DAY 213: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR – 2 KINGS 21-25

July 30, 2024

2 KINGS 21-25
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DAY 213: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

Today we conclude 2 Kings, as we journey through chapters 21-25.

Ask God for His understanding of 2 Kings 21-25. Read 2 Kings 21-25. Let’s journey!

The books of First and Second Kings were originally written as one text that tells the story of the kings of Israel, continuing on where we left off in 2 Samuel, with King David and his son Solomon, soon to be king. Ultimately, it is a history of the decline of the kingdom of Israel, as they move away from the Lord. The author of the Book of Kings, provides a judgment on the rule of each king, based on their worship of the Lord God and the keeping of the covenant Israel made with God. Throughout the book of Kings, we also see that prophets are raised up in an attempt to steer Israel and its kings back on the path of following the Lord.

2 Kings 21-25: Our reading today, introduces the God-fearing king of Judah along with many who were not. King Josiah found God’s word, word that had been discarded for many years, understanding quickly that Judah had departed from God. He asks the prophet, Huldah, for a word from God. The answer from God was simple: Judah has wandered too far from Me and shall be destroyed. The good news was that God would wait until Josiah’s death before He executed judgement on Judah. Josiah restored Judah to God’s ways during his reign as king. Unfortunately, upon his death, Judah returned to ways unpleasing to the Lord. Judah is captured and Jerusalem totally destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The Israelites are dispersed. God had fulfilled His word. (2 Kings 21:1-25:30)

After reading today’s reading, consider the following: What kings were present in today’s reading? Were they good or bad? How do you know? What lesson can be learned, or what warning can be taken from a study of these kings? What warnings, if any, were given by prophets? How can understanding the fall of Israel help us today in the way that we view authority figures?

Godspeace!