Podcasts about Arameans

Season 23: Angelology | #2 – Open His EyesScripture: 2 Kings 6:8-23NEW! Watch us ONLINE! Click here!SHOW NOTES: In today's lesson, the prophet Elisha is surrounded by the enemy forces, the Aramean army. Fear grips his servant's heart as he cries out, “What will we do?” Then he sent horses, chariots, and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.2 Kings 6:14-15 Doubtless Elisha knew about all this, too, but allowed himself to be trapped so that the Arameans' subsequent entrapment would bring God glory. Elisha reassured his servant not to fear and explained that their unseen spiritual warriors outnumbered the enemy. In response to Elisha's prayer, the servant's eyes were opened to behold an innumerable angelic host standing ready to intervene on Elisha's behalf. Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So, the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17The core message is that the invisible forces of protection and power on your side are far greater than any visible obstacle before you. It is a reminder to shift your perspective from earthly panic to spiritual peace! HEAD TO HEART: In this lesson from 2 Kings 6, the Lord reminds us of the unseen spiritual realm. Elisha and his servant saw the fiery chariots and realized that God's supreme power, divine intervention, and safety were all around them, even amid enemy forces. Lord, open our eyes and help us trust in Your divine and holy purpose. SONG: Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxq_6prPABs&list=RDyxq_6prPABs&start_radio=1

What if the fight you're in is actually an invitation to take territory? Graham Cooke continues the anatomy of a good fight: authority comes through surrender to sovereignty, worship is a transaction where God is no man's debtor, and the story of Elisha at Dothan ends not in bloodshed but in a fourteen-mile walk that sends the enemy home for good. Discover why the biggest battleground is the space between your ears, why in Jesus we fight from victory rather than toward it, and why God — the one true territorial spirit — may want you to occupy the very ground where the battle is raging.Key Scriptures:+ Romans 8:37. "But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us."+ Isaiah 54:17. "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD."+ Ephesians 4:23-24. "And that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth."+ 2 Kings 6:18-23. "And the marauding bands of Arameans did not come again into the land of Israel."+ Nehemiah 8:10. "Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."Want to explore more?

