2 Chr 29: 15-24

The priests/Levites were given the charge of restoring the temple for functional use on the first day of the month during which the Passover feast was to start. They took two weeks to clean the table and the other materials in the temple and took out what was "added". They also brought back the items that Ahaz had taken out of the temple because it didn't fit "his idea of decor" (2 Chr 28:24). It took them a week to get the rubbish out and a week to get the place clean. By the time this task was completed, it was already two days into the timing of the Passover feast. As soon as he could, Hezekiah brought back the leaders of  Jerusalem into the temple. He gathered the right number of animals needed for sacrifice. He also charged the priests with the responsibility of the sacrifices of the animals. Per the commentary:

The first sacrifices for sin were on behalf of the king and his family. The next sacrifices were to clean the temple. Then there were sacrifices because of the sins of the priests. Then there were sacrifices because of the sins of the people in Judah and Israel. The king and the people put their hands on the goats. This act was to confess their sins. The animals would die so that God could take away those sins.

 

It seems that he is going about this the right way and "old school". The nation would be restored at least visually to the Lord. One however is hard to see if this is truly a change of heart, soul and mind for the people.

 

The flight home, the car pickup and the drive back was smooth. Getting back into the swing of things will be tough given the jet lag. I took a sleeping aid last night and hopefully I can function somewhat decently today. We'll see....

 

Praise for today: But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. Psalm 94: 22

2 Chr 29: 1-11

Hezekiah was the next king to ascend the throne from the line of Ahaz. According to the Scriptures, Hezekiah was 25 years old when he became king. And he ruled for 29 years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abijah. She was the daughter of Zechariah. I guess that was pretty significant given she was the prophet's daughter and perhaps was very instrumental in his upbringing and in how he was to perceive the kingdom as well as his relationship to God. It shouldn't be surprising that he went "old school" and back to basics of restoring the temple and the kingdom back to a level of prominence. It seems he started right away in restoring the temple and it started with the Levites and making themselves holy and acceptable for service. He then started on the physical appearance of the temple and had it cleaned up from the rubbish that as accumulated since the building was basically abandoned. He recognized the importance of the relationship between Judah and the Lord and thus he made it his primary goal to restore that with the people by giving the facts of what had occured and how to rectify it. According to the commentary: Hezekiah intended to turn back to the LORD. He wanted to start again the worship of God in the LORD’s temple. He told the priests and the Levites to do the tasks that the LORD had called them to. Then he believed that the LORD would not be angry with them.

A refreshing read after a dismal few chapters...

Spent another great day with GG and took it at a lot easier pace than the other two. Still got up @ 4:30 MT to keep some semblance of my East Coast head clock and did the same today. Hopefully the jet lag will be minimal. After getting the free tickets for today's game for GG, we headed to mountains and the casino area - very pretty drive as we border a stream/river for the drive. The casino had a so-so brunch buffet and we then proceeded to contribute to the economy. Actually, I did relatively well netting 8 cents for the day. Never knew that penny slots could be so fun and actually hit the jackpot (with $2.42 left) and paid off my losses in the quarter slots. Still it was a good day to spend with him. Went to his church for a 7 PM service - I am so glad he's going to a more local church and is going regularly to that service since his weekends are wacky. Also glad to hear he's been tithing there as well - give to the church that is currently blessing you. Speaker concentrated his sermon on Matt 18 - short but concise and with impact.  The dinner was really good at Texas Brazilian meatfest - a little pricey but well worth it spending that time with him and watching him enjoy it as well.  The weather last night was miserable and Denver's seen perhaps more rain in these past few days than they have seen in a month of Sundays. Glad he was driving since the roads were water logged to say the least.

Looking forward to heading back but I do treasure this week with him and want to do this as long as he's out here. We both felt it would be good for us.

Praise for today: But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. Psalm 3:3

2 Chr 28: 16-27

When one decides that his way is better than God's way, things can go from bad to worse. This was the case of Ahaz, ruler of the Judean nation. He had abandoned God and when his enemies were upon him, he bartered off the remaining wealth in the temple with Tilgath-Pilneser III (Assyria)  to help him against Aram and Israel. He didn't turn to the Lord but rather drove the wedge deeper by setting up places of idol worship to try to appease the gods of Assyria. Assyria did overcome Aram easily but that put them in a better position to conquer Israel and Judah. Ahaz was so bent on saving his own skin from what he could see that he had sketches made of the Assyrian god so that he could worship him. Little did he know that the God of his ancestors was already behind his demise due to his disobedience. Ahaz died in 715 BC and that was the same year that the Assyrians defeated the Philistines. He was buried in Jerusalem but not with his fathers due to his defiance against God. Hezekiah succeeded him on the throne.

