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FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 30: July 20 - 26: "Our Eyes Are upon Thee"

2 Chronicles 14-20; 26; 30

Doctrinal Focus
Historical & Contextual
Apologetic Application
Practical Applications
Ideas for Teaching
Quick Reference

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading

King Asa taught Judah to “seek the Lord God of their fathers” and to keep His commandments. Because they sought Him, “the Lord gave them rest round about” and helped them prosper (see 2 Chronicles 14:4–7). This account teaches that spiritual strength and stability come when individuals and communities deliberately turn to God and follow His commandments.

The prophet Azariah taught Asa, “The Lord is with you, while ye be with him… if ye seek him, he will be found of you” (2 Chronicles 15:2). This principle shows that our relationship with God requires effort and faithfulness. When we actively seek Him through prayer, covenant keeping, and worship, He reveals His presence and guidance in our lives.

When Judah faced a vast invading army, King Jehoshaphat prayed, acknowledging that the people had no power against their enemies and declaring, “Our eyes are upon thee” (2 Chronicles 20:12). This humble reliance on God demonstrates that prayer is an act of faith that invites divine intervention when human strength is insufficient.

Through a prophet, the Lord told Judah, “The battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15). As the people exercised faith and praised God, He miraculously delivered them from their enemies (see 2 Chronicles 20:21–22). This account teaches that trusting the Lord allows His power to work in ways that surpass our own abilities.

Although Asa began his reign faithfully, later he relied on political alliances rather than the Lord for help. The prophet Hanani warned him that because he relied on the king of Syria instead of God, he had “not relied on the Lord thy God” (2 Chronicles 16:7–9). This story illustrates how trusting worldly solutions instead of God can weaken faith and spiritual strength.

King Uzziah was blessed with success while he sought the Lord, but when he became strong, “his heart was lifted up to his destruction” (2 Chronicles 26:16). His pride led him to overstep sacred boundaries and ultimately lose his position and blessings. This example warns that humility and continued dependence on God are essential for maintaining a faithful relationship with Him.

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • The events in 2 Chronicles 14–20; 26; 30 occur during the period of the divided kingdom of Israel, when the southern kingdom of Judah was ruled by kings such as Asa, Jehoshaphat, and Uzziah.

After the kingdom split following Solomon’s reign, Judah frequently faced military threats, political instability, and spiritual decline. Some kings encouraged faithfulness to God—removing idols, restoring temple worship, and calling the people to repentance—while others struggled with pride or misplaced trust in alliances rather than in the Lord.

  • These chapters show how the spiritual choices of leaders and people affected the nation’s safety and prosperity. When the people sought the Lord through prayer, covenant renewal, and temple worship, God protected and strengthened them; when they became prideful or relied on worldly power, they experienced consequences.
  • The history of Judah illustrates the enduring principle that spiritual strength and divine help come when individuals and communities seek the Lord sincerely. Just as ancient Judah’s safety depended on their relationship with God, our spiritual security today depends on turning to Him with humility and faith.
  • Several of the righteous kings of Judah led the people in large public efforts to return to the Lord. These included removing idols, restoring worship at the temple, and renewing covenants to follow God’s commandments (see 2 Chronicles 15:8–12; 30:6–9). These actions emphasized that spiritual renewal was not only individual but also communal.

     

  • King Asa gathered the people together and encouraged them to seek the Lord wholeheartedly. The people entered into a covenant to follow God and rejoiced in their renewed commitment (2 Chronicles 15:12–15). This shows how collective worship and covenant making strengthened the spiritual unity of the nation.
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  • Later, King Hezekiah invited people from throughout Israel and Judah to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 30:6–9). Even though many had been spiritually distant, the invitation showed that repentance and reconciliation with God were always possible. The Lord responded with mercy when the people humbled themselves.
  • Throughout these chapters, prophets delivered messages from God that directed, warned, or encouraged the kings of Judah. Their counsel often came during moments of crisis or decision, helping leaders understand God’s will and reminding them to trust Him rather than rely solely on political or military power.

     

  • For example, the prophet Azariah reminded Asa that the Lord would be with the people as long as they remained faithful (2 Chronicles 15:1–2). This prophetic message inspired Asa to strengthen religious reforms and encourage the people to seek God more fully.

     

  • Similarly, during Jehoshaphat’s crisis with invading armies, a prophet declared that “the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:14–15). This assurance helped the people act in faith rather than fear, demonstrating how prophetic guidance can provide clarity and courage in difficult situations.