7 takeaways from this study Take your “wilderness” seasons seriously. Times of isolation, sickness, or loss can become holy ground where God has your undivided attention. Ask Him what He is teaching you, not only what He is removing. Treat both body and soul. When facing long-term illness or patterns like addiction, pursue wise medical help and also ask: “What is going on in my heart, habits, relationships, and walk with God?” Guard your tongue. Miriam and Gehazi show how slander, complaint, and deceit can become “spiritual toxins.” Make repentance for sinful speech as real and specific as you would for any outward act. Dedicate what you hear, do, and where you go. The ear, hand, and foot imagery invites a daily prayer: “Lord, cleanse and direct what I listen to, what I put my hands to, and the paths I choose today.” Let your healing deepen your calling. The cleansed leper is not only restored but symbolically “near-priestly.” When God brings you through a trial, ask how your story can now serve others in practical, humble ways. Do not waste your outsider experiences. Like the four lepers in 2 Kings 7, the places where you were most rejected or desperate may become the very places God uses you to bring good news and provision to others. Respond with obedience and gratitude, not just relief. The ten lepers in Luke 17 remind us: it is possible to receive God's mercy and then move on. Make a habit of returning in worship, obeying His instructions, and giving Him glory publicly. Biblical “leprosy” functions as more than a medical label. In Scripture, צָרַעַת ṣāraʿat/tzara’at exposes both physical affliction and spiritual condition. Leviticus 13–14 establishes the basic categories and rituals. Historical narratives in 2 Kings and the Gospels then illustrate how God uses lepers and leprosy to reveal sin, grant cleansing, and redirect lives. Leviticus 14 shows that the ritual for the “leper in the day of his cleansing” (Leviticus 14:2 NASB95) applies after physical restoration has already occurred. The ceremony therefore emphasizes spiritual realities. Later accounts in 2Kings 7, Luke 17, and Mark 1 further develop the connection between outward disease and inner life. Leprosy in Leviticus: Broad and ritual, not narrowly clinical Leviticus 13–14 describes tzāraʿat in terms of color, depth, spread, and duration. The text speaks of white hair, raw flesh, reddish or greenish marks, and deeper depressions in the skin (Leviticus 13:2–8, 18–25). The vocabulary allows many modern skin conditions — such as eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, or other chronic dermatoses — to fall within its scope. Consequently, ṣāraʿat in Leviticus functions primarily as a ritual and covenantal classification rather than a precise clinical diagnosis like modern Hansen's disease. The passage focuses on whether the condition renders the individual טָמֵא ṭāmēʼ (unclean) or טָהוֹר ṭāhôr (clean), not on identifying a specific pathogen. In addition, priestly involvement centers on examination and declaration. The priest observes, isolates, re-examines, and then pronounces clean or unclean (Leviticus 13:3, 13:13, 13:17). The priest does not apply medical treatment. This division of roles underscores the ritual and spiritual focus of the legislation. Isolation outside the camp: Loss and direct encounter Once declared unclean, the person with ṣāraʿat must live “alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp” (Leviticus 13:46 NASB95). Clothing is torn. The head is uncovered. The upper lip is covered. The leper must cry out “Unclean! Unclean!” (Leviticus 13:45). These actions publicly mark the condition and prevent casual contact. Practically, such isolation strips a person of home, normal relationships, and community worship. Family connections become distant, often literally. Daily survival may depend on food left at a distance by compassionate relatives or neighbors. The social cost mirrors the spiritual reality of being separated from the holy presence in the camp. At the same time, this separation places the leper in a kind of wilderness space, separated from community structures. Human mediators can only pronounce, not cure. In this setting, dependence on יי רֹפְאֵנוּ Adonai Rofeinu (the LORD our Healer) becomes central. If healing comes, it comes from God Himself. In this way, the “outside the camp” experience embodies both judgment and opportunity for direct encounter. Physical and spiritual dimensions of disease Biblical material often links physical conditions with inner states without denying natural causes. Emotions, patterns of sin, and spiritual dynamics interact with bodily health. For instance, prolonged anger and anxiety can aggravate stomach ulcers or gallbladder problems. Psalm 32:3–4 portrays unconfessed sin in terms of bodily wasting: “When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away… my vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer” (NASB95). Here inner guilt and physical experience intertwine. Modern examples follow the same pattern. Alcoholism, while classified as a disease, frequently arises from deep emotional wounds, trauma, or despair. In biblical categories, such factors involve the לֵב lēv (heart) and the רוּחַ rūakh (spirit). Chronic destructive habits grow out of damaged inner life as well as physical predisposition. Consequently, long-term conditions—such as addictions, some chronic illnesses, or persistent psychosomatic complaints—often display both physical and spiritual dimensions. Addressing only the physical symptoms may leave the root issues untouched. When this occurs, patterns can recur, intensify, or shift into alternate forms. Leviticus 14: Cleansing after healing Leviticus 14 opens with a clear temporal statement: “This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing” (Leviticus 14:2 NASB95). The ritual begins only after the visible disease has ceased. The priest “shall go out to the outside of the camp; thus the priest shall look, and if the infection of leprosy has been healed in the leper” (Leviticus 14:3). Only then does the ceremony proceed. The ritual includes: Two live clean birds Cedar wood (עֵץ אֶרֶז ʿēṣ ʼerez) Scarlet string or material (שָׁנִי תוֹלָעַת šānî tôlāʿat – scarlet) Hyssop (אֵזוֹב ʼēzov) An earthenware vessel over “living water” (fresh, running water) Later, sacrifices of a guilt offering, sin offering, burnt offering, and grain offering Application of blood and oil to the cleansed person One bird is slaughtered over the living water. The blood and water mix in the vessel. The living bird, cedar, scarlet, and hyssop are dipped in the mixture. The priest sprinkles the person seven times and then releases the live bird in the open field (Leviticus 14:4–7). The individual then washes, shaves, and enters a staged process of re-entry. These procedures do not function as medical therapies. They do not administer herbs, balms, or diet. Instead, they act as symbolic actions that declare cleansing, atonement, and new consecration. Physical healing has already occurred. The ceremony publicly acknowledges this healing and integrates the person back into the worshiping community with a heightened spiritual significance. Connections to Passover, Atonement, priesthood and nazarite vows The elements in Leviticus 14 echo several major biblical themes. First, the use of hyssop and blood recalls Passover. In Exodus 12:22, Israel takes a bunch of hyssop, dips it in the blood, and applies it to the lintel and doorposts. The LORD passes over the homes marked by blood (Exodus 12:23). In that event, deliverance does not depend on prior holiness. The people remain as they are, sheltered by the blood. Salvation comes as a gift. Second, the two-bird pattern parallels the two goats of the Day of Atonement. On Yom Kippur, one goat is sacrificed. The other, the scapegoat, bears the iniquities of Israel into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:7–10, 20–22). The live bird released in Leviticus 14:7 reflects similar symbolism. Guilt and impurity are carried away. The person stands cleared in God's sight. Third, the procedure copies the anointing of priests. At Aaron's ordination, Moses puts blood “on the lobe of Aaron's right ear and on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot” (Leviticus 8:23 NASB95). The same pattern applies to Aaron's sons (Leviticus 8:24). In Leviticus 14:14–17, the cleansed person receives blood and oil on these same points. This alignment indicates a movement toward priestly-like consecration. Fourth, the shaving of all hair resembles Nazarite transitions. A נָזִיר nāzîr (Nazarite) grows hair during a vow period (Numbers 6:5). At completion, the Nazarite shaves the head and presents offerings (Numbers 6:18). In Leviticus 14:8–9, the former leper shaves head, beard, eyebrows, and all body hair twice. This suggests a complete reset and renewed dedication. Taken together, these resonances bind leper-cleansing to: Passover (protective blood and undeserved rescue) Yom Kippur (removal of iniquity and cleansing of intentional sin) Priesthood (set-apart service between God and people) Nazarite vow (special consecration and surrendered life) The restored person thus moves from total exclusion to a status that symbolically approaches priestly consecration. Ear, hand, and foot: Hearing, doing, walking The specific locations of blood and oil carry clear symbolic meaning. In both priestly ordination and leper cleansing, the sequence appears: Right ear lobe Right thumb Right big toe The right ear represents hearing. With blood and oil applied, the hearing life is cleansed and consecrated. The individual is marked to listen to God's word, not merely to surrounding voices. The right thumb represents action and work. Hands grasp tools, perform tasks, give, and receive. Blood and oil on the thumb declare that deeds now belong to God's service. The right big toe represents movement and direction. Feet choose paths. They either walk in God's ways or stray. The consecrated toe indicates that future journeys should align with holiness. By repeating this pattern over a once-unclean person, the text assigns a new quality to daily life. Every sound taken in, every act performed, and every path chosen stands under the sign of cleansing and dedication. Thus, the ritual does not simply restore social status. It reorients the entire life. Speech, sin, and leprosy: Miriam and Gehazi Several narrative passages explicitly associate leprosy with moral failures, especially in speech and covetousness. Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses “because of the Cushite woman whom he had married” (Numbers 12:1 NASB95). God defends Moses and confronts them. After the cloud departs from over the tent, “Miriam was leprous, as white as snow” (Numbers 12:10). The judgment directly follows her misuse of the tongue. Moses intercedes, and Miriam endures seven days outside the camp before restoration (Numbers 12:13–15). Gehazi, servant of Elisha, covets and lies. After Naaman the Aramean receives healing from leprosy, Elisha refuses payment (2 Kings 5:15–16). Gehazi secretly pursues Naaman, invents a story to secure silver and garments, and hides them. Elisha exposes the deceit. Then he declares, “Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever” (2Kings 5:27 NASB95). Gehazi “went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.” In both accounts, leprosy functions as visible confirmation of inner failure — slander and rebellion in Miriam's case, greed and deceit in Gehazi's. These histories do not cover every case of ṣāraʿat. They do, however, establish that Scripture sometimes presents leprosy as a direct, divinely appointed sign of moral and spiritual breakdown. The four lepers of 2Kings 7: Freedom and leadership from the margins 2Kings 6–7 presents another major leprosy-related narrative. Samaria faces siege from the king of Aram. Famine grows so intense that some resort to cannibalism (2Kings 6:28–29). The king of Israel blames Elisha and contemplates his death (2Kings 6:31). Outside the city gate sit four lepers (2Kings 7:3). They analyze their situation. Staying where they are means death. Entering the city also means death by famine. Approaching the Aramean camp may result in death by the sword but also carries a faint possibility of mercy and food. They decide, “Let us go over to the camp of the Arameans” (2 Kings 7:4 NASB95). When they arrive, the camp stands empty. The Lord has caused the Arameans to hear a great noise “like the sound of chariots… and of a great army,” so they flee, abandoning tents, horses, donkeys, and supplies (2Kings 7:6–7). The lepers eat and drink. They take silver, gold, and clothing and hide them (2Kings 7:8). After some time, conscience awakens. They say, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, but we are keeping silent” (2Kings 7:9 NASB95). They return to the city gate and report their findings. Ultimately, the people stream out, plunder the camp, and food prices drop dramatically, in fulfillment of Elisha's earlier word (2Kings 7:16–18). Here, unhealed lepers become pivotal agents in God's deliverance. Their social exclusion places them outside the besieged city. That marginal position gives them freedom of movement no one inside the walls possesses. Their desperate choice to walk toward supposed death leads to life for an entire population. Thus, people marked as unclean and expendable end up as the first recipients and then heralds of “good news.” Their path out to the enemy camp becomes the route others must follow to find provision. Leprosy in the Gospels: Healing, obedience and gratitude The Gospels include several accounts of lepers approaching Yeshua (Ἰησοῦς Iēsous – Jesus). In Mark 1:40–45, a leper kneels and says, “If You are willing, You can make me clean” (Mark 1:40 NASB95). Moved with compassion, Jesus touches him and says, “I am willing; be cleansed” (Mark 1:41). The leprosy leaves immediately. Jesus then “sternly warned him” and says, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them” (Mark 1:43–44). Nevertheless, the man goes out and “began to proclaim it freely,” with the result that Jesus can no longer openly enter a city (Mark 1:45). In Luke 17:11–19, ten lepers stand at a distance and cry out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” (Luke 17:13 NASB95). He tells them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” As they go, they are cleansed (Luke 17:14). One, a Samaritan, returns, glorifies God, and falls at Jesus' feet in gratitude (Luke 17:15–16). Jesus observes that only this “foreigner” has returned to give glory to God and says, “Your faith has made you well” (Luke 17:18–19). These passages add several layers. First, they confirm that Jesus honors Torah by directing cleansed lepers to priests and prescribed offerings. The rituals of Leviticus 14 retain their place as public testimony. Second, they distinguish between simple physical cleansing and deeper responses of obedience and worship. The man in Mark receives healing but disregards Jesus' explicit command to keep silent. The nine lepers in Luke receive cleansing but do not return in thanksgiving. Only the Samaritan combines obedience (going to the priest) with heartfelt gratitude and God-centered praise. Integrated pattern: Outward disease and inner reality Across Torah, Prophets, and Gospels, leprosy appears in a consistent pattern. In Leviticus, ṣāraʿat marks severe impurity and requires exclusion from the camp, yet it also opens the way to a profound ritual of atonement and consecration once healing occurs. In historical books, leprosy sometimes functions as a direct judgment on sins such as slander, rebellion, greed, and deception. In 2Kings 7, lepers become instruments of salvation for others while still bearing their disease. In the Gospels, lepers receive both healing and instructions that test obedience, gratitude, and witness. The physical condition therefore serves as a visible signpost. It reveals inner realities, exposes the seriousness of sin and uncleanness, and highlights God's power to cleanse and reassign identities. Leviticus 14, with its echoes of Passover, Yom Kippur, priesthood, and Nazarite vows, presents a restored leper not merely as a re-included citizen but as a person with intensified calling. Ear, hand, and foot are marked for God. The one who once cried “Unclean” now carries a distinctive imprint of cleansing and dedication. At the same time, narratives warn that if spiritual lessons remain unlearned, patterns repeat. Samaria experiences temporary relief in 2 Kings 7 but later falls due to ongoing idolatry (2Kings 17:7–23). Individuals like Miriam and Gehazi receive stark reminders that words and motives matter. The New Testament further indicates that some afflictions may remain even in faithful servants (2 Corinthians 12:7–10), not as punishment but as means of deepening dependence on God. Bottom line Biblical leprosy functions as a multilayered sign. It encompasses a wide range of physical conditions yet consistently points beyond the skin to the lēv (heart), rūaḥ (spirit), and community relationship with Adonai. Legal texts, historical narratives, and Gospel accounts converge on a central theme: God reveals, judges, cleanses, and reassigns those marked by uncleanness. In this framework, healing appears as both physical restoration and spiritual reorientation. The law of the leper in Leviticus 14 concludes with a fully reintegrated person whose hearing, actions, and walk are symbolically dedicated to God. Stories of lepers in Kings and the Gospels show that those once outside the camp can become bearers of good news and examples of faith. Thoughts to ponder Wilderness seasons / holy groundWhen you feel most isolated or stripped down, what might God be trying to show you that you can only see in this “wilderness” season? Treat both body and soulIn an area where you're seeking physical relief, what deeper heart issue, fear, or habit might God also be inviting you to address? Guard your tongueIf your recent words were made visible on your skin, what would they reveal—and where is God nudging you toward repentance or restraint? Ear, hand, and foot dedicated to GodWhat you hear, what you do, and where you go today—where is one small, concrete way you can consciously dedicate each of these to God? Healing deepens callingLooking back on a past wound or illness, how might your story now equip you to comfort, guide, or serve someone walking a similar path? God uses outsider experiencesWhere have you felt like an outsider or rejected, and how could that very experience become a bridge to people others are not reaching? Obedience and gratitude, not just reliefIn an area where God has recently helped you, what would it look like to “return” with specific gratitude and fresh obedience, rather than just moving on? The post Healing more than the body: What biblical lepers show about God's kindness (Leviticus 14; 2Kings 7; Luke 17; Mark 1) appeared first on Hallel Fellowship.

Elisha and his servant seem to be in trouble when the Arameans find them. What will happen next?

