Immerse Day 240: The Reign of King Josiah and His Reforms

On Day 240 of the Immerse Daily Bible Reading Experience, we explore the life and reign of King Josiah, who became king at the tender age of eight and ruled for 31 years. Known for his dedication to doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord, King Josiah enacted significant religious reforms, including the restoration of the Lord's temple and the removal of idolatrous practices. Key events include the discovery of the Book of the Law, the king's reaction and ensuing nationwide religious reforms, and the celebration of Passover in a manner not seen since the days of the judges. Despite Josiah’s devotion, the kingdom faced inevitable judgment due to the previous sins of his predecessors. The episode concludes with details of Josiah's demise in battle and the brief, unfavorable reign of his son, Jehoahaz.

00:00 Introduction to Josiah's Reign
00:26 Josiah's Temple Restoration
01:11 Discovery of the Book of the Law
03:52 Josiah's Reforms and Covenant Renewal
04:36 Josiah's Religious Purge
09:08 Josiah's Passover Celebration
09:57 Josiah's Legacy and Death
11:12 Jehoahaz's Short Reign
11:47 Conclusion and Farewell

Buy Immerse: Kingdoms Now!

Volume 3 — Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel–Kings

Kingdoms

Immerse: Kingdoms is the third of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Kingdoms presents a new and unique journey through the story of Israel from the time of its conquest of Canaan (Joshua) through its struggle to settle the land (Judges, Ruth) and the establishment of Israel’s kingdom, which ends in a forced exile (Samuel–Kings). The nation of Israel, commissioned to be God’s light to the nations, falls to division and then foreign conquest for rejecting God’s rule.

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Hezekiah's Illness, Recovery, and Manasseh's Reign: Day 239 of Immerse Bible Reading Experience

In Day 239 of the Immerse Bible Reading Experience, we explore significant events during the reign of King Hezekiah and the subsequent reign of his son Manasseh. The episode begins with Hezekiah's terminal illness and his heartfelt prayer for healing. God responds by granting him an additional 15 years of life and a miraculous sign involving a sundial. Soon after, Hezekiah shows his treasures to Babylonian envoys, prompting a prophetic warning from Isaiah about future Babylonian exile. After Hezekiah's death, his son Manasseh ascends the throne and commits numerous detestable acts, including idol worship and human sacrifice, arousing God's anger and resulting in dire prophecies against Judah. Following Manasseh's death, his son Amon becomes king but is soon assassinated, leading to Josiah's ascension to the throne. This episode provides a detailed account of faith, prophecy, and the consequences of turning away from God as described in the Book of Kings.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:04 Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery
02:07 Hezekiah's Interaction with Babylonian Envoys
03:03 Prophecy of Babylonian Exile
04:02 Reign of Manasseh: Idolatry and Evil
07:26 Reign of Amon and Assassination
08:21 Josiah Becomes King
08:26 Conclusion and Farewell

Buy Immerse: Kingdoms Now!

Volume 3 — Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel–Kings

Kingdoms

Immerse: Kingdoms is the third of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Kingdoms presents a new and unique journey through the story of Israel from the time of its conquest of Canaan (Joshua) through its struggle to settle the land (Judges, Ruth) and the establishment of Israel’s kingdom, which ends in a forced exile (Samuel–Kings). The nation of Israel, commissioned to be God’s light to the nations, falls to division and then foreign conquest for rejecting God’s rule.

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Day 238: Hezekiah's Appeal and God's Deliverance from the Assyrians

In today's episode of Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience, we continue our journey through the Bible, focusing on Day 238. This reading highlights a pivotal moment when King Hezekiah of Judah faces the threat of the Assyrian invasion. Key figures such as Aya Kim, Shena, and Joa report the Assyrian chief of staff's blasphemous message to King Hezekiah, who responds by seeking God's intervention. The prophet Isaiah delivers God's message of assurance that the Assyrians will not prevail. The episode concludes with the dramatic downfall of the Assyrian army as God's angel eliminates 185,000 soldiers, leading to the eventual assassination of the Assyrian king. The reading underscores themes of faith, divine intervention, and the ultimate supremacy of God over earthly powers.

