SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
2 Chronicles 10:1 through 20:37

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you.” (2 Chronicles 20:17)

BACKGROUND

After covering the reigns of David and Solomon in previous chapters of 1 and 2 Chronicles, today’s text begins when Israel divided into two nations: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. From chapter 10 to the end of 2 Chronicles is a history of the kings of Judah. There is a pattern evident throughout these chapters: when the king followed God, the people did as well, resulting in national peace. When the king turned from God, the people also often rebelled, and suffered the consequences. 

After Solomon’s death in 930 B.C., his son Rehoboam ascended to the throne. The new ruler solicited advice from Solomon’s counselors as well as his own peers, but he did not seek God for help. When he took the recommendation of his contemporaries, the ten northern tribes declared their independence, leaving only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin under Rehoboam’s control. To strengthen Judah, Rehoboam fortified fifteen cities to the west and south of Jerusalem. However, he did evil and allowed the people of Judah to worship idols, “because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord” (2 Chronicles 12:14). 

Abijah followed Rehoboam on Judah’s throne, and reigned three years. Although Abijah was not righteous, God worked for Judah during this time because the people continued to worship and honor Him. Chapter 13 describes a battle that took place between the armies of Abijah and those of Jeroboam, ruler of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Through God’s power, Judah won even though they were greatly outnumbered by Israel. 

The next king of Judah, Asa, ruled over the nation for forty-one years; his reign is summarized in chapters 14 through 16. Asa did right before God at the beginning of his reign and there was peace and prosperity in the land for ten years. Chapter 15 records that in the fifteenth year of his reign, Asa was warned by the prophet Azariah to continue seeking God. His first recorded act after this warning was to “put away the abominable idols” throughout the land (15:8). Then he gathered all the people of Judah together, and they were joined by some from the northern tribes who wanted to be part of a committed return to God. The people renewed their covenant with God, pledging to seek Him with all their hearts. Sadly, after God had given Asa great victories, he stopped trusting the Lord, became resistant to God, and suffered from disease. 

Chapters 17 through 20 record the reign of Jehoshaphat, who succeeded his father Asa. Because he sought God and followed the Lord’s commandments, God established the kingdom in his hand, and “he had riches and honour in abundance” (2 Chronicles 17:5). God brought mighty deliverances when Jehoshaphat looked to the Lord for help. However, later in his life he made an unwise military alliance with the wicked King Ahab of Israel, and this led to Judah’s involvement in a conflict with Syria in which Ahab was killed. Jehoshaphat’s life was spared and he returned safely to Jerusalem, but he was rebuked by Jehu the prophet for his alliance with Ahab. The final chapter of today’s text relates the invasion of Judah by the combined forces of the Moabites, Ammonites, and other allies, Jehoshaphat’s prayer, and the subsequent deliverance of Judah and defeat of her enemies. 

Today, God is still willing to “show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). We can learn from the example of the kings of Judah how important it is to avail ourselves of that promise.

SUGGESTED RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS‍

1. When Rehoboam was made king, the people of Israel (led by Jeroboam) requested that the “heavy yoke” put upon them by Solomon be reduced. What did Rehoboam’s two groups of counselors suggest his response should be? Whose advice did he follow? 2 Chronicles 10:6-11
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   The older advisors suggested Rehoboam be kind to the people by reducing the heavy taxation and forced service. The younger counselors said he should be more harsh and demanding than Solomon had been. Rehoboam chose to listen to his peers. Point out to your group that as a result, the ten northern tribes seceded and formed the nation of Israel (see verses 16-19). 
   
   You might ask your class where we should go when we need advice. Their answers may include: to God, to those with knowledge about related matters (i.e. an auto mechanic for car trouble), and to godly people. In spiritual matters it is particularly important to consult God, His Word, and people with spiritual understanding and experience.
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2. As the Northern Kingdom of Israel plunged into idolatry, some of the Levites and other true worshippers of God migrated to Judah. These people “set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel” (2 Chronicles 11:16). What does it mean to set our hearts to seek God and what will be some of the evidences?
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   Those who set their hearts to seek God have made a conscious decision to wholeheartedly follow God’s will and instructions. 
   
   Your class could generate a list of the evidences of this purpose. That list may include thoughts such as:
      • Setting aside distractions to focus on God.
      • Spending time in Bible study and prayer.
      • Watching for opportunities to tell unbelievers about the Lord.
      • Faithful attendance at church.
      • An interest in talking about God with fellow believers.
      • A purpose to do God’s will, even if it means facing difficulties.
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3. Chapter 12 records that at the beginning of King Rehoboam’s reign, he seemed to listen to God’s prophet and to obey. However, when he was stronger and the kingdom appeared to be going well, he forsook God. As a result, God allowed the king of Egypt and his allies to capture many of Judah’s fortified cities, and then come toward Jerusalem. When the prophet told Rehoboam and the princes this invasion was because they had forsaken God, what was their reaction? 2 Chronicles 12:6
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   The king and the princes humbled themselves before God. They said, “The Lord is righteous,” which indicates they understood that God’s discipline was deserved.
   
