2 Kings 24 -- Here It Comes

Instead of God appointing Josiah’s successor, the people picked his youngest son, Jehoahaz, bypassing his older brothers.  The Egyptian pharaoh Neco had subjugated Judah for 3 years after Josiah’s death, and Jehoahaz ruled only 3 months before Egypt replaced him with his older brother Jehoiakim and exiled Jehoahaz to Egypt.

 

All of this international political maneuvering is exactly opposite of what God had called the people of Judah to do.  God wanted them separated from other nations, not making treaties of protection, depending on Him alone instead.  Solomon had ignored that command, making treaties as part of the marriage arrangements for his 700 wives!

 

During Jehoiakim’s 11 years as king, the people had to be heavily taxed in order to pay tribute to Egypt.  Jehoiakim was so wicked that he cut up and burned Jeremiah’s prophecy scroll.  It wasn’t long before Babylon took over Judah, deposed Jehoiakim, and placed his son Jehoiachin on the throne.  He was 18 and only ruled for 3 months.  He led the royal family to surrender and 10,000 leading citizens were deported to Babylon.  Only the very poor remained.

 

Jehoiachin’s uncle (Josiah’s third son) Zedekiah was then put on the throne, but his faith was in Egypt, not in the Lord.  He ruled for 11 years, until Babylon returned to destroy Judah.

 

Father, we often sit stunned and amazed, looking with perfect 20/20 hindsight at how these rulers rejected You and trusted in mere humans instead.  Yet how many times do we also fail to heed Your word, ending up on opposite sides from You, too?  Continue to remind me of the utter folly of trusting anyone but You.  Remind me always not to trust in horses or chariots, but only in You and Your Word.

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford