign invasion. In quick succession, the Moabites, Syrians, Edomites, and Ammonites fall to David’s troops, causing the neighboring powers to surrender without a fight. Extensive new territory and enormous amounts of tribute are added to David’s kingdom. But David nurses no spirit of revenge, as evidenced in his dealings with Mephibosheth.

Your Daily Walk

Here’s another true/false quiz. According to 8:1-14:

1. True or False? David defeated the enemies of the Lord.
2. True or False? The Lord defeated the enemies of David.

To check your answers, reread the passage, circling all the verbs describing David’s actions (“David defeated...subdued...fought...struck down”) and all the verbs describing God’s actions (“The Lord gave David victory wherever he went,” 8:6, 14). Who fought the battle? David did! Who gave the victory? God did! David could not do God’s part, but neither would God do David’s part. It was a cooperative effort from start to finish, with God providing the power and protection and David swinging the sword and smiting the enemy. For David to go out in his strength—or sit idly by and expect the job to get done in God’s strength—would have proven disastrous. But by teaming up with God, David was invincible. The attitudes, “God, You don’t need me,” and “God, I don’t need You,” are twin formulas for disaster.

Check up on your battle plan for today. Then, jot down a challenge you are facing and the strategy you will use to ensure you come out a winner.

Insight - Half Shorn, Fully Shamed (10:4)

Even to this day, cutting off a person’s beard is regarded by Arabs as the height of indignity, comparable to that of flogging or branding. Many would rather die than have their beards shaved off, which shows the severity of the insult to David’s men.

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March 28

2 Samuel 11–14

David’s Adultery and Its Aftermath

Key Passage: 2 Samuel 11–12

Overview

At a time when David should have been on the field of battle, he finds himself instead on the roof of the palace. A casual glance, a lustful thought, an inquiry, and the king of Israel sets in motion a chain of events that culminates in adultery and murder. While David’s sinful acts are followed by heartfelt repentance, the fruit of those acts continues to ripen for years within David’s family in the form of murder, incest, treachery, and open revolt.

Your Daily Walk

Do you use or abuse the authority God has given you?

Scan chapter 11 and circle the word sent every time you discover it, for therein lies the key to David’s downfall.

While it was common practice for the king to send others to do his bidding, such practice was subject to abuse. David “sent Joab” to the battle front (11:1), when David should have accompanied him there. David “sent someone to find out about” Bathsheba (11:3), though he had no business doing so. David “sent messengers to get her” (11:4), though she belonged to another man. David “sent . . . with Uriah” (11:14) that loyal soldier’s death certificate. It is a wonder that when David’s wicked plan was complete, God “sent Nathan to David” (12:1) to uncover the ugly scheme. Using God-given authority for your own convenience may seem expedient now, but in the long run, it will prove bitterly expensive.

List the roles of authority you fill today (e.g., parent, deacon, manager, teacher). Then, turn your list into a prayer project as you ask God to make you a “sanctified sender.”

Insight - The Subtle Slide from Sin to Sin

The leap from a covetous thought (11:2) to the calculated murder of one of his most loyal soldiers would probably have been unthinkable to David. But because one “little” sin relentlessly escalated into others—idleness, selfishness, covetousness, adultery, treachery, murder—the net result was the same.

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March 29

2 Samuel 15–18

Revolt Against David

Key Passage: 2 Samuel 15, 18

Overview

Of all the sons mentioned in the Bible, none is as physically handsome and yet so emotionally and spiritually scarred as Absalom. Of Absalom, Matthew Henry writes, “In his body there was no blemish, but in his mind nothing but wounds and bruises.” Today’s reading describes the fulfillment of Nathan’s prophetic judgment upon David. While his transgression had been done in secret, the shame, dishonor, and murder within his own family circle would be done before all of Israel. But the most tremendous heartache would be Absalom’s attempt to usurp his father’s throne. David’s faith in God and love for his wayward son never diminish, though they are severely tested. Driven from Jerusalem, cursed by his countrymen, and disgraced by his son, David is eventually vindicated and restored, though at tremendous personal and national cost.

Your Daily Walk

Psychologists can probe your past, tell you why your heart is broken, and help you cope with it. They aren’t in the business, however, of fixing broken hearts. But God is. He specializes in reconstructive surgery on shattered lives—taking the pieces of an empty shell and turning them into something beautiful and purposeful and glorifying to Himself. Prodigal children, fractured marriages, splintered homes—they’re His specialty.

Do you have a job for the Mender of broken hearts? His office is always open. No appointment is necessary.

Insight - Diary of a Disgraced Dad

What thoughts must David have been thinking? What emotions must he have felt as he saw his favorite son mocking the kingship and openly disgrace the family name from the palace rooftops? What tears must he have shed in private before God when seeing his own trespasses come to fruition? His thoughts and prayers are written down in his “diary” for you to read in Psalms 3–4, 62–63.

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March 30

2 Samuel 19–20

Unrest and Violence in the Land

Key Passage: 2 Samuel 19

Overview

Overcome with grief for his slain son Absalom, David mourns so loudly and long as to seem ungrateful for those who risked their lives to return him to the throne. This stinging insight, delivered by David’s field marshal, Joab, shakes David from his fit of depression and stirs him to resume the reins of power. However, his homecoming is not a particularly pleasant one. By addressing his own tribe (Judah) and inviting them to restore him as their king (which they readily agree to do), David isolates the other tribes in a national display of jealousy. A revolutionary named Sheba stages an untimely rebellion, and only after it is crushed can David rule a united kingdom.

Your Daily Walk

Yesterday, you read how Absalom ignored Ahithophel's supportive counsel and followed Hushai's intentionally misleading counsel. Today you read how David avoided a mass mutiny of his friends by listening to the wise words of Joab.

Advice is one commodity of which there will never be a shortage. Everyone is quick to give advice. But any counsel is only as good as its source. “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked” (Psalm 1:1). There is counsel you should avoid. “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise” (Proverbs 19:20). There is counsel you should seek and apply. And how do you tell the difference? “The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations” (Psalm 33:11). Counsel that is true to God and His Word is the kind you should seek and follow.

Take a decision you are facing today, and share it with a godly person from your church or community. Listen carefully to the counsel that’s given. Then do it. God will honor you for it.

Insight - And Speaking of Wise Counselors...

Don’t miss the story of the wise woman of Abel (20:14-22), who saved her hometown from destruction by confronting Joab.

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March 31

2 Samuel 21–24

David’s Last Words and Deeds

Key Passage: 2 Samuel 22; 24:18-25

Overview

Today’s reading covers six topics which, though out of strict chrono- logical order, form an appendix to the main body of 2 Samuel: (1) a severe famine sent in judgment for Saul’s treatment of the Gibeonites; (2) a series of wars with the Philistines; (3) a beautiful psalm of deliverance and praise; (4) a list of David’s mighty men of valor; (5) a sinful census; (6) the severe punishment that followed. The closing paragraph of the book portrays David in his most natural pose: worshiping the Lord in humility.

Your Daily Walk

How do you respond when you have failed God—and you know it? Do you find yourself running to Him or from Him?

Near the end of David’s life, he ordered a census of his troops— a census motivated by pride, not necessity—a census that angered God and forced David to select his own punishment.

In most pagan religions today, the emphasis is on appeasing— rather than approaching—an angry god. But notice David’s reaction after ordering his sinful census. He knew his actions were wrong and he deserved the chastening of the Lord. But he saw more mercy in God than in man. So he responded: “Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men” (24:14). Even in the midst of being disciplined, the arms of the Lord are the safest place to be, and David knew it.

Pain is never pleasant because pain hurts. But there is a pain that comes from your Father in heaven who cares too much to allow you to sin with impunity. Read Hebrews 12:5-11, and thank God for His discipline in your life. It’s a sure sign you are His child.

Insight - From Threshing Floor to Something More

Araunah was known as a Jebusite (24:18), one of the original inhabitants of the city of Jerusalem. Many believe his threshing floor is the rock formation preserved under the Dome of the Rock, on or near the site of Solomon’s temple.

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Joshua

The first of 12 historical books, Joshua provides the link between the Pentateuch and the rest of Israel’s history. It picks up the story of Israel, where Deuteronomy left off, and follows the nation from the wilderness into the promised land. The first half of the book (chapters 1–12) describes Joshua’s victorious seven-year campaign as the Israelite army fulfills God’s command to remove pagan influences. In the second half of the book, God’s 40-year-old promise is fulfilled. Israel has a homeland.

March 1/2

Joshua 1–5

Preparing the People for War

Key Passage: Joshua 1: 1-8, 16–18

Overview

Moses, “the servant of the Lord” (1:1), is dead. In his place stands General Joshua, one of only two adults surviving the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Joshua must guide the nation across the flood-swollen Jordan River and into battle against the fortified cities of Canaan—indeed, not an assignment for the fainthearted. Spying out the town of Jericho, crossing the Jordan, circumcising the new generation—each step brings comforting reminders of God’s promise to fight on behalf of His people.

Your Daily Walk

The coach is giving his pre-game pep talk to the local football team. The opposing team looks enormous to the players, obviously outweighing, and no doubt outplaying, them at every position. Somehow, the coach’s encouragement rings hollow: “OK, men, now I want you to go out there and be strong, be courageous, don’t let their size terrify you.” But then an amazing thing happens. The coach, a man of unequaled strength and skill, lays aside his whistle and playbook, dons a jersey, and announces to the team: “I will be your quarterback, and in my strength, we cannot fail. So be strong!"

The opening chapter of Joshua was no mere divine pep talk. Instead, God was providing Joshua with the bedrock assurance he needed to face Canaan's towering giants and fortified strongholds. Humanly speaking, the battle seemed already lost, but from God’s perspective and through His strength, the battle was already won. Since Joshua could face his giant-sized challenge courageously, what is one situation in your life today in which you, too, can draw courage from the promise of Joshua 1:5?

Insight - Joshua, the Renamed General

Joshua’s original name was Hoshea (Numbers 13:8), which means “salvation.” But during the wilderness wanderings, Moses changed his name to Jehoshua, “Jehovah is salvation.” Joshua is a contracted form of Jehoshua and the Hebrew form of the New Testament Greek name Jesus.

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March 3

Joshua 6–8

Central Campaign

Key Passage: Joshua 6: 1–7:5

Overview

The walled fortress of Jericho stands like a taunting giant in the path of the approaching Israelites. There can be no skirting the issue: Jericho must be conquered. But how? The strategy God delivers to Joshua is truly unique and designed to ensure that if the walls fall down, there can be only one explanation—God did it. Joshua leads the people on a daily lap around the city walls, culminating in a seven-lap marathon on the seventh day. At last, comes the moment to shout, and Jericho’s walls turn to rubble. But after victory comes disobedience. Achan steals some of the forbidden spoils, resulting in the defeat of Israel’s army.

Your Daily Walk

Hate is a strong word. And to say that God hates something is even stronger.

Yet the Bible lists many things that God hates: idolatry (Deuteronomy 16:22); wickedness (Psalm 45:7); pride, lying, murder, discord (Proverbs 6:16-19)—in a word, God hates SIN.

Today’s reading explains one reason why God finds sin so abhorrent: it leaves scars on the innocent as well as the guilty. Achan’s sin—seemingly so private and harmless—resulted in 36 lives needlessly lost in battle and an entire nation left in disarray.

Are you tempted to disobey God, concluding, “It’s my life, and I can do with it as I please”? Ask yourself: “What will disobedience cost me personally? How will it affect others around me?” God has the strength for you to be an overcomer (Romans 8:37). Will you turn to Him right now and use that strength?

Insight - Long Odds at Ai

Overconfident from their smashing victory at Jericho, the people urge Joshua to send a token force against Ai (7:3). Joshua agrees, sending only 3,000 soldiers (7:4). But because of Achan’s sin at Jericho, the people “were routed by the men of Ai...The hearts of the people melted” (7:4-5). The lesson is clear: With God on your side, you can’t lose; without Him, you can’t win.

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March 4

Joshua 9–12

Moving South and North

Key Passage: Joshua 9: 1–10: 15

Overview

“Divide and conquer” is a classic strategy for military conquest, and Joshua uses it to perfection. With Jericho and Ai secured, he accomplished Phase One—dividing the land in half, thereby isolating the northern and southern confederacies. Next, he begins a “mopping up” operation in the South and North. But the thrill of victory is tempered by the knowledge of what should have been. The Gibeonites, hearing the astounding fate of Jericho and Ai, trick Joshua into signing a pact of protection, causing the Israelites to defend rather than defeat one of their enemies.

Your Daily Walk

“Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”

Fortunately for Sir Henry Stanley, on that fateful day in 1871, deep in the heart of central Africa, he “presumed” correctly. Many times, though, the presumption can get you into trouble, particularly if it is a presumption about God’s Word.

Yesterday, you read about Achan, a man who presumed that God wouldn’t mind if he stole a few “trinkets” from the crumbling ruins of Jericho—and he paid for it with his life. Today, you read about godly Joshua falling into a presumptuous sin by failing to consult the Lord. The Scriptures make it abundantly clear that presumption can bring serious consequences.

What important decision are you facing today? Don’t presume you can make a wise choice without God’s help. With His Spirit dwelling in you and His Word available to you, He can guide you into a wise course of action—if you let Him.

Insight - Trace the Troops Across Canaan

Understand the full force of these chapters by using the maps in the back of your Bible to follow Israel’s conquest. See if you can locate all the cities mentioned in the book, and try to discover Joshua’s plan of attack. For example, his all-night march from Gilgal to Gibeon covered 20 miles of treacherous terrain, uphill most of the way (10:9).

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March 5

Joshua 13–17

Portions for Five Tribes

Key Passage: Joshua 13: 1-7; 14

Overview

The conquest is complete, and portions of the land are now assigned to the tribes who have fought so valiantly in the strength of the Lord. Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh, who previously requested land east of the Jordan, now receive their new homesteads. Still full of vigor at the age of 85, Caleb requests and receives Mt. Hebron in Judah’s area as his inheritance—even though it contains giants and walled cities.

Your Daily Walk

Chapter 14 features Caleb; at first glance, he may appear to be a proud, self-reliant soldier. After all, how often do you hear an 85-year-old claim to have the energy of someone half his age? But Caleb wasn’t blowing his own horn. Instead, he was boasting in the Lord: “I followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly...Just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years” (14:8, 10). He was merely giving credit where credit was due.

Stop right now and brag a little on the Lord. Think of one way God has shown Himself strong on your behalf over the past week, and tell a friend or loved one about it sometime today. Then you’ll be doing what Caleb the soldier (and David the psalmist) loved to do so much: “My soul will boast in the Lord” (Psalm 34:2).

Insight - Cutting Up Canaan for the Tribes (See Map)

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March 6

Joshua 18–21

Portions for Seven Tribes

Key Passage: Joshua 18: 1-10; 21:43-45

Overview

Seven tribes remain to receive their hard-earned “property inheritance.” After ordering a survey of the land, Joshua divided it into seven parcels and distributed it by lot. In addition, six cities of refuge are designated to protect innocent manslayers. The Levites, whose inheritance is the priesthood rather than property, are given 48 cities in which to live. With the tabernacle in place in Shiloh, the task of dividing up the land is complete.

Your Daily Walk

Today’s passage will either interest you or bore you. On the surface, it appears to be little more than a long list of unknown towns, obscure families, and meaningless details. You’ll be tempted to skim the material—and skip the blessing.

But put yourself in Joshua’s sandals for a moment. Imagine America as the promised land. For seven long years, you have been taking stronghold after stronghold to rid the land of its pagan occupants. Then, one morning, trumpets blare forth the news:

The war is over! The land is yours. Victory is complete. It is time to celebrate and divide up the promised land.

You listen breathlessly as Joshua describes the borders of your piece of the promised land. You pinch yourself. After all the years of waiting, God has kept His word!

Does that do anything for your faith and confidence in God’s promises to care for you? If so, write the words of Philippians 4:19 on a card, then sign and date it. Let it remind you today—and every day—that you are taking God at His word.

Insight - Growing Room for the Tribe of Dan

Dan’s allotment was a small territory compressed between the northwestern hills of Judah and the Mediterranean Sea, a portion that proved too small for Dan’s 64,400 families (Numbers 26:42-43). The majority of the tribe migrated north, made war on the inhabitants of Laish, and then settled there (see Judges 18).

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March 7

Joshua 22–24

Joshua’s Last Words

Key Passage: Joshua 24

Overview

In his 100+ years, Joshua seldom saw an uneventful day—and the closing chapters of his life are no exception. Scarcely have the tribes unpacked when civil war threatens to break out. A memorial built by the eastern tribes is misinterpreted as an idol by their western neighbors, and only quick action by Joshua prevents bloodshed. Years later, in the final hours of Joshua’s life, he gathers the nation together and delivers an emotional charge, pleading with them to remain true to the Lord—yet knowing full well they would depart from Him. Joshua concludes with a ringing ultimatum: “Choose . . . this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15).

Your Daily Walk

When a man lies on his deathbed, you can be sure he won’t fritter away those precious moments in small talk. His every word will be fraught with importance. Listen carefully, for he is revealing his innermost thoughts.

Joshua gathered his dwindling strength and immediately appealed to Israel for a fresh resolve to put away idolatry and serve God alone. After all, God had brought their fathers out of Egypt. It was God who parted the Red Sea and decimated the Egyptian army. It was God who stopped the Jordan, flattened Jericho, and sent the Canaanite armies fleeing. God gave them a land they did not deserve, cities they had not built, and vineyards they did not plant. Is it any wonder Joshua drew an imaginary spiritual line on the ground and declared: “Choose . . . this day whom you will serve”? What keeps you from wholeheartedly committing to serve God? Has something or someone replaced God as the object of your affection? Choose today the one you will serve.

Insight - Joshua’s One Glaring Failure

When Moses died, Joshua was prepared to lead. However, Joshua had no trained successor, and the resulting lack of experienced leadership set the stage for the chaotic period of the judges.

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Judges

The Book of Judges stands in stark contrast to Joshua. Whereas Joshua shines brightly as a book of obedience and victory, Judges is a sad book of disobedience and defeat. It covers a turbulent period of 350 years in which the nation passes through seven cycles of sin: servitude, supplication, salvation, and silence. Thirteen judges—including Deborah, Gideon, and Samson—arise to deliver the people from their oppressors and restore them to a proper relationship with the one true God.

March 8/9

Judges 1–5

Conditions During the Judges

Key Passage: Judges 2:6-23

Overview

Efforts by Judah, Simeon, and the other tribes to purge the land of its pagan inhabitants are not successful. Pockets of godless influence remain—sometimes active, sometimes dormant, but always a source of spiritual stumbling. As Israel sinks into immorality and idolatry, God allows powerful neighboring countries to oppress and enslave the people. Cries of repentance bring God’s hand of deliverance in the form of a judge who throws off the yoke of oppression. Over and over, the cycle repeats itself: sin, servitude, supplication, salvation, silence.

Your Daily Walk

A task half done is as useless as a task that has never begun. The skydiver who almost pulls the ripcord in time, the architect whose bridge almost spans the mighty Mississippi, and the chef who almost bakes the cake long enough—each experiences the agony of an unfinished task. Good intentions and careful workmanship count little if the task is never completed.

Over the Book of Joshua could be inscribed, “They almost finished the job.” Tragically, Joshua's conquests gave way to complacency in Judges. God demanded complete extermination of Canaan’s false worship; Israel settled instead for tolerance and, in the process, fell into sin and forfeited God’s fullest blessing. What area of your Christian life needs “follow through” today?

Don’t let incomplete obedience prevent you from fully enjoying God’s presence and power. Meditate on Psalm 1:1 and notice the blessing God promises for those who don’t walk, stand, or sit where they shouldn’t.

Insight - How Not to Obey a Command

Under Moses, the people were given three commands when they entered the land (Deuteronomy 7:1-5): (1) destroy all the inhabitants of Canaan; (2) avoid intermarriage with pagan neighboring countries; and (3) shun false gods. Compare Judges 1:27-36, 2:11-13, and 3:5-7 to see how obedient they were.

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March 10

Judges 6–8

Gideon, Conqueror of Midian

Key Passage: Judges 7

Overview

After briefly describing the lives of five minor judges, the narrative now focuses on Gideon, God’s instrument of salvation against Midian. Gideon is introduced in a way that is both humorous and pathetic: cowering in a winepress as he threshes out a handful of wheat, trying to escape the notice of the Midianite oppressors. But God takes that unlikely candidate for greatness, confirms His will through the twin miracles of the wet and dry fleece, equips Gideon’s army with trumpets, pitchers, and torches, and sends him out to rout the Midianites—without a single weapon.

Your Daily Walk

True or False: God never changes.
True or False: God’s methods never change.

If you said the first statement is true, you are right. “[He] does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). His character is immutable—unchanging. He is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). But what about His methods? They are as unpredictable as the weather. Warfare takes on a new perspective when the God of Israel is fighting on your side. How do you conquer an enormous army? Man’s method: get a bigger army. God’s method: get rid of most of your army, “arm” the rest like children at play, and have them stand still.

God’s methods are infinite in their variety, but His goal is always the same: to bring about victory so that there can only be one explanation—God did it! Examine your life and the life of your family. Do you see evidence that this principle just might be the key to understanding what is happening in your life—and in theirs?

Insight - A Mighty Victory at a Memorable Rock (7:25)

Gideon’s band of 300 men routed a Midianite army of 135,000 (8:10). In God’s strength, they enjoyed victory against odds of 450 to 1—so striking that later an Old Testament prophet would refer to it twice in his book. Can you name the prophet? (Hint: The references in his book are 9:4 and 10:26.)

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March 11

Judges 9–12

A King and Six Judges in Israel

Key Passage: Judges 9: 1-6, 50–57; 11: 1-6, 29–40

Overview

In a day when “everyone did as he saw fit” (21:25), it is not surprising to find ambition, jealousy, and brutality. Abimelech, son of the godly Gideon, sees his father turn down the opportunity to become king. But unlike his father, the son will not be denied. He usurps control of the nation, murders 69 of his 70 brothers, and rules for three terrifying years before his life is brought to an end by a divinely guided millstone. By contrast, another of Israel’s judges, Jephthah, overcomes a horrible family background to become a zealous commander.

Your Daily Walk

“Heritage—something you will spend your life trying either to live up to or to live down.”

There are many areas of your life over which you have no control: your gender and height, the color of your eyes, the wealthiness of your parents. All that is part of your heritage from birth. In most cases, you can do little to change it.

But while you had no vote in the matter of your ancestors, you have much to say regarding their descendants because you are one of them. Were you born into a godly family? Then, be careful. So was Abimelech. Were you born into a broken home or under regrettable circumstances? Then take heart. So was Jephthah, and God used him mightily. Your heritage is neither an excuse to hide behind nor a guarantee of future godliness. But good or bad, it can bring great glory to God if you allow Him to make it a springboard rather than a millstone in your life.

If you feel your past has hindered your service to God, ask Him to give you opportunities that glorify Him with your future.

Insight - Unusual Deaths in the Bible

Abimelech is not the only Bible character who died an unusual death (9:52-54). Can you recall who died

• from a “splitting headache”? (Judges 4:17-21)
• because of a backward glance? (Genesis 19:26)
• on a mountaintop while old but still vigorous? (Deuteronomy 34:1-7)

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March 12

Judges 13–16

Samson, Conqueror of Philistia

Key Passage: Judges 13, 16

Overview

Samson’s life resembles a fairy tale in reverse. From birth, he is blessed with godly parents, favor from the Lord, supernatural strength, and the acclaim of his countrymen. But by the end of his life, he is blind, impoverished, and performing the humiliating duty of a beast of burden. Equipped for the task of delivering Israel from Philistine oppression, Samson instead spends much of his life violating his Nazirite vow and compromising his calling. Only rarely does his performance live up to his potential. But God gives him one last portion of power, and by his death, Samson destroys more Philistines than he did during his entire lifetime.

Your Daily Walk

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word stewardship? If your thoughts naturally turn to money, then you’re normal. But is God concerned only about you being a good steward of your material wealth? No, it goes way beyond that.

Jesus told His disciples, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded” (Luke 12:48). Certainly, that includes the treasure God has entrusted to you. But what about your time and talents?

Samson had so much—yet used it so selfishly. What about the special abilities God has given you? Are you using them or abusing them? Talk to your pastor about a talent that needs to be put to use in the Savior’s service. Then, look for an opportunity to use it.

Insight - Samson, A Mirror of Israel

Samson’s life of the tragic hero epitomizes the nation of Israel during the time of the judges. Both began with heroic triumphs over numerous enemies. Both were consecrated to the Lord and given special power. Moreover, while Samson disobeyed God in desiring to marry a foreigner of dubious reputation, Israel similarly sold herself to foreign gods. For both Samson and Israel, these actions led to destruction.

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The Cycle of Judges

As you read through Judges, notice how the nation of Israel moves through the same five-step cycle a total of seven times: SIN brings SERVITUDE; Israel cries out to God in SUPPLICATION; God sends SALVATION in the form of a judge; there is a period of SILENCE...until the next SIN begins the cycle again.

March 13

Judges 17–21

Idolatry and Immorality

Key Passage: Judges 17, 21

Overview

Today’s section is an appendix to the first 16 chapters of Judges. Chronologically, it fits after chapter 3, but the writer has placed it here intentionally as a fitting climax to the book. The people are building their idols of wood and metal, devising their systems of worship, and even hiring Levites to serve as priests over their phony religions. Morally the nation is at such a low ebb that rape and homosexuality scarcely cause an eye to blink. And when Israel’s national conscience is finally pricked by a shocking “telegram” sent to the 12 tribes, the response is brutal outrage, resulting in the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin.

Your Daily Walk

Assume for a moment that you are a doctor. Write in the margin the first five vital signs you would check to determine if a patient is sick or healthy. Now, imagine that you are a spiritual doctor. What five “vital signs” would you check to determine if your nation is spiritually sick or healthy?

The lesson of Judges is clear. People left to do what seems right in their own eyes will end up doing what is wrong in God’s eyes—gross idolatry, immorality, brutality, and injustice. When God’s objective standard of right and wrong is discarded, people will not only hit bottom morally—they will break clean through.

You have the privilege of making your voice heard for God and for good through emails, phone calls, and even letters to policy-makers at all levels of government. Educate yourself about the spiritual sickness in our nation, then take 10 minutes today to write and pray.

Insight - The 1,100-Shekel Question

In 17:2, Micah confesses to the theft of 1,100 pieces (i.e., shekels) of silver—a total of nearly 30 pounds of the precious metal. Elsewhere in the Book of Judges, that exact figure becomes prominent again. Can you remember who else paid out that much money? And to whom? And for what?

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March 14

Ruth 1–4

Ruth: An Old Testament Love Story

Key Passage: Ruth 1, 4

Overview

Yesterday, you read five of the darkest chapters in all of Scripture; today, you’re reading four of the brightest. The remarkable thing to remember is that the events described in both portions occur at approximately the same time. The Book of Ruth is a cameo story of love, devotion, and redemption set in the black context of the era of the judges. It is the story of a Moabite woman willing to forsake her pagan heritage to cling to the God of Israel and His people. Because of her faithfulness, God rewards her by giving her a new husband (Boaz), a baby son (Obed), and a privileged position in the lineage of Christ (she is the great-grandmother of King David).

Your Daily Walk

After reading Ruth’s four-chapter love story, turn to Hebrews 11:6. The words will have a familiar ring, but don’t slide over them casually. Do I genuinely believe God rewards those who diligently seek Him?

Think back over the difficult decisions that confronted Ruth: staying in her homeland of Moab where she was known and loved, or moving to Israel where she was largely unknown and unloved; starting a new home of her own, or living with her bereaved mother-in-law; worshiping the familiar gods of Moab, or worshiping the true God of Israel. As she diligently sought to walk with God in a godless nation, Ruth learned firsthand that God rewards God-seekers.

Are you struggling with some misfortune today? Take heart from Ruth’s example. Diligently seek God’s will and His ways. If they are believers, ask your in-laws (if you have some) to join you in prayer about the difficulties you are facing.

Insight - Typecasting in the Book of Ruth

Notice how the characters’ names foreshadow the action in the Book of Ruth: Naomi, “pleasant one”; Elimelech, “my God is king”; Mahlon, “sick”; Chilion, “pining”; Orpah, “stubbornness”; Ruth, “friendship”; Boaz, “in him is strength.”

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1 Samuel

Following the destructive period of the judges, Samuel—prophet and king-maker—is called by God to rebuild Israel spiritually and politically. In time, he anoints Saul as Israel’s first king. But Saul soon proves unable to rule even his own heart. Samuel anoints the young David to take Saul’s place, which causes a fierce rivalry resulting in David’s flight into the wilderness to escape the murderously jealous king. The book ends with the death of Saul, clearing the way for David’s glorious reign.

March 15/16

1 Samuel 1–3

Samuel’s Call and Childhood

Key Passage: 1 Samuel 1: 1-20; 3: 1-21

Overview

The period of the judges is nearly at an end. One last judge remains: Samuel, a man of godly character and integrity who will guide the nation from judgeship to kingship. Samuel’s early life parallels that of another famous judge—Samson. Both are the offspring of barren women and the answer to fervent prayer; both are consecrated to the Lord’s service from birth; both enter a society marked by moral decline and spiritual apathy. But while Samson spent much of his life avoiding his calling, Samuel willingly embraced his. Even as a child, he was quick to obey the voice of the Lord.

Your Daily Walk

Disciplining children—once considered standard operating procedure for parents—is becoming rare; in its place, permissiveness reigns.

But that’s nothing new. A thousand years before Christ, the Bible paints a picture of the ruin of a family because the father failed to discipline his children. Eli, the high priest of God, allowed his two sons to do what was right in their own eyes. In shameless greed, they stole the best parts of the sacrifices offered to God. In response, God said He would “judge [Eli’s] family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons made themselves contemptible, and he failed to restrain them” (3:13).

As parents, our role as disciplinarians is not just a good idea but our God-given duty. If you are a parent, God has instructions for you to follow in your child-rearing assignment (Proverbs 19:25; 23:13-14). Read about it, build upon it, and watch God bless.

Insight - A Four-Question Quiz (with Only One Answer!)

1. Who was the last judge in Israel?
2. Who was the first prophet in Israel after Moses?
3. Who anointed the first two kings in Israel?
4. Who was the only man in the Old Testament to have two books of the Bible named after him?