   Discuss God’s response as related in 2 Chronicles 12:7-8. God honored the humility of Rehoboam and the princes and did not allow the nation to be destroyed by the Egyptians. However, the people of Judah had to serve the king of Egypt, probably by paying tribute, and the wealth of their nation was reduced.
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   Today God also honors humility and notes when anyone comes to Him in repentance. However, even though a person is saved and looking forward to Heaven, some of the consequences of the former sins may remain.
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4. Abijah, Rehoboam’s son, had war with the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Israel had turned away from God and served idols. In contrast, Judah had maintained the worship and sacrifices as commanded by God. What was Abijah’s warning to Jeroboam and Israel? (See 2 Chronicles 13:12.) Given the relative size of the opposing armies, how can the outcome of the battle be an encouragement to us today?
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   Abijah warned that God was with Judah, and that Israel would not prosper if they fought against Him.
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   It should be an encouragement to us to recognize that God helped Judah in a mighty way, even though Israel had an army that was twice as large as Judah’s. This can be an encouragement to us when we feel “outnumbered” or face problems that seem insurmountable. God has promised to be with us when we trust in Him. You may wish to ask your students if they can share a time when circumstances seemed impossible and yet God brought victory.
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5. The forty-one-year rule of Asa is covered in 2 Chronicles chapters 14-16. His beginning was good. During the first part of his reign, he commanded the people of Judah to seek God, and the Lord gave them rest from their enemies for ten years. According to 2 Chronicles 14:7, Asa recognized this as an opportunity to build defenses against potential future attacks. What spiritual lesson can we learn from this?
   
   Lead your class to conclude that if we are not currently facing a trial, we should be looking to God to help us prepare for the next trial—as it surely will come! You could ask how we can prepare. Their suggestions might include:
      • Establish a pattern of daily devotions—both Bible reading and prayer.
      • Make note of how God has answered prayer for others.
      • Spend time with other believers.
      • Keep a list of your past victories so you can reference them during trials and gain strength from remembering God’s help in the past.
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6. The end of 2 Chronicles 14 tells how God gave Asa and Judah victory over the Ethiopians who came against Judah with far larger forces. In Chapter 15, God sent a prophet to warn Asa of the necessity to continue to lean on God. In response, Asa instituted reforms. He put away the idols in Judah, removed anything related to the practice of idolatry, and restored the altar of the Lord. Then he gathered the people of Judah, as well as some from the Northern Kingdom who wanted to truly serve God, and they entered into a covenant to serve God with all their hearts. What was the result? 2 Chronicles 15:15 and 19
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   The people rejoiced, God was “found of them,” and they had rest from war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa’s reign. 
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   You could follow up with the question: What will be the result if we purpose to serve God with all our hearts and keep His commandments? 
   
   Your students should recognize that God will answer prayer for us as well and prepare our hearts to live with Him eternally. This may not mean that every prayer will be answered in exactly the way we wish. However, God will do what is best for us, and He will not fail His Word.
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7. In chapter 16 we read that despite the victory God gave Asa and Judah over the Ethiopians and their allies, when Israel began to fortify a border city, Asa hired the armies of Syria to help instead of relying on God. In response, God sent Hanani the seer to rebuke Asa. According to verse 10, what was Asa’s reaction? What can we learn from this exchange?
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   Asa was enraged and had the prophet imprisoned.
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   Your class may have various thoughts about what we can learn from this exchange. These could include:
      • Those who are not following God’s ways may be angry when rebuked.
      • Angry people may lash out at the innocent or persecute those who stand for truth.
      • It is dangerous to rely on our own solutions instead of keeping our trust in God. According to 2 Chronicles 16:9, God wanted to show His strength on behalf of His trusting people, but Asa hindered that when he sought the help of Syria. 
   
   Conclude your discussion of these questions by reinforcing that resistance to God does not pay. The final verses of this chapter indicate that the last years of Asa’s life were marred by unbelief, oppression against his people, and disease. Even if people do not see the results of resistance to God in this life, they will see it in eternity.
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8. When Jehoshaphat became king, he purposed to serve God. We read in 2 Chronicles 17:7-9 that one of the programs he instituted was to educate the people regarding God’s Law. Teaching God’s Word is vital today as well. What are some ways people can be taught the truths of the Bible?
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   The suggestions of your class may include the following:
      • Through attendance at Sunday school, church, and Bible study sessions.
      • By family and/or personal devotions. Class members may be able to share examples. Some families have Bible quizzes, sing Scripture-based songs, or have their children tell where a passage is located in the Bible, etc.
      • Through observing the godly daily lives of believers.
      • By reading Christian literature and accounts of faithful Christians of the past.
      • Through discussion of Biblical values and a Biblical worldview.
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9. Chapter 20 of 2 Chronicles describes the miraculous deliverance God gave Judah when a great number of enemy forces invaded. Jehoshaphat responded to the threat of invasion in three ways: he feared, he set himself to seek God, and he called the nation to pray and fast. His prayer in verses 6-12 ends with these words, “O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.” What was God’s response through the prophet, Jahaziel, and what strategy did Judah use? 2 Chronicles 20:14-17, 21
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   God’s message was:
      • Be not afraid or dismayed (verse 15).
      • The battle is not yours, but God’s (verse 15).
      • The enemy’s pending location was given (verse 16).
      • You will not need to fight (verse 17—key verse).
      • Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord (verse 17).
      • The Lord will be with you (verse 17). 
   
   The strategy used was to place the singers in front of Judah’s army. When they arrived at the battle area, they found that the enemy was already destroyed. 
   
   A follow-up question for your class could be: What can we learn from this account? Their answers may include:
      • God will fight for His people.
      • Our battles will be the Lord’s if we trust Him.
      • We need to make sure we are obeying God to the best of our knowledge in every area of our lives.
      • We must be seeking God’s interests rather than self-oriented desires.
      • When we face difficulties, we need to recognize our own insufficiency and ask God for help.
      • We don’t know how God will answer our prayers, but we can be sure He will answer.
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CONCLUSION

The same God who worked for the people of Judah wants to work for us today. May we seek to obey His instructions and trust Him with all our hearts. As we do, He will be glorified in us, He will be with us as we face spiritual battles, and we can expect Him to be mindful of every detail of our lives.