From my FB post:

Great day yesterday. spent some good time with Daniel Ng today! After going up to Golden, Co and taking some pics of the view. Actually saw some deer come walk close to the car and us and were not afraid when I took some pics. We went to have lunch at Toby Keith's restaurant and saw "Trouble with the Curve". Walked around Bass Pro Shops and fell in love with an adopted greyhound which was so sweet! ...

We then parked at our $3 parking place and went to see the Rockies. Stopped for a beer with the intent of having dinner at this place in the park and was treated to dinner by a guy (bartender) that was an ex-MLer from Somerset and was impressed with GG and me. We connected and he insisted on treating us to dinner. Who were we to argue? Despite the rain, we stayed until the 7th inning and saw the Rockies put on a hitting exhibition. Perhaps most importantly, GG and I had a great chance to talk and share - nothing better to spend a day!

 

Today we are going to see a Colorado casino and nail a lunch buffet but before that we are heading back to Coors Field so GG can get a free ticket for tomorrow's game. Then we are going to his church for a 7 PM service and later on we'll nail that Brazilian meatfest!

 

Praise for today: I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have become your father. Psalms 2:7

 

2 Chr 28: 9-15

The Lord was displeased with the Israelites and their treatment of the Judeans. They were brutal beyond measure and thus the Lord sent Obed, the prophet to set them straight. As Israelites, they were guilty of sins committed against the Lord as well and the fact they were willing to enslave their own relatives was a cardinal sin against the Lord. Azariah, son of Johanan, Berechiah, son of Meshillemoth,  Jehizkiah, son of Shallum, and Amasa, son of Hadlai were leaders from Ephraim, who stood up to the Israelite armies and told them to not bring the "slaves" into their land. They knew already and understood that grave consequences that would follow if they housed their own as slaves. This would be a direct violation of what God decreed in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. They couldn't add to their already long list of sins that they committed against the Lord. The Israelite army left but also they left their prisoners and their plunder. The leaders from Ephraim took the prisoners in but gave them humane treatment and restored their dignity.

This was a powerful testimony of what God could do via a prophet and four people. They saw what was being done and changed the course of how these people were to be dealt with and upheld the nation albeit in a small yet powerful way. My mind seems to wander to our own nation and the resulting Civil War that ensued in the late 1800s. A nation divided can never stand let alone prosper. We were talking about the need for a national revival before our country could ever move forward. I totally agree but the roots of sin and selfishness run deep on both parties and we may never escape this funk as a nation - surviving but not thriving.

Got up yesterday before 5 AM to get to Philly airport to see GG in Denver. Was treated well with Frontier Airlines (thanks GG!) and met up with him at DIA where we saw his "office" and "desk". Got over to his place and then we went to Sams #3 for breakfast, the Coors brewery tour, checked out the mountain view on top of Golden, Co and went down to the stadium for the game. We checked out this 70s/80s arcade place near the stadium and then went in for the game. I really liked the stadium which was built in 1995. The food choices were ok but the prices were decent. The crowd was relatively sparse (they are a last place team) and reserved. Left after the 7th since it was a long day for both of us and went to our $3 parking lot (8 blocks away from the stadium) and got back at a decent hour. Today heading back to Golden to capture some camera shots, catching a movie (not at the site of the shooting) doing some Brazilian meatfest, heading to the game against the Cubbies.

I am weaning myself off of work as much as possible to spend some quality time with GG. So far, so good!!! Miss my honey and Dave!