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February 15/16

Numbers 17–20

Dying in the Wilderness

Key Passage: Key Passage: Numbers 20: 1-13

Overview

Throughout their wilderness wanderings, the children of Israel are reminded of two things: death and hope. Death as the result of their unbelief at Kadeshbarnea, and hope in the promise that God would still give His people a land of their own. God’s authority continues to rest with Moses and Aaron, as demonstrated in the miracle of Aaron’s budding rod. And the priests and Levites are still God’s chosen servants to lead the nation in corporate worship. But death becomes the constant companion of the Israelites on their march: death in the sacrifices, death of the red cow for purification, and the death of the high priest Aaron.

Your Daily Walk

Find a hammer, nail, and piece of wood. Drive the nail halfway into the wood, then remove it carefully. What do you have left? (To make this a truly memorable experience, drive the nail into your front door or perhaps your favorite piece of furniture.)

That illustration provides a parable of the permanent results of sin. Once confessed, we receive God’s complete forgiveness (1 John 1:9)— like removing the nail from the piece of wood. But you will not be able to erase entirely the scars that sin leaves behind.

Are you, like Moses, tempted to “strike a rock” when God has told you to “speak softly”? Weigh the consequences ahead of time. Christ not only died so that sin might be forgiven, but He died so that sin might be avoided. Thank Him for a scar or a nail hole you’ll never have to carry because you were willing to say no to sin and yes to Him.

Insight - Cow in the Old, Savior in the New

Chapter 19 describes God’s provision for the people’s uncleanness by using water mingled with the ashes of a red cow. This curious rite becomes more apparent in the light of Hebrews 9:11-14 as a foreshadowing of Jesus. Just as the ashes of the sin offering had a purifying effect when applied by water, so Jesus’ offering for sin purifies everyone to whom it is applied by His Spirit.

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February 17

Numbers 21–25

The Bronze Snake and Brash Seer

Key Passage: Numbers 21–22

Overview

As the Israelites march to Canaan, they meet and defeat three enemies: the Canaanites, Amorites, and Bashanites. But on the heels of victory, they suffer defeat at the hands of a persistent foe: grumbling. Because of the people’s constant complaining, God sends fiery snakes to chasten His rebellious nation. The threat of Israel’s advance prompts the neighboring pagan nations to hire the prophet Balaam to bring down a curse upon God’s people. But instead of a curse, Balaam delivers a sweeping witness to the glorious future of Yahweh’s nation. What Balaam could not do with his voice, however, is accomplished by his evil influence, as the Israelites give in to idolatry and mixed marriage.

Your Daily Walk

Find a small piece of sandpaper and tuck it in your pocket or purse. Then, read the next few paragraphs thoughtfully and prayerfully.

In chapter 21, the nation of Israel conquered three national powers. Smashing victories! Stunning triumphs! But for some of the people, it wasn’t enough. After all, they were still on the wrong side of the Jordan and didn’t possess even a spadeful of the Promised Land. Their impatience led to criticism, and criticism to fiery judgment.

One key to consistency in the Christian life is to simply give God time to work. Rough edges take time to smooth. Growth to maturity never occurs overnight. But each day can be a step in the right direction.

Is God using a little sandpaper on your life right now? How can you cooperate with, rather than oppose, the work of the Master Carpenter?

Insight - Jesus and Numbers—They Go Together!

Look up the following verses in Numbers to discover how they provide a preview of Jesus centuries before His birth:

• Snake of bronze (21:4-9; John 3:14)
• Water from rocks (20:11; 1 Corinthians 10:4)
• Manna (11:7-9; John 6:31-33)

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February 18

Numbers 26–30

Second Census

Key Passage: Numbers 26:52-56; 27:18-23

Overview

Now that the journey is virtually over, it is time for a second census to assess Israel’s military strength and apportion the soon-to-be conquered territory of Canaan. In addition, it is time to appoint Moses’ successor—the one who will lead the people in their conquest. God’s choice is Joshua, one of only two generation members who left Egypt to survive the wilderness wanderings and enter the Promised Land. Under Joshua’s leadership, the nation will enjoy military victory and spiritual vitality as they obey God’s commands and fulfill their holy obligations.

Your Daily Walk

After multiplying from a family of 70 to a nation of 600,000 fighting men in the space of about 400 years, Israel declined in population during the next 40 years. In part, the lack of growth was because of the numerous judgments God sent to discipline Israel’s disobedience: for example, 14,700 dead after Korah’s rebellion (16:49); 24,000 dead after following Balaam’s teaching (25:9).

Is God enlarging or shrinking your sphere of influence? Jabez, an obscure Old Testament figure, prayed in 1 Chronicles 4:10: “ ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.” God delights in blessing His obedient children. Talk to Him today about an “expanded border” with which you want to be entrusted.

Insight - Tallying Up the Second Census by Tribes

Can you add up these numbers and find the grand total?

1. Reuben - 46,500
2. Simeon - 59,300
3. Gad - 45,650
4. Judah - 74,600
5. 5. Issachar - 54,400
6. Zebulun - 57,400
7. Ephraim - 40,500
8. Manasseh - 32,200
9. Benjamin 35,400
10. Dan - 62,700
11. Asher - 41,500
12. Naphtali - 53,400

What is the grand total?

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February 19

Numbers 31–33

Preparing to Possess the Land

Key Passage: Numbers 33

Overview

During the final days of his life, Moses is active in at least three roles: commander-in-chief of Israel’s army, administrator of the nation’s internal affairs, and travel guide bringing the people to the plains of Moab. The Israelite army, using only a token force of troops, exterminates Midian for its idolatrous influence. Later, Moses had to deal with the request of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh that they be allowed to settle east of Jordan. The section closes with a review of the travel route from Egypt to Moab.

Your Daily Walk

Numbers 33 is both one of the darkest and one of the brightest chapters in the Bible. It is a dark chapter because it chronicles the journey from Egypt to Moab—a journey that should have taken just a few weeks but consumed four decades plus the lives of an entire generation.

But the picture is not all dark, for chapter 33 also portrays the nation's movements under God's watchful eye. Guided through the barren wilderness, provided with manna from heaven, and protected from marauding bands, the people experienced God’s tender care daily, even as they felt the sting of His discipline.

Christian, do you view God’s discipline in your life as “pain with a purpose”? God loves us too much to allow disobedience to go unpunished. Having read chapter 33, write these words in the margin of your Bible: “A chapter that should have read differently.”

A chapter is being written in your life today. How will it read? Learn a lesson from Israel’s mistake: Take God at His word.

Insight - Victory Without Casualty

Chapter 31 describes the Midianites' extermination—a command God delivered earlier (25:16-17). This most remarkable confrontation would prove to be Moses’ last military battle. Twelve thousand Israelite troops engaged an innumerable host of Midianites. When the battle was over, and the Israelites assembled to determine their losses, not a single man was missing—a miraculous case of divine protection!

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February 20

Numbers 34–36

Entering the Land

Key Passage:Numbers 34: 1-15

Overview

The Book of Numbers closes with a list of the geographic boundaries of the Promised Land and the names of those who will apportion the land to the nine-and-a-half tribes still awaiting the inheritance. Since the Levites are allotted no land, they are given 48 cities scattered throughout Canaan. Laws are established to provide for justice in cases of manslaughter and protect the inheritance of families with no surviving male heir.

Your Daily Walk

You cannot enjoy what you do not possess. God had promised to give His people a great land. You’ll find the description of its borders in chapter 34. It extended as far north as Mount Hor and Hamath, south as Kadesh-Barnea and the Wadi of Egypt, and east as the Jordan River. Sadly, Israel would seldom enjoy the full extent of these promised boundaries. Only briefly in the reigns of David and Solomon would the nation encompass that much territory.

Was God’s promise no good? Or was there something else that kept the people from enjoying the full blessing God intended? Every promise has two parts: the promise itself and the possession of that promise by the person for whom it is intended. God told His nation repeatedly, “Go in and possess the land. It’s all yours!” But because of unbelief and indifference, the people settled for God’s second best. They could not enjoy what they did not possess.

Look back through the sections you’ve already read. Is there a promise you’ve yet to possess—a blessing from God you’ve yet to stake your claim to? What are you waiting for?

Insight - Obscure Names, Outstanding Truths

Of those selected by God to allot the land (34:16-29), only Caleb is familiar. But consider the names of some of the others: Shemuel, “name of God”; Elidad, “God has loved”; Hanniel, “favor of God”; Elizaphan, “my God protects”; Paltiel, “God is my deliverance”; Pedahel, “God has redeemed.” Names can carry timeless truths, can’t they?

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Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy addresses the new generation destined to possess the land of promise—the survivors of the 40-year wilderness wandering. Like Leviticus, Deuteronomy contains much legal detail, but its emphasis is on laymen rather than priests and sacrifices. In his three farewell sermons that comprise the book, Moses stresses both the importance of obedience if the people are to learn from their predecessors and the faithfulness of God who “brought us out from there to...give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers” (6:23).

February 21

Deuteronomy 1–4

Reviewing the Wanderings

Key Passage: Deuteronomy 1, 4

Overview

Deuteronomy opens with the first of Moses’ three sermons—a review of the nation’s history, with particular emphasis on God’s dealings with His people. Moses recalls Israel’s failure to claim the land because of the people’s unbelief and the 40 years of judgment that followed. He reviews Israel’s history for the benefit of the new generation, which has already shown some distressing similarities to their parents. Finally, he reminds them of the primary lesson from Israel’s history: Obedience brings blessing; rebellion brings ruin.

Your Daily Walk

Have you read a 500-page novel that should have been a short story or heard a speaker stretch a five-minute talk into 45 minutes? If so, you know how irritating it can be to drag out a task longer than necessary.

God’s plan for Israel’s conquest of Canaan was straightforward: a short march from Kadesh-Barnea, a series of faith-inspired battles, and total victory. But Israel took God’s simple plan and, because of disobedience, turned an 11-day trip (1:2) into a 40-year tragedy. Someone has said that the Israelites were slow travelers because they were slow learners. It took them 40 years to learn a lesson they should have mastered in less than two weeks.

Has God been trying to teach you a lesson in recent days that you’ve been resisting? Or do you have a task you need to do, but you’ve been putting it off, dragging it out because of a lack of faith or motivation? On an index card, write one thing you know God wants you to do today and carry it as a reminder of your commitment to the task. When God says “March!” make short work of it.

Insight - King Size...in Every Sense of the Word

Og, king of Bashan—whom the Israelites defeated and killed (Numbers 21:33-35)—was the last of a race of people called Rephaim (Deuteronomy 3:11). Jewish tradition describes Og as a physical giant, a fact seemingly verified by the biblical record which states that his bed was 13.5 feet long by 6 feet wide.

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February 22

Deuteronomy 5–7

Recalling God’s Promises

Key Passage: Deuteronomy 5: 1-21; 6: 1-9

Overview

Moses’ second sermon (which extends through chapter 26) contains many of the same commands previously received at Mount Sinai. He starts with the basics, the Ten Commandments, and then urges the parents to teach these precepts faithfully to their children. Moses’ request is urgent. The Promised Land remains to be conquered and enjoyed. God is looking for a generation of obedient people that He can lead in victory and thereby fulfill His longstanding promise.

Your Daily Walk

“WANTED—Energetic young couple for demanding assignment. Must have boundless reserves of patience, stamina, and optimism. Must be able to function reasonably well on three hours of sleep, diagnose childhood ailments, and read the same book 27 times without appearing bored. Together, they must be skilled as nurses, counselors, teachers, and taxi drivers. Full-time position. No paid vacations. Salary not commensurate with experience. Those applying will be screened to determine their sanity.”

In case you haven’t guessed, the “Position Available” is for parents. And what greater challenge for a parent is there than to communicate God’s timeless truth to a tender young life? Fortunately, God has a word of counsel just for you. You’ll find it in 6:6-7—the key to passing on the vitality of your faith. It’s not lecturing or giving your child good books to read, but taking advantage of the teachable moments in the daily classroom, such as mealtime, playtime, and bedtime. Look for a teachable moment in your child’s life today.

Then seize it and use it for eternity. You’ll both be glad you did.

Insight - Putting the Law in a Box

The command to put the law “as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads” (Deuteronomy 6:8) was taken literally by pious Jews who, even to this day, attach small boxes containing portions of Scripture to their foreheads and arms. How much of God’s Word do you carry everywhere you go?

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February 23

Deuteronomy 8–11

Warnings for a New Generation

Key Passage: Deuteronomy 8: 1-20; 10: 12-13

Overview

Moses again takes the Israelites back into their national history to illustrate that God is faithful to His word. He loves to bless His people, as demonstrated during the wilderness wanderings. For 40 years, God prevented clothes from wearing out while faithfully providing life-sustaining manna. He constantly promised His people an even greater blessing once they entered the land. But the incident of the golden calf was a painful reminder that disobedience brings swift punishment.

Your Daily Walk

Are you a detail-oriented person? Here’s a little quiz to see how observant you are:

1. How many light bulbs are there in your bedroom?
2. How many buttons are on the outfit you are wearing? (No peeking allowed!)
3. How many miles (to the nearest 100) are on the odometer of your car?

Those may seem like insignificant details—and they are. But when it comes to the commandments of God, there is no such thing as an unimportant detail. Look at these verses from today’s section: “Be careful to follow every command I am giving you” (8:1). “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years” (8:2). “Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” (8:3).

Pick a command from today’s reading, and try to write down ten observations about it. Then, once you have pondered the command, practice it. It’s a lifestyle that pleases God (10:12-13).

Insight - Taking Credit Where Credit Isn’t Due

In 8:10-20, Moses warned the people that when they occupied and prospered in Canaan, they would be tempted to take the credit, concluding that “my power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me” (8:17). But Moses offered a quick cure for such misguided pride. Can you spot it in 9:6-24?

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February 24

Deuteronomy 12–16

Ceremonial Laws in the Land

Key Passage: Deuteronomy 13:6-10; 14:22–15: 11

Overview

In chapter 12, Moses moves from the broad principles of the Ten Commandments to the more detailed regulations that will govern the daily conduct of God’s people in the Promised Land. Religious life must be characterized by intolerance of idolatrous influences, strict attention to the sanctity of life, and careful personal hygiene. Every seventh year will bring the forgiveness of debts, and three yearly feasts will commemorate essential events in the nation’s history.

Your Daily Walk

There is something money can’t buy and it’s called poverty. Poverty is nothing new, for “there will always be poor people in the land” (15:11). But God does not see it as a hopeless situation. A divine plan for poverty relief is recorded in today’s section— a plan that, if followed, might make government poverty programs obsolete.

1. Forgive all debts every seven years.
2. Faithfully observe all of God’s commands.
3. Freely give to assist those in need.

The first part of this three-point program could be legislated, but the last two require voluntary compliance and a proper heart attitude. If the people of Israel would do this, God told them: “You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations, but none will rule over you” (15:6). Try God’s “Poverty Program” on a friend in need, and watch what happens. After all, there’s something else money can’t buy—Christian compassion.

Insight - Murder Without a Weapon

Chapter 13 describes how grave an offense it was for one person to persuade another to disobey God or turn to false idols. Such a person was to be put to death immediately, with the first stone being thrown by the one in danger of being persuaded, even if that person was a near relative (13:6-10). The offender was to be treated as a murderer. Has God’s opinion changed about the seriousness of such a sin today? Read Mark 9:42.

THE BOOK OF TRANSITION
Deuteronomy

The Book of Deuteronomy acts as a bridge between the books of Numbers and Joshua.

