Read: 2
Kings 25
Jerusalem’s takeover by Babylon has begun. Zedekiah
is king over Judah – a king installed by Babylon. Despite warnings from the
prophet Jeremiah, (Jer. 27:1-8), Zedekiah rebels against Babylon. This
rebellion incites the powerful Babylon to attack the weak Judah. The
Babylonians lay siege to Jerusalem. The prolonged siege led to great famine in
the city. The citizens were too weak to defend their home. Babylonian armies
broke through Jerusalem’s walls and captured King Zedekiah.
Jerusalem was once a glorious city – a capitol
selected by David and home to the Lord’s temple under Solomon. Now it lays in
ruin. Overrun by a foreign army, Jerusalem is defeated. One of the worst parts of the Babylonian
conquest is the destruction of the temple. The author goes into great detail
about how the Babylonians ransack and destroy God’s temple. They do not
understand that this temple is unlike those in other lands. This is the temple
to the only true God, the God who orchestrated this very exile.
After destroying the temple, the Babylonians round
up the remaining Judahites for exile (many had already been exiled to Babylon,
2 Kings 24:15-16). Nebuchadnezzar left a remnant of Judah’s population to work
the land. Over these workers he appointed Gedaliah – a Jew – as governor. How
merciful is our God. Even in the exile He allows some of His people to remain
in the land. However, Ishmael, a man of royal blood, assassinates Gedaliah. At
this, all of those remaining in the land flee to Egypt for fear of the
Babylonians.
The author of 2 Kings leaves us with another
glimpse into God’s wonderful mercy. Jehoiachin, the previous king of Judah, is
released. He is granted a regular allowance and given a place to dine at the
Babylonian king’s table. This leaves us to wonder – is there still hope for
Judah?
Prayer and
Journaling
1. Judah saw God’s incredible mercy, even in the
midst of incredible hardship. Ask God to show you specific ways He has shown
you mercy during times of hardship.
2. Read Jeremiah 25:11-12 and Jeremiah 29:10-14.
Even before the exile, God promised to bring Judah back to the Promised Land.
Spend time meditating on God’s goodness. How is His goodness revealed through
the exile of Judah?
3. Pray for someone you know who is experiencing a
season of deep hardship. Ask God to reveal His goodness, mercy, and sovereign
power to this person. Pray that they would find comfort in His presence, even
when life is chaotic and painful.