00:00 Introduction and Context
00:24 Hezekiah's Despair and Isaiah's Prophecy
02:05 Assyrian Threat and Hezekiah's Prayer
03:55 God's Response and Assyrian Defeat
07:51 Conclusion and Reflection

Buy Immerse: Kingdoms Now!

Volume 3 — Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel–Kings

Kingdoms

Immerse: Kingdoms is the third of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Kingdoms presents a new and unique journey through the story of Israel from the time of its conquest of Canaan (Joshua) through its struggle to settle the land (Judges, Ruth) and the establishment of Israel’s kingdom, which ends in a forced exile (Samuel–Kings). The nation of Israel, commissioned to be God’s light to the nations, falls to division and then foreign conquest for rejecting God’s rule.

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Hezekiah's Reign: Faithfulness and Challenges – Immerse Bible Experience Day 237

In Day 237 of the Immerse: Daily Bible Reading Experience, we delve into the reign of King Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, who began to rule over Judah at 25 and reigned for 29 years. Hezekiah was notable for his faithfulness to God, mirroring the devotion of his ancestor David. Key actions during his reign included removing pagan shrines and breaking the bronze serpent made by Moses, which had become an idol. His trust in the Lord led to significant victories, including a revolt against Assyria and the conquest of Philistine territories. However, Hezekiah faced severe challenges, especially from the Assyrian king who besieged Samaria and later demanded a massive tribute from Hezekiah. This episode features interactions between Hezekiah's officials and the Assyrian commander, who attempts to undermine the people's faith in Hezekiah and God. Despite these intimidating encounters, Hezekiah's instruction to his people highlights his resilient leadership amid mounting pressures.

00:00 Introduction to Hezekiah's Reign
00:21 Hezekiah's Religious Reforms
01:07 Hezekiah's Military Actions
02:09 Assyrian Threat and Siege
02:31 Assyrian Demands and Hezekiah's Response
03:36 Assyrian Intimidation Tactics
05:35 Assyrian Propaganda to the People
07:08 Conclusion and Reflection

Buy Immerse: Kingdoms Now!

Volume 3 — Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel–Kings

Kingdoms

Immerse: Kingdoms is the third of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Kingdoms presents a new and unique journey through the story of Israel from the time of its conquest of Canaan (Joshua) through its struggle to settle the land (Judges, Ruth) and the establishment of Israel’s kingdom, which ends in a forced exile (Samuel–Kings). The nation of Israel, commissioned to be God’s light to the nations, falls to division and then foreign conquest for rejecting God’s rule.

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Day 236: The Reign of King Ahaz and the Fall of Israel - Immerse Bible Reading

In this episode of 'Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience,' we cover Day 236, focusing on the reign of King Ahaz of Judah and the downfall of Israel. We start with Ahaz, who ascends to the throne at the age of 20, following in the footsteps of the pagan kings of Israel rather than his ancestor David. His actions lead to collaborations and conflicts with surrounding nations, including Assyria. We also explore the reign of Hoshea, the last king of Israel, whose betrayal of Assyria leads to the siege and fall of Samaria. This episode outlines the consequences of turning away from God's commandments, culminating in the exile of the Israelites and the resettlement of foreign nations in Samaria, who continue to worship their own gods while superficially acknowledging the Lord. The episode closes by emphasizing the importance of adherence to God's decrees and the enduring impact of disobedience.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:04 Reign of King Ahaz
00:24 King Ahaz's Idolatry and Alliance with Assyria
01:55 Changes in Religious Practices
03:35 End of Ahaz's Reign and Succession
03:47 Reign of King Hoshea and Israel's Downfall
08:23 Exile of Israel and Resettlement
09:29 Continued Idolatry and Mixed Worship
11:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Buy Immerse: Kingdoms Now!

Volume 3 — Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel–Kings

Kingdoms

Immerse: Kingdoms is the third of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Kingdoms presents a new and unique journey through the story of Israel from the time of its conquest of Canaan (Joshua) through its struggle to settle the land (Judges, Ruth) and the establishment of Israel’s kingdom, which ends in a forced exile (Samuel–Kings). The nation of Israel, commissioned to be God’s light to the nations, falls to division and then foreign conquest for rejecting God’s rule.