Nearly 3,000 years ago, the Lord dispatched a lying spirit to convince King Ahab to go to war with the Arameans—a battle that cost him his life. Today, a group of conservative podcasters who supported President Trump have flipped since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28, 2026. These podcasters, perhaps chasing clicks or just addicted to running against the official White House narrative, have contributed to a startling shift in American public opinion about Israel and its prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In the last four years, American adults have swung from a 55% positive view of Israel to 60% negative, with the biggest change among Americans under age 50. News coverage of Israel's war against Hamas hasn't helped, but popular podcasters have piled on. Are they basing their publicly expressed views on the facts, or have they been seduced by spirits into repeating medieval blood libel? We also discuss recent claims by Congressman Tim Burchett (R—Tenn.) that if the American public knew what the US government knew about UFOs and “aliens,” we wouldn't be able to sleep. Links:•Jesus Enrique Rosas, the Power Pundit, explains how the New York Times accidentally proved Trump right on Iran: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_HiBbH4h3s Italian think tank's report on Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons: https://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/crisis-to-watch-in-2026-iran-226527 Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, is fighting stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Follow us! X (formerly Twitter): @pidradio | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert | @gilberthouse_tvTelegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunkerSubstack: gilberthouse.substack.comYouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelationFacebook.com/pidradio JOIN US IN ISRAEL! We will tour the Holy Land October 11–23, 2026 with an optional three-day extension to Jordan. For more information, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! Our 1,200 square foot pole barn has a new HVAC system, epoxy floor, 100-amp electric service, new windows, insulation, lights, and ceiling fans! If you are so led, you can help out by clicking here: gilberthouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to this podcast, our weekly Bible studies, and our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker. The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at pidradio.com/app. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site: gilberthouse.org/video! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store/.

The idea of “having enough” is really about perspective, right? Saying we don't have enough in the U.S. is a very different concept than not having enough in a third world country. Or maybe at some point in life, we have had a lot, and now there's not nearly as much. Everything compares to when there were better days. I heard ex-pro ball player and sports analyst Charles Barkley talking about his childhood recently where he said, “I was raised by a single mom and we were very happy, so as a kid, I really didn't realize we were poor.” … Perspective. So this week let's do what we do here at Sound Mind Set and look for some biblical perspective from God's Word on a tough topic.In 1 Kings 20, Syria was planning to attack Israel again. The Syrian leaders made this decision: Last time, Israel defeated us in the hills, so that's the reason we lost. If we can fight them on flat land, in the valley between the mountains, we can win.Listen to verses 26-28 …“The following spring he called up the Aramean army and marched out against Israel, this time at Aphek. Israel then mustered its army, set up supply lines, and marched out for battle. But the Israelite army looked like two little flocks of goats in comparison to the vast Aramean forces that filled the countryside! Then the man of God went to the king of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says: The Arameans have said, ‘The Lord is a god of the hills and not of the plains.' So I will defeat this vast army for you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” (1 Kings 20:26-28 NLT).In verses 29 and 30, we read that the Israelites were victorious and what was left of the Aramean army fled. We see God prove He is Lord, not only of the hills, but the valleys as well.Today, we can read a passage like this and think, “How ridiculous! Why would they excuse their defeat by thinking God is limited to certain areas? Why would they blame location?”Listen once again to the key part of this passage …Then the man of God went to the king of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says: The Arameans have said, ‘The Lord is a god of the hills and not of the plains.' So I will defeat this vast army for you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”Here's how we often create this same scenario in our own lives…I believe He is God over my family, but I can't trust Him with my finances.I believe He is God over my church, but not my career.I believe He will watch over my kids, but not my future.I believe He is God over forgiveness of sin, but He can't heal my heart.I believe He blesses everyone I know—but not me.Do you see the God-of-the-hills-but-not-the-valleys syndrome that we can so easily create? The limitations we place on a limitless God? The way we apply faith in one area and not another?Where are you most struggling with believing God? I want to encourage you to take a few minutes and talk to Him. Be honest with Him about how you feel and why you are struggling.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to remember that You are God everywhere in my life—my mountains and my valleys. Show me Your power in my weakest places. As above, so below.”

Before we step into the fire of Amos's oracles, we step back into the story.From the beginning, God's vision has always been the advancement and maturation of human nature, drawing humanity into deeper participation in His own life. Within that grand design, Israel is called God's “firstborn son” (Exod. 4:22), chosen not for privilege alone but for responsibility. Israel is meant to be the older brother among the nations - a covenant partner with God who models maturity, justice, and communion so that the nations, too, might flourish. But Israel struggles to embody that calling.Into that tension walks Amos. Amos is not a professional prophet. He is not part of the “sons of the prophets.” He was not trained in a prophetic guild or raised in a school of ecstatic spirituality. He was a shepherd and dresser of sycamore figs - summoned unexpectedly by God from ordinary life. And when Amos speaks, he does so with startling intimacy. His oracles often shift into the first person - as though God Himself is speaking directly through him. The prophetic word becomes intensely personal. Nowhere is this clearer than in the refrain of chapter 4: “Yet you did not return to Me…” This is not merely a critique of social injustice or religious hypocrisy. It is the lament of a Father calling His son back into relationship. The issue is not behavior management. It is relational rupture. Israel's failure is not simply ethical - it is filial.Amos is also unique among prophets in the way he addresses the surrounding nations. He does not speak only to Israel. But to all the nations surrounding Israel. And then, in chapter 9, something remarkable happens. Amos reminds Israel that the Lord who delivered them from Egypt also acted among other peoples — bringing the Philistines from Caphtor and the Arameans from Kir. God's mighty acts are not exclusive. His redemptive concern has always extended beyond Israel. The nations have never been an afterthought.This is where the story bends forward. Jesus carries Israel's vocation faithfully. Where Israel failed as firstborn, Jesus fulfills the role of true Son. And just as Amos revealed God's concern for the nations, Jesus embodies it - delivering not merely from political oppression but from the deeper powers of sin and death. His resurrection becomes the decisive act of liberation for all peoples.And now, astonishingly, He calls the church to participate. We are invited to partner with Him in the advancement of human life — to embody justice, mercy, and relational fidelity in a fractured world. The nations are still on God's heart. Key Passages: Amos 7:10-17Amos 9:7-8Explainer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Video⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on how to use ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.biblehub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.blueletterbible.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave us a question or comment at our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website podcast page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

What do you do when you feel surrounded? In this sermon, Pastor Jeff Davis unpacks 2 Kings 6:8-16 and the powerful account of Elisha and the blinded Arameans. When Elisha's servant saw an army closing in, he panicked - but Elisha saw heaven's army already in place. The difference wasn't the situation; it was their perspective. This message will challenge you to choose faith over fear, respond with prayer instead of panic, and fix your eyes on the victory God has already secured. Listen now to be encouraged to tune your ear to hear God's voice and trust the true overcomer.

Welcome to Bible Bedtime. Tonight I will read 2 Kings 6. After that, I will read from the Psalms and finish with the Lord's Prayer and my own prayer of dedication.As promised, here is more information on the podcast. If you'd like to connect with me or the Bible Bedtime community:Our email is BibleBedtimePodcast@gmail.com, You can join us on Facebook! You can message me there as well. To support this ad-free podcast, you can:Rate and review Bible Bedtime on your favorite podcast player. It costs you nothing and you can help others find (or avoid?) Bible Bedtime in their search for a bedtime podcast.Join our Patreon group for $1-$5 a month, you can listen to all episodes - including extended episodes of full books of the Bible.You can send a small donation to us on Venmo @Biblebedtime. All your support goes to offset the costs of doing the podcast and are ALWAYS appreciated but NEVER expected.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/biblebedtime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So we who are strong should bear the weaknesses of the weak and not just please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbour for his good and edification. Those who are mentally, emotionally, and spiritually wounded and in trouble; we should behave with them in humility and patience like a good neighbour. Instead of seeking only to please ourselves, we should carry the burdens of the weak. Those who are alone in life should inquire about their well-being, with a love and a smile, their hearts and souls should rejoice. Let us behave like the good Samaritan so that we may enter the kingdom and kingdom of God. Our goal should not be selfishness, but the goodness of others and their edification in God. The little Jewish girl who was taken captive by the Arameans caused a great historical change. She not only affected the life, physical health, and faith of Naaman the general, but also the relations between the two neighbouring countries. How good it is to pray for our neighbouring countries and seek their peace, tranquilly, and health. Today, in our country, we have many wounded people and neighbours who pass by his side. Now you too, raise your voice, even though you seem small and insignificant, or perhaps you are limited and your voice is weak, but bring your voice to the suffering of the wounded.