Praise for today: For what you have done I will always praise you
in the presence of your faithful people.
And I will hope in your name,
for your name is good. Psalm 52: 9

2 Chr 28:1-8

Now it was Ahaz's turn to be king of Judah. Of the 20 kings that ruled, he was one of the weakest and cruelest of them all. He turned his back to the Lord and created metal idols to worship the god, Molech of the Ammonites and worship him he did. He also killed his sons so that they couldn't plot against him save one Hezekiah. Because of this, God gave him and the nation over to Ahaz and the Aramites. What happened was that they took things to such extremes that God had to send a prophet, Oded to chastise them and to explain what would happen to them if they didn't change their ways. Over 120,000 Judean soldiers were killed and over 200,000 of them were taken as prisoners and were abused and mistreated. They plundered Judea and took them back to Samaria.

Decent day work wise but a great weather day. Went to Philly for a business function and got home a pretty decent hour. Today, heading back to NJ and working out of Princeton tomorrow. Can't wait!!! Then the weekend and Denver!!!

Praise for today: I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16: 8

2 Chr 27:1-9

Jotham's rule started when he was 25 years old. He was loyal to the Lord and didn't follow his father in certain respects - burning the incense in the temple but also followed him in others since he did little to rid the land of idol worship. He was defensive minded and took the time to continue the fortification of the cities and the walls to defend his kingdom. Much of this was because of the alliance between Israel and Aram and their intent to destroy Judah. Jotham also waged war against Ammon since they were under his control and were looking to bolt. He did defeat them and was able to extract a tax from them over three years  to support his kingdom. He ruled a total of 16 years and was buried with his ancestors. Parallel passage was found in 2 Kings 15: 32-38. I guess his life was summarized in one verse - Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God. (8) Not a bad way to be remembered.

Relatively decent day yesterday despite the torrential rains that came. Decided today to bag the gym and catch a ride with Joe Rodgers into work since he offered to drive to Philly for a company dinner. Still debating to go to a dinner tomorrow since I am heading to Edison that evening. I guess that will be a game time decision. Glad to hear that the home front was spared any damage with the rain.

Praise for today: But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. Psalm 71: 14

2 Chr 26:16-23

This was an interesting situation since this was a king who's pride got in his way and chose to disobey God in a different way. He chose to usurp the responsibilities of the priests by burning the incense in the holy place of the temple. He clearly was not allowed to do so and was told so on many occasions but still chose to disobey in this respect. His anger against the priests was such that he even held the pan that burned the incense and because of that the Lord struck him with a skin disease that consumed Uzziah even until the day he died. His disease was such that he couldn't stay in the palace as was relegated to live away and Jotham was given the kingship. The prophet, Isaiah was the one that recorded his rise and demise. This was the famous chapter 6 of the prophet's book that Isaiah was sanctified towards greatness in the eyes of the Lord.

According to the commentary:

For the rest of Uzziah’s life, his son Jotham ruled on his behalf. Jotham had control of the royal palace. This was from about 751 BC until Uzziah’s death in about 738 BC.

The prophet Isaiah made a record of Uzziah’s rule. Isaiah saw a vision of God in the year that Uzziah died (Isaiah 6:1). Also, he did have visions about Judah during the rule of Uzziah (Isaiah 1:1). Maybe he wrote the record before he became a prophet. Perhaps he collected the information and he wrote the record later. When Uzziah died, they buried him near the graves of his ancestors. Because of his skin disease, they could not bury him with his ancestors. But the people gave honour to him as a good king.

 

Overall a decent day today given the return from the weekend. Got my ironing done and now just bracing for the heavy rains that are coming. Still prayers for those who are missing their loved ones and good to see Nicole off of her brace on Sunday. Finalized my Saturday plans with David as we are going to the Mets game. Looking forward to spending the day with him.

 

Praise for today: Surely God is my help; for the Lord is the one who sustains me. Psalm 54: 4

2 Chr 26: 1-15

Time marches on and so does the kingdom of Judah. Left without a king since he was abducted, Judah made  Uzziah the king who was Amaziah's son. He was 16 years old and ruled starting from 790 BC. Jeroboam III was the Israelite king for most of Uzziah's reign. He was guided by Zechariah and while he was alive Uzziah followed the Lord during that time frame. He was given success and favor during that period of his kingdom. He waged war against the Phillistines and was successful as he took major cities during his battles. He also took down some of the neighboring Arabs and had them pay taxes to him as well. He reinforced the city of Jerusalem and made gates to fortify the city as well. It seemed like he was also interested in the agriculture of the day as he built wells for their sustenance. Pretty impressive type of guy! As for the military, he created special helmets and had pretty decent armor for his troops as well as machines for offense. Still he was not completely sold out for the Lord since no real mention of his desire to take down the Asherah poles or his own faith was expressed. It seems that the parallel in 2 Kings 15:1 was  Azariah.