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Day 235: The Reigns of Kings in Judah and Israel - An In-depth Bible Reading

In today's episode of 'Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience,' we cover the significant events during the reigns of various kings in Judah and Israel. This session documents the rulership of Isaiah, Zechariah, Shalom, Menahem, Pekah, Jotham, and others. We explore their actions, both pleasing and evil in the Lord's sight, conspiracies, assassinations, and invasions, as well as the consequences they faced. Special emphasis is placed on the historical records from the book of the history of the Kings of Judah and Israel, offering a comprehensive look at the leadership dynamics and God's responses to their deeds. Join us as we recount these detailed narratives and their implications in the biblical history.

00:00 Introduction to Today's Reading
00:04 Reign of King Isaiah
01:12 Zechariah's Short Reign
01:57 Shalom and Menahem's Turbulent Rule
03:54 Pekahiah and Pekah's Conspiracies
05:51 Jotham's Rule and Conflicts
06:50 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

Buy Immerse: Kingdoms Now!

Volume 3 — Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel–Kings

Kingdoms

Immerse: Kingdoms is the third of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Kingdoms presents a new and unique journey through the story of Israel from the time of its conquest of Canaan (Joshua) through its struggle to settle the land (Judges, Ruth) and the establishment of Israel’s kingdom, which ends in a forced exile (Samuel–Kings). The nation of Israel, commissioned to be God’s light to the nations, falls to division and then foreign conquest for rejecting God’s rule.

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Immerse: Daily Bible Reading Day 234 - Elisha's Final Prophecy, Kings & Kingdoms

This episode of Immerse covers Day 234 of the Daily Bible Reading Experience. It recounts significant events during the time of Elisha and the reigns of various kings of Israel and Judah. Highlights include Elisha's final prophecy to King Jehoash of Israel, Elijah's death and miraculous posthumous revival of a dead man, Israel's battles with Aram, the reign of King Amaziah of Judah, and the conquests and conflicts of Jeroboam II of Israel. The documentation of these events is found in the books of the history of the Kings of Israel and Judah.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:04 Elisha's Final Prophecy and Death
02:35 King Amaziah's Reign in Judah
03:53 Conflict Between Israel and Judah
06:38 Jeroboam II's Reign in Israel
08:02 Conclusion and Farewell

Buy Immerse: Kingdoms Now!

Volume 3 — Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel–Kings

Kingdoms

Immerse: Kingdoms is the third of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Kingdoms presents a new and unique journey through the story of Israel from the time of its conquest of Canaan (Joshua) through its struggle to settle the land (Judges, Ruth) and the establishment of Israel’s kingdom, which ends in a forced exile (Samuel–Kings). The nation of Israel, commissioned to be God’s light to the nations, falls to division and then foreign conquest for rejecting God’s rule.

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Immerse: Day 233 - Athaliah's Downfall and King Joash's Rise

Welcome to Day 233 of the Immerse Daily Bible Reading Experience. In this episode, we explore the dramatic events following King Ahaziah's death, focusing on Queen Athaliah's murderous rampage and the secret rescue of Joash, the infant heir to the throne of Judah. We witness Joash's eventual coronation, Athaliah's demise, and Joash's significant but incomplete reforms in Judah, including his undertaking to repair the temple. Additionally, we cover the reigns of subsequent kings: Jehoahaz of Israel and his pleas to the Lord, and Jehoash's defiance and continued sins despite the Lord's intermittent deliverance of Israel from oppression.

00:00 Introduction and Context
00:04 Athaliah's Reign and Jehoiada's Plan
02:11 Joash's Coronation and Athaliah's Downfall
04:18 Joash's Reign and Temple Repairs
07:02 Conflicts and Alliances
08:10 Jehoahaz and Jehoash's Reigns
10:32 Conclusion and Farewell

Buy Immerse: Kingdoms Now!

Volume 3 — Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel–Kings

Kingdoms

Immerse: Kingdoms is the third of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Kingdoms presents a new and unique journey through the story of Israel from the time of its conquest of Canaan (Joshua) through its struggle to settle the land (Judges, Ruth) and the establishment of Israel’s kingdom, which ends in a forced exile (Samuel–Kings). The nation of Israel, commissioned to be God’s light to the nations, falls to division and then foreign conquest for rejecting God’s rule.

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”