2 Chronicles 28:4-11 New International Version 4 He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree. 5 Therefore the Lord his God delivered him into the hands of the king of Aram. The Arameans defeated him and took many of his people as prisoners and brought them to Damascus. He was also given into the hands of the king of Israel, who inflicted heavy casualties on him. 6 In one day Pekah son of Remaliah killed a hundred and twenty thousand soldiers in Judah—because Judah had forsaken the Lord, the God of their ancestors. 7 Zikri, an Ephraimite warrior, killed Maaseiah the king’s son, Azrikam the officer in charge of the palace, and Elkanah, second to the king. 8 The men of Israel took captive from their fellow Israelites who were from Judah two hundred thousand wives, sons and daughters. They also took a great deal of plunder, which they carried back to Samaria. 9 But a prophet of the Lord named Oded was there, and he went out to meet the army when it returned to Samaria. He said to them, “Because the Lord, the God of your ancestors, was angry with Judah, he gave them into your hand. But you have slaughtered them in a rage that reaches to heaven. 10 And now you intend to make the men and women of Judah and Jerusalem your slaves. But aren’t you also guilty of sins against the Lord your God? 11 Now listen to me! Send back your fellow Israelites you have taken as prisoners, for the Lord’s fierce anger rests on you.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2 Chronicles 28:1-5New International Version Ahaz King of Judah 28 Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. 2 He followed the ways of the kings of Israel and also made idols for worshiping the Baals. 3 He burned sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his children in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. 4 He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree. 5 Therefore the Lord his God delivered him into the hands of the king of Aram. The Arameans defeated him and took many of his people as prisoners and brought them to Damascus. He was also given into the hands of the king of Israel, who inflicted heavy casualties on him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we break down the composition of the Neo-Assyrian Army under the Sargonid dynasty (Tiglath-Pileser III, Sargon II, and their successors) and explain why Assyria's battlefield dominance in the 8th–7th centuries BCE was not just “more men” or “more brutality,” but a specific military system built around logistics, organization, and a flexible combined-arms force.You'll learn what the core Assyrian infantryman looked like in practice: a general-purpose soldier equipped for multiple battlefield roles (spear, sword, bow, and shield), and why that versatility mattered for campaigns, garrisons, policing, construction, and sieges. We also examine how Assyrian military service worked, including seasonal call-ups, corvée-style obligations, land-grant service (ilkum), and the expectation of plunder—structures that helped sustain long campaigns without a fully modern “paid army” model.From there, we move to the elite infantry (often associated with the royal guard) and the implications of lamellar armor in the Near Eastern heat. Armor, discipline, conditioning, and unit performance are treated as connected variables, not isolated trivia. We then reconstruct the iconic Assyrian shield-wall-and-archer system: tower shields, spear line behavior, the archer line directly behind the shields, and how this formation changes the psychology of spear-range fighting by making “safe distance” impossible.The episode also covers the auxiliary/light infantry contingents organized along ethnic lines across the Assyrian Empire—why they were valued, how unit cohesion and veterancy can create tactical flexibility, and how these forces complemented the main line. Finally, we examine mounted forces during the Sargonid period: the maturation of true cavalry, the decline of chariotry into more limited roles, early spear cavalry, horse archery, equipment constraints before saddles and widespread horse armor, and how Assyria used mobility to exploit gaps, pursue breaks, and keep operational tempo high.If you are interested in ancient warfare, the Bronze Age collapse aftermath, Neo-Assyrian history, Near Eastern military organization, imperial logistics, siege warfare, and the military reforms that shaped the ancient world, this episode is a deep, practical reconstruction grounded in how armies actually functioned on campaign and in battle.Key topics and terms for search: Neo-Assyrian Empire, Sargon II, Sargonids, Tiglath-Pileser III, Sennacherib, Assyrian army, Assyrian infantry, Assyrian royal guard, lamellar armor, scale armor, tower shields, shield wall, Assyrian archers, composite recurve bow, ancient logistics, corvée labor, ilkum land grants, plunder economy, auxiliary troops, Itu'eans, Arameans, Hittites, Elamites, Urartu, cavalry origins, chariots to cavalry transition, combined arms in antiquity, ancient battle tactics, Near East military history, 8th century BCE, 7th century BCE.Next episode preview: the campaign of 714 BCE against Urartu—one of the best documented operations of the ancient world, including intelligence, logistics, and royal correspondence.I am also doing daily history facts again, at least until I run out of time again. You can find Oldest Stories daily on Tiktok and Youtube Shorts.If you like the show, consider sharing with your friends, leaving a like, subscribing, or even supporting financially:Buy the Oldest Stories books: https://a.co/d/7Wn4jhSDonate here: https://oldeststories.net/or on patreon: https://patreon.com/JamesBleckleyor on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCG2tPxnHNNvMd0VrInekaA/joinYoutube and Patreon members get access to bonus content produced when and as I have time.

2 Chronicles 24:8-27 New International Version 8 At the king’s command, a chest was made and placed outside, at the gate of the temple of the Lord. 9 A proclamation was then issued in Judah and Jerusalem that they should bring to the Lord the tax that Moses the servant of God had required of Israel in the wilderness. 10 All the officials and all the people brought their contributions gladly, dropping them into the chest until it was full. 11 Whenever the chest was brought in by the Levites to the king’s officials and they saw that there was a large amount of money, the royal secretary and the officer of the chief priest would come and empty the chest and carry it back to its place. They did this regularly and collected a great amount of money. 12 The king and Jehoiada gave it to those who carried out the work required for the temple of the Lord. They hired masons and carpenters to restore the Lord’s temple, and also workers in iron and bronze to repair the temple. 13 The men in charge of the work were diligent, and the repairs progressed under them. They rebuilt the temple of God according to its original design and reinforced it. 14 When they had finished, they brought the rest of the money to the king and Jehoiada, and with it were made articles for the Lord’s temple: articles for the service and for the burnt offerings, and also dishes and other objects of gold and silver. As long as Jehoiada lived, burnt offerings were presented continually in the temple of the Lord. 15 Now Jehoiada was old and full of years, and he died at the age of a hundred and thirty. 16 He was buried with the kings in the City of David, because of the good he had done in Israel for God and his temple. The Wickedness of Joash 17 After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them. 18 They abandoned the temple of the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and worshiped Asherah poles and idols. Because of their guilt, God’s anger came on Judah and Jerusalem. 19 Although the Lord sent prophets to the people to bring them back to him, and though they testified against them, they would not listen. 20 Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you.’” 21 But they plotted against him, and by order of the king they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the Lord’s temple. 22 King Joash did not remember the kindness Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had shown him but killed his son, who said as he lay dying, “May the Lord see this and call you to account.” 23 At the turn of the year,[a] the army of Aram marched against Joash; it invaded Judah and Jerusalem and killed all the leaders of the people. They sent all the plunder to their king in Damascus. 24 Although the Aramean army had come with only a few men, the Lord delivered into their hands a much larger army. Because Judah had forsaken the Lord, the God of their ancestors, judgment was executed on Joash. 25 When the Arameans withdrew, they left Joash severely wounded. His officials conspired against him for murdering the son of Jehoiada the priest, and they killed him in his bed. So he died and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings. 26 Those who conspired against him were Zabad,[b] son of Shimeath an Ammonite woman, and Jehozabad, son of Shimrith[c] a Moabite woman. 27 The account of his sons, the many prophecies about him, and the record of the restoration of the temple of God are written in the annotations on the book of the kings. And Amaziah his son succeeded him as king.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2 Chronicles 22:1-9New International VersionAhaziah King of Judah 22 The people of Jerusalem made Ahaziah, Jehoram’s youngest son, king in his place, since the raiders, who came with the Arabs into the camp, had killed all the older sons. So Ahaziah son of Jehoram king of Judah began to reign. 2 Ahaziah was twenty-two[a] years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year. His mother’s name was Athaliah, a granddaughter of Omri. 3 He too followed the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother encouraged him to act wickedly. 4 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, as the house of Ahab had done, for after his father’s death they became his advisers, to his undoing. 5 He also followed their counsel when he went with Joram[b] son of Ahab king of Israel to wage war against Hazael king of Aram at Ramoth Gilead. The Arameans wounded Joram; 6 so he returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds they had inflicted on him at Ramoth[c] in his battle with Hazael king of Aram. Then Ahaziah[d] son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to Jezreel to see Joram son of Ahab because he had been wounded. 7 Through Ahaziah’s visit to Joram, God brought about Ahaziah’s downfall. When Ahaziah arrived, he went out with Joram to meet Jehu son of Nimshi, whom the Lord had anointed to destroy the house of Ahab. 8 While Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab, he found the officials of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah’s relatives, who had been attending Ahaziah, and he killed them. 9 He then went in search of Ahaziah, and his men captured him while he was hiding in Samaria. He was brought to Jehu and put to death. They buried him, for they said, “He was a son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the Lord with all his heart.” So there was no one in the house of Ahaziah powerful enough to retain the kingdom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dale South brings a message from 2 Samuel 10:1-19 as we continue to learn how the life of King David leads us to the life of King Jesus.Thank you for joining us! To learn more, please visit: https://wcchapel.org/fridaymensbreakfast

We trace David's campaigns in 1 Chronicles 18–20 and show how every victory points beyond tactics to trust. Strategy matters, but the source of real triumph is God's purpose and power, culminating in a hope that points from David to Jesus.• focus on Judah's history through David's reign• key wars against Philistines, Moabites, Arameans and Ammonites• Joab's two-front strategy and disciplined courage• dedication of tribute and plunder to the Lord• siege of Rabbah and the weight of kingship• giants defeated and fear dismantled• theological theme that God gives the victory• call to fight God's battles, not personal vendettas• practical steps to fight well with Scripture and integrity• David as a shadow of Christ's greater kingdomSend Mike a quick message! (If you seek a reply, instead please contact through Outloudbible.com) Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

Hashem delivers the Jews into the hands of the Arameans

THE TEMPLE in Jerusalem fell into disrepair within a century of the death of Solomon. The king who repaired it was a good man—sort of. Joash (or Jehoash), son of Ahaziah, reigned in Judah 835–796 BC. He was made king at age seven by the high priest Jehoiada and is credited with restoring the Temple—even pushing the priests, who seemed rather slow to make repairs even after they were ordered to do so. However, the account in 2 Chronicles 24 records that after the death of Jehoiada, Joash fell away and returned to the pagan gods of the Canaanites. Worse, he had the son of Jehoiada, Zechariah, murdered for calling him out! As a consequence, God allowed Judah to be defeated by a relatively small army from the neighboring Aramean kingdom of Damascus, and Joash was assassinated in his bed by two of his servants. We also discuss the death of Elisha in the northern kingdom of Israel, and why King Joash (same name, different king) failed to completely defeat the Arameans. Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Derek's new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! If you are looking for a text of the Book of 1 Enoch to follow our monthly study, you can try these sources: Parallel translations by R. H. Charles (1917) and Richard Laurence (1821)Modern English translation by George W. E. Nickelsburg and James VanderKam (link to book at Amazon)Book of 1 Enoch - Standard English Version by Dr. Jay Winter (link opens free PDF)Book of 1 Enoch - R. H. Charles translation (link opens free PDF) The SkyWatchTV store has a special offer on Dr. Michael Heiser's two-volume set A Companion to the Book of Enoch. Get both books, the R. H. Charles translation of 1 Enoch, and a DVD interview with Mike and Steven Bancarz for a donation of $35 plus shipping and handling. Link: https://bit.ly/heiser-enoch Follow us! • X: @gilberthouse_tv | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunker• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation• Facebook.com/GilbertHouseFellowship Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! We truly appreciate your support. If you are so led, you can help out at GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to these studies plus our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker, and the podcast that started this journey in 2005, P.I.D. Radio. Best of all, it bypasses the gatekeepers of Big Tech! The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at www.gilberthouse.org/app/. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site! Gilbert House T-shirts and mugs! New to our store is a line of GHTV and Redwing Saga merch! Check it out at GilbertHouse.org/store! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store. Our favorite Bible study tools! Check the links in the left-hand column at www.GilbertHouse.org.

