Read: 2
Kings 23:31-24:20
This passage gives us an overview of the final four
kings of Judah. First, we read of Jehoahaz, son of Josiah. Unlike his father,
Jehoahaz chooses to walk in evil. The Egyptian Pharaoh, Neco, captures Jehoahaz
and imposes a large levy on Jerusalem. Neco places Jehoahaz’s brother, Eliakim,
on the throne in Jerusalem. Neco changes Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. Jehoiakim
imposes a tax on Judah in order to pay Neco’s levy. Like his brother, Jehoiakim
is an evil rule. During Jehoiakim’s reign, Babylon begins to invade Judah. For
three years, Jehoiakim is a vassal to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. This is
the beginning of the judgment decreed by God for Judah’s sins (24:3-4).
When Jehoiakim dies, Jehoiachin takes the throne.
Judah has yet another evil king. At this time, Nebuchadnezzar’s armies lay
siege on Jerusalem. Jehoiachin surrenders. Nebuchadnezzar strips Jerusalem of
all of its valuables and takes most of its citizens captive. Only the “poorest of
the poor” – those Nebuchadnezzar wrongly views as not useful – are left behind
(24:14). Nebuchadnezzar puts Jehoiachin’s uncle, Mattaniah on the throne of
Judah. In this act, Mattaniah is renamed Zedekiah. Zedekiah, too, is an evil
king.
The end is in sight for Judah. Its list of sins is
long and final judgment nears.
Prayer and Journaling
1. Nebuchadnezzar wrongly viewed the poor as
disposable and valueless. The truth is that God views everyone as valuable,
regardless of their socioeconomic status. Pray for the poor in our country
today. Pray that they would find their identity in Jesus, not in the labels
thrown at them by society. Pray that God would move the Church to help the poor
in loving, sustainable ways.
2. Pray for Israel today. Just as in the days of
the kings, modern Israel is surrounded by hostile neighbours. Pray that God
would protect the nation from attack. Pray for wisdom and strategy for the
country’s government – that they would be able to steer their nation through
the many potential conflicts they face. Pray that many Israelis would come to
know Jesus. Pray for the country to repent of their sins and turn to God, His
Laws, and His Messiah.