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February 25

Deuteronomy 17–20

Civil Laws in the Land

Key Passage: Deuteronomy 18:9-22

Overview

In addition to the laws regulating national worship, Moses also delivers civil laws for governing the nation's internal affairs. Holiness should not be practiced in the tabernacle only. Justice, truthfulness, and humane behavior must characterize all the nation’s dealings. Moses anticipates three situations that are sure to arise once the people are in the Promised Land: (1) the desire to crown a king, (2) the need to examine a prophet’s credentials to determine if he speaks for God, and (3) the need for a refuge to protect those who have committed manslaughter unintentionally.

Your Daily Walk

When was the last time you had a brush with the occult? Before you lightly pass off that question, consider the pagan activities that the Israelites were strictly forbidden to practice: magic spells, witchcraft, interpreting omens, and consulting with spirits. Now compare that list with some of the seemingly harmless activities Christians sometimes engage in today:

• reading books or viewing movies dealing with sorcery
• foretelling the future using cards, stars, or Ouija boards
• planning the day’s activities based on a horoscope

Are you dabbling with the very things God has told you to despise? God told His people: “Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord” (18:12). Those who belong to God have no business trafficking in the things of Satan. Do a life checkup today for any innocent-looking forms of the occult, and deal with them. God deserves and expects your full devotion.

Insight - “Give Me a King or Give Me Death”

Because of Israel’s desire to be like the neighboring countries with kings, God granted her an earthly kingship, beginning with Saul. Even so, Yahweh’s kings were radically different from other kings. Israel’s king was a fellow servant of the covenant (17:15) and had to obey it (17:18-19). The king was the ultimate authority in other countries; in Israel, Yahweh was the ultimate authority.

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February 26

Deuteronomy 21–26

Social Laws in the Land

Key Passage: Deuteronomy 23: 1-8; 26: 16-19

Overview

Today’s reading is extended, but it contains fascinating insights into some “what if” questions that will no doubt arise once the people are in the land. Moses covers such topics as how to purify the land from an unsolved murder, how to administer capital punishment, who is eligible for membership in the congregation and who is excluded, how to avoid the extinction of a family name, and when and how money may be loaned for interest. Such regulations are essential if the people of God are to live in peace and purity in the Promised Land.

Your Daily Walk

Is God concerned about things like cruelty to animals and the preservation of the species? How about accurate scales at the meat market and protection from loan sharks?

All of the above and more are discussed in today’s reading. At first, you may have thought you’d stumbled across a disjointed collection of do’s and don’ts. But God is interested in every detail of life.

Whatever affects His people concerns Him. His love and compassion extend even to the treatment of animals: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain” (25:4). “If you come across a bird’s nest...and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young” (22:6), thus preserving the species.

Aren’t you glad the God who created and sustains nature is also the God who created and sustains you? Think about three other evidences of God’s care from today’s reading. Then read Matthew 6:25-34. The God who looks after wildflowers and birds is looking after you.

Insight - The 41st Blow Is a No-No

Chapter 25 describes corporal punishment’s place in the life of the nation. It was never to be used to extract a confession and was only to be applied after the suspect was found guilty. Even in punishment, the dignity of the individual was to be preserved. The Jews kept the letter of the “40-lash limitation” law but not the spirit of it (see 2 Corinthians 11:24).

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February 27

Deuteronomy 27–30

Commitment to the Covenant

Key Passage: Deuteronomy 27–28

Overview

In his final sermon, Moses solemnly tells the people about the blessings and curses accompanying their obedience to God's covenant (or rebellion against it). Obedience will bring prosperity, provision, and protection from God. Disobedience will lead to disaster. The nation may choose for itself which path it will take, but the consequences of its decision are predetermined. Moses wisely counsels them to “choose life” (30:19).

Your Daily Walk

Have you ever been in the awkward position of having to discipline someone else’s child? It usually doesn’t work very well because that child is not yours. There is no parent-child relationship to give your demands for obedience the ring of authority. Discipline works best when relationship precedes requirements.

God’s requirements for Israel are summarized in the phrase: “Obey the Lord your God and follow his commands and decrees” (27:10). On what basis could God require their obedience? Verse 9 supplies the answer: They were His people. He had called their father Abraham centuries before, He had preserved them in Egypt, and He had redeemed them from bondage by the blood of the Passover lamb. Verses 9 and 10 are in direct relationship. Because Israel be- longed to God, she was to obey.

Refresh your walk with God by recalling why He deserves and expects your obedience. He has saved you by His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), and you are taught to call Him “Father” (Luke 11:2). Think about one thing the fatherhood of God tells you about your relationship with Him, and share it today with your children (or father).

Insight - A Tough Challenge for Any Farmer

The figurative use of “bronze” and “iron” in Deuteronomy 28:23 graphically depicts an extended drought. With the sky above as metallic as bronze and the soil below as hard and impenetrable as iron, cultivation would be impossible.

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February 28

Deuteronomy 31–34

Conclusion of Moses’ Life

Key Passage: Deuteronomy 31, 34

Overview

With Israel ready to cross the Jordan into the Promised Land, Moses’ responsibilities as deliverer and guide are completed. He assigns Joshua to be his successor before giving a last warning to the people to remain true to the covenant. Moses turns his final message into an easily remembered song and teaches it to the people so they, in turn, can pass it on to future generations. After a parting blessing, he climbs Mount Nebo to catch a glimpse of Canaan and then dies in a location known only to God.

Your Daily Walk

Did you ever wish you were someone else? Children at play openly imitate their favorite heroes. Though adults are more subtle, they often try to pattern themselves after a popular personality, a successful executive, or an inspirational leader.

Trying to be someone you’re not is never easy. There is always the danger that you’ll forget who you want to be and accidentally be yourself. From God’s viewpoint, desiring to be like someone else is not only unnecessary, it is potentially harmful. God never asks you to be someone or something you cannot be. When He called Joshua to lead the nation, God did not ask him to be another Moses. Moses and his leadership style were totally unique. For deliverance from Egypt, Moses was the man. However, Joshua was God's choice for military campaigns and conquests in Canaan.

God has a job for you where He can use your talents, gifts, and abilities in distinctive service. Ask Him to show you what it is. Whatever assignment God gives you, don’t try to be a Joshua, a Moses, or anyone else. Just be yourself and let God use you.

Insight - A Spunky Senior Citizen...at Age 120

Moses’ reference to his inability to “cross the Jordan” (31:2) does not mean he was getting feeble from old age (see 34:7). Rather, he had been forbidden earlier by God to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12).

A PROMISE
Worth Claiming

Picture this: You discover you’ve won a two-week vacation in the Caribbean, absolutely free, and all you have to do is claim your prize. Do you wait for the prize to appear? No—you claim it!

You were promised the vacation, but you have to claim it. Now, consider God’s promises to His people. This month, you saw Him guarantee a lush, fruitful home to the Israelites who fled Egypt.

Yet they sadly postponed the blessings of this Promised Land because of their lack of faith. Throughout the Bible, God makes many promises: assurances of provision (Matthew 6:31-34); of an abundant, fulfilling life (John 10:10); of freedom from fear and worry (Deuteronomy 31:8 and Philippians 4:6-7); of love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22-23); and much, much more.

But every promise has two as-if aspects: the promise itself and the appropriation of that promise by the person to whom it is given. Like a free trip pledged to us, God’s promises need to be believed in faith so that we can fully benefit from them. Perhaps the most important gift from God that we can claim is the promise of eternal life.

Jesus says: “My sheep listen to my voice...and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish” (John 10:27-28).

Now, that’s a promise worth claiming! Won’t you accept the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ? All you have to do is confess your sins, accept the living Christ as the Savior and Master of your life, and believe in—lay claim to—your gift of salvation. It’s the beginning of a new life that lasts forever.

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Leviticus

The instructions of Leviticus, delivered by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, pertain to Israel’s personal and national life. Leviticus, the new nation’s book of worship, derives its name from the tribe of Levi, which was entrusted with the rituals and ceremonies of the people’s approach to God and the physical care of the Tabernacle. Leviticus solves the twin dilemmas of how sinful people can achieve access to God (through animal sacrifices) and maintain fellowship with God (through obedience to His Word).

February 1/2

Leviticus 1–3

Three Voluntary Offerings

Key Passage: Leviticus 1

Overview

Leviticus opens with a description of the five different sacrifices that an Israelite could offer: three for those in fellowship with God (sweet aroma sacrifices) and two for those out of fellowship with God. The sweet aroma offerings were tailored to the person’s ability to give. The burnt offering signified the offerer’s devotion to God; the grain offering pointed to God’s provision in life; and the fellowship offering pictured the thankful worshiper’s fellowship with God.

Your Daily Walk

During a visit to Korea, two American businessmen were highly amused to see a young farmer hitched to a plow guided by his father. Later, they learned that both father and son were Christians who had sold their only ox to provide money for a new church building.

“What a sacrifice!” exclaimed one businessman. “Not really,” replied a missionary accompanying the Americans. “They were sorry they had but one ox to give to the Lord’s work.” On one occasion, Jesus was dining with a Pharisee named Simon when a woman interrupted the dinner in a startling way. Breaking a jar of ointment, she anointed the feet of Jesus with the costly perfume, prompting the Lord to respond: “Her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little” (Luke 7:47).

What is one way you can show your gratitude to God for His great love and forgiveness? Select a 21st-century sacrifice of praise you can offer Him—perhaps a special offering or act of kindness—to say thank You to your heavenly Father who so richly deserves your gratitude.

Insight - Exodus and Leviticus: A Study in Contrasts

Exodus emphasizes:

• pardon
• God’s approach to humanity
• salvation
• “Let my people go”

Leviticus emphasizes:

• purity
• humanity’s approach to God
• sanctification
• “Be holy, because I am holy”

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February 3

Leviticus 4–7

Two Required Offerings

Key Passage: Leviticus 6

Overview

In addition to the three sweet aroma offerings, God instructs regarding two other sacrifices—both required when sin had interrupted fellowship with Him. The sin offering—which covered sins of uncleanness, neglect, or thoughtlessness—provided restoration for the sinner while reinforcing the seriousness of sin. The restitution offering—which covered sins of injury to God and others—provided compensation for the injured or offended party.

Your Daily Walk

What do a dented fender, a facial scar, and a scratched CD all have in common? (Hint: It has nothing to do with your teenager!) Give up? They are all constant reminders of unpleasant experiences: the fire hydrant that ran into your car, the razor that “gotcha,” and your favorite CD that was ruined.

For the Israelites, there was another collection of reminders: the bleating of a lamb, the smell of fresh blood, the sight of rising smoke. All served to remind them that they were sinners. Every new sin, even an unintentional one, demanded that another animal be slain.

Doesn’t that make you appreciate the death of Jesus Christ for you all the more? The fact that He died to set you free from the endless requirement of sacrifices is indeed a great reason for rejoicing. Remind yourself often today of Christ’s once-for-all-time sacrifice for you, and let that reminder bear the fruit of praise on your lips and in your life.

Insight - Sweet and Sour Offerings

Unlike the other three offerings, neither the sin offering nor the resti- tution offering was a sweet, pleasing fragrance to God because sin is never sweet to God. Those two offerings foreshadow many details of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross.

• The victim was without a spot or blemish.
• Sin was transferred from the offerer to the offering.
• The one offered died in the sinner’s place.
• The sin offering took place outside the camp.

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February 4

Leviticus 8–10

Priestly Orders and Offense

Key Passage: Leviticus 9:23–10:7

Overview

After the sacrifices, the divine requirements for the priests to offer them follow. Moses consecrates Aaron and his four sons to minister in the Tabernacle. Sacrifices and ceremonies occur for seven consecutive days, after which Aaron begins his duties. However, the joyous inaugural week abruptly ends with the disobedience and death of two of Aaron’s sons, which leads to a divine announcement of restrictions upon the priests’ conduct.

Your Daily Walk

Has this ever happened to you? You are late for an appointment and pushing the speed limit. Suddenly, you catch a glimpse of flashing blue lights in your rearview mirror. You watch in numb despair as a police car draws ever closer and finally pulls over...the car next to you! Would that experience change your driving habits (at least for the next few miles)?

One of the reasons God gave the Old Testament was to provide flashing lights to warn of dangerous, sinful situations. Others have learned the hard way, but you don’t have to—if you take their painful examples to heart. Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s sons, met an untimely death because they took God’s holiness lightly. In a moment of proud disobedience, they offered the wrong kind of fire in the wrong place and paid for that act with their lives.

At the dinner table this evening, read aloud 1 Corinthians 10:11. Then, beginning with the story of Nadab and Abihu, share lessons you have learned from the lives of Old Testament people from whom you or your family can benefit today. After all, you’ll never live long enough to duplicate all the mistakes of others—nor do you have to.

Insight - The High Priest’s Wardrobe—Fit for One

There would be many priests but only one high priest—one who would represent the people before God by entering the Holy of Holies to make atonement. Only the high priest wore the ephod to signify this unique role—a sacred garment of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine-twined linen (Leviticus 8:1-13; see also Exodus 28:4-14).

THE FIVE OFFERINGS:
Snapshots of a Savior

The five offerings of Leviticus 1–7 represent more than just animal sacrifices. They provide a five-dimensional foreshadowing of the perfect Sacrifice, Jesus Christ, who would later abolish the need for animal sacrifices once and for all.

The sweet sacrifices picture the person of Christ—the perfect voluntary Sacrifice with all His merits and perfections. The nonsweet sacrifices depict the work of Christ in bearing the sins and imperfections of human beings as the necessary consequence of God’s righteous demands.

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February 5

Leviticus 11–15

Personal Purity in Daily Life

Key Passage: Leviticus 11:45–47; 13:59; 14:54-57

Overview

Chapters 11–15 give instructions regarding ritual uncleanness caused by animals, birth, leprosy, and regular bodily discharges. Holiness demands a holy lifestyle. Purity is indispensable to worshiping a holy God, though it does impose some restrictions. For the Israelites, this meant dietary laws, temporary quarantines after contact with specifically named substances, and rules regarding normal bodily functions. The word unclean means “ritual unfitness” rather than actual sin. Unfitness occurred in the flesh and made the analogy that one must be made fit, or holy, to enter God’s presence. The word occurs more than 90 times in these chapters, showing that obedience is no small matter to God. In fact, it is paramount.

Your Daily Walk

Commands such as “Wet Paint,” “Keep off the Grass,” “Don’t Feed the Ducks,” or “Speed Limit” seem to whisper in our ears, “I dare you...” But did you ever stop to think why those rules are there? Someone is trying to look out for the best interests of you and others. They know that fresh paint looks better on park benches than on pants; that grass stays prettier when people aren’t trampling it to death; that ducks don’t survive well on a diet of Cheetos; and that gas, cars, and people last longer when driving safely. Such rules are for your own good.

The same was true for Israel’s laws. God gave these instructions for His people’s physical and spiritual protection: no scavenger animals for dinner, no contact with leprous people, and plenty of baths. In today’s passage, look for ways God protected His people through the laws He gave—even through some they couldn’t understand. He has the same desire for you.

Insight - A Holy People, a Horrible Disease

Leprosy was regarded as incurable in the Old Testament. The New Testament often uses it as a picture of sin. Like leprosy, sin requires cleansing,, and God can only forgive sin and heal it.

