2 CHRONICLES 33-36: DAY 311 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
November 7, 2023
2 CHRONICLES 33-36
DAY 311 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
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Focus Verses For Today: 2 Chronicles 34:18-21
Today we conclude our journey through the book of 2 Chronicles, by looking at King Manasseh, King Amon, King Josiah, King Jehoahaz, King Jehoiakim, King Jehoiachin, and King Zedekiah.
Take a moment and pray, asking for understanding of today’s reading. Read 2 Chronicles 33-36. Let’s journey!
2 Chronicles 33-36: The final chapters of this book are filled with several kings who ignore the Lord and encourage the worship of idolatry. King Manasseh, at first, led the people astray, before being humbled and returning to the worship of the Lord. King Amon reigned only two years before being assassinated. Amon’s son, Josiah, became king at the age of eight. He developed a relationship with the Lord and sought to purge Judah of idols and purity the land. Josiah worked to rebuild the temple and return worship in accordance with the law as given to Moses, including the celebration of the Passover. Josiah died because he did not listen to the Lord, and his son, Jehoahz briefly became king before being dethroned by the king of Egypt. King Jehoahz was followed by King Jehoiakim, King Jehoiachin, and King Zedekiah, all of whom did not follow the Lord. Their reigns culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and the people of Judah being taken to Babylon. This book ends, with Cyrus, King of Persia allowing the people to return home to Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 33:1-36:23)
Our focus verses for today:
18 Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king.
19 When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes. 20 He gave these orders to Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant: 21 “Go and inquire of the Lord for me and for the remnant in Israel and Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the Lord’s anger that is poured out on us because those who have gone before us have not kept the word of the Lord; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written in this book.”
(2 Chronicles 34:18-21, NIV)
Judah had been plagued with kings who refused to listen to the Lord, destroyed sacred places, and raised up idols. During this, scrolls that contained the Law, as given to Moses (likely the book of Deuteronomy) had been hidden, possibly to avoid destruction. Worship, as the Lord instructed, had been lost. When King Josiah heard the words of the Lord, he was greatly moved, greatly convicted. He recognized how far the nation had fallen – and likely the consequences of what was to come if the people did not return to the worship of the Lord. How fortunate we are today to have such availability of God’s word! Consider how you study His word. Does it move you? Do you experience conviction? Do not just read! Study! Apply!
Godspeace!
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