Read 2 Kings 23:21-25
Highlights:
Passover restored; death of Josiah; Jehoahaz imprisoned; Jehoiakim captured by Nebuchadnezzar; Zedekiah's reign; fall of Jerusalem; captivity of Judah.
And the king of Babylon smote them . . . So Judah was carried away out of their land (II Kin. 25:21).
Nebuchadnezzar, the great king of Babylon, defeated the Egyptians, captured Syria and Palestine, and then attacked Jerusalem.
Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, tried to escape when Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem, but he was captured and forced to witness the slaughter of his sons. Then they put out his eyes and carried him in chains to Babylon. This agonizing ordeal was the fulfillment of two prophecies: (1) Jeremiah had foretold that Zedekiah, king of Judah, would be led to Babylon (Jer. 32:5; 34:3); and (2) Ezekiel had said: Yet shall he not see it (Ezek. 12:13).
Jerusalem was invincible as long as the nation acknowledged and worshiped Jehovah, but that great city became powerless when they forsook the Word of God. In times past, Jerusalem had been delivered out of the hands of the wicked because they first turned to God and His Word. But it did not happen this time. We read: Zedekiah . . . did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that Jehoiakim had done. For through the anger of the Lord it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until He had cast them out from His presence (II Kin. 24:18-20). So they took the king, and brought him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him (25:6-7). We must purpose to consult and follow the Word of God every day because every day brings new challenges to life (Rom. 2:13).
Today, similar events are being reenacted before our eyes. The "Zedekiahs" and false prophets are leading our nation further into sin and farther away from God. But the "Jeremiahs" of our day are telling the world that the Word of God should have absolute authority over our lives.In these times, there are so many voices to be heard in this world. We must be sure to hear the voice of God. We become closer to God through reading His Word and prayer. It then becomes easier to clearly hear and discern His voice (Acts 22:14). As this happens, be like "Jeremiah"; to direct others to the Word of God as you follow it yourself.
And that from a child (from childhood) thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (II Tim. 3:15).
Thought for Today:
Be open to the quiet moving of the Spirit of God as you read His Word.
Christ Revealed:
Through the Passover (II Kin. 23:21-23), which, as a type, foreshadowed Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Passover Lamb, who delivers us from spiritual death through His sacrificial death. I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death (Rev. 1:18).
Word Studies:
25:12 husbandmen, farmers; 25:16 without weight, beyond measure; 25:27 lift up the head, release from prison.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Daniel Dalton • Government Officials: Rep. Dean Heller (NV) and Rep. Mike Kelly (PA) • Country: Cote d'Ivoire (16 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and over 60 native dialects • Religious freedom • 40% animist; 25% Muslim; 10% Roman Catholic; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray in such a manner that others would be encouraged to praise and glorify God also (Jude 1:24-25).
Optional Reading: Romans 13
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 5:21