THE TEMPLE in Jerusalem fell into disrepair within a century of the death of Solomon. The king who repaired it was a good man—mostly. Joash (or Jehoash), son of Ahaziah, reigned in Judah 835–796 BC. He was made king at age seven by the high priest Jehoiada and is credited with restoring the Temple—even pushing the priests, who seemed rather slow to make repairs even after they were ordered to do so. However, the account in 2 Chronicles 24 records that after the death of Jehoiada, Joash fell away and returned to the pagan gods of the Canaanites. Worse, he had the son of Jehoiada, Zechariah, murdered for calling him out! As a consequence, God allowed Judah to be defeated by a relatively small army from the neighboring Aramean kingdom of Damascus, and Joash was assassinated in his bed by two of his servants. We also discuss the death of Elisha in the northern kingdom of Israel, and why King Joash (same name, different king) failed to completely defeat the Arameans.

SHOW NOTES   In Podcast Episode 340, “Don't Just Nod at God,” Kim discusses the difference between a life in which one only nods in God's direction and one wholly committed to the Lord and His purposes. King Jehoahaz looked to God only because the conditions were beyond his control, and he sought God's help. Just imagine the kingdom impact he could have had if he had wholly surrendered to the Lord instead of just nodding in His direction.   Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Kings 13:1-9, with 4-6 as the focal verses:   4 Then Jehoahaz prayed for the Lord's help, and the Lord heard his prayer, for he could see how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel. 5 So the Lord provided someone to rescue the Israelites from the tyranny of the Arameans. Then Israel lived in safety again as they had in former days. 6 But they continued to sin, following the evil example of Jeroboam. They also allowed the Asherah pole in Samaria to remain standing.      WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE:   Consider the impact of a life lived for God versus one who only nodded at God.   Additional Resources and Scriptures:   "Jesus defeated death so that you can live.” (Charlie Kirk) “Charlie Kirk answered 'How do you want to be remembered' less than 3 months before killing” by Bonny Chu on Fox News EMAIL — encouragingothersinlovingjesus@gmail.com X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM -  https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus   I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST.   RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III.     "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group:   Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus.   This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus.   In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives.   If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week.   Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”   If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com.     National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline   988   https://988lifeline.org/   Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004.   Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay.     The HIDDEN Episodes:  If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/  

# Our Mission: Telling the Truth of God's Salvation In the fourth week of our mission series, we delve into the critical importance of truth-telling within the Christian faith. Using the story from **2 Kings 7** as a foundation, we explore how sharing the truth of God's salvation is not just a privilege but a duty. ## The Story of the Four Lepers The sermon recounts the story from **2 Kings 7:3-10**, where four lepers, outcasts from their community, stumble upon the abandoned camp of the Arameans. God had caused the Arameans to flee, leaving behind all their provisions. The lepers, initially keeping the discovery to themselves, eventually realize the importance of sharing this life-saving news with their city. - **2 Kings 7:3-4**: The lepers face a dire choice—stay and die, enter a besieged city and die, or surrender to the Arameans, who might spare them. - **2 Kings 7:5-8**: Upon discovering the deserted camp, they find food, clothing, and wealth, recognizing the abundance of God's provision. - **2 Kings 7:9**: They acknowledge their moral responsibility to share the good news, fearing the question, "Why didn't you tell us?" ## The Mission of Truth-Telling The story of the lepers is a powerful metaphor for the Christian mission. Just as the lepers found salvation and abundance, Christians have found salvation through Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes: - **Truth and Freedom**: Truth-telling is essential because it offers freedom to those who hear it. Without sharing the truth, people remain "trapped in the dark city," unaware of the salvation available to them. - **Mission of the Church**: The overarching mission is to make friends, meet needs, and make disciples. This involves sharing the truth of the human condition and the transformative hope found in Jesus Christ. - **Avoiding Regret**: By sharing the truth, believers avoid the regret of having someone ask, "Why didn't you tell me?" This question signifies a missed opportunity to guide someone to freedom. ## Application to Our Lives The sermon challenges us to reflect on our position in the story: 1. **Outside the City Gates**: Some may still be seeking answers from the world, unaware of the salvation offered through Christ. 2. **In the Camp**: Believers enjoying the blessings of salvation but keeping it to themselves. 3. **On the Road to the City**: Those who actively share the truth of God's salvation, fulfilling their mission. ## Conclusion The call to action is clear: we must not remain silent. The truth of God's salvation through Jesus Christ is a "day of good news" that we are compelled to share. By doing so, we not only fulfill our mission but also experience the joy and freedom of knowing we have done our part in God's plan. The sermon concludes with an invitation to reflect on where we stand in our journey of faith and encourages us to step boldly into the mission of truth-telling for the glory of God and the good of those we love.

Hey GIGI kids, Today we have an amazing Bible story for you called “Elisha and the Invisible Army.” You can find this story in your Bible in 2 Kings 6:8-23.   Night passed without a sound. But very early in the morning, Elisha's servant got up and went outside—and got the fright of his life. There were soldiers and horses and chariots everywhere!  “Elisha!” gasped the servant, running back inside. “Come, look!” Elisha calmly went to look at the troops surrounding the city. He didn't seem upset at all! “Oh, Master, what will we do now?” the young servant cried. Elisha turned to his servant. “Don't be afraid,” he told his servant. “There are many more on our side than on the side of the Arameans.” Then Elisha prayed. Dear God, open the eyes of my servant and let him see. And God opened the eyes of the servant—can you guess what he saw?   What happened next? To find out, find a comfortable spot and listen to the episode. _____________________________________________________ Story by: Maritza Brunt READ STORY ON THE BLOG VISIT OUR WEBSITE SHOP OUR BOOKS   Shop our audiobooks Special effect editing: James Wagner  Music credit: http://www.purple-planet.com/  Email us: stories4gigi@gmail.com Write to us: GIGI KIDS STORIES PO BOX 6505 Upper Mt Gravatt Queensland Australia 4122

SHOW NOTES   In Podcast Episode 339, “Like Father, Like Son-Not Always a Good Thing,” Kim discusses the positive and negative aspects of the concept - like father, like son. In today's podcast, we explore a sad tale of a like father, like son relationship with poor choices and violent ends. However, it doesn't have to be that way. If you have unhealthy patterns in your family, may today be your personal Independence Day.   Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Chronicles 25:17-28, with 20 & 27 as the focal verses:   20 But Amaziah refused to listen, for God was determined to destroy him for turning to the gods of Edom.   27 After Amaziah turned away from the Lord, there was a conspiracy against his life in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish. But his enemies sent assassins after him, and they killed him there.     WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE:   Are there any unhealthy family patterns you need to break?   Additional Resources and Scriptures:   4 We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) 25 The Arameans withdrew, leaving Joash severely wounded. But his own officials plotted to kill him for murdering the son of Jehoiada the priest. They assassinated him as he lay in bed. Then he was buried in the City of David, but not in the royal cemetery. (2 Chronicles 24:25) EMAIL — encouragingothersinlovingjesus@gmail.com X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM -  https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus       I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST.   RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III.     "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group:   Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus.   This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus.   In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives.   If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week.   Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”   If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com.     National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline   988   https://988lifeline.org/   Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004.   Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay.     The HIDDEN Episodes:  If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/  

Stampede 2 Kings 7 Chew the Bible Season 3In 2 Kings 7, Samaria was under siege and suffering from famine. Elisha prophesied that the Lord would provide food the next day at the city gates. A royal officer doubted this, but Elisha told him he would see it happen but not eat of it. Meanwhile, four lepers went to the enemy Aramean camp and discovered it abandoned—the Lord had caused the Arameans to flee in fear. The lepers shared the news, and the people rushed out to plunder the camp, bringing relief from the famine. The officer who had doubted was stationed at the city gate, but when the people surged out in a stampede, he was trampled to death—fulfilling Elisha's prophecy.Your words were found and I ate them

Open Your Eyes 2 Kings 6 Chew the Bible Season 3The Borrowed Axe Head (v. 1–7): Elisha makes a borrowed axe head float after it falls into the Jordan River, showing God's concern for everyday needs.Aram vs. Israel (v. 8–23): The Aramean king tries to ambush Israel, but Elisha repeatedly warns Israel's king. When Aramean troops surround Elisha, God opens the servant's eyes to see heavenly chariots of fire. Elisha prays, and the enemy is struck with blindness, then led into Samaria, where they are spared instead of killed.The Siege of Samaria (v. 24–33): The Arameans besiege Samaria, leading to extreme famine. Things get so desperate that food prices skyrocket, and one shocking incident of cannibalism is reported to the king. The king, enraged, blames Elisha and vows to kill him, but Elisha remains confident in God's deliverance.Your words were found and I ate them

