2 Kings continues the historical account of the now divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Despite the work and miracles of the prophet Elisha, Israel never departed from the idolatrous practices introduced by its kings. As a result, God brought enemies against them and in chapter 17 they are finally removed from the land by the Assyrians. Spiritual reforms introduced in Judah by some of its kings were not long-lasting, and so eventually they too were taken captive by Babylon where they would remain for seventy years.
The two books of Chronicles provide a separate account of the history of the kings of Judah, the tribe into which Jesus would later be born. It is introduced by genealogies showing how the nation of Israel originated from the 12 sons of Jacob, a fulfillment of God’s promises in Genesis. After the death of the first king, a Benjamite, the throne passes to David of the tribe of Judah.
Lamentations is a lament for the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem by the Babylonians – the punishment prophesied by Jeremiah for the people’s continuing idolatry and disobedience to God. Interestingly, chapters 1 to 4 are written as Hebrew acrostics, that is where each verse begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet (which has 22 letters), making them easier to memorise. Chapter 3 has 66 verses (3 verses start with each letter), and contains a marvellous message of comfort and hope from verse 22 onwards: God is still merciful and compassionate, and the people need to turn back to him.
Ezekiel was a priest, but was taken captive from Jerusalem to Babylon. From there he prophesies by words and actions of the final destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. He records powerful visions of God’s glory, represented by winged creatures (the ‘cherubim’ from the temple), gradually leaving the temple and Jerusalem, only returning at the very end of the book.
For the New Testament readings see also the summary given for the March readings.
In Corinthians, we read about the challenges and problems faced by both Paul and the believers he is writing to. They needed to remain faithful to the way of life required by God despite afflictions, persecutions and temptations, helping each other when in need, and looking forward to having their current weaknesses removed in the resurrection following the judgement (see 1 Cor 15, 2 Cor 5).
It is worth noting in Luke how often the phrase ‘kingdom of God’ occurs. This kingdom will be established on earth when Jesus returns to sit on the throne of his ancestor David (chapter 1), bringing peace on earth (chapter 2) and it is what we should pray for (chapter 11). Jesus’ teaching and parables focus on how to prepare for that kingdom, and his miracles show what the kingdom will be like, when all sickness and weakness will be removed.