If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

  1. Claim: “Biblical stories about God responding to prayer are exaggerated or symbolic.”
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  3. Response:
  4. Historical Evidence: In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah faced a coalition of enemy armies that greatly outnumbered them. Instead of relying solely on military strength, they gathered to fast and pray, asking the Lord for help (2 Chronicles 20:3–12). The narrative records that God intervened and the invading armies were miraculously defeated (2 Chronicles 20:22–24).
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  6. Eyewitness Support: The account describes the entire nation gathering at the temple to witness the prayer and prophetic message that followed (2 Chronicles 20:13–15). The deliverance of Judah would have been experienced collectively by the people who saw the outcome of the battle and the unexpected victory. Such a widespread event would have been remembered and preserved in the historical record.
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  8. Spiritual Confirmation: Believers today often report personal experiences where sincere prayer brings guidance, peace, or unexpected help. While experiences vary, many find that turning to God in prayer strengthens faith and invites divine influence in their lives. The scriptural account invites readers to test this principle personally through sincere prayer.
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  10. Logical Analysis: If God exists and is involved in human affairs, it is reasonable that He would respond to sincere petitions from His children. Prayer, in this view, is not merely symbolic but a real relationship with a personal God. The consistency of prayer narratives across scripture supports the idea that divine response is part of the biblical worldview.
  • Claim: “Prophetic messages in scripture were invented to justify the decisions of kings.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: In 2 Chronicles 15:1–7, the prophet Azariah delivered a message urging King Asa and the people of Judah to seek the Lord and remain faithful. His message emphasized repentance and covenant faithfulness rather than political strategy. This demonstrates that prophetic messages often focused on spiritual reform rather than political advantage.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Prophetic messages were frequently delivered publicly before kings and the gathered people. For example, the prophet Jahaziel spoke to the assembled nation of Judah during Jehoshaphat’s crisis (2 Chronicles 20:14–17). Because these messages were heard by many witnesses, they were not private claims but communal experiences.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Throughout history, believers have sought spiritual confirmation of prophetic teachings through prayer and personal revelation. Many testify that prophetic guidance aligns with divine truth and brings increased faith and moral clarity. This personal witness reinforces confidence in prophetic authority.
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  • Logical Analysis: If God communicates with humanity, prophets would logically serve as messengers to guide communities. The presence of prophets across many biblical periods suggests a consistent pattern rather than isolated political manipulation. Their willingness to call leaders to repentance also indicates independence rather than political convenience.
  • Claim: “The reforms of kings like Asa or Hezekiah were motivated by politics rather than sincere faith.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: 2 Chronicles 14–15 records that King Asa removed idols, repaired the altar of the Lord, and encouraged the people to seek God. These actions often went against established cultural practices and required significant effort and sacrifice. The reforms focused on worship and covenant renewal rather than strengthening political alliances.
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  • Eyewitness Support: The people of Judah participated in public covenant ceremonies where they pledged to seek the Lord with all their hearts (2 Chronicles 15:12–15). These gatherings involved large numbers of participants and would have been widely remembered. Such communal participation suggests genuine religious commitment rather than a purely political policy.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Many believers experience spiritual renewal through repentance, covenant keeping, and worship, similar to the reforms described in these chapters. The positive spiritual outcomes described—peace, unity, and joy—reflect the transformative effects of sincere devotion.
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  • Logical Analysis: Political reforms typically focus on power, economy, or defense, whereas the reforms described emphasize worship, moral conduct, and covenant faithfulness. This difference suggests that the primary motivation was spiritual rather than political. The narrative consistently attributes the nation’s peace and success to faithfulness to God.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: When confronted with a problem or decision, pray and seek the Lord’s guidance before relying on your own solutions.

In times of uncertainty, it is easy to rely only on our own understanding. The example of King Jehoshaphat shows that sincere prayer invites God’s help and brings clarity and strength during difficult situations (see 2 Chronicles 20:3–12). Seeking the Lord first aligns our perspective with His will and opens the way for divine guidance.

  1. – Pause when facing a challenge instead of reacting immediately.
  2. – Pray specifically about the situation and ask for guidance.
  3. – Study relevant scriptures that relate to your concern.
  4. – Listen for promptings and impressions from the Spirit.
  5. – Act with faith on the guidance you receive.

Encouraging Thought:

“Our eyes are upon thee” (2 Chronicles 20:12) expresses humble trust in God. When we place our focus on the Lord, we invite His wisdom and strength into our circumstances.

Action Step: Make time periodically to evaluate your spiritual habits and recommit to living the gospel more fully.

The people of Judah strengthened their relationship with God when they renewed their covenant to seek Him with all their hearts (2 Chronicles 15:12–15). Spiritual renewal helps us realign our priorities and restore focus when distractions or complacency weaken our devotion.

  1. – Set aside time for personal reflection and prayer.
  2. – Identify areas where you could grow spiritually.
  3. – Repent and make adjustments where needed.
  4. – Strengthen daily habits like scripture study and prayer.
  5. – Participate in worship and covenant ordinances with greater intent.

Encouraging Thought:

The people “sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them” (2 Chronicles 15:15). God is always ready to receive those who sincerely return to Him.

  • Action Step: When experiencing success or blessings, consciously express gratitude and acknowledge God’s role in your progress.