The weekend was extremely tiring since we did the Beantown run starting on Friday night. Going up through NJ and then cutting over the Tappan Zee was the key since we had very little traffic going up but still a 4 hour drive nonetheless. The hotel had small beds which made the evening tight but they did have a decent breakfast for a freebie. The service was nice but long and the drive to the cemetery took forever. The luncheon afterwards was nice since it wasn't in the city and they had a parking lot. We then took a sidetrip for lobster/crab rolls and then the 4 hour drive back which also wasn't bad as well. Still got back at 9:30 PM and was tired getting up for church the next day. Pretty decent day yesterday at church and got back here relatively early (6:30 PM). Prayers continue as the healing process goes on.

Finalized some of my plans for my trip to Denver next week so I am pumped about that. Looking forward to getting some cheap Mets tickets for Sat so David and I can get some FSB.

Praise for today: Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah. Psalm 68: 19

2 Chr 25: 25-28

It is amazing how the life of this king turned from bad to worse. He lived the balance of his life as fugitive and was killed by some men that plotted against him. His life, after his defeat with Edom, moved further away from the Lord and the Lord moved further away from him. It seems like his life was not redeemable and his death was inevitable. He died in Lachish around 767 BC and was brought back to be buried with his ancestors. The book of 2 Kings 14 record his life and deeds as well.

Hopefully heading out of work relatively early and making my way up to Boston to pay my last respects (on earth) to Donna's mom with Irene and David. Glad the routes are not taking me through NYC so that should make life relatively easier. Got stuff done down here so as to keep Saturday as free as possible. A lot of driving in a short period time these next few days.

Praise for today: I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Psalm 77:11-12

2 Chr 25:17-24

Talk about getting a swelled head! Amaziah felt that his recent defeat of Edom gave him the impetus to now go and face off against Israel. He sent a challenge to Jehoash stating that he will go to battle with Israel who had a much greater army. Jehoash told him basically to have a marriage between the two nations between their children because if Amaziah wanted to pursue this, Judah would go down hard. Amaziah still wanted to pursue this and the Lord gave Israel the victory as payback over him. They destroyed part of the wall and soundly defeated the Judeans and with the victory took the plunder from the palace and Amaziah as well as others as prisoners.

Another incident where disobedience and placing trust away from the Lord leads to disaster. This was simply another instance where "pride goeth before the fall".

Decent day yesterday work wise, great day weather wise as I got back to read outside on the patio. Still reading the Steven Jobs bio and it's a decent but long read - more than half way through it. Glad to see that Dana is recovering nicely and our WWF battle continues. Prayers for Donna and Wilfred and their families as they mourn the loss of her mom. Will plan to go up to Beantown on late Friday so we can attend and head back on Sat. Praying that the weather will hold up for our late night drive.

Praise for today: For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Psalm 1: 6

2 Chr 25: 11-16

Amaziah showed his true colors after dismissing the Israeli army from his own troops. He fought against the Edomites and won taking the plunder that is usually associated with the victory. The problem was that he also took their gods and started to worship them as if they were the source of his victory. The victory was only from the grace of God.God sent a prophet to him but was dismissed and threatened with death if he did not cease the Lord's charges against him. The prophet agreed to but warned Amaziah of his death via the Lord for his actions.

Decent day at work but the day was overshadowed by the significance of the date - both on a personal and national level. Prayers today for Donna's family as they lost their mom and now how we are to go there to pay our respects. 4+ hour drive back and forth and hopefully we can do it without incident on Saturday. Also prayers for my sister in Christ, Dana as she is under going surgery today. Praying!!!!

Praise for today: Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer hi; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him and show him my salvation. Psalm 91: 14-16

2 Chr 25:1-10

Violence breeds violence. Joash was killed by two officials that were working in the palace which were of foreign descent. Amaziah, Joash's son killed them as he ascended the throne. Amaziah was 25 years old when he became king and ruled for 29 years. In Israel, For the first 14 years of his rule, Jehoash was the king in Israel. Then for the rest of Amaziah’s rule, Jeroboam II was the king in Israel. It seems that he was leaning more towards the ways of the Lord but without true commitment and sincerity. To solidify his kingdom, he hired soldiers from Israel but was rebuked by his prophets who told them to return the soldiers given that Israel had abandoned the Lord. He was told that the price he paid for them would be made even greater with the Lord so he was less reluctant to comply. Needless to say, the mercenaries that were hired were not happy as they returned back to Israel.