In this episode of Oldest Stories, we explore the later reign of Tiglath-Pileser III, one of the most transformative kings of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. By the late 8th century BCE, Assyria's power seemed unstoppable, yet beneath the victories lay structural weaknesses.We examine four key failures that reveal how the empire actually worked:The eastern provincial revolts of 737 BCE, exposing the limits of Assyria's new provincial system.The failed Assyrian siege of Tushpa, capital of Urartu, and what it taught about siege warfare and logistics.The Babylonian crisis of the 730s, where Chaldeans, Arameans, and internal rebellions undermined Assyria's southern policy.The succession struggle following Tiglath-Pileser's death, setting the stage for Shalmaneser V and the rise of Sargon II.Along the way we look at Assyrian reforms, deportation policies, eunuch officials, Assyrian-Babylonian relations, and Urartian resistance. We also discuss how propaganda, letters, and oracles shaped royal decisions, and why even the greatest reforming king of Assyria faced real limits to his power.If you are interested in Ancient Mesopotamia, Assyrian history, Babylon, Urartu, Neo-Assyrian military reforms, biblical history, or the geopolitics of the ancient Near East, this episode will give you an in-depth, historically grounded perspective.I am also doing daily history facts again, at least until I run out of time again. You can find Oldest Stories daily on Tiktok and Youtube Shorts.If you like the show, consider sharing with your friends, leaving a like, subscribing, or even supporting financially:Buy the Oldest Stories books: https://a.co/d/7Wn4jhSDonate here: https://oldeststories.net/or on patreon: https://patreon.com/JamesBleckleyor on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCG2tPxnHNNvMd0VrInekaA/joinYoutube and Patreon members get access to bonus content about Egyptian culture and myths.

Ben-Hadad Beaten 1 Kings 20 Chew the Bible Season 3King Ben-Hadad of Aram gathers a massive army with thirty-two allied kings and demands King Ahab of Israel surrender his silver, gold, wives, and children. At first Ahab agrees, but when Ben-Hadad demands even more, Ahab refuses. A prophet tells Ahab that God will deliver victory to show that He is the Lord.Israel's small army defeats the Arameans twice—once in the hills and later in the plains, proving God's power isn't limited to one place. Ben-Hadad eventually flees, and his servants advise him to beg Ahab for mercy. Ahab spares Ben-Hadad and makes a treaty instead of carrying out God's judgment. Because of this disobedience, a prophet tells Ahab that his life will be taken in place of Ben-Hadad's, and his people in place of Ben-Hadad's people. Ahab returns home angry and sullen.Your words were found and I ate them

SHOW NOTES   In Podcast Episode 336, “When Allies Become Enemies,” Kim discusses the three types of enemies Joash faced in our scripture passage and the lessons we can learn from his choices. As you listen to the podcast, Kim will challenge you to examine your life and identify the enemies you face and how they have arisen. So often we mistake well-meaning people who are trying to hold us accountable as enemies, just as Joash did with Zechariah. May that not be true for you.   Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Chronicles 24:23-27, with 24 as the focal verse:   24 Although the Arameans attacked with only a small army, the Lord helped them conquer the much larger army of Judah. The people of Judah had abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, so judgment was carried out against Joash.     WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE:   Take a hard look at your life and ask yourself: “Who is my worst enemy today?”   Additional Resources and Scriptures: 9 Your enemies, Lord, will surely perish; all evildoers will be scattered. (Psalm 92:9) EMAIL — encouragingothersinlovingjesus@gmail.com X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM -  https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus     I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST.   RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III.     "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group:   Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus.   This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus.   In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives.   If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week.   Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”   If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com.     National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline   988   https://988lifeline.org/   Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004.   Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay.         The HIDDEN Episodes:  If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/  

1 Kings 20:19-28 NIV The junior officers under the provincial commanders marched out of the city with the army behind themand each one struck down his opponent. At that, the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-Hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with some of his horsemen.The king of Israel advanced and overpowered the horses and chariots and inflicted heavy losses on the Arameans.Afterward, the prophet came to the king of Israel and said, “Strengthen your position and see what must be done, because next spring the king of Aram will attack you again.”Meanwhile, the officials of the king of Aram advised him, “Their gods are gods of the hills. That is why they were too strong for us. But if we fight them on the plains, surely we will be stronger than they.Do this: Remove all the kings from their commands and replace them with other officers.You must also raise an army like the one you lost—horse for horse and chariot for chariot—so we can fight Israel on the plains. Then surely we will be stronger than they.” He agreed with them and acted accordingly.The next spring Ben-Hadad mustered the Arameans and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel.When the Israelites were also mustered and given provisions, they marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped opposite them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside.The man of God came up and told the king of Israel, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because the Arameans think the LORD is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the LORD.’ ” Psalms 23:4 NIV Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Luke 9:28 NIV About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. Luke 9:37 NIV The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 3 Truths for Mountain and Valley Living 1. Mountains and valleys are both part of our lives 2. God is an all-terrain God 3. What you get on the mountain you take down into the valley

1 Kings 20:19-28 NIV The junior officers under the provincial commanders marched out of the city with the army behind themand each one struck down his opponent. At that, the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-Hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with some of his horsemen.The king of Israel advanced and overpowered the horses and chariots and inflicted heavy losses on the Arameans.Afterward, the prophet came to the king of Israel and said, “Strengthen your position and see what must be done, because next spring the king of Aram will attack you again.”Meanwhile, the officials of the king of Aram advised him, “Their gods are gods of the hills. That is why they were too strong for us. But if we fight them on the plains, surely we will be stronger than they.Do this: Remove all the kings from their commands and replace them with other officers.You must also raise an army like the one you lost—horse for horse and chariot for chariot—so we can fight Israel on the plains. Then surely we will be stronger than they.” He agreed with them and acted accordingly.The next spring Ben-Hadad mustered the Arameans and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel.When the Israelites were also mustered and given provisions, they marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped opposite them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside.The man of God came up and told the king of Israel, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because the Arameans think the LORD is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the LORD.’ ” Psalms 23:4 NIV Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Luke 9:28 NIV About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. Luke 9:37 NIV The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 3 Truths for Mountain and Valley Living 1. Mountains and valleys are both part of our lives 2. God is an all-terrain God 3. What you get on the mountain you take down into the valley

2 Kings 13 (NASB) 1 In the twenty-third year of Joash the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, Jehoahaz the son of Jehu became king over Israel at Samaria, and he reigned for seventeen years. 2 He did evil in the sight of the Lord, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, into which he misled Israel; he did not turn from them. 3 So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and He continually handed them over to Hazael king of Aram, and to Ben-hadad, the son of Hazael. 4 Then Jehoahaz appeased the Lord, and the Lord listened to him; for He saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Aram oppressed them. 5 And the Lord gave Israel a savior, so that they escaped from under the hand of the Arameans; and the sons of Israel lived in their tents as previously. 6 Nevertheless they did not abandon the sins of the house of Jeroboam, into which he misled Israel; rather, they walked in them; and the Asherah also remained standing in Samaria. 7 For he left to Jehoahaz no more of the army than fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand infantry, because the king of Aram had eliminated them and made them like the dust at threshing. 8 Now as for the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did and his might, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 9 And Jehoahaz lay down with his fathers, and they buried him in Samaria; and his son Joash became king in his place. 10 In the thirty-seventh year of Joash king of Judah, Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz became king over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned for sixteen years. 11 He did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not turn away from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, into which he misled Israel; rather, he walked in them. 12 Now as for the rest of the acts of Joash and all that he did, and his might with which he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 13 So Joash lay down with his fathers, and Jeroboam sat on his throne; and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. 14 When Elisha became sick with the illness of which he was to die, Joash the king of Israel came down to him, and wept over him and said, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” 15 And Elisha said to him, “Take a bow and arrows.” So he took a bow and arrows. 16 Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Lay your hand on the bow.” And he laid his hand on it, then Elisha put his hands on the king's hands. 17 And he said, “Open the window toward the east,” and he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot!” So he shot. And he said, “The Lord's arrow of victory, and the arrow of victory over Aram; for you will defeat the Arameans at Aphek until you have put an end to them.” 18 Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground,” and he struck it three times and stopped. 19 Then the man of God became angry at him and said, “You should have struck five or six times, then you would have struck Aram until you put an end to it. But now you shall strike Aram only three times.” 20 And Elisha died, and they buried him. Now the marauding bands of the Moabites would invade the land in the spring of the year. 21 And as they were burying a man, behold, they saw a marauding band; and they threw the man into the grave of Elisha. And when the man touched the bones of Elisha he revived and stood up on his feet. 22 Now Hazael king of Aram had oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz. 23 But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion on them and turned to them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and He was unwilling to eliminate them or cast them away from His presence until now. 24 When Hazael king of Aram died, his son Ben-hadad became king in his place. 25 Then Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz again took from the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael the cities which he had taken in war from the hand of his fath...

