2 Kings 17:16-18

The Battle Is the Lord’s. There is a spiritual battle going on between God and Satan (see the reading plan “The Great Battle”). There are also a lot of wars and battles going on between humans. And sometimes there is a clear connection between the two. This reading plan covers several Bible stories about earthly battles where the Lord was clearly involved.

What began as a victorious return to the land in Joshua ends in destruction, defeat, and exile in 2 Kings. The idolatry and sinfulness of Israel and Judah lead to their expulsion from the land - a final ignominy in a long history of unfaithfulness. Yet even in exile, God was preserving his people and the line of David for a future coming King, whose reign would know no end.

We are surrounded by injustice and pain. We see it not only in our world but also in our own lives and it can be disheartening and overwhelming. But we are not without hope. This is what Micah is all about. He is not afraid to get in our face about some hard topics like sin and judgement.

In the beginning was the Word … but what came next? This plan is for anyone who wants a better understanding of the Bible. It provides a chronological reading program that endeavors to place all biblical passages in their date order. Part Seven of this twelve-part one-year reading plan is titled ‘Israel’s Exile, Judah’s Further Decline: 730 BC–615 BC’.