Points to Ponder in 2 Chronicles 14-20; 26; 30

To accompany your Come, Follow Me study for the week of July 20-26

In addition to reading the indicated chapters, you may enjoy:

Reading the related material in the Old Testament Scripture Helps at 2 Chronicles 14–20; 26; 30.
Watching any or all of the following videos:

King Asa Chops Down Grandma’s Idols: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo4HSPjJJLo&list=PLP39CKJGAWVGube3LwDCR9voOd15lGkzl&index=4

If you would like a Kahoot game to use either for personal study or enjoyment or with a group in a teaching situation, click on the following link:

https://create.kahoot.it/details/8c613cc1-36da-4a29-a3c6-ef36241c2a41

Points to Ponder in 2 Chronicles 14-20; 26; 30

1. King Asa experienced 10 years of peace before the massive Cushite army arrived. How might extended periods of comfort and security inadvertently dull our dependence on God, and what practical steps can we take to “seek the Lord” in times of peace?

2. The prophet Azariah praised Asa and encouraged him to continue his reforms (15:2), but the prophet Hanani later rebuked him for relying on the Syrian king rather than on the Lord. (16:7). Why is it sometimes easier to listen to words of encouragement than words of correction, and how can we cultivate a heart ready to receive both?

3. When threatened by Baasha, Asa abandoned his trust in God and relied on a political alliance with the King of Syria. What “Baashas” (threats or pressures) in our lives cause us to rely on human strategy or worldly alliances instead of divine strength?

4. Hanani told Asa that God’s eyes “run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” How should this truth influence our decision-making and our motivation for personal purity?

5. Jehoshaphat sent out teachers to instruct the people in the Book of the Law. How essential is intentional, formal religious education to the spiritual health of a family, community, or nation today?

6. Despite his previous good intentions, Jehoshaphat allied himself with the wicked King Ahab. Why are seemingly small compromises with ungodly influences so dangerous, and how can we discern and avoid such “unholy alliances” in our own lives?

7. Micaiah was imprisoned for speaking the unvarnished truth, which Ahab and Jehoshaphat didn’t want to hear. What does this story teach us about the tension between seeking popular advice and listening for God’s truth, especially when that truth is unpopular?

8. When facing an overwhelming threat, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast and prayed, concluding, “…we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do, but our eyes are upon thee.” Why is admitting our weakness and ignorance a critical first step to experiencing God’s deliverance?

9. Jehoshaphat appointed singers to lead the army, praising God right before the battle. How does making worship and praise a priority, even in moments of fear or crisis, change our perspective and access God’s power?

10. Following their miraculous victory, Judah spent three days collecting the plunder and then had a day of worship. How can we ensure that we don’t just celebrate the blessings of God (the plunder), but also remember to dedicate time to the worship of God?

11. The text states Uzziah “sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.” Who fills the role of Zechariah for us today? What happens when we stop listening to him?

12. Uzziah was prosperous, powerful, and famous. Yet, pride led to his downfall. How is the Lord’s definition of true success different from the world’s, and why is success often more spiritually dangerous than failure?

13. Uzziah, a king, tried to perform the duty of a priest. What spiritual roles or areas of God’s sovereignty are we sometimes tempted to “overstep” or usurp in our own lives? What Latter-day Saint doctrine is reinforced by this story?

14. Uzziah’s pride led to literal leprosy, which isolated him from the community. In what ways does unrepentant pride function as a form of “spiritual leprosy,” isolating us from God and from others?

15. Hezekiah initiated a nationwide Passover celebration, reviving a tradition that had been forgotten. What spiritual disciplines or practices have been lost or neglected in your life that need to be intentionally restored?

16. Hezekiah’s messengers were mocked by many in the remnant of Israel. Why are newly proposed Church policies or activities often met with resistance, mockery, or apathy, and how should we respond?

17. Those who participated in the Passover, especially from the northern tribes, had not had time for the required ceremonial cleansing. Hezekiah prayed for them, and the Lord “healed the people.” What does this emphasize about God’s willingness to accept a genuinely humbled heart over perfect adherence to rules?

18. The spiritual trajectory of Judah was constantly shaped by the character of its king (Asa, Jehoshaphat, Uzziah, Hezekiah). What is the responsibility of a leader (in a family, church, or nation) to set a righteous spiritual tone, and what is the responsibility of followers to uphold it?

19. If you had to summarize the main lesson of these chapters from 2 Chronicles, what would it be?

Possible Answers to Points to Ponder in 2 Chronicles 14-20; 26; 30

AI suggested answer: Extended peace can lead to spiritual complacency, where we slowly begin to attribute our success to our own wisdom and resources instead of to God. To counter this, we should commit to daily spiritual disciplines such as prayer and scripture study, consistently expressing gratitude, and investing in our community’s spiritual health (like Asa did by fortifying cities and seeking God’s law) so that our foundation is strong before the crisis hits.

AI suggested answer: It’s easier to hear encouragement because correction challenges our ego and requires repentance. We can cultivate a receptive heart by regularly reading Scripture (which acts as a mirror), submitting to accountability from trusted spiritual mentors, and consciously prioritizing truth over comfort.

AI suggested answer: Our “Baashas” might be financial pressures, career insecurities, or the desire for social approval. We compromise by relying on questionable business ethics, manipulative social tactics, or abandoning our moral principles for a perceived temporary gain, rather than trusting that God will protect and provide for us as we live righteously.

AI suggested answer: This truth should instill courage and conviction. Knowing that God is actively searching to support those who are loyal means that our efforts—even when unseen or opposed by the majority—are not in vain. It motivates us to choose the difficult, loyal path, knowing that God is our ultimate ally and source of strength.

AI suggested answer: Spiritual education—such as that offered through seminary, institute, and Come, Follow Me—is critically important. It creates a common moral and ethical foundation for the community and equips individuals to handle life’s challenges with wisdom. Without a deep knowledge of God’s Word, people rely on fleeting cultural trends, leading to societal instability and individual spiritual confusion.

AI suggested answer: Small compromises are dangerous because they blur moral lines and desensitize our conscience. They open the door to larger, more catastrophic failures. To avoid them, we must clearly define our non-negotiable principles and be willing to endure discomfort, rejection, or missed opportunities rather than linking ourselves to those who fundamentally oppose our core values.

AI suggested answer: This teaches us that the truth is often unpopular and costly (Micaiah was imprisoned). We should be suspicious of advice that only confirms our desires (the 400 prophets) and actively seek out voices in our lives that are willing to speak truth in love, even if it challenges our personal opinions or desires.

AI suggested answer: Admitting our weakness is the point at which human self-sufficiency ends and divine power can begin. It’s an act of deep humility and faith. The admission, “we have no might… neither know we what to do,” clears the way for God’s unique solution, which is often beyond our imagination (the armies destroying each other).

AI suggested answer: Placing worshipers first is an act of radical faith. It demonstrates that our confidence is not in our weapons or strategy, but entirely in God’s presence and power. Worship shifts our focus from the size of the problem to the greatness of our God, which calms our fear and triggers God’s intervention.

AI suggested answer: We must intentionally dedicate time to worship (the Valley of Beracah/Blessing) to ensure the victory and the blessings lead to humility and renewed devotion, not just comfort and greed. Otherwise, we risk becoming like Asa—enjoying God’s provision but forgetting the Giver and eventually turning away..

Our living prophet fills for us the same role Zechariah did for Uzziah—or should have done. When Uzziah stopped seeking Zechariah’s counsel, his own success became his highest authority, allowing pride to blind him to his limitations and the boundaries of his role. The same could happen to us, if we aren’t careful to “follow the prophet.”

AI assisted answer: The world defines success by accumulated resources and power. The scriptures define it by righteous character and faithful obedience. Worldly success is spiritually dangerous because it creates the illusion of self-sufficiency (the sin of pride), making us feel we no longer need God or the restraints of His law.

This story underscores the importance of priesthood authority in God’s work. Though he was king, Uzziah did not have authority to burn incense or perform other priestly duties. As D&C 121 reminds us, it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, to immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. We must be careful not to attempt to make decisions that only our bishop, or stake president, for example, are authorized to make.

AI suggested answer: Just as Uzziah’s leprosy forced him into physical isolation, pride causes spiritual and relational isolation. Pride makes us unteachable, unwilling to confess sin, and unable to connect genuinely with others because we are focused solely on ourselves. It separates us from the source of all healing and grace—God Himself.

Your choice. Could it be regular temple attendance? Family home evening? Family Come Follow Me study?

AI suggested answer: Spiritual invitations are often met with resistance because renewal demands humility and change. Our response should be to focus on the willing and humble remnant (those who “humbled themselves and came,” 30:11), praying for the mockers, and continuing the work of renewal without being discouraged by cynicism.

AI suggested answer: This emphasizes that God prioritizes a person’s sincere heart over their perfect performance. The people had a strong desire to worship, so Hezekiah appealed to God’s mercy to cover their ceremonial defects. God honored that heart, teaching us that grace is available when our desire to draw near is genuine.

AI assisted answer: A leader’s heart is a spiritual compass for his or her sphere of influence; the leader’s choices often shape the spiritual atmosphere. A leader’s responsibility is to set an example of unwavering faith and obedience. Followers, however, also have a responsibility to evaluate their leaders against God’s Word and retain their personal loyalty to God, refusing to follow a leader (e.g., a political leader) into inappropriate behavior, just as the priests in Uzziah’s day refused to accept his efforts to perform priestly functions.

19. If you had to summarize the main lesson of these chapters from 2 Chronicles, what would it be?

The success of nations and their leaders depends on the sincerity of their hearts in seeking and obeying the Lord. When they rely on Him, they prosper. When they do not, misery and failure ensue. Asa, Jehoshaphat, Uzziah, and Hezekiah all started out as righteous kings, but all to one degree or another got caught up in pride in their later years.