As for the rest of the acts of Elah, along with all his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? As for the rest of the acts of ElahThis phrase introduces the reader to the broader narrative of King Elah's reign. The Hebrew word for "acts" is "ma'aseh," which often refers to deeds or works. In the context of ancient Israel, a king's acts were not just political maneuvers but also spiritual and moral decisions that impacted the nation. Elah's reign, though brief, is a testament to the tumultuous period in Israel's history, marked by idolatry and political instability. His acts, therefore, are a reflection of the spiritual state of the nation. along with all that he did
This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the historical record. The Hebrew word "kol" means "all" or "everything," suggesting that nothing significant was omitted from the account of Elah's reign. This completeness is crucial for understanding the full scope of his impact as king. In a spiritual sense, it reminds us that God sees and knows all our deeds, and they are recorded in His divine ledger. are they not written
The rhetorical question here implies certainty and authority. The Hebrew verb "kathab" means "to write," indicating that these events were documented with care and precision. This written record serves as a testament to the historical accuracy and reliability of the biblical narrative. For believers, it underscores the importance of Scripture as a divinely inspired record of God's interaction with humanity. in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?
This phrase refers to a historical document that chronicled the reigns of the kings of Israel. While this specific book is not part of the biblical canon, it is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, suggesting its importance as a historical source. The existence of such records highlights the meticulous nature of ancient record-keeping and the value placed on preserving history. For the conservative Christian, it serves as a reminder of the importance of learning from history and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElahThe son of Baasha, Elah was the king of Israel who reigned for two years. His reign was marked by idolatry and moral decline, leading to his assassination by Zimri, one of his officials. 2. ZimriAn official in Elah's army who conspired against him and killed him while he was drunk. Zimri's coup was short-lived, as he reigned for only seven days before being overthrown. 3. IsraelThe northern kingdom, distinct from Judah, often characterized by political instability and idolatry during this period. 4. The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of IsraelA historical record mentioned frequently in the books of Kings, which documented the reigns and acts of the kings of Israel. Teaching Points The Consequences of Idolatry and SinElah's reign serves as a reminder of the destructive power of idolatry and sin. His failure to follow God's commandments led to his downfall and serves as a warning to remain faithful to God. The Importance of Godly LeadershipElah's short and tumultuous reign underscores the need for leaders who are committed to righteousness and justice. Godly leadership can bring stability and blessing, while ungodly leadership leads to chaos and judgment. The Certainty of God's JudgmentThe fulfillment of the prophecy against Baasha's house, including Elah, demonstrates that God's judgment is sure and inevitable. It encourages believers to live in obedience to God's Word. The Role of Divine ProvidenceDespite the apparent chaos and human schemes, God's providence is at work, fulfilling His purposes. This encourages trust in God's sovereignty even in difficult times. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Elah's reign reflect the spiritual condition of Israel during this period, and what lessons can we learn about the impact of leadership on a nation? 2. In what ways does the account of Elah and Zimri illustrate the principle found in Proverbs 16:18 about pride and downfall? 3. How can we apply the lessons from Elah's life to our own lives, particularly in terms of avoiding idolatry and remaining faithful to God? 4. What does the repeated mention of the "Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel" teach us about the importance of historical records and accountability? 5. How can we find comfort and assurance in God's sovereignty and providence, as seen in the fulfillment of His judgment against Elah's house, in our own lives today? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 15:25-34Provides context for Elah's reign by describing the reign of his father, Baasha, and the prophecy against Baasha's house due to his sins. 2 Kings 9:26References the bloodshed and violence that characterized the reigns of many kings of Israel, including Elah's. Proverbs 16:18Offers a principle that can be applied to Elah's downfall, highlighting the dangers of pride and moral failure. People Abiram, Ahab, Arza, Asa, Baasha, Elah, Ethbaal, Ginath, Hanani, Hiel, Israelites, Jehu, Jeroboam, Jezebel, Joram, Joshua, Nebat, Nun, Omri, Segub, Shemer, Sidonians, Tibni, Tirzah, Zidon, Zidonians, ZimriPlaces Bethel, Gibbethon, Jericho, Samaria, TirzahTopics Acts, Annals, Aren't, Book, Chronicles, Elah, Elah's, History, Kings, Matters, Recorded, Reign, Rest, WrittenDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 16:13 6218 provoking God 1 Kings 16:12-13 8739 evil, examples of Library Whether the Mode of virtue Falls under the Precept of the Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that the mode of virtue falls under the precept of the law. For the mode of virtue is that deeds of justice should be done justly, that deeds of fortitude should be done bravely, and in like manner as to the other virtues. But it is commanded (Dt. 26:20) that "thou shalt follow justly after that which is just." Therefore the mode of virtue falls under the precept. Objection 2: Further, that which belongs to the intention of the lawgiver comes chiefly under the precept. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa TheologicaWhether a Man Can be Saved Without Baptism?
Objection 1: It seems that no man can be saved without Baptism. For our Lord said (Jn. 3:5): "Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." But those alone are saved who enter God's kingdom. Therefore none can be saved without Baptism, by which a man is born again of water and the Holy Ghost. Objection 2: Further, in the book De Eccl. Dogm. xli, it is written: "We believe that no catechumen, though he die in his good works, will have eternal life, except …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the Old Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that there can be no suitable cause for the sacraments of the Old Law. Because those things that are done for the purpose of divine worship should not be like the observances of idolaters: since it is written (Dt. 12:31): "Thou shalt not do in like manner to the Lord thy God: for they have done to their gods all the abominations which the Lord abhorreth." Now worshippers of idols used to knive themselves to the shedding of blood: for it is related (3 Kings 18:28) that they …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether a Vow Consists in a Mere Purpose of the Will?
Objection 1: It would seem that a vow consists in nothing but a purpose of the will. According to some [*William of Auxerre, Sum. Aur. III, xxviii, qu. 1; Albertus Magnus, Sent. iv, D, 38], "a vow is a conception of a good purpose after a firm deliberation of the mind, whereby a man binds himself before God to do or not to do a certain thing." But the conception of a good purpose and so forth, may consist in a mere movement of the will. Therefore a vow consists in a mere purpose of the will. Objection …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Whoever is Perfect is in the State of Perfection?
Objection 1: It would seem that whoever is perfect is in the state of perfection. For, as stated above (A[3], ad 3), just as bodily perfection is reached by bodily growth, so spiritual perfection is acquired by spiritual growth. Now after bodily growth one is said to have reached the state of perfect age. Therefore seemingly also after spiritual growth, when one has already reached spiritual perfection, one is in the state of perfection. Objection 2: Further, according to Phys. v, 2, movement "from …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether after the Resurrection Every one Will Know what Sins He Has Committed?
Objection 1: It seems that after the resurrection everyone will not be able to know all the sins he has committed. For whatever we know, either we receive it anew through the senses, or we draw it from the treasure house of the memory. Now after the resurrection men will be unable to perceive their sins by means of sense, because they will be things of the past, while sense perceives only the present: and many sins will have escaped the sinner's memory, and he will be unable to recall them from the …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 16:14 NIV1 Kings 16:14 NLT1 Kings 16:14 ESV1 Kings 16:14 NASB1 Kings 16:14 KJV
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