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February 6

Leviticus 16–17

Holiest Day of the Year

Key Passage: Leviticus 16: 1-22; 17: 11

Overview

The great Day of Atonement, observed each year, was Israel’s most significant act of worship. On that day, the nation gathered to watch expectantly as the high priest entered the Holy of Holies with the blood of atonement to cover the nation's sins for another year. Because blood was the central ingredient in Israel’s national and personal forgiveness, God prohibited its use for any purpose except sacrifice to Him, for “it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life” (17:11).

Your Daily Walk

Have you ever had to live with a gnawing uncertainty? A recurring illness? An overdue bill? The emotions of facing situations like those are intensely painful.

In Old Testament times, the emotions that charged the air on every Day of Atonement were just as intense. As the high priest cautiously entered the Holy of Holies to atone for the nation's sins, one question was uppermost in everyone’s mind: “Will God pass over our sins for another year?”

The awful reality of the Day of Atonement was this: Sins were never fully cleansed. They were only temporarily covered and sent away on the head of the scapegoat. The debt of sin remained unpaid, like a promissory note deferred from year to year.

Aren’t you glad Jesus ended that uncertainty forever? He paid the long-standing debt of sin in full by nailing it to His cross (Colossians 2:14). When you pay your bills this month, remember the price Jesus paid.

Insight - Covered and Protected for Another Year

The words atonement, appease, and pacify all come from the Hebrew root “to cover,” which appears more than 100 times in the Old Testament. The same root occurs in Genesis 6:14, where Noah is commanded to cover the ark “with pitch inside and out.” Just as the pitch covered the ark and protected its passengers, so the shed blood of the sacrifice stood between sinful humanity and the holy God whose law had been violated.

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February 7

Leviticus 18–20

A Holy People Uniquely His

Key Passage: Leviticus 18: 1-5, 24–30

Overview

In addition to the regulations governing national holiness, God provides Israel with laws governing personal conduct and purity in matters pertaining to the family, the community, and society. Because obedience is central, God requires that violators be punished promptly and in a manner appropriate to the crime committed. God’s strict guidelines for living reflect His desire that His people be holy and uniquely His.

Your Daily Walk

The chapters you read today are not pleasant, for in them, you will discover the depths to which fallen human nature is capable of sinking: incest, child sacrifice, prostitution, bestiality, and homosexuality.

More than 1,400 years later, Paul described human nature in such dismaying words: godlessness, unrighteousness, senseless minds, cravings, sexual impurity, degrading passions, shameless acts, evil, greed, wickedness, envy, murder, quarrels, deceit, and malice (read Romans 1:18-32). These lists look like today’s headlines, for human nature has not changed.

With so many ways to go astray, is it any wonder that God must lay down so many rules for His children to follow before He can turn them loose in pagan Canaan? God desires that His people be transformed by their relationships with Him—not conform to their world. Are you transformed by godliness or conformed to worldliness? (Or are you deformed by trying to be both?) Write down on a strip of paper those areas of your life in which you may be too much of a conformist (activities, personal life, speech). Use that as a bookmark in your Bible to remind you that “living what you read” is the transformation God desires.

Insight - Ten Familiar Commands in an Unfamiliar Place

Last month, you read Exodus 20:1-17, the passage containing the Ten Commandments. But did you know most of the Ten are also contained in Leviticus 19? See how many you can find.

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February 8/9

Leviticus 21–23

Priestly Purity

Key Passage: Leviticus 23

Overview

Ministry to and for a holy people requires a holy priesthood. Because of their high calling, God placed more restrictions on their conduct and privileges. The priests had to be as physically perfect as possible and willing to avoid defilements that were permissible for others. The sacrifices they offered had to be without blemish. They were required to carry out their duties with meticulous attention to detail. Their busiest times of the year came during the holy convocations, those joyous times of feasting and reflecting on God’s goodness in dealing with the nation.

Your Daily Walk

Here is a statement worth considering, especially if you are the hard-driving kind of person commonly labeled as a workaholic: Seven days without relaxation makes one weak. The Israelites were commanded to rest from their labors on the seventh day of each week. And seven times each year they enjoyed a “holy holiday” to commemorate important days in their nation’s history. These were no mere business meetings but times of assembling, feasting, and celebrating.

How long has it been since you set aside time from work to spend alone or with your family enjoying a leisure activity? If your mind is constantly focused on your job, it will seldom be focused on God. In contrast, periodic times of refreshment and reflection will help improve your attitude toward your work.

Look at your personal or family calendar and prayerfully consider whether a vacation is long overdue. It needn’t be long to be refreshing, but it must be a priority in your schedule if it is ever to become more than a good idea.

Insight - How About This for a Vacation Schedule?

Life in Israel was not all work. In addition to the weekly Sabbath days of rest, there were 19 national holidays: Passover (1), Unleavened Bread (7), Firstfruits (1), Pentecost (1), Jubilation (1), Day of Atonement (1), and Booths (7). That makes 10 weeks of vacation a year.

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February 10

Leviticus 24–27

Future Purity in the Promised Land

Key Passage: Leviticus 25

Overview

Leviticus closes with instructions regarding conversation and conduct in the land. Profanity (which breaks the third commandment) is dealt with severely; vows and freewill offerings to the Lord must be carried out in the promised way. The rules regarding regular periods of rest for the land are sandwiched between these two discussions. Every seventh year, the land must rest from sowing and reaping, and every fiftieth year marks a jubilee when debts are canceled and possessions revert to their original owners. To provide for both the Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee, God promises to bless in abundance the prior year (in much the same way He supplied double the daily manna the day before each Sabbath). Would you have the faith to do what God required of Israel?

Your Daily Walk

After every six years of farming the land, the Israelites were commanded to leave it unplanted for an entire year. God was asking them to place their source of livelihood entirely in His hands. Leaning on His provision alone, they would experience the thrill of living by faith and watching God supply their daily needs. Imagine the excitement of watching farmland suddenly produce double and even triple its usual crop! God was saying to the people, “Just trust Me.”

God has staked His reputation on the fact that when you obey Him, He will follow through on His promises. “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6). “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Select one of those two verses and make it yours for today.

Insight - Don’t Take Those Sabbatical Years Lightly

God’s command to let the land rest every seven years (and again every 50 years) fell on deaf ears. Later, the people would go into captivity in Babylon and spend one year in exile for every sabbatical year they had ignored (2 Chronicles 36:20-21).

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Numbers

Numbers begins with Israel’s 11-day march from Sinai to Kadesh, records the subsequent rebellion and 38 years of wilderness wandering, and ends on the doorstep of the Promised Land. The book contrasts God's faithfulness with His people's fickleness. Even though He must judge their disobedience, God faithfully leads His people through 40 years of agony. Working through Moses, Caleb, and Joshua, God demonstrates His willingness to reward those who trust Him.

February 11

Numbers 1–4

Counting and Ordering the People

Key Passage: Numbers 1: 1-3, 45–46

Overview

The Book of Numbers might well be called “the Book of Censuses,” for that is how it begins and ends. With the nation of Israel poised at Mount Sinai and ready to begin its march to Canaan, God commands Moses to number the fighting men and Levites. A detailed blueprint is given for arranging the people both on the march and in the camp. In the intervening 430 years since Joseph and his brothers moved to Egypt (Exodus 12:40), the nation’s fighting force has grown to an impressive 603,550, suggesting a total population of several million.

Your Daily Walk

Censuses are prominent throughout Scripture. In fact, the pivotal event of Scripture was associated with a census. Mary and Joseph were there when Jesus was born in Bethlehem because a census was being conducted (see Luke 2).

Even more important than the presence of censuses in the Bible is the purpose behind them: to show that God is a God of order and detail. Confusion and disorder in your home, church, or private life are a sure sign that God-honoring principles are being overlooked (see 1 Corinthians 14:40). Pick an area of your Christian life where the goal of doing all things “in a fitting and orderly way” has proven elusive. Write it in the margin, and make it the target of your prayer and planning this week.

Insight - On Your Mark...Get Set...March!

Leviticus prepared the people for worship; Numbers prepared them for war. After reading today’s section, summarize the census and the preparations for the march to Canaan.

• How many total warriors?
• How many Workers for the Levites? (one month upward)
• How many Workers for the Levites? (30 to 50 years)
• Who is the largest tribe and what is their population?
• Who is the smallest tribe and what is their population?
• Who takes care of the tabernacle?
• Who transports the tabernacle?

WANDERING THROUGH
Numbers

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February 12

Numbers 5–8

Cleansing the People

Key Passage: Numbers 6: 1–7: 11

Overview

Three weeks remain before the people leave Sinai to begin the last leg of their journey to Canaan. During this time Moses receives specific commands from God designed to cleanse the people and prepare them to enter the Promised Land. They must be free from immorality and jealousy; they must understand the binding nature of vows made to God; the Levites must realize the sacred nature of their calling. Through the generous gifts of the tribal leaders, the tabernacle implements and supplies are provided for worshiping the Lord.

Your Daily Walk

What is the most important tool you will ever use in your service for God? What is the first thing that comes to mind?

Perhaps you thought of a book or the Bible or a God-given ability. Here’s another tool you may not have considered: your body. Any service you render for God in this life will be done through the use of your body. And while you may pride yourself on how you discipline your mind, your body may be one of the most neglected tools God has entrusted you.

The Old Testament man or woman who wanted to be used in God’s service but was not eligible as a Levite or priest could take the Nazirite vow. This vow involved abstaining from certain hindrances to holiness to be wholly devoted to the service of the Lord. It was a voluntary vow, challenging to enter and equally tricky to exit. Yet, it held the promise of personal blessing for those who successfully fulfilled it.

Is your body available to God today, cleansed and prepared for His use? Romans 12:1-2 will show you how, but only you can volunteer.

Insight - Who Took “the Vow”?

We all know of Samson, who took the Nazirite vow and thus let his hair grow long. But there are at least two others who also took that vow— Samuel, the last judge of Israel, and John the Baptist.

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February 13

Numbers 9–12

The People Complain

Key Passage: Numbers 10: 11-13; 11: 1-15

Overview

The time has come for the final journey to Canaan. After a special celebration of the Passover, the people watch as the pillar of cloud begins to move. Trumpets blare forth the exciting news: It is time to march! But the thrill of expectation soon gives way to the tedium of travel. Moses is faced with numerous problems: complaints about the traveling conditions and the food, longings for the good old days in Egypt, hoarding the quail, and jealousy by Miriam and Aaron. Despite the difficulties, the people finally arrive at Kadesh-Barnea—on the doorstep of Canaan.

Your Daily Walk

How do you react when God’s will for you is inconvenient? Do you think, “Maybe later, God, but not right now”? For Israel, God’s will was easily determined by the movement of the cloud covering the tabernacle. When it moved, they moved. When it lingered, they camped. At first glance, that may seem like an exciting way to live—but consider the possibilities.

It is 3 a.m. You are sound asleep after a 14-hour march when a trumpet’s blast shatters the quiet desert air. Time to march! Or consider another scene. For three days now, the cloud has hovered motionless. You sense that any minute, it is going to move, so instead of unpacking your tent and all those cooking pots, you just “live off the camel.” Another day goes by. And another. Finally, you give in and begin the arduous task of unpacking. No sooner do you drive in the last tent peg when...

Obedience to God’s will is not always convenient, but it is always profitable. Do you see a pillar of cloud moving in your life? What do you suppose you ought to do about it?

Insight - Quail Dinner—All You Can Eat!

When God sent quail in response to the people’s complaining, the least amount gathered by one person was ten homers. One homer is eleven bushels—a total of 880 gallons.

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February 14

Numbers 13–16

Spying out the Land

Key Passage: Numbers 13: 1-2, 26–33; 14:20-35

Overview

Following God’s instructions, Moses selects one representative from each of the 12 tribes to form a scouting party. Their assignment was to spy out the defenses of the land and bring back a sample of the produce grown there. The 12 obey and, like many a committee, return with a divided report. Ten see only the obstacles; two see the opportunities. The nation—disheartened, faithless, and afraid—threatens to stone Moses and return to Egypt rather than face what lies ahead. As a result, the Lord condemns that unbelieving generation to 40 years of fruitless wandering in the wilderness.

Your Daily Walk

Every part of the human body gets tired eventually, except the tongue. It is no accident the Bible describes the tongue as sharp (Psalm 140:3), biting like a cold wind (Proverbs 25:23), and untamable (James 3:8).

Do you have trouble controlling your tongue? Then, ask your spouse or a close Christian friend to hold you accountable (Colossians 4:6). Every time you make an ungracious remark during the next seven days, you must pay 50 cents. Try it! What you lose in material wealth, you’ll more than regain in spiritual maturity.

Insight - ...8...9...10...You’re Out! (14:22)

On 10 separate occasions, the Israelites grumbled and murmured against God. Can you find what prompted each complaint in the following passages?

• Exodus 5:20-21
• Exodus 14:10-12
• Exodus 15:24
• Exodus 16:2-3
• Exodus 16:20, 27
• Exodus 17:2-3
• Exodus 32:1-4
• Numbers 11:1
• Numbers 11:4-5
• Numbers 13:26–14:3

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February 15/16

Numbers 17–20

Dying in the Wilderness

Key Passage: Key Passage: Numbers 20: 1-13

Overview

Throughout their wilderness wanderings, the children of Israel are reminded of two things: death and hope. Death as the result of their unbelief at Kadeshbarnea, and hope in the promise that God would still give His people a land of their own. God’s authority continues to rest with Moses and Aaron, as demonstrated in the miracle of Aaron’s budding rod. And the priests and Levites are still God’s chosen servants to lead the nation in corporate worship. But death becomes the constant companion of the Israelites on their march: death in the sacrifices, death of the red cow for purification, and the death of the high priest Aaron.

Your Daily Walk

Find a hammer, nail, and piece of wood. Drive the nail halfway into the wood, then remove it carefully. What do you have left? (To make this a truly memorable experience, drive the nail into your front door or perhaps your favorite piece of furniture.)

That illustration provides a parable of the permanent results of sin. Once confessed, we receive God’s complete forgiveness (1 John 1:9)— like removing the nail from the piece of wood. But you will not be able to erase fully the scars that sin leaves behind.

Are you, like Moses, tempted to “strike a rock” when God has told you to “speak softly”? Weigh the consequences ahead of time. Christ not only died so that sin might be forgiven, but He died so that sin might be avoided. Thank Him for a scar or a nail hole you’ll never have to carry because you were willing to say no to sin and yes to Him.

Insight - Cow in the Old, Savior in the New

Chapter 19 describes God’s provision for the people’s uncleanness by using water mingled with the ashes of a red cow. This curious rite becomes more apparent in the light of Hebrews 9:11-14 as a foreshadowing of Jesus. Just as the ashes of the sin offering had a purifying effect when applied by water, so Jesus’ offering for sin purifies everyone to whom it is applied by His Spirit.

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January 16

Genesis 45–47

Joseph’s Family United in Egypt

Key Passage: Genesis 45

Overview

Chapters 45–47 contain the exciting conclusion to the story of Joseph and his unsuspecting brothers. After twice planting evidence on his brothers that would ensure their return to Egypt, Joseph finally can no longer contain his secret. In an emotion-packed scene, he reveals that he is the brother they sold into slavery. At last, in a position to avenge his ill-treatment, Joseph instead shows kindness, acknowledging that God was behind it all to bring much good out of his difficult circumstances. Jacob moves to Egypt to spend the remaining years with his reunited family.

