Reading
SAA Notes
This chapter is a commentary on Israel’s history and the major lessons for us, viz. verse 7. What warnings do you see in this chapter that we today need to take note of.
SJA Notes
* Dear God Above, Your hands have made and fashioned us – Give us understanding that we might learn Your commandments.
“Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them out of his sight.”
And so the dispersion begins – with Shalmaneser king of Assyria taking away Israel, all the northern tribes – And then repopulating the land with scatterings of other peoples.
This passage contains much of interest. It is both history and prophesy (preaching, the testimony of Jesus).
Look at how much truth-telling happens. Again and again prophets pointing out that God had called His people to repentance, but they refuse.
In verse 9 we read,
“And the people of Israel did secretly against the LORD their God things that were not right.”
The list continues to verse 17 where we see that their idolatry led them to barbarous acts such as child sacrifice. When their false gods didn’t give them what they wanted, and instead of turning back to the real and true God, they decided to step deeper into sin.
This is a timely reminder for us.
People cannot get real joy or satisfaction from false religion.
The only place these things can be found is in the always-true and ever-present God.
There is none like Him!
* Thank You Father God, for Your love for us!
Thank You for saving us from our sin.
Thank You for the strong and steady promise, an inheritance won for us by You the Son, the gift You give – eternal life!
Thank You Lord!
Amen.