Today I read 2 Chronicles 36, in which after Josiah’s death the people faced captivity in Babylon. Today I considered that God can allow enemies to capture those not following Him but also can make the enemies set us free. I also realized God’s wrath came after they mocked God’s messengers.
Judah and Jerusalem Became Captive
The peace in Jerusalem ended after Josiah’s death and Judah and Jerusalem were under the control and captive to others until after Cyprus became king of Persia (2 Chronicles 36:1-23). Josiah’s son Jehoahaz became king for three months before king Necho took him to Egypt and condemned the land to 7500 lbs of sliver and 75 lbs of gold. Necho made Jehoahaz’s brother Jehoiakim king of Judah, reigning for 11 years and doing evil according in God’s sight. King Nebuchadnezzar took Jehoiakim as a prisoner to Babylon. Jehoiakim’s son Jehoiachin reigned three months and was taken to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar made Jehoiachin’s brother Zedekiah reign over Judah and Jerusalem 11 years during which he did evil in God’s sight and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. God sent messengers to warn Zedekiah and the people about their wickedness but they mocked the messenger. God then sent his wrath through the king of the Chaldees who had no compassion on anyone regardless of age, women, or children. All the treasures of God’s house were taken to Babylon and God’s house burnt down. All the people that were not killed were taken to Babylon. They were captive until Cyrus king of Persia said God wanted him to build a house for God in Jerusalem. God can allow our enemies to destroy things and capture us but God can also set us free.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
God continued to show Judah and Jerusalem grace and did not bring down his wrath until they mocked his messengers. Then God’s wrath came down with destruction and even captivity.
Have you ever seen someone mock something related to God and then face terrible consequences?