Your Daily Walk

Sovereignty is a big word, but it is also a biblical concept that touches your life every day. God is sovereign. It means that nothing takes Him by surprise. God can work through every experience in your life, from the most pleasant to the most painful, to accomplish His purposes. Joseph learned this important truth, though driving the point home took years of mistreatment. Addressing his brothers who sold him into slavery, he declared: “It was not you who sent me here, but God” (45:8).

Think back over your life and select one event that stands out as a time when it appeared that God had lost control of the situation. Perhaps it was a death in the family, the loss of a job, or an extended illness. Now, across that painful memory, write, “God was there.” Write a definition of sovereignty in your own words and make it speak to your own situation. (For example: “Sovereignty means that although I lost my job, God hasn’t forgotten about me. He will work for good in my life.”)

Insight - Why God Moved the Jews to Egypt

It is not difficult to see the divine wisdom in moving Jacob’s family to Egypt. In Egypt, the Jews would remain a separate, distinct people. Since Jacob and his sons were shepherds, a detestable occupation to Egyptians, their occupation was a natural barrier to intermarriage. Under these ideal conditions, the Jews would multiply for 400 years.

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January 17

Genesis 48–50

The Last Days of Jacob and Joseph

Key Passage: Genesis 48:8–49:33

Overview

As Jacob’s life in Egypt draws to a close, he summons Joseph’s two sons and blesses them, exalting the younger Ephraim over the older Manasseh. As his final act, Jacob prophetically outlines the future of his 12 sons. His desire for burial in Canaan testifies that the nation's destiny still lies in the promised land. Joseph also dies after a faithful and prosperous life and adds his testimony that God will one day liberate His people.

Your Daily Walk

On a scale of one to ten (one is low and ten is high), rate yourself on the following two statements:

• I am a forgiving person.
• I am quick to forget offenses against me.

You’ve probably heard the statement, “I’ll forgive but I won’t forget!” It’s really just another way of saying, “I won’t forgive,” for true forgiveness involves totally putting away the wrong suffered. That’s the way God forgives (Ephesians 4:32), and His brand of forgiveness is the model He expects us to follow as well.

Joseph exhibited the quality of complete forgiveness with his brothers. After Jacob’s death, the brothers feared revenge even though Joseph had already forgiven them (see Genesis 50:15). Their pleas for mercy moved him to tears as he reassured his brothers that he had forgiven them.

If you have experienced God’s forgiveness in Christ, you have the greatest motivation possible for forgiving others. In what relationships have you withheld forgiveness for an offense against you? Talk to God about it right now. Thank Him for the peace that only total forgiveness can bring.

Insight - A “Moving Epitaph” for Jacob and Joseph

Joseph’s care in honoring his father’s dying request to be buried in Canaan (49:29-30) was duplicated by Moses hundreds of years later. Moses carried out Joseph’s last wish by transporting his remains back to Canaan (Exodus 13:19).

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Exodus

During the 400 years between Genesis and Exodus, Israel grows into a nation of two to three million people. But Egypt becomes, for them, an inescapable prison of suffering and bondage. Exodus (which means “departure”) introduces Moses—a gifted leader, military genius, statesman, shepherd, and man of God. Under his direction, the people leave Egypt and travel to Mount Sinai, where they receive their charter as a nation of God’s people and are given instructions for their new worship center, the Tabernacle.

January 18/19

Exodus 1–2

Israel’s Bondage in Egypt

Key Passage: Exodus 1:8–2: 10

Overview

In the years since the close of Genesis, the Jews have multiplied rapidly in the land of Egypt. Viewed as a growing threat by an unsympathetic Egyptian king, the Egyptians “worked them ruthlessly” (1:13). God’s people cried out to Him for a deliverer, and He answered in the person of Moses. Even from his earliest days, Moses’ destiny was clear, as seen in God’s care for him as an infant. But at the age of 40, Moses attempts to do the right thing (deliverance) in the wrong way (murder), and as a result, he must flee for his life. For the next 40 years, he will tend flocks in the deserts of Midian as God prepares him to tend a much bigger flock in the deserts of Egypt.

Your Daily Walk

If you’ve ever forgotten an important appointment, anniversary, or promise you’ve made, you know how miserable you can feel. But that’s not as miserable as the one who’s been forgotten feels.

For 400 years, the people of God had suffered abuse at the hands of their Egyptian taskmasters. Surely, God had forgotten His promises to their forefathers—promises that rang hollow in the sandy prisons of Egypt. And yet, “God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob” (2:24). Unknown to them, God was preparing for their deliverance even as they made bricks in the hot desert sun.

God never forgets His promises, but how often do you forget that fact? Tie a string around your finger to remind yourself (and others who might be curious enough to ask) of that wonderful truth.

Insight - Genesis and Exodus—A Study in Contrasts

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January 20

Exodus 3–6

Moses’ Call and Conflict with Pharaoh

Key Passage: Exodus 3; 6: 1-13

Overview

Finally, God is ready to commission Moses to deliver His people from bondage. But Moses is reluctant to accept the commission. Confronted by God in a burning bush, Moses responds with four excuses that focus on his inadequacy for the assignment. However, neither Moses’ weakness nor Pharaoh’s stubbornness can stand in the way of God’s sovereign plan to release His people. Finally convinced of God’s strength, Moses confronts Pharaoh with the ringing declaration, “Let my people go” (5:1).

Your Daily Walk

Pretend for a moment that you are Moses. You are tending your sheep on a quiet mountainside when suddenly a bush bursts into flame but is not consumed. Naturally curious, you move closer to study this remarkable sight and come face to face with the God of Israel, who says: “I am sending you to Pharaoh” (Exodus 3:10). How would you respond? Probably, you’d do exactly what Moses did: feel inadequate. Inadequate to represent God before the mightiest ruler of your day. Inadequate to deliver God’s words through your faltering lips. And you know, you’d be right. God already knows you’re inadequate. That’s why He selected you—so that His strength might shine through your weakness.

List three excuses you could give God for not serving Him today. Then, turn each of them into a prayer project: “God, You know my physical condition. Show Your strength through my weakness. Use my meager IQ to demonstrate to others that You are the incomparable ‘I AM.’ ”

Insight - The God Who Is the Great “I AM”

Moses asked what name he should use for the God who had sent him on his strategic mission (3:13). God replied, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you’ ” (3:14). What other person in the pages of Scripture dared to use that same name? (Hint: Read John 8:58.) Can you understand why He received the response He did (John 8:59)?

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January 21

Exodus 7–10

Nine Plagues on Egypt

Key Passage: Exodus 7

Overview

Since the words of God delivered through His servant Moses have had no effect on Pharaoh’s stony heart, Moses now begins to demonstrate the works of God—nine national calamities involving insects, disease, and changes in nature. The plagues gradually become more intense, selective, and difficult to ignore. In spite of his frequent promises, Pharaoh stubbornly refuses to release God’s people, setting the stage for the tenth and climactic plague.

Your Daily Walk

Hardening of the arteries is a serious disease that affects thousands of people. But its consequences are mild when compared to the eternal consequences of another malady that affects humanity: the hardening of the heart.

Pharaoh knew what God wanted him to do. The command “Let my people go” was repeated to him eight times.

Pharaoh knew how God wanted him to do it. The people were to go on a three-day journey into the wilderness, and nothing was to be left behind in the land of Egypt (8:26-27; 10:8-11). Pharaoh knew the consequences if he did not obey. He was warned of each plague in advance.

Pharaoh’s problem was not information but motivation. God’s will was clear; Pharaoh’s heart was hard. And in the end, he would lose his army and his firstborn son—as well as his captives. Authors of other Old Testament writings did not overlook Pharaoh’s sordid example. Look up Deuteronomy 6:20-22; 1 Samuel 6:6; Nehemiah 9:7-10. Pick one passage and make it the topic of discussion around the dinner table tonight. It’s a good way to detour around, rather than duplicate, Pharaoh’s heart problem.

Insight - Natural or Supernatural?

Some people believe that since all of the plagues (except the death of the firstborn) could be explained naturally, they weren’t miracles. Although the plagues may or may not have broken God’s natural laws, the timing and Moses’ foretelling make them miraculous.

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January 22

Exodus 11–12

Death and Departure

Key Passage: Exodus 12:29-42

Overview

Each of the preceding nine plagues has represented an attack on an object of worship in Egypt (the Nile, sun, frogs, flies, etc.). But now God attacks Pharaoh himself by warning that the firstborn of each Egyptian household (including Pharaoh’s) will die unless His people are released. To escape the terrible judgment, each Israelite household observes the Passover by substituting the death of a lamb for the death of their firstborn. After a night of horror and death, Pharaoh commands the Hebrews to leave, and the long-awaited exodus begins. God commands that Passover become an annual memorial of the redemption of His people from their Egyptian bondage.

Your Daily Walk

Franklin P. Adams humorously observed that “Nothing is more responsible for the good old days than a bad memory.” Likewise, memory is what tells a man his wife’s birthday was yesterday. God knew that His people would quickly forget the great moments in their history unless their memories were refreshed. So God commanded the nation to commemorate the important date of the Passover and observe it yearly in order to keep the memory of His great deliverance fresh and vital to them.

Do you have an annual date on which you review all of God’s dealings in your life over the past 12 months? If not, mark a day (your birthday is an excellent time). Make it a time of reflecting, remembering, and rejoicing for what God has done and is doing in your life day by day.

Insight - Pictures in the Passover for Israel and for You

As the Lord passed through Egypt, bringing death to the firstborn in every family that did not have the bloodstained doorposts, the Israelites were also active. Rather than sleeping, they were awake, alert, and obedient, feeding on the Passover lamb—with their shoes on their feet and their staffs in their hands—ready to move at God’s command.

DRAWING NEAR
God’s Meeting Place

Before Jesus, coming into God’s presence was impossible except for one person, the priest, who could come into His presence only once a year. It was that way for centuries—one person, one time a year.

Now, we walk into God’s presence with familiarity. But we don’t quite realize what a privilege that is. When our first ancestors disobeyed God’s command, that sin killed our closeness with God. And it made it far more difficult to understand spiritual things. We were mostly limited to what we could see, hear, smell, taste, touch, feel, and reason. So, even before Jesus came to earth, God gave His people a visual representation of what He requires of us before we can come to Him in worship and in intimacy. That picture is the tabernacle.

The Tabernacle was a tent enclosed within a courtyard where God revealed Himself through the objects, the ceremonies, the services, and the men who served. He put so much symbolism into the tabernacle that we are still unpacking what it all means. Every item, from the sockets to the posts to the curtains and coverings, is a physical representation of a spiritual truth. The Tabernacle shows how costly it is for the Holy to meet with the unholy. It demonstrates the great lengths God was willing to go to restore us to His presence. When He gave Moses the pattern for the Tabernacle, He gave these instructions: “Tell the Israelites to...make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them” (Exodus 25:2, 8).

Over time, the reality of the tabernacle came into sharper focus. When Jesus came, He pitched His tent among the people as a living tabernacle. The words used for “made his dwelling” in John 1:14 is the word tabernacle translated into Greek: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” The Tabernacle’s many levels and layers, intricacies and mysteries, are a rewarding study for anyone who wants to know God more deeply. It all communicates one message: Jesus. He is the Lamb of God who gave His blood to pay the ultimate price for the sins of humanity because God wants to be close to us.

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January 23

Exodus 13–15

Red Sea Crossing and Song of Moses

Key Passage: Exodus 13; 14:21-31

Overview

The exodus from Egypt is only the first in a series of miracles God performs to bring His chosen people to the promised land of Canaan. Guided by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, Moses leads the people to the edge of the Red Sea—a seemingly impassable dead end. Cries of mutiny and despair give way to songs of jubilation and praise as God opens a path through the waters, saves His people, and drowns the Egyptian army in its hopeless pursuit.

Your Daily Walk

How many passages of Scripture can you “sing” from memory? Here are three to get you started: “Savior, like a shepherd lead us...” (See Psalm 23:1-2). “Praise God from whom all blessings flow...” (See Psalm 148:1-3). “Our Father which art in heaven...” (See Matthew 6:9-13).

There is something about a verse put to a melody that makes it particularly memorable. Perhaps you have great difficulty memorizing Scripture passages. But have you learned a new hymn or praise song lately? Moses knew that singing was a pleasant way to plant God’s truth in the hearts of people (Exodus 15:1-18).

Go head over to YouTube and search for one of the many excellent praise songs available. Don’t allow singing to be just a public part of your Christian experience.

Insight - Forecast for Pharaoh: Dense Fog and Defeat

According to Exodus 14:19-20, the pillar of cloud that had led the Israelites as they marched now came “between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side” (v. 20). This accomplished two things: (1) It stopped the Egyptians by settling down on them like a fog so they could not see; (2) It provided light for the Israelites. Fog is an almost unknown phenomenon in the land of Egypt, a fact that must have contributed to the Egyptians’ bewilderment and frustration.

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January 24

Exodus 16–18

Journey to Mount Sinai

Key Passage: Exodus 16: 1–17

Overview

Only three days after their dramatic deliverance at the Red Sea, the people begin to complain. As the water supply dwindles, the grumbling increases as the people forget that God is the Source of their supply. God miraculously provides manna, quail, and water in abundance to teach the nation a lesson in faith. Then, an overworked Moses learns a valuable lesson in administration from his father-in-law as he selects capable men to assist him in governing the people.

Your Daily Walk

Have you ever had a morning like this? You bound out of bed, confident that today will be a great day. But the shower has no soap, and you’ve run out of clean clothes. On the way to breakfast, you trip over a misplaced chair. The toast burns, and the newspaper doesn’t arrive. Heavy traffic makes you late for an appointment, and you lose your important list of “things to do.”

Before your day has barely begun, you feel like crawling back into bed and starting over again. The Israelites had their share of bad days, too. They quickly discovered that desert travel can be tricky, even dangerous. The glory of the Red Sea crossing faded as soon as their stomachs began to rumble from hunger.

They accused Moses of leading them into the wilderness to kill them (17:3). Make a list of all the difficult situations found in today’s reading and ask yourself these questions: “What did God teach His people through adversity that they would never have learned through prosperity? And what is He trying to teach me?”

Insight - I’ll Never Forget Old What’s-Its-Name

When the people first saw manna on the ground (16:15), they asked one another, “What is it?” (in biblical Hebrew, man hu?). The name stuck, and for 40 years, they went out each morning (except on the Sabbath) to collect “what’s-its-name” (manna) as their daily bread.

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January 25/26

Exodus 19–20

Ten Commands for God’s People

Key Passage: Exodus 20: 1-17

Overview

At Mount Sinai, a setting designed to focus on the majesty and holiness of God, the people receive their charter as God’s chosen nation. After declaring their willingness to abide by the commands they are about to receive, the Israelites spend two days preparing themselves to hear God’s voice. On the third day, accompanied by an awesome display of God’s power, Moses receives the Ten Commandments—the broad, moral principles and instructions on which the nation’s conduct will be based.

Your Daily Walk

Scene One: You are suspended by a chain over a deep abyss when a companion says, “Don’t worry; all but one of the links will hold your weight.” Scene Two: You are in a furniture store looking for a mirror to hang in your living room when you see a display that reads: “Nearly Perfect Mirrors for Sale—Only One Crack in Each.”

What do these two tales have in common? They both illustrate the folly of trying to be saved by keeping the law. Only one broken link in an otherwise perfect chain plunges you to your death. Only one crack ruins the entire mirror. And “whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it” (James 2:10).

