M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan
Athaliah Reigns as Queen of Judah(A)
11 As soon as Ahaziah’s mother Athaliah learned that her son had died, she seized the throne[a] and executed the entire royal bloodline.[b] 2 But King Joram’s daughter Jehosheba, who was Ahaziah’s sister, rescued[c] Ahaziah’s son Joash from the group of the king’s sons who were being executed and hid him and his nurse in her bedroom, concealing him from Athaliah so he was not put to death. 3 So Joash remained hidden with her in the Lord’s Temple for six years while Athaliah reigned over the land.
4 But during the seventh year of her reign,[d] Jehoiada went out and called together the rulers of hundreds, the captains, and the guards, and assembled them together inside the Lord’s Temple. He made a covenant with them, making them take an oath in the Lord’s Temple, and then he revealed the king’s son to them. 5 He ordered them:
“Here’s what we’ll do: A third of you will enter here on this coming[e] Sabbath dressed[f] as guardians of the watch for the king’s palace, 6 with a third of you at the Sur gate, and a third at the gate behind the guards. Keep watch over the palace[g] and defend it. 7 Two[h] of you who enter here on this coming[i] Sabbath are to stand watch at the Lord’s Temple, 8 guarding the king and surrounding him with weapons in hand. Whoever comes within range is to be killed. Stay with the king wherever he goes, coming or going.”
9 So the captains of hundreds did just as Jehoiada the priest ordered. Each one of them assembled his men who were to enter on the Sabbath, along with those who were to leave on the Sabbath, and approached Jehoiada the priest.
10 The priest issued King David’s personal spears and shields that had been stored in the Lord’s Temple to the captains of hundreds. 11 So the guards stood assembled, every soldier with weapons in hand, surrounding the king from the right side corner of the Temple to the left side corner, including around the altar and the Temple.
12 Then he brought out the king’s son, put the royal crown on him, presented him with the Testimony,[j] and installed him as king. They anointed him, applauded, and said, “May the king live!”
13 When Athaliah heard all of the commotion coming from those who were guarding the people, she approached the people who were in the Lord’s Temple. 14 She looked around—and there was the king, standing near a column, as was the royal custom! He was accompanied by the commanding officers, along with trumpeters who stood beside the king. All the people of the land sounded trumpets in their excitement.
But Athaliah tore her clothes and bellowed, “It’s a plot! A conspiracy!”
Athaliah is Executed(B)
15 Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains in charge of[k] the army, “Take her out the back way[l] and execute anybody who follows her,” since the priest had also issued this order: “Let’s not put her to death in the Lord’s Temple.” 16 So they arrested Athaliah, took her out through the same entrance used by the horses for entering the king’s palace, and executed her.
A Covenant is Made(C)
17 Then Jehoiada entered into a covenant with the Lord, the king, and the people, that they would live as the Lord’s people, and also entered into a covenant with the king and the people. 18 Then all of the people of the land entered Baal’s temple, tore it down, and broke his altars and his images to pieces, killing Mattan the priest of Baal right in front of the altars. Furthermore, Jehoiada[m] the priest appointed officers to guard the Lord’s Temple, 19 and brought the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, the guards, and all the people of the land, taking the king out of the Lord’s Temple, marching through the guard’s gate to the king’s palace, where Joash[n] took his seat on the throne of the kings. 20 After this, everyone throughout the land rejoiced and the city was at peace, because they had executed Athaliah at the king’s palace.
Jehoash (Joash) Reigns over Judah
21 [o] Jehoash began to reign as king when he was seven years old, 12 1 [p] ascending to the throne in the seventh year of the reign of[q] Jehu and then reigning for 40 years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zibiah from Beer-sheba. 2 Jehoash did what the Lord considered to be right during the entire time when Jehoiada the priest was instructing him, 3 except that the high places were not demolished, so the people continued to sacrifice and burn incense on the high places.
Jehoash Institutes Temple Repairs
4 Jehoash spoke to the priests about all of the proceeds[r] of the consecrated gifts that were being brought into the Lord’s Temple, cash from every man who was traveling through the area,[s] cash obtained by personal assessment,[t] and all the cash that came through voluntary gifts[u] into the Lord’s Temple:
5 “Let the priests get support for themselves from their own donors, and let them repair the Temple wherever a leak in need of repair is discovered.”
6 But 23 years into the reign of King Jehoash, the priests still had not repaired the leaks in the Temple. 7 So King Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, along with other[v] priests, and asked them, “Why haven’t you fixed the leaks in the Temple? Stop receiving donations from your acquaintances for repairing the leaks in the Temple.”
8 So the priests agreed to receive no more cash from the people, but they didn’t repair the leaks in the Temple, either. 9 So Jehoiada the priest grabbed a chest, bored an opening in its lid, and placed it next to the altar, on the right side as one enters the Lord’s Temple. The priests who tended the entryway put all the money that was brought into the Lord’s Temple into the chest.[w] 10 As a result, whenever they noticed that there was a lot of money in the chest, the king’s secretary and the high priest went forward, put the money in bags, counted the money that had been given over to the Lord’s Temple, 11 and disbursed the cash directly into the hands of those who did the work and who were in charge of the oversight of the Lord’s Temple. They paid it to the carpenters and builders who worked on the Lord’s Temple, 12 to masons and stonecutters, and for procurement of timber and quarried stone for making repairs to the Lord’s Temple, and for all outlays needed for repairs of the Temple.
13 But no provision was included for the Lord’s Temple from the money that was brought into the Lord’s Temple for silver basins, snuffers, bowls, trumpets, or any vessels made of gold or silver, 14 because that money had been allocated to the workmen who were repairing the Lord’s Temple. 15 Furthermore, they required no accounting from the men into whose hand they had paid the money to do the work, because the workers acted in good faith. 16 The money from the guilt offerings and[x] from the sin offerings was not brought into the Lord’s Temple, because it was allocated to the priests.
Hazael Attacks Israel
17 Later, King Hazael of Aram invaded and attacked Gath, captured it, and then set out to approach Jerusalem. 18 So King Jehoash of Judah took all of the sacred things that his ancestors Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah, kings of Judah, had dedicated, along with his own dedicated things, and all the gold that could be located within the treasure vaults of the Lord’s Temple and in the king’s palace, and paid off King Hazael of Aram. Then Hazael[y] left Jerusalem.
Amaziah Succeeds Jehoash (Joash)(D)
19 Now the rest of the Joash’s activities—everything he did—are written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah, are they not? 20 His servants rose up in rebellion, formed a conspiracy, and assassinated Joash in the palace at the terrace ramparts[z] while he was on his way down to Silla. 21 Shimeath’s son Jozacar and Shomer’s son Jehozabad, his servants, attacked him and he died. They buried him alongside his ancestors in the City of David, and his son Amaziah became king to replace him.
Remain Committed to the Messiah Jesus
2 As for you, my child, be strong by the grace that is in the Messiah[a] Jesus. 2 What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. 3 Join me in suffering like a good soldier of the Messiah[b] Jesus. 4 No one serving in the military gets mixed up in civilian matters, for his aim is to please his commanding officer. 5 Moreover, no one who is an athlete wins a prize unless he competes according to the rules. 6 Furthermore, it is the hard working farmer who should have the first share of the crops. 7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you to understand all these things.
8 Meditate on[c] Jesus, the Messiah,[d] who was raised from the dead and is a descendant of David. This is the gospel I tell others.[e] 9 Because of it I am experiencing trouble, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. However, God’s word is not chained. 10 For that reason, I endure everything for the sake of those who have been chosen so that they, too, may receive the salvation that is in the Messiah[f] Jesus, along with eternal glory. 11 This saying is trustworthy:[g]
In dying with the Messiah,[h]
true life we gain.[i]
12 Enduring, we with him will reign.
Who him denies,
he will disclaim.
13 Our faith may fail,
his never wanes—
That’s who he is,
he cannot change![j]
14 Remind others about these things, and warn them before God[k] not to argue over words. Arguing[l] does not do any good but only destroys those who are listening. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as an approved worker who has nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of truth with precision. 16 However, avoid pointless discussions. For people will become more and more ungodly, 17 and what they say will spread everywhere like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like that. 18 They have abandoned the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already taken place, and so they destroy the faith of others.
19 However, God’s solid foundation still stands. It has this inscription on it: “The Lord[m] knows those who belong to him,”[n] and “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord[o] must turn away from evil.”[p] 20 In a large house there are not only utensils made of gold and silver, but also those made of wood and clay. Some are for special use, while others are for ordinary use. 21 Therefore, if anyone stops associating with[q] these people, he will become a special utensil, set apart for the owner’s use, prepared for every good action.
22 Flee from youthful passions. Instead, pursue righteousness, faithfulness,[r] love, and peace together with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart. 23 Do not have anything to do with foolish and stupid discussions, because you know they breed arguments. 24 A servant[s] of the Lord must not argue. Instead, he must be kind to everyone, teachable,[t] willing to suffer wrong, 25 and gentle when refuting opponents. After all, maybe God will allow them to repent and to come to a full knowledge of the truth, 26 so that they might escape from the Devil’s snare, even though they’ve been held captive by him to do his will.
