2 Kings 23:31-25:30
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Today we finish up the book of Second Kings! First Chronicles begins tomorrow! It is an incredibly sad day of readings in 2 Kings today... literally, it's the end of the Kings. We finish up the day's readings with a "governor" of Judah - who was quickly assassinated - and the former King of Judah living in exile in Babylon. Yes, Babylon has taken the stage. Babylon, which we will read much more about in the book of Daniel and some of the books of the prophets later this year. This map below shows the scope of the Babylonian Empire in the late 7th through early 6th centuries B.C.:
In today's readings we are introduced to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The readings move at a fast pace in 2 Kings 24 & 25. However, later this year in the Bible we'll get many more details leading up to the fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. Very sad readings today in 2 Kings 25 verse 9 when the Temple of the Lord is burned in Jerusalem by Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, and the Babylonian army!
So, why did the exile happen? Judah's exile from the Promised Land was the most dire of the covenant curses for disobedience from Leviticus 26:14-39 (see verse 33 in particular) and Deuteronomy 28:15-68 (see verse 36 in particular). Below is an image of the blind and chained Zedekiah being deported to Babylon in today's readings from a 14th century French Bible:
The book of Second Kings closes out today with hope for Israel's royal line to continue through King Jehoiachin, who is exiled in Babylon. With God there is always hope! More to come on the fall, exile, and restoration of Israel in our readings later this year. What stood out to you in reading Second Kings this year? Did it make sense to you that the exile happened by the end of the book? Do you think the exile was just and fair, considering the circumstances? Below is an image courtesy of lavistachurchofchrist.org of 2 Kings 25:27: "In the thirty-seventh year of King Jehoiachin's exile in Babylon, Evil-merodach ascended to the Babylonian throne. He was kind to Jehoiachin and released him from prison on April 2 of that year."
Worship Video: Today's readings reminds me of the song "I've Always Loved You" by Third Day:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nYmMlrbCL8
Do you know One who has always loved you? Click here for Love!
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
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