In order to be saved by keeping the law, you would have to keep it absolutely at every point throughout your lifetime. No one but Jesus could ever do that. According to Galatians 3:24, the purpose of the law is not to save you but to show you what sin is and to point you to Jesus Christ, who alone can take it away.

Scene Three: Jesus waits for you to admit you cannot save yourself and to turn to Him as the Answer. Will you do it? Today?

Insight - The Ten Commandments—in Triplicate

The Ten Commandments were given three times: (1) orally by God (Exodus 20:1-17); (2) on stone tablets (Exodus 24:12-18); and (3) on duplicate tablets prepared by Moses to replace the set he broke (Exodus 34:1, 28–29).

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January 27

Exodus 21–24

Civil Laws for God’s People

Key Passage: Exodus 24

Overview

In addition to the Ten Commandments, Moses receives a body of laws and instruction designed to regulate all aspects of Israel’s national life. The civil laws show God’s concern for administering justice and property rights, caring for the poor, punishing criminals, and maintaining purity in interpersonal relationships. The ceremonial laws deal with the tabernacle and the priests, sacrifices, offerings, and annual feasts. After a stern reminder of the importance of obedience, God calls Moses back to the mountain for 40 more days of instruction.

Your Daily Walk

Passages such as Galatians 2:16 clarify that no one is justified by keeping the law. What, then, should be your attitude toward today’s Scripture reading? Jesus taught from the Old Testament Scriptures, and many of the laws are repeated in the New Testament. Nine of the Ten Commandments are specifically reiterated, declaring the kind of conduct that glorifies God today.

Remember that love is the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 22:37-40). If you truly love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself, you will find yourself keeping the commandments not because you have to but because you want to.

Biblical law is the revelation of the character of the unchanging, eternal God. God is concerned about the details of your life, even things as mundane as an animal's death or tooth loss (Exodus 21:27-28). He desires justice in business transactions, punishment for the guilty, and protection for the innocent.

Insight - How Many Laws Are in “the Law”?

When you mention “Old Testament law,” many people think of the Ten Commandments. Jewish rabbis identified 613 regulations in the legal sections of Exodus through Deuteronomy. Over the years, many rabbis interpreted these laws, whose comments were compiled into a book (the Talmud) with 63 major headings and 518 chapters.

Arrangement of the
Tabernacle

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January 28

Exodus 25–27

A House of Worship for God’s People

Key Passage: Exodus 26

Overview

For 40 days, Moses recorded God’s words regarding Israel’s place of worship and its pattern of worship. The blueprint includes the furniture, coverings, curtains, and courtyard of the tabernacle that must be built “according to the plan shown you on the mountain” (26:30). The description moves from the inside to the outside, reflecting not the perspective of man looking in, but of God looking out—the God who wants to dwell with His people.

Your Daily Walk

Today’s reading may seem like a long list of unimportant details. You may feel lost in a forest of acacia wood, candlesticks, and rams’ skins. But don’t miss the point. These are instructions for building God’s house; thus, every detail is significant. It is to be a beautiful, symbolic structure that causes each worshiper to praise God’s majesty, mercy, and holiness.

Many centuries later, King David would declare: “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness” (Psalm 29:2). David, too, realized that God deserved a special dwelling place that mirrored His greatness.

Where is God dwelling today? He is living in the hearts of those who have put their trust in Him (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). You are God’s tabernacle today. And that means some spring cleaning may be in order. Is there a habit that needs to change or a corner of your life that needs attention? Take a few minutes to sweep your “tabernacle” clean. Then, as a reminder, flip your calendar ahead to February, pick a day, and write: “Have you swept lately?”

Insight - More Than Wood and Cloth

The Tabernacle tells a story about its successor, Jesus Christ. Here is a partial list of parallels. Can you think of others?

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January 29

Exodus 28–31

Special Instructions for Priests

Key Passage: Exodus 30–31

Overview

In addition to the Tabernacle plans, Moses receives detailed instructions concerning those who will serve in the Tabernacle: the priests. Chapters 28–30 describe the ones set apart to represent Israel before God and to lead the nation in worship. Everything about them is different: their clothing, the elaborate rituals required to purify them for ministry, and even the utensils and supplies they use in tabernacle worship. In addition, God provides handpicked artists and craftsmen for the Tabernacle and sets apart one day each week for rest and worship.

Your Daily Walk

Did you enjoy yesterday’s tour of the Tabernacle? Today, you will examine God’s intricate blueprint for worship, which mainly involves priests. If it seems to take a long time to read, remember—it took Moses 40 days to copy all of this.

Today’s reading should give you a new appreciation for the lengths God went to dwell with and commune with His people. Because God is utterly holy, these elaborate procedures were necessary if sinful people were to have fellowship with their God. Not a single detail was insignificant.

Notice the importance of worship in the nation's daily life. Worship was not limited to a single day or time; all of life revolved around the one central function of worshiping God.

With today’s reading in mind, carefully consider this question: when the pressures of life force you to cut something out of your busy schedule, why is it that the most expendable daily activity is usually personal or family devotions and that the most vulnerable weekly function is corporate worship with the church? Does God consider worship worthwhile? Do you?

Insight - The Dynamic, Divine Digit

The “finger of God” is credited with engraving the two stone tablets (Exodus 31:18), bringing Egypt’s plagues (Exodus 8:19), casting out demons (Luke 11:20), and creating the heavens (Psalm 8:3).

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January 30

Exodus 32–34

Golden Calf and Glorious Lord

Key Passage: Exodus 32

Overview

In Moses’ absence, the people have been busy. Ignoring their pledge of obedience to God and assuming Moses had died on the mountain, they returned to the pagan ways of Egypt. In righteous anger, Moses shatters the two stone tablets, destroys the golden calf, and orders the Levites to slay the guilty offenders. His selfless intercession brings about a renewal of the covenant between God and His chosen people. And when Moses returns from yet another trip to Sinai—this time to replace the shattered tablets—his face radiates the glory of Israel’s forgiving God.

Your Daily Walk

Freedom has been defined as “the opportunity to make decisions,” and character as “the ability to make the right decisions.” If that is true, then giving a person the freedom to choose his own path is one of the quickest ways to reveal his true character.

Israel’s leader, Moses, was away, and in his absence, the people had to make certain choices. The majority chose to worship a god of gold, ignoring their pledge of obedience. The minority—Moses’ relatives from the tribe of Levi—stood firm against public opinion and refused to worship the golden calf, even when the elders, leaders, and Aaron sanctioned it. “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me,” Moses challenged (Exodus 32:26). That’s a ringing call to commitment you’ll find frequently in the Bible. Look up Joshua 24:15 and 1 Kings 18:21. Then ask yourself, “Have I answered the call yet? Does the way I live daily show that I have?”

Insight - Death on Sinai, Life in Christ

“The law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). When Moses came down from Sinai to deliver the law and discovered the people worshiping the golden calf, 3,000 lost their lives in the ensuing judgment (Exodus 32:28). By contrast when the Apostle Peter stood up on the Day of Pentecost to declare salvation through faith in a risen Savior, 3,000 found new life (Acts 2:41).

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January 31

Exodus 35–40

Finishing and Filling the Tabernacle

Key Passage: Exodus 35: 1–36:7

Overview

Exodus closes with a record of the actual construction of the Tabernacle, the building in which God will meet His people as they journey to Canaan. The vast project required the cooperation of many individuals. When the Tabernacle is finally completed, God gives His approval by filling the structure with a cloud of His glory. Israel is now prepared to worship God while on the march.

Your Daily Walk

Imagine this scene taking place in your church: While the offering is being collected, the pastor is handed a note. He rushes to the microphone and announces, “Please, stop the offering. The plates are overflowing, and all our needs have been met. You’ve already given too much.”

Does that sound far-fetched? That is precisely what happened when the Israelites willingly and wholeheartedly contributed to the Tabernacle as God had commanded (35:20-29; 36:5-7). It may seem they impoverished themselves by giving to God’s work, but that was not the case. God was already supplying all their needs, as He would continue to do for the next 40 years.

When you realize that everything you have is a gift from God’s hand (1 Corinthians 4:7), your giving will take on a fresh, new meaning. Try it. Set aside ten dollars or more each day this week, and send it to your church or a missionary family as a special “thank offering” in recognition of God’s goodness to you. And if God has blessed you in a special way financially, why not make a substantial gift to a specific project in your church? Perhaps you, too, will hear the words, “Sorry, we don’t need that much.”

Insight - It Was a Very Good Year

Though it may seem like years have passed since the Israelites left Egypt, only one year has elapsed since the exodus. The first three months were spent journeying to Mount Sinai, where the people camped for an additional nine months while they received the law and erected the Tabernacle.

Take the First Step

Congratulations. You’ve started your new year by beginning a journey through the Bible with this devotional guide. But every walk demands a first step. Have you taken the crucial first step in the Christian life—the step of faith unto salvation? Unless you take that step, your so-called relationship with God will meander aimlessly, and your path will lead only to frustration and defeat. But take this mandatory step, and your walk with Jesus will be vibrant and fulfilling— for all eternity. Consider these stepping stones in the path of salvation: Step 1: All people are sinners. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Step 2: The penalty for sin is death. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Step 3: Deliverance from death—salvation—comes by personal trust in God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

“It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Christ paid the price on the cross for all your sins so that you can have eternal life. By believing in His death, burial, and resurrection on your behalf, you enter into an everlasting relationship with God.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Free salvation awaits you. Take the first step now, and watch your pathway unfold.

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Genesis

"In the beginning...” These are the first words of Genesis, the very first book of the Bible. The 50 chapters of Genesis outline human history from creation to Babel (chapters 1–11) and Abraham to Joseph (chapters 12–50). The first 11 chapters introduce the Creator God and the beginning of life, sin, judgment, family, worship, and salvation. The remainder of the book focuses on the lives of the four patriarchs of the faith—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph—from whom will come the nation Israel and, ultimately, the Savior, Jesus Christ.

January 1

Genesis 1-2

“In the Beginning...”

Key Passage: Genesis 2:4-25

Overview

Genesis opens with two accounts of creation. The first account (1:1–2:3) describes the events chronologically; the second (2:4-25) considers the events topically to focus on one aspect of creation. The first provides a wide-angle view of the creation of the universe; the second takes a zoom-lens look at man and woman, the climax of creation—for they are the ones who will bear God’s image and enjoy His fellowship in the garden prepared especially for them.

Your Daily Walk

• What’s the longest book you ever read?
• What’s the greatest distance you have ever walked?
• What’s the biggest meal you ever ate?
• What do these questions possibly have in common?

They are all examples of significant projects completed in small stages. You read that book one page at a time, covered that distance one step at a time, and ate that meal one bite at a time. One page, one step, one bite might not seem like much compared to the whole, but each brings you closer to your goal.

This year, with the help of this devotional guide, you’ll be fulfilling what, for many people, has been a lifelong dream: to read through the Bible—all 1,189 chapters of it. Like thousands of others, you’ll discover you can reach your goal—one day at a time. It all starts with the first words of Genesis: “In the beginning God created . . .”

Insight - The Days of Creation

The Book of Genesis is the foundation of God’s revelation to us as He gave it in the Bible. There are at least 200 quotations or allusions to Genesis in the New Testament, and Jesus often quoted or referred to it. However, it is not only a record of humanity’s past. But it is also a prophecy of humanity’s future because much of what is introduced in Genesis is concluded and reversed in Revelation.

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January 2

Genesis 3–5

From Paradise to Pain

Key Passage: Genesis 3

Overview

What began as Paradise is soon spoiled by sin. In disguise, Satan tempts Eve by turning her gaze from God’s bountiful provision (the many trees) to God’s one prohibition (the single tree of the knowledge of good and evil)—Adam and Eve’s disobedience results in their expulsion from the garden. The seeds of their sin quickly grow as the first son (Cain) commits the first murder. For generation after generation, the sinful spiral continues, setting the stage for God’s judgment.

Your Daily Walk

Satan is a master at taking God’s blessings and twisting them into something that brings a curse instead. If given a chance, he’ll convince you to seek the blessings of marriage outside the bonds of marriage, exchange the worship of the Creator for the worship of the creation, and substitute what is convenient for what is obedient. The temptation will be cunning; the promise will be inviting. However, as Adam and Eve discovered, the painful consequences far outweigh the temporary pleasures.

Resisting temptation is difficult for many Christians because they don’t want to discourage it completely. God has promised to provide an avenue of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13)—but that doesn’t help if we continue to entertain it. Write the references of James 4:7 and 2 Timothy 2:22 in the margin of your Bible next to Genesis 3. Look them up; read them twice; take them to heart.

Insight - Cataloging a Curse

Chapter 3 introduces more than the beginning of sin. You’ll also find some of its consequences: crabgrass, labor pains, family dissension, and sweat. After reading Chapter 3, summarize each part of the curse as it relates to...

• the serpent (3:14);
• Satan (3:15);
• the woman (3:16);
• the man (3:17-19).

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January 3

Genesis 6–9

Noah’s Ark and God’s Judgment

Key Passage: Genesis 6

Overview

As the generations begin to multiply on the face of the earth, the world’s wickedness also significantly increases (6:5). At last, God prepares to destroy humanity with a judgment of water. But one man and his family receive God’s commendation, while the rest of humanity faces God’s condemnation. Noah obediently undertakes a century-long shipbuilding project in preparation for saving his believing family. As the floodwaters rise, Noah’s eight-member family rides high in God’s loving protection.

Your Daily Walk

When a man repeatedly repeats a promise, you can be pretty sure he must have a problem keeping it. When God repeats a promise over and over, you can be absolutely sure that He will keep it.

Is God trustworthy? The ancient shipbuilder named Noah must have wrestled with this question, for his life and the lives of his family were bound up in the promises of God. Spend a few minutes evaluating God’s “scorecard” on how well He kept His promises to Noah.

• “I will wipe mankind . . . from the face of the earth” (6:7). Yes or No?
• “I will send rain on the earth” (7:4). Yes or No?
• “Never again will I curse the ground” (8:21). Yes or No?
• “I will remember my covenant” (9:15). Yes or No?

The rainbow in the sky (9:12-16) is God’s eternal reminder that He will never repeat the watery horror of Noah’s day. Watch for rainbows in photographs and drawings—or even in the sky. Let each one remind you (as it did Noah) that when you’re resting on a promise of God, you need not worry about how deep the water gets.

Insight - Water Everywhere...and Very Little Else

Three times in three verses (7:18-20), it is said, “The waters rose.” God made it clear that this was no ordinary flood, and His promise that “I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made” (7:4) was no idle threat.

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January 4/5

Genesis 10–11

Building Confusion

Key Passage: Genesis 11: 1-9, 27–32

Overview

God begins to repopulate the world with Noah and his three sons. But since the root of sin has not been removed, the fruit of sin soon becomes apparent again in proud, disobedient actions. As Noah’s descendants seek to build “a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens” (11:4), God stops the project by confusing their speech, causing them to scatter over the face of the earth precisely as God had originally commanded (9:1).

Your Daily Walk

Even on TV, the sight is impressive. Delegates from around the world meet in the General Assembly of the United Nations to discuss world problems and seek solutions to international tensions. Most wear headsets—an eloquent reminder of the barriers that divide humanity—as they labor to make the nations united in more than name alone.

Centuries ago, humanity rebelled against God. The result was confusion. Genesis 11 paints a pathetic picture of disoriented people separating from one another in distrust and bewilderment. And yet, that scene is not so far removed from today’s world.