Hosea Reconciles with His Wife
3 Then the Lord told me: “Go love your wife[a] again, even though she is being loved by another and is committing adultery. Love her the same way[b] the Lord loves the people of Israel, even though they look to other gods and love raisin cakes.”[c] 2 So I bought her back for myself for fifteen pieces of silver and one and a half omers[d] of barley.
3 I told her, “You will remain with me a long time,[e] you won’t be promiscuous, you won’t be involved with any man, and I’ll do the same.”[f]
4 Likewise, the people of Israel will dwell a long time[g] without a king, without a prince, without sacrifice, without sacred[h] pillars, and with neither ephod nor teraphim.[i] 5 Afterward, the people of Israel will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They will come in awe to the Lord and to his goodness in the last days.
God Accuses Israel
4 “Hear this message from the Lord, people of Israel.
Indeed, the Lord brings a charge
against the people who live in the land—
for there is no truth and no gracious love
or knowledge of God in the land.
2 Swearing, lying, murder, theft, and adultery are rampant,
and blood mingles with blood.
3 Therefore the land will mourn,
and all who live there will languish,
along with the wild animals of the field and the birds of the air.
Even the fish in the sea will disappear.
4 “Let no one fight or bring charges against another,
for my dispute is with you, priest.
5 So you will stumble during the day,
the prophet also will stumble with you at night,
and I will destroy your mother.[j]
6 My people are destroyed because they lack knowledge of me.[k]
Because you rejected that knowledge,
I will reject you as a priest for me.
Since you forget the Law of your God,
I will also forget your children.
7 “The more they increased in number,[l]
the more they sinned against me,
so I will change their glory into shame.
8 They feed on the sin of my people;
they purpose in their heart to transgress.
9 So it will be: like people, like priest.
I will punish them for their lifestyles,
rewarding them according to their behavior.
10 They will eat,
but will not be satisfied.
They will engage in prostitution,
but they won’t increase,
because they have stopped listening to the Lord.
11 “Sexual immorality, wine, and fresh wine seduce the heart of my people.[m]
12 My people seek counsel from their piece of wood,
and their diviner’s rod[n] speaks to them.
For a spirit of prostitution causes them to go astray;
in their immorality they desert their God.
13 They offer sacrifices on the mountain tops,
burning offerings on the hills,
under oaks, poplars, and terebinth[o] trees,
since their shade is very good.
Therefore your daughters are prostitutes
and your daughters-in-law commit adultery.
14 However, I’m not going to punish your daughters
when they commit prostitution,
nor your daughters-in-law
when they commit adultery,
because their men are themselves immoral—
they offer sacrifices with prostitutes.
These people who aren’t discerning will stumble.
15 “Even though you prostitute yourself, Israel—
let not Judah incur guilt—
don’t go to Gilgal,
or visit Beth-aven,
or swear an oath using the Lord’s name.[p]
16 For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn mule![q]
Nevertheless, will not the Lord feed them like a lamb in a broad pasture?
17 Ephraim has become entwined with idols;
leave him alone!
18 While drinking to excess, they prostitute themselves.
They’re in love with dishonor.
19 A wind storm will carry them away in its embrace,
and their sacrifices will bring them shame.”
Ayin
Praying for God’s Deliverance
121 I have acted with justice and righteousness;
do not abandon me to my oppressors.
122 Back up your servant in a positive way;
do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes fail as I look[a] for your salvation
and for your righteous promise.
124 Act toward your servant consistent with your gracious love,
and teach me your statutes.
125 Since I am your servant, give me understanding,
so I will know your decrees.
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
since they have violated your instruction.[b]
127 I truly love your commands more than gold,
including fine gold.
128 I truly consider all of your precepts—all of them—to be just,
while I despise every false way.
Peyh
Living in God’s Word
129 Your decrees are wonderful—
that’s why I observe them.
130 The disclosure of your words illuminates,
providing understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant
as I long for your commands.
132 Turn in my direction and show mercy to me,
as you have decreed regarding those who love your name.
133 Direct my footsteps by your promise,
and do not let any kind of iniquity rule over me.
134 Deliver me from human oppression
and I will keep your precepts.
135 Show favor to[c] your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed rivers of tears,
when others do not obey your instruction.[d]
Tsade
God’s Righteous Decrees
137 Lord, you are righteous,
and your judgments are right.
138 You have ordered your decrees to us rightly,
and they are very faithful.
139 My zeal consumes me
because my enemies forget your words.
140 Your word is very pure,
and your servant loves it.
141 Though I may be small and despised,
I do not neglect your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an eternal righteousness,
and your instruction[e] is true.
143 Though trouble and anguish overwhelm me,
your commands remain my delight.
144 Your righteous decrees are eternal;
give me understanding, and I will live.
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