Jeremiah 52:31 In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the year Awel-Marduk became king of Babylon, on the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth month, he released Jehoiachin king of Judah and freed him from prison.
Commentary says that this chapter is essentially a summary of the prophecies of Jeremiah. One might wonder why this was necessary. This was an incredibly difficult, gruelingly destructive time in the history of Jerusalem and Judah. Why remember?
Jeremiah 52:32 He spoke kindly to him and gave him a seat of honor higher than those of the other kings who were with him in Babylon.
There is power in remembering the small, cumulative steps that led to this destruction. There is power in remembering that God gave so many chances for them to return and repent before this destructive end. There is power in remembering the small kindnesses and blessings even in all the heartbreak and despair, in remembering that God’s goal even here was redemption for His people.
Jeremiah 52:33 So Jehoiachin put aside his prison clothes and for the rest of his life ate regularly at the king’s table.
Lord, Help me never to forget the power of remembering. Help me never to forget that return and redemption are Your goals for me, for all of us, that relationship is foundationally important. Help me never to forget that even in all the heartbreak and despair, there are kindnesses and blessings. Thank You. Amen.
Jeremiah 52:34 Day by day the king of Babylon gave Jehoiachin a regular allowance as long as he lived, till the day of his death.
Have a blessed day.