Bible Pathways 05/31/2003

May 31

Read II Chronicles 34 -- 36

In Today's Reading:

Josiah's reign; Book of the Law found; fall of Jerusalem; captivity of Judah; decree of Cyrus to rebuild the Temple

One of the highest honors ever attributed to a king was given to Josiah, who lived to please the Lord. He read to all the people the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the Lord's Temple.

But the last four kings of Judah — Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah — were all evil, and led the nation in a descending course to its disastrous end morally, politically, and spiritually. During his reign of 11 years, Zedekiah (Mattaniah), the youngest son of Josiah, did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord, and rebelled against Babylon's domination because he thought he had the support of Egypt. The day came when the Lord left the Israelites to their ruin. Nebuchadnezzar showed no mercy and surrounded Jerusalem with his army until the people had no food and experienced the horrors of starvation.

Nebuchadnezzar's soldiers eventually broke through the north wall and mercilessly murdered both young and old. Then they set fire to Solomon's Temple, tore down the walls of Jerusalem, burned all the palaces, and destroyed everything of value.

Those who had escaped the massacre were driven off as slaves to become exiles in a foreign land.

Even today, most Jews do not recognize Jesus of Nazareth as their Messiah But, because of His great love for Israel and His covenants with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David, the Lord made a precious promise to the Jewish people that is fast approaching fulfillment — as God has foretold, all Israel will be saved.

Devotional commentary also refers to: II Kings 25:4-11; Lamentations 2:19; 4:3-10; Ezekiel 5:10; Jeremiah 52:5-23; Romans 11:25-27.

Christ Revealed:

Through the messengers of God who were rejected by His people (see II Chronicles 36:15-16; compare Isaiah 53:3; Mark 9:12). Jesus came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him (see John 1:11; also Matthew 21:42; Mark 8:31; 12:10; Luke 9:22; 17:25; 20:17).

Word Studies:

35:8 small cattle = lambs for Passover; 35:13 sod = boiled; 36:3 put him down = deposed him; condemned = taxed; fined; 36:10 brother = uncle; 36:15 rising up betimes = again and again.

Prayer Needs:

Worldwide Evangelization For Christ International · the International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. John A. Hash · Government Officials: Del. Madeleine Bordallo (Guam), Rep. Steve Horn (CA), and Rep. Duncan Hunter (CA) · Country: Czech Republic (10 million) in central Europe · Major languages: Czech and Slovak · Religious freedom · 63% Catholic; 7% Protestant; 4% Eastern Orthodox · Prayer Suggestion: Pray that the will of God be done in every situation you face today (see Matthew 6:10).

Optional Reading: II Corinthians 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:9,11