When Kings Return: A Legacy of Falling, Fighting, and Finding God Again

Be God's Glory
Apr 25
11 min read

Welcome to Day 114 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are in the book of 2 Chronicles. Chapters 12 to 15 of 2 Chronicles highlight the spiritual journey of the Southern Kingdom of Judah under the reigns of Rehoboam, Abijah, and Asa. These chapters showcase the recurring cycle of rebellion, divine discipline, repentance, and restoration. Rehoboam turns away from God but later humbles himself, sparing Judah from complete destruction. His son Abijah continues the fight against Israel but sees victory because he acknowledges God in battle. Asa, Abijah’s son, initiates powerful reforms, seeks the Lord wholeheartedly, and experiences peace and victory as a result. However, the narrative begins to hint at how even good beginnings can turn if vigilance in faith is not maintained. These stories reveal the importance of wholehearted devotion to God, the impact of leadership, and the blessings that follow obedience.

2 Chronicles 12: King Rehoboam’s reign takes a sharp turn when he abandons God’s law, prompting God to allow Egypt to attack Jerusalem. As Judah faces this threat, Rehoboam and the leaders humble themselves, and God grants them partial relief, sparing them from total destruction but allowing them to become subject to Egypt. The chapter ends with a reflection on Rehoboam's reign, contrasting his early faith with his later disobedience. His pride and lack of full devotion caused Judah to suffer, setting the tone for the consequences of spiritual compromise. It serves as a warning that even small steps away from God can lead to great vulnerability.

2 Chronicles 13: King Abijah of Judah faces a massive military conflict with Jeroboam, king of Israel. Despite being outnumbered, Abijah publicly declares Judah's loyalty to God and criticizes Israel’s idolatry. As battle erupts, Judah calls on the Lord, and God grants them victory, striking down a large portion of Israel's army. Abijah recovers several cities and reestablishes control. His story reminds readers of the power of calling on God and standing firm in faith, even when the odds seem overwhelming.

2 Chronicles 14: King Asa’s reign begins with decisive spiritual reform—he removes foreign altars, commands the people to seek the Lord, and fortifies the land. Because of their devotion, Judah enjoys peace for ten years. When a massive army led by Zerah the Ethiopian attacks, Asa cries out to God, acknowledging that victory depends on Him alone. The Lord answers with a miraculous defeat of the enemy, proving His faithfulness once more. Asa’s dependence on God sets a standard for godly leadership. The chapter emphasizes how revival and reliance bring peace and deliverance.

2 Chronicles 15: The prophet Azariah challenges Asa to remain faithful, warning that turning from God brings trouble. Asa responds with even deeper reforms, renewing the altar of the Lord, gathering the people in covenant, and removing his own mother from power due to her idolatry. The nation rejoices and enters a solemn agreement to seek God wholeheartedly. As a result, God gives them rest on every side. This chapter highlights the blessings of national repentance and personal accountability, reminding readers that wholehearted commitment yields peace.

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The name "Chronicles" comes from the Latin Chronicon, which was adopted from the Greek word Paraleipomenon, meaning "things left out" or "things omitted." This implies that 1 and 2 Chronicles were seen as a supplement or continuation of the historical narratives found in Samuel and Kings. In the Hebrew Bible, 1 and 2 Chronicles were originally a single book called Divrei Hayamim, meaning “The Matters (or Events) of the Days.” This title reflects the book’s role in chronicling the history of Israel, especially from a priestly and spiritual perspective.

Purpose of the Book:

The purpose of 2 Chronicles is to highlight the religious history of Judah, focusing on the temple, the priesthood, and the Davidic line of kings. Unlike the books of Kings, which cover both Israel and Judah, 2 Chronicles centers almost entirely on the kingdom of Judah, tracing its spiritual fidelity or failure to God's covenant. The book was written to encourage and instruct the returning exiles from Babylon, reminding them of God’s faithfulness, the importance of proper worship, and the need for national and spiritual restoration under God's leadership. It serves as a theological reflection—emphasizing that faithfulness to God brings blessing, while rebellion leads to downfall.

Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:

The traditional author of 1 and 2 Chronicles is believed to be Ezra the scribe, based on ancient Jewish tradition and internal evidence. This tradition is supported by:

Jewish Talmudic sources (like Baba Bathra 15a), which state that Ezra wrote Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah.
The similar writing style, genealogical interest, and spiritual themes found in Ezra-Nehemiah and Chronicles (e.g., emphasis on temple worship, Levitical roles, and the priesthood).
2 Chronicles 36:22–23 ends with the same wording that begins the book of Ezra 1:1–3, suggesting a seamless continuation and possibly the same author or editorial hand.

Though the exact identity of the final compiler isn’t definitively proven, many scholars—both religious and academic—lean toward Ezra or someone in his priestly circle as the most credible authorship.

External References:

The Jewish Encyclopedia and ISBE (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) support Ezra's authorship.
Bible commentaries such as those by Matthew Henry, John Gill, and the ESV Study Bible also reflect Ezra as the likely author.
Modern scholars, like those cited in the Anchor Yale Bible Commentary and Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, also affirm Ezra as the most probable candidate, given the shared concerns of Chronicles and Ezra-Nehemiah.

Key People:

2 Chronicles features numerous significant figures from Israel’s past, but some stand out more than others:

Solomon – Son of David and builder of the Temple in Jerusalem. His wisdom and early devotion to God are foundational to the book.
Rehoboam – Solomon’s son and the first king of Judah after the kingdom divides.
Asa – A king of Judah who led significant religious reforms.
Jehoshaphat – A godly king known for his alliance with Ahab and a strong military.
Hezekiah – A reforming king who reopened the temple and celebrated Passover.
Manasseh – A wicked king who later repents, showing God’s mercy.
Josiah – Known for rediscovering the Book of the Law and restoring temple worship.
Zedekiah – The last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile.
Ezra (possibly) – Though not directly named, if Ezra is the author, his priestly focus shapes the narrative.

