“Come to the House of the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 29-30; 32-34

Keywords

ancient Israelite worship, covenant faithfulness, prophetic reform

Abstract

In the days of Ancient Israel all was not well. ((Some resources consulted for this article include: Hershel Shanks, Ancient Israel, (Washington, D.C.: Biblical Archaeology Society, 1999). John Bright, A History of Israel 3rd Edition, (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1981). Anchor Bible Dictionary, edited by David Noel Freedman, vol. 6 (New York: Doubleday, 1992). Francolino Gonçalves, L’Expédition De Sennachérib En Palestine Dans La Littérature Hébraïque Ancienne, (Louvain-La-Neuve : Université Catholique De Louvain, 1986).)) A careful study of the Biblical record reveals that a near continual battle existed between those seeking to establish the worship of Jehovah and those seeking to establish the worship of other gods and goddess who competed for the time, resources and affection of the Israelites.  This ongoing battle traces a cycle of wickedness, decline, repentance, prosperity and then a return to wickedness again.  The history of Israel as well as the lives and words of her prophets can in part be defined by this battle over proper worship.  When righteous leaders were in power a solemn invitation centered on temple worship was in effect:

Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths.  Micah 4:2

Original Publication Citation

“Come to the House of the Lord: 2 Chronicles 29-30; 32-34.” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. 2014.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2014

Publisher

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Marketing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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