King Uzziah was blessed with strength and success while he sought the Lord, but pride eventually led to his downfall (2 Chronicles 26:16). Remembering that blessings come from God helps maintain humility and keeps us spiritually grounded.

  1. – Begin and end each day with gratitude in prayer.
  2. – Recognize God’s hand in your successes and opportunities.
  3. – Look for ways to serve others with the blessings you receive.
  4. – Seek feedback and counsel from trusted spiritual mentors.
  5. – Regularly study scriptures that teach humility.

Encouraging Thought:

  • Success is safest when it is paired with humility. When we remember the source of our strength, we remain spiritually protected and open to continued guidance from God.

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners understand how trusting the Lord during difficult situations invites His help and guidance.

  1. Whiteboard or paper

     

  2. Markers or pens

     

  3. Printed or displayed scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:12, 15

Activity Steps:

  1. Introduction (5 min): Present a simple scenario (e.g., a difficult decision, overwhelming responsibility, or unexpected challenge). Ask learners: “What is your first instinct when you feel overwhelmed?” Write responses on the board and briefly discuss common reactions.
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  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read 2 Chronicles 20:12 together. Discuss how Jehoshaphat acknowledged his limitations and turned to God. Then read 2 Chronicles 20:15 and highlight the message that “the battle is not yours, but God’s.” Invite learners to identify what this teaches about relying on the Lord.
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  5. Application (5 min): Ask learners to think of a challenge they currently face. Invite them to write one way they could place their “eyes upon the Lord” this week (such as prayer, scripture study, or seeking guidance). Encourage them to share ideas if they feel comfortable.

Follow-Up Question: How can turning to God first change the way we face difficult situations?

Objective: Help learners understand the importance of actively seeking the Lord and renewing their commitment to Him.

  1. Paper and pens

     

  2. Scripture references: 2 Chronicles 15:2, 12–15

Activity Steps:

Introduction (5 min): Ask learners to think about something in life that improves with consistent effort (such as exercise, music practice, or studying). Discuss how relationships also require effort to stay strong.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read 2 Chronicles 15:2 and discuss the principle that if we seek the Lord, we will find Him. Then read 2 Chronicles 15:12–15 and talk about how the people renewed their covenant and rejoiced in seeking God together.

Application (5 min): Invite learners to write one small action they could take this week to strengthen their relationship with God (for example, more focused prayer or deeper scripture study). Encourage them to reflect on how these efforts can bring them closer to Him.

Follow-Up Question: What are some practical ways we can “seek the Lord” more intentionally in our daily lives?

Objective: Help learners recognize the dangers of pride and the importance of remaining humble when blessed with success.

  1. Two cups or containers

     

  2. Water

     

  3. Scripture reference: 2 Chronicles 26:15–16

Activity Steps: 

Introduction (5 min): Show two cups—one upright and one turned upside down. Pour water toward both cups to illustrate that only the open cup can receive it. Ask learners what the illustration might represent.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read 2 Chronicles 26:15–16 about King Uzziah’s success and how pride led to his downfall. Discuss how humility allows us to continue receiving God’s guidance and blessings.

Application (5 min): Invite learners to share ways people can remain humble even when they succeed or receive recognition. Encourage them to identify practices such as gratitude, service, and remembering God’s role in their blessings.

Follow-Up Question: What habits help us stay humble when things are going well in our lives?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • Seeking the Lord brings strength and peace — When Judah sought the Lord and kept His commandments, God gave them rest from their enemies (2 Chronicles 14:4–7).

     

  • God responds to humble prayer in times of crisis — Jehoshaphat prayed, “Our eyes are upon thee,” and the Lord delivered Judah (2 Chronicles 20:12, 15).

     

  • Faith invites God to fight our battles — When the people trusted God and praised Him, the Lord caused their enemies to defeat themselves (2 Chronicles 20:21–22).

     

  • Covenant renewal strengthens faith — The people entered a covenant to seek the Lord with all their hearts and rejoiced in their commitment (2 Chronicles 15:12–15).

     

  • Pride can lead to spiritual downfall — King Uzziah prospered when he sought God but fell when his heart became lifted up (2 Chronicles 26:16).
  • Why trust modern prophets?
  • God has consistently guided His people through prophets throughout scripture. In these chapters, prophets such as Azariah and Jahaziel delivered messages that helped leaders and nations turn to the Lord and receive divine guidance (2 Chronicles 15:1–2; 20:14–17). Latter-day Saints believe that this same pattern continues today through living prophets who teach truth, call people to repentance, and point them toward Jesus Christ.
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  • Why does God allow mistakes?
  • Scripture shows that even righteous leaders sometimes made mistakes or struggled with pride. For example, Asa later relied on political alliances instead of the Lord (2 Chronicles 16:7–9), and Uzziah’s pride led to serious consequences (2 Chronicles 26:16). These examples demonstrate that God works through imperfect people while still teaching accountability, humility, and repentance.

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