When we last left our reading covering the kingdom of Israel, the Arameans had laid siege against Samaria, Israel's capital city. This means that they were blocking people from going in or out so that the people might starve. The king of Israel, most likely Joram, son of Ahab, sends a messenger to Elisha, threatening him with violence. Today, Elisha predicts that they will soon be so flooded with food and grain that it will be hard to sell at even a fraction of its cost. Later, Jehu (a military commander) will be anointed as the next king of Israel by decree of Elisha and by a messenger sent by the prophet to anoint Jehu with oil. The newly anointed king then sets out to put an end to the house of Ahab.2 Kings 7 - 1:08 . 2 Kings 8 - 6:32 . 2 Kings 9 - 13:18 . Psalm 119:129 - 20:17 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Today's episode contains some particularly gruesome imagery for children; parental discretion is advised. The kings and kingdoms of the land are growing increasingly chaotic and tumultuous, but in the midst of the chaos, the Lord continues to work and speak through his prophet, Elisha. An Aramean army commander comes to Elisha to be healed, but when Elisha doesn't give him the respect he thinks he deserves, he almost rejects the offer out of hand. Later, the Arameans try to capture Elisha but he diffuses them with hospitality. Not long after, the Arameans lay siege to Israel, surrounding Samaria in order to cause a famine, and the people take evil & desperate measures to try and survive. 2 Kings 5 - 1:05 . 2 Kings 6 - 8:54 . Psalm 119:113 - 16:03 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Amos 9 (NASB) 9 I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and He said, “Strike the pillar capitals so that the thresholds will shake,And break them on the heads of them all!Then I will put to death the rest of them with the sword;They will not have a fugitive who will flee,Nor a survivor who will escape. 2 Though they dig into Sheol,From there My hand will take them;And though they ascend to heaven,From there I will bring them down. 3 And though they hide on the summit of Carmel,I will track them down and take them from there;And though they hide themselves from My sight on the bottom of the sea,I will command the serpent from there, and it will bite them. 4 And though they go into captivity before their enemies,From there I will command the sword and it will kill them,And I will set My eyes against them for harm and not for good.” 5 The Lord God of armies,The One who touches the land so that it quakes,And all those who live in it mourn,And all of it rises up like the NileAnd subsides like the Nile of Egypt; 6 The One who builds His upper chambers in the heavensAnd has founded His vaulted dome over the earth,He who calls for the waters of the seaAnd pours them out on the face of the earth,The Lord is His name. 7 “Are you not as the sons of Ethiopia to Me,You sons of Israel?” declares the Lord.“Have I not brought up Israel from the land of Egypt,And the Philistines from Caphtor and the Arameans from Kir? 8 Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are on the sinful kingdom,And I will eliminate it from the face of the earth;Nevertheless, I will not totally eliminate the house of Jacob,”Declares the Lord. 9 “For behold, I am commanding,And I will shake the house of Israel among all nationsAs grain is shaken in a sieve,But not a pebble will fall to the ground. 10 All the sinners of My people will die by the sword,Those who say, ‘The catastrophe will not overtake or confront us.'The Restoration of Israel 11 “On that day I will raise up the fallen shelter of David,And wall up its gaps;I will also raise up its ruinsAnd rebuild it as in the days of old; 12 So that they may possess the remnant of EdomAnd all the nations who are called by My name,”Declares the Lord who does this. 13 “Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord,“When the plowman will overtake the reaper,And the one who treads grapes will overtake him who sows the seed;When the mountains will drip grape juice,And all the hills will come apart. 14 I will also restore the fortunes of My people Israel,And they will rebuild the desolated cities and live in them;They will also plant vineyards and drink their wine,And make gardens and eat their fruit. 15 I will also plant them on their land,And they will not be uprooted again from their landWhich I have given them,”Says the Lord your God. Theme: Behold & Believe the Almighty God, Who will make good on His promises to punish and to bless. 1) Behold God's Dreadful Power – The Passing of a kingdom (9:1-10) 2) Believe God's Faithful Promises – The Coming of The Kingdom (9:11-15)

Send us a textThe devotion for today, Wednesday, July 23, 2025 was written by Hardy Haberman and is narrated by Adam Carter. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Amos 9:5-7The Lord, God of hosts,he who touches the earth and it melts,    and all who live in it mourn,and all of it rises like the Nile    and sinks again, like the Nile of Egypt,who builds his upper chambers in the heavens    and founds his vault upon the earth,who calls for the waters of the sea    and pours them out upon the surface of the earth—the Lord is his name. Are you not like the Cushites to me,    O people of Israel? says the Lord.Did I not bring Israel up from the land of Egypt    and the Philistines from Caphtor and the Arameans from Kir? Support the show

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Old Testament: 2 Kings 5:1-14 1Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favor with his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Aram. The man, though a mighty warrior, suffered from leprosy. 2Now the Arameans on one of their raids had taken a young girl captive from the land of Israel, and she served Naaman's wife. 3She said to her mistress, “If only my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” 4So Naaman went in and told his lord just what the girl from the land of Israel had said. 5And the king of Aram said, “Go then, and I will send along a letter to the king of Israel.” He went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of garments. 6He brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you my servant Naaman, that you may cure him of his leprosy.” 7When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to give death or life, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Just look and see how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me.”8But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come to me, that he may learn that there is a prophet in Israel.” 9So Naaman came with his horses and chariots, and halted at the entrance of Elisha's house. 10Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean.” 11But Naaman became angry and went away, saying, “I thought that for me he would surely come out, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and would wave his hand over the spot, and cure the leprosy! 12Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them, and be clean?” He turned and went away in a rage. 13But his servants approached and said to him, “Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? How much more, when all he said to you was, ‘Wash, and be clean'?” 14So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean. Psalm: Psalm 30 1 I will exalt you, O Lord,    because you have lifted me up *         and have not let my enemies triumph over me. 2 O Lord my God, I cried out to you, *         and you restored me to health. 3 You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; *         you restored my life as I was going down to the grave. 4 Sing to the Lord, you servants of his; *         give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness. 5 For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, *         his favor for a lifetime. 6 Weeping may spend the night, *         but joy comes in the morning. 7 While I felt secure, I said,   “I shall never be disturbed. *         You, Lord, with your favor, made me as strong as                            the mountains.” 8 Then you hid your face, *         and I was filled with fear. 9 I cried to you, O Lord; *         I pleaded with the Lord, saying, 10 “What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? *         will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness? 11 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; *         O Lord, be my helper.” 12 You have turned my wailing into dancing; *         you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy. 13 Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; *         O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever. Old Testament: Isaiah 66:10-14 10Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her— 11that you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast; that you may drink deeply with delight from her glorious bosom. 12For thus says the Lord: I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm, and dandled on her knees. 13As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. 14You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bodies shall flourish like the grass; and it shall be known that the hand of the Lord is with his servants, and his indignation is against his enemies. Psalm: Psalm 66:1-8 1 Be joyful in God, all you lands; *         sing the glory of his Name;         sing the glory of his praise. 2 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! *         because of your great strength your enemies                                 cringe before you. 3 All the earth bows down before you, *         sings to you, sings out your Name.” 4 Come now and see the works of God, *         how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people. 5 He turned the sea into dry land,   so that they went through the water on foot, *         and there we rejoiced in him. 6 In his might he rules for ever;   his eyes keep watch over the nations; *         let no rebel rise up against him. 7 Bless our God, you peoples; *         make the voice of his praise to be heard; 8 Who holds our souls in life, *         and will not allow our feet to slip. Epistle: Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16 [1My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. 2Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. 4All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor's work, will become a cause for pride. 5For all must carry their own loads. 6Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.] 7Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. 8If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up. 10So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. 11See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! 12It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that try to compel you to be circumcised—only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. 14May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.15For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! 16As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. Gospel: Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 1After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. 2He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. 4Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. 5Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!' 6And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. 7Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. 8Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you;9cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.' 10But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 11‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.' 16“Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” 17The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” 18He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. 19See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. 20Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Catalyst Church of Carrollton - 6/29/25 "Shoot Your Shot" “When Elisha was in his last illness, King Jehoash of Israel visited him and wept over him. “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” he cried. Elisha told him, “Get a bow and some arrows.” And the king did as he was told. Elisha told him, “Put your hand on the bow,” and Elisha laid his own hands on the king's hands. Then he commanded, “Open that eastern window,” and he opened it. Then he said, “Shoot!” So he shot an arrow. Elisha proclaimed, “This is the Lord's arrow, an arrow of victory over Aram, for you will completely conquer the Arameans at Aphek.” Then he said, “Now pick up the other arrows and strike them against the ground.” So the king picked them up and struck the ground three times. But the man of God was angry with him. “You should have struck the ground five or six times!” he exclaimed. “Then you would have beaten Aram until it was entirely destroyed. Now you will be victorious only three times.” ‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭13‬:‭14‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬ You're not losing because you're missing, you're losing because you're not shooting enough. 

When crisis strikes, do you rely on your own understanding or God's wisdom? Elisha's remarkable story reveals how God protects His people by exposing enemy plans and providing supernatural insight. Listen now and be inspired to exchange self-reliance for the freedom found in God's abundant grace.