Conclusion

The book of 2 Chronicles closes with both a solemn warning and a hopeful promise. It reveals the tragic consequences of Judah’s persistent unfaithfulness to God—despite the reforms of good kings like Hezekiah and Josiah, the nation ultimately falls to Babylon due to generations of disobedience, idolatry, and rejection of prophetic warnings. Yet, even in the final verses, God’s mercy shines through. The decree of King Cyrus of Persia, allowing the exiles to return and rebuild the temple, marks a powerful turn in Israel’s story. This moment reminds readers that while sin brings judgment, God’s covenant love remains steadfast.

2 Chronicles ultimately serves as a call to repentance, restoration, and reverence. It urges the people—and us today—to honor God with undivided hearts, to value His presence above all else, and to recognize that true greatness is found in humble worship and faithful obedience. Through kings, priests, and prophets, God revealed His desire for a holy people set apart for His glory. The journey from Solomon’s majestic temple to the destruction and eventual restoration reminds us that God’s purposes will prevail, and His invitation to return to Him is always open.

What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In 2 Chronicles 12, God displays both justice and mercy. When Rehoboam and the people of Judah abandon God's law, He allows them to experience defeat at the hands of Egypt. Yet, when they humble themselves, God shows compassion and relents from destroying them completely. This balance reveals a God who is just in punishing sin but merciful to the repentant. He desires humility and obedience over pride and rebellion.

While no specific Hebrew names of God are directly stated in this chapter, God's actions reflect His identity as El Rachum (The Compassionate God) and El Elyon (God Most High), sovereign even over enemy nations. The lesson here is that God disciplines those He loves but will respond with mercy when they repent. Humility before God invites His forgiveness, even in the midst of judgment.

In 2 Chronicles 13, God is shown as faithful and responsive to those who trust in Him. Though Judah, under King Abijah, was vastly outnumbered, God granted victory because they relied on Him and upheld proper worship. His character is revealed as one who honors covenant and righteousness. God is not limited by numbers—He moves on behalf of those whose hearts are loyal to Him.

In verse 10, Abijah declares, “But as for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken Him.” The Hebrew name implied here is YHWH Eloheinu (The LORD our God), which speaks of covenant relationship and loyalty. The lesson is that when we stand firm in faith and worship God rightly, He will fight our battles. Faithfulness brings divine favor and victory even against overwhelming odds.

In 2 Chronicles 14, God is portrayed as a refuge and deliverer for those who fully depend on Him. King Asa’s prayer during the Ethiopian invasion demonstrates complete trust in God’s power over human strength. The Lord responds with miraculous victory, showing His faithfulness and power. God desires to be sought first and delights in defending those who rely on Him rather than themselves.

Asa’s prayer in verse 11 appeals to the Lord as the only true help: “O Lord, You are our God…” The name echoed here is YHWH Eloheinu, emphasizing personal relationship and divine ownership. The lesson from this chapter is that no matter how great the threat, when God is our source of strength, He brings peace and triumph. True reliance on God brings supernatural breakthroughs.

In 2 Chronicles 15, God is shown as approachable and faithful to seekers. Through the prophet Azariah, He makes a clear promise: “If you seek Him, He will be found by you.” God honors intentional pursuit and blesses those who turn from idolatry and return to Him with sincerity. His character is one of availability, righteousness, and reward for obedience.

Although no distinct Hebrew names are introduced in this chapter, the theme aligns with YHWH Shalom (The LORD is Peace) as God grants peace to Judah when they seek Him wholeheartedly. The lesson is that spiritual renewal and national revival begin with personal commitment. When God is earnestly pursued, He responds with His presence, protection, and peace.

Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

Questions:

Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?

How does God demonstrate His justice and mercy in His dealings with King Rehoboam and Judah in chapter 12?
What does God’s response to Abijah’s speech and prayer in chapter 13 show about His faithfulness to His covenant?
In chapter 14, what does Asa’s success in battle reveal about God as a deliverer and protector?
How does God use prophets to communicate His will and remind people of His character in these chapters?
What can we learn about God’s patience and willingness to restore His people when they repent and seek Him?
How is God’s presence shown to be conditional in chapter 15:2 (“The Lord is with you while you are with Him”)?
What does God’s character in these chapters teach us about how He views humility and pride?

Questions About Themes:

What role does repentance play in the overall theme of restoration throughout these chapters?
How does seeking God lead to peace, victory, and restoration in these stories?
What repeated theme do you notice about spiritual leadership and its impact on a nation or people group?
How is obedience versus disobedience contrasted in the lives of Rehoboam, Abijah, and Asa?
What is the significance of removing idols and restoring worship, and how does that reflect God’s desire for holiness?
How does God’s covenant with David play a foundational role in these chapters?
How does the theme of wholehearted devotion emerge in the actions of King Asa and the people of Judah?

Reflective Application Questions:

Are there areas in your life where God is calling you to humble yourself and return to Him?
What “battles” are you currently facing, and how can you invite God to fight for you instead of relying on your own strength?
Is your relationship with God marked by half-heartedness or wholehearted devotion? What needs to change?
In what ways can you lead your family or community to remove spiritual distractions and focus more on God?
Have you experienced God’s discipline in a way that led to growth or restoration? How did that shape your faith?
What steps can you take this week to “seek the Lord and be found by Him” like the people did in chapter 15?
How can you become more sensitive to God’s voice through His Word, like the kings who responded to prophetic direction?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans