Day Thirty-Two -- Keeping the focus on Judah

2 Chronicles 7:11 to 2 Chronicles 23:15

One thing I've begun to notice is that the negative side of the stories about David, Solomon, and the kings of Judah is definitely downplayed by the author(s) of the Chronicles.  They are not entirely let off the hook for their disobedience or failure to seek help from the LORD, but there is a far greater emphasis made of any good that they accomplished.  In addition, even when a king is particularly bad, we are always reminded that since they are of the House of David, the LORD would not completely abandon the people or allow the kingship to fall into the hands of another line.

The Chronicles account of the kings is not even interrupted with the exploits of Elijah or Elisha, and involvement with the northern kings (Israel) seems to be kept to a minimum. So, while we have heard much of these stories before I've come to appreciate the difference in how they are framed to keep the spotlight on Judah.  There is left no doubt about who is "in" and who is "out", and the Davidic line is definitely the keeper of the covenant.  God's promise concerning the descendants of David will not be set aside.