On today's episode, an Aramean army commander comes to Elisha to be healed, but when Elisha doesn't give him the respect he thinks he deserves, he almost rejects the offer out of hand. Later, the Arameans try to capture Elisha but he diffuses them with hospitality. Not long after, the Arameans lay siege to Israel, surrounding Samaria in order to cause a famine, and the people take desperate measures. The king of Israel becomes enraged and sends for Elisha that he might kill him. When the messenger arrives, Elisha declares that a miraculous turn of events is just a day away.2 Kings 5 - 1:22 . 2 Kings 6 - 9:12 . 2 Kings 7 - 17:03 . Psalm 99 - 22:37 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Please note that the 1st part is in English, and the 2nd part is in Malayalam startin13:58 mark.Most of us attend church and listen to sermons by a priest or pastor.  Some of us read the Bible on a regular basis knowing that it is the word of God.  In the Bible we see occasions when God spoke to people directly, like Moses and Abraham.   They were very ordinary people.  Also, we can see God spoke to us through prophets, who were ordinary people.  Something usually we ignore is what an ordinary person speaks to us about matters of God.  It is very important to know that God speaks to us through ordinary people even today.  A few examples from the Bible where God spoke through ordinary people are discussed.2ndKings 5:2, 3 – “Now the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken captive a little girl from the land of Israel; and she waited on Naaman's wife.  She said to her mistress, “I wish that my master were  with the prophet  who is in Samaria!  Then he would cure him of his leprosy.” അരാമ്യർകവർച്ചപ്പടയായി വന്നിരുന്നപ്പോൾ യിസ്രായേൽദേശത്തുനിന്നു ഒരു ചെറിയ പെൺകുട്ടിയെപിടിച്ചുകൊണ്ടു പോയിരുന്നു; അവൾ നയമാന്റെ ഭാര്യക്കു ശുശ്രൂഷ ചെയ്തുവന്നു.അവൾ തന്റെ യജമാനത്തിയോടു: യജമാനൻ ശമർയ്യയിലെ പ്രവാചകന്റെ അടുക്കൽ ഒന്നുചെന്നെങ്കിൽ അവൻ അവന്റെ കുഷ്ഠരോഗം മാറ്റിക്കൊടുക്കുമായിരുന്നു എന്നു പറഞ്ഞു.If we pray to God, God's angels will watch over us. God miraculously connects us with the right people in the right time to deliver the right message to us or to direct us in the path we need to go.  Our hearts and minds should be open to receive message from others and to deliver the right message to others.My name... Cicilysunny@gmail.com

King Ahab faces Ben Hadad's overwhelming threat, but God intervenes with a miraculous provision. This ancient story reveals how God preserves His people and repeatedly invites us to truly know Him through His powerful Word, not just acknowledge Him. Listen now and be inspired to embrace complete obedience to God's Word. Because victory comes not from our strength, but from recognizing Him as the one true LORD.

The idea of “having enough” is really about perspective, right? Saying we don't have enough in the U.S. is a very different concept than not having enough in a third world country. Or maybe at some point in life, we have had a lot, and now there's not nearly as much. Everything compares to when there were better days. I heard ex-pro ball player and sports analyst Charles Barkley talking about his childhood recently where he said, “I was raised by a single mom and we were very happy, so as a kid, I really didn't realize we were poor.” … Perspective. So this week let's do what we do here at Sound Mind Set and look for some biblical perspective from God's Word on a tough topic.In 1 Kings 20, Syria was planning to attack Israel again. The Syrian leaders made this decision: Last time, Israel defeated us in the hills, so that's the reason we lost. If we can fight them on flat land, in the valley between the mountains, we can win.Listen to verses 26-28 …“The following spring he called up the Aramean army and marched out against Israel, this time at Aphek. Israel then mustered its army, set up supply lines, and marched out for battle. But the Israelite army looked like two little flocks of goats in comparison to the vast Aramean forces that filled the countryside! Then the man of God went to the king of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says: The Arameans have said, ‘The Lord is a god of the hills and not of the plains.' So I will defeat this vast army for you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” (1 Kings 20:26-28 NLT).In verses 29 and 30, we read that the Israelites were victorious and what was left of the Aramean army fled. We see God prove He is Lord, not only of the hills, but the valleys as well.Today, we can read a passage like this and think, “How ridiculous! Why would they excuse their defeat by thinking God is limited to certain areas? Why would they blame location?”Listen once again to the key part of this passage …Then the man of God went to the king of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says: The Arameans have said, ‘The Lord is a god of the hills and not of the plains.' So I will defeat this vast army for you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”Here's how we often create this same scenario in our own lives…I believe He is God over my family, but I can't trust Him with my finances.I believe He is God over my church, but not my career.I believe He will watch over my kids, but not my future.I believe He is God over forgiveness of sin, but He can't heal my heart.I believe He blesses everyone I know—but not me.Do you see the God-of-the-hills-but-not-the-valleys syndrome that we can so easily create? The limitations we place on a limitless God? The way we apply faith in one area and not another?Where are you most struggling with believing God? I want to encourage you to take a few minutes and talk to Him. Be honest with Him about how you feel and why you are struggling.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to remember that You are God everywhere in my life—my mountains and my valleys. Show me Your power in my weakest places. As above, so below.”

The Arameans came ready to fight—but instead of swords, they were met with a feast. Instead of death, they were given mercy. And that one act of grace stopped the battle for a generation.In this episode, we dive into 2 Kings 6:8-23, where Elisha shows us that God's power isn't just in miracles—it's in forgiveness, mercy, and radical love for our enemies.

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2 Kings 13:14-1914 When Elisha was in his last illness, King Jehoash of Israel visited him and wept over him. “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” he cried.15 Elisha told him, “Get a bow and some arrows.” And the king did as he was told. 16 Elisha told him, “Put your hand on the bow,” and Elisha laid his own hands on the king's hands.17 Then he commanded, “Open that eastern window,” and he opened it. Then he said, “Shoot!” So he shot an arrow. Elisha proclaimed, “This is the Lord's arrow, an arrow of victory over Aram, for you will completely conquer the Arameans at Aphek.”18 Then he said, “Now pick up the other arrows and strike them against the ground.” So the king picked them up and struck the ground three times. 19 But the man of God was angry with him. “You should have struck the ground five or six times!” he exclaimed. “Then you would have beaten Aram until it was entirely destroyed. Now you will be victorious only three times.”God's Perspective leads my heart to trust and directs me towards obedience.Obedience to God's instructions will be met with God's partnership.The Heavenly perspective seeks to accomplish the Will of God.God's Will can only be accomplished by HIS Ways and through HIS Strength.The target we're meant to hit is living with His perspective while working on His priorities.

Welcome to Day 2436 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – The Divine Arrow – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2436 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2436 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today is the seventeenth lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church. The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God's redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it's also a book that seems strange to us. While God's Word was written for us, it wasn't written to us. Today, our lesson is, The Divine Arrow. Few characters in the Bible are as maligned for their wickedness as King Ahab of Israel. While Ahab's predecessors “did evil in the sight of the Lord' Ahab had an agenda:  He did more to provoke the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, than any of the other kings of Israel before him. (1 Kgs 16:33). Ahab's rule includes Baal worship, forbidden foreign covenants (Syria) and foreign alliances (Jezebel), and the murder of Naboth. In 1 Kings 22, the prophet Micaiah warns Ahab of his impending fate. This isn't a run-of-the-mill prophecy. It's mixed with a vision of how God came to the final details of His decision: a divine boardroom discussion. Yes-Men and Yahweh's Man The 12 tribes of Israel had been split into two kingdoms for a century by the time Ahab took the throne (ca. 869 bc). Ahab ruled the northern kingdom (called Israel or Ephraim), which often fought with the southern kingdom, Judah. After peace reigned between Israel and Judah for three years (22:1), Ahab decided he wanted to capture the city of Ramoth in Gilead from the Arameans. He asked Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, for military assistance. Jehoshaphat agreed to the battle for political reasons, but he wanted assurance that God was in the endeavor (22:5). The 400 prophetic yes-men Ahab consulted endorsed the idea, but Jehoshaphat wanted another opinion (22:6, 11-12). Ahab agreed to summon Micaiah, the prophet of Yahweh, though he openly admitted to hating him (22:8). The real prophet of Yahweh never had anything positive to say about the ungodly Ahab and his rule. The Prophecy At first, Micaiah told Ahab that God loved the plan, but Ahab saw through his mockery. Apparently, this was not the first time: “How many times must I demand that you speak only the truth to me when you speak for the Lord?” (22:16). Micaiah proceeded to tell Ahab he was about to meet his Maker, so chances are good he wanted Ahab to go through with the battle, knowing the end result. Rebuked by Ahab, Micaiah holds nothing back, revealing to Ahab and to us the inner workings of God's counsel:...

On today's episode, an Aramean army commander comes to Elisha to be healed, but when Elisha doesn't give him the respect he thinks he deserves, he almost rejects the offer out of hand. Later, the Arameans try to capture Elisha but he diffuses them with hospitality. Not long after, the Arameans lay siege to Israel, surrounding Samaria in order to cause a famine, and the people take desperate measures. The king of Israel becomes enraged and sends for Elisha that he might kill him. When the messenger arrives, Elisha declares that a miraculous turn of events is just a day away.2 Kings 5 - 1:22 . 2 Kings 6 - 9:12 . 2 Kings 7 - 17:03 . Psalm 99 - 22:37 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:1 Kings 20-21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Dear Daily Radio Bible Community,

After the Paris Peace Conference that concluded World War I, French Marshall Ferdinand Foch bitterly observed, “This is not peace. It is an armistice for twenty years.” Foch’s view contradicted the popular opinion that the horrifying conflict would be the “war to end all wars.” Twenty years and two months later, World War II erupted. Foch was right. Long ago, Micaiah, the lone true prophet of God in the region at the time, prophesied dire military results for Israel (2 Chronicles 18:7). In contrast, four hundred of King Ahab’s false prophets foretold victory. “Look, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king,” a court official told Micaiah. “Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably” (v. 12). Micaiah responded, “I can tell him only what my God says” (v. 13). He prophesied how Israel would be “scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd” (v. 16). Micaiah was right. The Arameans killed Ahab and his army fled (vv. 33-34; 1 Kings 22:35–36). Like Micaiah, we who follow Jesus share a message that contradicts popular opinion. The One who is “the way and the truth and the life” told us, “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Many don’t like that message because it seems harshly narrow. Too exclusive, people say. Yet Jesus brings a comforting message that’s inclusive. He welcomes everyone who turns to Him.