2 Kings 25:1 So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army. He camped outside the city and built siege works around it.
We have talked in Sunday School many times about the idea that we either say to God, “Thy will be done” or He will say to us, “thy will be done.” This chapter seems the epitome of the later. The Israelites wanted a human king like everyone else. God knew that was not what was best and tried to guide them to His will, but they were adamant. They wanted a king. So God allowed them to get what they wanted.
2 Kings 25:8-9 On the seventh day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard… came to Jerusalem. He set fire to the temple of the LORD, the royal palace and all the houses of Jerusalem. Every important building he burned down.
Their succession of kings led them further and further from God, split the nation in two, led Israel into captivity, and now Judah has fallen as well. Our choices are not without consequences. But even in the destruction, there are seeds of hope.
2 Kings 25:18 The commander of the guard took as prisoners Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest next in rank and the three doorkeepers.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the understanding that You love us and want what’s best for us. Thank You for not abandoning us to our pigheadedness. Thank You for giving us seeds of hope when our way leads to disaster. Draw us closer to You. Always. Amen.
2 Kings 25:21 …So Judah went into captivity, away from her land.
Have a blessed day
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.