2 Kings

2 Kings 24:1-7

Jehoiakim was controlled by Nebuchadnezzar for a time.  Jehoiakim was also paying tribute to Pharaoh in Egypt.  Jehoiakim rebelled after three years.  Nebuchadnezzar sent the army against them and wiped out Judah.  Jehoiakim was killed and Johoiachin becomes king.  Egypt was no help and in fact had lost all the land they once controlled.  They too were defeated.

See also Dan 1:1; 2 Chronicles 36:7; Jerimiah 25:1-3; Jerimiah 36:1-2

2 Kings 24:8-12

Jehoiachin became king at 18 years old and reigned 3 months. This young man was ill equipped to inherit the kingdom in such a state.  There he was in Jerusalem, the center of God's universe as far as man can tell; judgment was prophecied over and over.  His only hope was with the Lord, yet he had no presence of the Lord in his life. 

Jehoiachin went out to meet the king of Babylon and was taken captive.  Jehoiachin and the people were led into exile. 

2 Kings 24:13-16

As prophesied, everthing and nearly everyone is carted off to Babylon.  All that Hezekiah had first showed to a previous king of Babylon, was now removed from the House of the Lord.  For Israel, this was like having their heart cut it out.  The temple and their heritage were gone.  I doubt they ever really thought that day would come.  They probably assumed the Lord would always intervene and take care of them. 

Only the poorest of poor were left in the land.  They were no threat to Babylon.  The young were made warriors.  The skilled craftsment would serve the king.  

2 Kings 24:17-20

Nebuchadnezzar made Zedekiah king.  He was Jehoiachin's uncle and just 21 years old.  He reigned for 11 years and managed to continue the evil in the land ignoring the Lord's chastening and judgment.  Zedekiah was subservient Nebuchadnezzare but eventually rebelled against Babylon.

See 2 Chronicles 36:14-17.

©2016 Doug Ford