The Babel of antiquity foreshadows the babble of today. Languages are still divided, and people are still perplexed. But God’s solution for our chaos is still the same: truth communicated through people who have experienced it. This message is timeless and knows no language or culture barriers: the good news of sins forgiven in Jesus Christ. Today would be a great day to look for someone who needs to know that God speaks his or her language.

Insight - Looking Down from Above

The Babel-builders were proud of the mighty tower they thought reached up to heaven (11:4). But from God’s viewpoint, He had to stoop down to view their puny pinnacle far below.

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January 6

Genesis 12–14

Abram’s Call and God’s Promises

Key Passage: Genesis 12: 1-9; 13: 14-18

Overview

Having dealt with rebellious humanity for generations, God now begins to unfold His great plan of redemption—a plan beginning with one man, Abram. God calls Abram to leave his home in Ur of the Chaldeans and travel to a distant but unspecified new land. Responding in faith, Abram obeys with nothing to cling to but the promises of God. The journey has moments of danger and decision, as seen in Lot’s life. But through it all, Abram dares to believe God for the impossible despite his childless condition.

Your Daily Walk

How long have you lived in your present home? If you had to pull up stakes and move quickly, would it be difficult to do? Think about logistics, packing, and leaving behind everything that’s familiar.

Genesis 12:1-4 describes a similar “moving experience”—a God-fearing man obeying God’s voice, pulling up stakes in Ur, and heading for a new home more than a thousand miles away. In Hebrews 11:8, we see why this was no ordinary move. “Abraham . . . went, even though he did not know where he was going.“ The command of God was clear, but the destination was not. That’s faith—the kind that pleases God (Hebrews 11:6) and the kind God wants you to exercise today as you face situations in which His will may be clear, but the way He wants you to accomplish it is not. Abraham found that you don’t always need to know where you’re going as long as you know the One you’re following.

Call a family council this evening to discuss a decision you are facing involving career, home, or finances—and how Abram’s example can make the decision easier.

Insight - The Land of the Red Purple

Canaan literally means “belonging to the land of the red-purple.” The locals were well known for trading red-purple dyes derived from murex shells on the Mediterranean coast. In later years, the term Palestine was used to describe the territory, which is derived from Israel’s archenemies, the Philistines.

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January 7

Genesis 15–17

God’s Covenant with Abram

Key Passage: Genesis 15: 1-6; 16: 1-10; 17: 1-8

Overview

It is one thing to walk with God; it is something else to run ahead of him. God’s promise to Abram of many descendants is repeated (12:2; 13:16; 15:4-5). But as the years pass with no evidence of fulfillment, Abram acts foolishly and impatiently. The result is a son, Ishmael, who becomes the heartbreak of his father and a constant reminder of the high price of unbelief. But God’s promise stands sure. Though biologically impossible because of their ages, Abram and Sarai will yet give birth to a son—a promise confirmed by the new names God provides the parents-to-be with: Abraham (“father of a multitude”) and Sarah (“princess”).

Your Daily Walk

Hindsight may be a harsh teacher, but its clarity of vision is always 20/20. The Book of Genesis does not seek to cover up the frailties of Abraham and Sarah but includes them along with their moments of shining faith and obedience. Why? So that you might learn from their example, whether good or bad.

Here are two lessons hindsight can teach from Abraham’s life about the danger of running ahead of God: (1) Abraham’s God was too small. Abraham assumed that Sarah’s barrenness was a permanent obstacle to God’s promise, forgetting that “nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). (2) Abraham’s patience was too short. He was in a hurry. He decided to act to fulfill a promise that was God’s responsibility humanly.

Write out one of God’s timeless promises to you and attach it to a clock you glance at regularly. This is a great way to remind yourself throughout the day that there’s no time like the present to take God at His Word.

Insight - Who Gets the Estate?

In the ancient Middle East, the heir of a man’s property at his death was determined in this order: (1) the son of his first wife; (2) the son of another wife; (3) the son of a slave girl; (4) the ranking servant in his house. Using this guide, who would have received the estate in 15:2-3? In 16:1? In 16:15?

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January 8

Genesis 18–20

God’s Judgment on Sodom

Key Passage: Key Passage: Genesis 18

Overview

Three heavenly messengers arrive with good and bad news for Abraham’s family. The good news is that Abraham and Sarah’s long-awaited dream is coming true. They will soon experience the joys of parenthood. The bad news: Sodom and Gomorrah will soon experience the full fury of God’s judgment for their grievous sins. In response to Abraham’s intercession, God spares Lot’s family during Sodom’s destruction, though their grudging departure reflects their lukewarm spiritual condition.

Your Daily Walk

It didn’t happen this way, but it might as well have. One day, a man sat down at his desk, pulled out a sheet of paper, and wrote across the top: “Goals for My Life.” Then, he began to list the goals that would shape the direction of his life:

1. To live in a lawless, immoral environment.
2. To forfeit all spiritual authority in my home.
3. To exert no influence for good in my community.
4. To lose everything and everyone dear to me.

Ridiculous, you say? Then consider this: Lot made no such goals, yet he accomplished everything on that list. Those disastrous results were the natural consequences of his worldly choices.

Lot may not have had spiritual goals, but you should. Written goals help prevent the kind of purposeless drift that sets Lot up for disaster. What do you want to accomplish this year in Scripture memorization, time in God’s Word, reading good Christian books, and sharing your faith? Write your goals down, hang them up, pray them through, and with God’s help, watch them happen.

Insight - Where Are They Today?

From the offspring of Lot’s incest with his daughters (19:37-38) came the forerunners of the Moabites and Ammonites, who, though related to them, were the Israelites’ constant enemies. For their gross idolatry, both Moab (Amos 2:1-3) and Ammon (Ezekiel 25:1-7) would later be destroyed.

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January 9

Genesis 21–24

Isaac—God’s Promise in Flesh and Blood

Key Passage: Genesis 21: 1–22: 19

Overview

Chapters 21–24 describe Isaac's birth and early years, the long-awaited son God had promised Abraham. After many years of learning to walk by faith, Abraham and Sarah experience the greatest joy of their lives: the miraculous birth of a son—an heir and the one through whom God would form a great nation. The stage is set for Abraham’s severest test—the command to sacrifice his treasured son as an offering to God. Drawing upon a faith in God that has grown with the years, Abraham offers Isaac to God, thereby learning another lesson in God’s faithfulness. Sarah, who has seen her son reach manhood, does not live to see his marriage.

Your Daily Walk

“There is no such thing as an accident, only incidents in the perfect will of God.” That’s not just a glib maxim. It was spoken by a father whose teenage daughter had just undergone brain surgery after a car and bus collision. He meant that both the type and the timing of “accidents” are under God’s wise control.

It is no coincidence that chapter 22 begins with these words: “And it came to pass after these things” (KJV). What things? The faith-stretching experiences of chapters 12–21. Only then did God put Abraham through the supreme test with Isaac.

Are you learning lessons today that will help you handle tomorrow's tests? Think of one faith-stretching situation you are facing today. How might God use it to prepare you for tomorrow? Pause now and ask Him to make you teachable in today’s little tests so you’ll be prepared for tomorrow’s big ones.

Insight - Ephron’s Generosity...or Was It?

As a burial place for Sarah, Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah at Hebron from Ephron, a Hittite (23:3-16). In Hittite law, a property owner was subject to military duty. Abraham only wanted to buy the cave; Ephron urged him to take the whole field. In this way, Ephron, if he owned no other property, freed himself of his military obligation.

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January 10

Genesis 25–26

Isaac’s Family and Fortunes

Key Passage: Genesis 25: 19-34

Overview

Although presented only briefly in the Book of Genesis, Isaac's family is immensely significant. Born to Isaac are twin sons who would later be the fathers of twin nations: Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom). Although Isaac lives longer than his father, Abraham, he repeats some of his father’s most memorable mistakes (see 26:6-16). Despite his failures, Isaac hears the reassuring promise from God: “I will...confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham” (26:3).

Your Daily Walk

List everything you know about the life of Isaac. Then, compare your list with the following paragraph: Isaac was Abraham’s son, Rebekah’s husband, and Jacob’s father. He imitated his father and was tricked by one of his sons. He dug a few wells, and he fathered a set of twins. In short, he generally did, without much fanfare, what God told him to do.

How would you like your epitaph to read: “He pretty much did what God told him to do”? There’s not a lot of glamour in quiet faithfulness, but as far as God is concerned, it’s more important than just about anything else. Maybe that’s one reason Isaac gets equal billing with his father and son every time God identifies Himself as “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

Has God assigned you a supporting role that escapes the crowd's notice? Not everyone can function without applause, but God knows that by His grace, you can. Thank God for the privilege of serving in the “Isaac Brigade.” Ask Him for that same steadfastness of spirit that produced His commendation for Isaac.

Insight - Abraham’s Life—Filled to the Brim

The original Hebrew text of Genesis 25:8 reads: “Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years.” When Abraham died, he was full not only of years but also of trials and temptations, victories and failures, and reminders and reassurances that God’s promises would come to pass.

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January 11/12

Genesis 27–31

Jacob’s Dream and Flight from Esau

Key Passage: Genesis 27; 28: 10-22

Overview

The conflict that began in their mother’s womb carries over into the adult lives of the twins, Esau and Jacob. After following Rebekah’s plan to trick Isaac into giving him the patriarchal blessing, Jacob flees to Haran for safety. While traveling, He receives assurance from God in a dream that he is indeed the heir to the covenant promises. After 20 years in Haran learning painful lessons from his Uncle Laban, Jacob returns to Canaan with his livestock, servants, and family—the nucleus from which God will fashion a new nation: Israel.

Your Daily Walk

The first important experience of a newborn Hebrew baby was receiving a name. Often, the name given would describe the parents’ hopes for the child or picture the child’s personality, so an infant would tend to live up to his name.

As a child of God, you bear a new name, a name you will carry throughout eternity (Revelation 3:12; 22:4). That concept raises a penetrating question: Are you living up to your name? Talk to your heavenly Father about it right now. If you are willing to be a Christian in more than name alone, tell Him so.

Insight - You Can’t Tell the Patriarchs Without a Program

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January 13

Genesis 32–36

Jacob’s Encounter with Esau

Key Passage: Genesis 32

Overview

Having survived the pursuit of his jealous Uncle Laban, Jacob now faces an even greater danger from his estranged brother, Esau. After sending his family across the ford of Jabbok, Jacob wrestles with the angel of God until daybreak. The angel assures him of God’s continued presence and leaves Jacob with both a new name—Israel (“struggled with God”)—and a permanent limp as reminders of the encounter. Once reconciled to God, Jacob is ready to be reconciled to Esau and to return to Canaan as the vital link in God’s continuing promises.

Your Daily Walk

David, Jabez, and Jacob—a more unlikely trio you will never meet. David, the mighty king of Israel; Jabez, an obscure figure from the pages of 1 Chronicles; Jacob, the schemer-turned-servant. Yet they shared a common experience. Do you know what it was?

David prayed: “May God be gracious to us and bless us” (Psalm 67:1). Jabez “cried out to the God of Israel: ‘Oh, that you would bless me’ ” (1 Chronicles 4:10). Jacob wrestled with the angel of God, not willing to let go “unless you bless me” (Genesis 32:26). In each case, God did precisely that. David’s kingdom enjoyed “salvation among all nations” (Psalm 67:2); “God granted [Jabez’s] request” (1 Chronicles 4:10); and in response to Jacob’s petition, the angel of God “blessed him there” (Genesis 32:29).

Is it possible God has a blessing in store for you but that “you do not have, because you do not ask God” (James 4:2)? Use the prayer of David, Jabez, or Jacob to express the desire of your heart. Don’t be surprised when God answers. He’s in the business of blessing.

Insight - Run, Fight, or Get Married

After Hamor’s son had defiled Dinah, Jacob’s sons were ready for war. Realizing the impending danger, Hamor tried to offer his daughters in marriage to promote peace. The tactic failed this time, but it would plague Jacob’s descendants.

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January 14

Genesis 37–40

Joseph’s Bondage in Egypt

Key Passage: Genesis 37, 39

Overview

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and now Joseph, the fourth major character in the Genesis account of the fathers of the faith. Favored by his father but alienated from his brothers, Joseph is sold into Egyptian slavery. Imprisoned for a crime he did not commit and ignored by the forgetful chief butler, Joseph finds his faith—and his integrity—sorely tested. Though Joseph doesn’t realize it, through it all, God is preparing him for an important role that will bring to fruition all his childhood dreams.

Your Daily Walk

“God, why did You let this happen to me?” Have you ever felt the urge to ask that question?

“Why?” is a question Christians frequently ask—and one that God often leaves unanswered. Joseph must have been tempted often to ask for a heavenly explanation for his earthly troubles. Though God did not answer all of Joseph’s questions, He did meet all of Joseph’s needs (Genesis 39:21)—and He has promised to do the same for you (Philippians 4:13, 19). That means He will give you power over discouragement when you’re down in the pit (37:24). He will give you power over temptation from lustful thoughts (39:11-12). He will give you purpose for living even when you’re mistreated or ignored (39:20-21).

Joseph’s faith in God fortified him to face the pit of Canaan, the dungeon of Egypt, and everything in between. You can develop a faith like that, too. Please read about it in James 1:2-4.

Insight - Brothers in the Business

The members of the Ishmaelite caravan who bought Joseph from his brothers and sold him in Egypt were called Midianites (Genesis 37:28, 36). Midian and Medan were two sons of Abraham by his second wife Keturah (Genesis 25:2). From them, they developed a nomadic people who, though blood brothers of the Jews, became their constant enemies (Judges 6:1).

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January 15

Genesis 41–44

Joseph’s Brothers in Egypt

Key Passage: Genesis 41

Overview

During his two-year imprisonment, Joseph gains a reputation as an accurate interpreter of dreams. His God-given ability is now called upon to interpret the disturbing dreams of Pharaoh. Though the interpretation is ominous, Pharaoh’s response is overwhelming: Joseph becomes prime minister of the land, with power second only to Pharaoh himself. With a worldwide famine approaching, Joseph becomes Pharaoh’s choice to administer a relief program to meet the challenge. His new position allows Joseph to confront his brothers with their carefully concealed crime.

Your Daily Walk
You can learn many skills in just an afternoon: how to ride a bicycle, change the oil in your car, and bake a batch of cookies. Other skills take weeks to master: how to read 1,000 words a minute, sing four-part harmony, and drive a car. Then there are skills you will hone and develop for the rest of your life: how to work with people, study God’s Word, and draw upon God’s promises even when the circumstances aren’t too promising.

Thirteen years of Joseph’s life were spent in obscurity in Egypt. But they were not wasted years. God, in His infinite wisdom, knew that the man who emerged in chapter 41 had to be different from the man who submerged in chapter 37.

It takes a world with trouble to train men and women for their high calling as God’s children. Faced with trouble, some people grow wings; others buy crutches. Which kind are you? Read Isaiah 40:31, but everywhere you encounter the word they, substitute your own name. It’s a promise aimed at you.

Insight - From Prison to Palace in One Day
At age 17, Joseph was sold into Egyptian slavery (37:2). Thirteen years later, he was still in the dungeon (41:46), but when the time was right, God promoted him from the prison to the palace overnight. That’s a much-needed reminder that God’s “Graduate School of Growing” is seldom a one-year curriculum.

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