How often we look beyond what we think the Lord can provide to make a "better way"? Trust is such an unexploited tool in our arsenal because we tend to take the easy way out and "trust our instincts" rather than the Lord. We really need to lean on the Spirit and ask him for discernment daily so when the "big" situations come we are in tune with Him. 

Had a decent day yesterday - busy on many accounts but a lot accomplished. More of a chill out evening so not much accomplished on that front. All good things must come to an end as my rent will now be jacked up by the usage of gas heat in the winter. Needless to say when I'm not going to be there in during the day, it will colder than a meat locker. Still gas cooking heat will be included. I guess they are trying to recoup whatever $ they  can in this economy. Also prayers for Donna and her family as they attend her mom in what might be her final days.


Praise for today: I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.  Psalm 27: 13-14

2 Chr 24:17-27

With the death of Jehoiada came the end of Judah and Joash following the Lord. Joash was easily swayed into the life of idolatry and with the influence of the leaders returned the nation into the same malaise. While the leaders and the nation hated the rule under Athaliah, their hearts were not completely sold out to God. They were able to persuade Joash to return the nation back to the idol worship which completely angered the Lord. The Lord sent several prophets to voice His displeasure such as Elisha, Micaiah, Jehu, son of Hanani, Jahaziel, son of Zechariah, (20:14), and Eliezer, son of Dodavah (20:37). Then the LORD sent Zechariah, son of Jehoiada. But the people refused to listen to the prophets. The people would not repent of their sin. They would not turn back to the Lord. In fact it was Joash who had Zechariah killed. While he was dying, he pleaded to the Lord to see his death and take revenge on His chosen one. When Aram chose with a smaller army to attack Judah they were defeated but left Joash ill where he was killed by his own officials in retaliation for the death of Zechariah. Evidently his good was outweighed by his evil and was not buried in the land of the kings.

Overall, it was a good weekend. I had a decent day at work in Princeton and was treated to a great dinner with fam and friends at a pretty good Korean bbque. It was good to have GG around and I think he was blessed as well. Saturday was a great day despite the weather to spend with my s-i-l and her family and to see our flower girl all grown up and now a mom. Still the car problems persist and I hope it doesn't cost me another arm and a leg. The inconvenience on the home front for this is bad so I hope this can be rectified quickly.

Praise for today: By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me- a prayer to the God of my life. Psalm 42: 8

2 Chr 24: 1-16

The kingdom was now in the hands of Joash, under the guidance of Jehoiada - the chief priest. He was like a father to Joash and arranged for him as early as possible to have sons to continue the throne of David. During the first 15 or so years of his reign (40 in total), he followed the Lord as long as Jehoiada was alive. One of the main things that were accomplished under Joash, was the restoration of the temple which was neglected by his predecessors and the removal of the baals that filled the temple. He chose the Levites to collect taxes for the repair but they were neglient in their tasks According to the commentary:

There were three sources of income for the temple. There was the money that people gave for the work of the temple. Also, when people visited the temple they gave gifts for the temple. And there was the tax that Moses charged (2 Kings 12:4). This tax was half a shekel of silver for everyone who was over the age of 20 years (Exodus 30:11-16). The Levites did not collect this tax money. Jehoiada ought to have made the Levites go to collect the tax. Joash asked him why he had not done so.

 

Nevertheless the temple was repaired even better and stronger than before and the excess monies were used to replace/repair the items that were in the temple that were necessary for worship. While Jehoiada was alive, there were daily sacrifices in the temple and all was well. When he died, he was buried with the kings of David since he did so much to restore Judah to its glory for the Lord.

 

What a man he was! He was faithful beyond measure and even though he did have his faults, he was true to the Lord and His purposes.

 

Decent day yesterday, looking forward to heading home and working out of Princeton tomorrow. Heading up there on 9/21 which is good as well. Celebrating or recognizing my birthday on Friday with fam and friends - nothing better than that. Hopefully, the rain doesn't wash out the barbeque on Saturday for  my nephews' birthday party as well.

 

Praise for today: When I said, "my foot is slipping", your love, O Lord, supported me. Psalm 94: 18

2 Chr 23

All credit for the change in regime must rest with Jehoiada, the priest. He had the foresight and the blessing from God to carry forth his plan and restore the kingdom away from paganism. Joash, who was now 7 years old, was deemed ready to take the throne and he would follow the precepts of the Lord. What made it easier was the fact how hated Athaliah was. Jehoiada would gather a groundswell support and would do it systematically and judiciously so that the new king would be able to ascend to the throne with little incident. The guards that surrounded the newly anointed king would protect him and also seize the hated Athaliah and lead her off where she was killed away from the palace.

Not only was the priests such as Jehoiada tired of the neglect of the Lord, but more importantly, the people were as well. They were in accord with Jehoiada in a change of regime and attitude in the kingdom. The destruction of the temple of Baal as well as the killing of their chief priest was symbolic in the change of attitude and heart that would carry Judah in the coming years.

All in all, decent day yesterday. Tons of rain in the area down here which caused minor flooding and cleaner cars. Hard to believe that up north in NJ there was just minor rain and little incidents. Most of the same down here today and with my late night later I am glad that tonight is just a microwave day. Heading home tomorrow night so I can work out of Princeton on Friday. It will be good to see GG when I get home. It has been awhile.

Praise for today: Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150: 6

2 Chr 22: 10-12

This was one evil woman, Athaliah who was Ahaziah’s mother. She was the granddaughter of Omri, who built Samaria and showed her displeasure at her son's death by trying to eliminate the whole family. God, in his providence and promise. Per the commentary: His sons were too young. Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah tried to murder all of his young sons. But a daughter of Jehoram, Jehoshabeath took and she hid one of these sons. His name was Joash. She was the wife of Jehoiada the priest. So, they hid the boy with his nurse in the LORD’s temple for 6 years. In this way, the LORD preserved the family of David. Athaliah did not know about Joash. She made herself the queen and she ruled Judah for 6 years (842 to 837 BC). She was the only ruler in Judah who was not in the family of David.

It is amazing the malice that she showed to her own grandchildren because she could not mold them into her image like she did Ahaziah. The preservation of the lineage of David was essential and God did keep His promises.

Over all, decent day yesterday despite the torrential rain. Got the car taken car of and in spite of the deals that I got from my neighborhood car care place, it was still a small fortune. I guess you never want to chince on tires and brakes. Still getting some rebates in the mail to lessen the pain. Oh well, back to the grind.

Praise for today: I am confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27: 13.

2 Chr 22: 1-9

With the death of Jehoram as their king, they sought a new one. The people of Jerusalem chose Ahaziah, the youngest son of Jehoram as their king. He became the king out of default since his other brothers were slain. He chose not to live as the Lord wanted and thus his reign was short. His rule was one year. He chose to live as King Ahaz did and with the heavy influence of his mother, sought to worship Baal. He was advised to go to battle alongside the king of Israel, Joram against the king of Aram. Joram suffered major injuries and had to retreat. Ahaziah, chose to visit his fallen comrade and he too, suffered at the hands of the Lord via Jehu. Jehu, who was the Lord's executioner killed them all and thus there was no one left from Ahaziah's family to ascend to the throne because they were too young.

Apparently as soon as the kings reached puberty they were encouraged to have children to ensure their throne. Ahaziah was only 22 when he was king and he had young children but they were too young to take the helm.

Good day at church yesterday and was capped off by going to Brooklyn Tab to see PC&D. Finished it off with a decent meal with some coupons at Macaroni Grille.  Saturday was a good day as well, went to see the Flying Swords of Dragon Gate with Jet Li in 3D IMAX - awesome flick that was totally "old school". That was my first trip to Paramus in decades but well worth it. They have a decent food court and so it was a nice way to spend the first part of the day. Came home and made my "low and slow" ribs with zucchini that was well appreciated. Did some laundry and helped David out with some massive ironing while he was away.  Woke up to some decent rainfall this morning and looks like that will be the order of the day. Scheduled oil change this morning and heading down to Delly later on today.

Praise for today: Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who does marvelous deeds. Psalm 72: 19