This chapter describes the final three kings of Judah and their acts against Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon (Chaldea).
“In his days, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant for three years… and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his place. Then he turned and rebelled against him… And [Nebuchadnezzar] carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon. The king’s mother, the king’s wives, his officials, and the chief men of the land he took into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon… And the king of Babylon made [Zedekiah], Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place… And Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. (v1, 6, 15-17, 20b abr)
The three final kings in Judah (Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah) all have run-ins with King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, and they all end badly (captivity and probably execution). Why? Because they all did evil in the sight of the Lord, and “…this came upon Judah at the command of the Lord, to remove them out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he had done, and also for the innocent blood that he had shed.” (v3-4a).
Not only did these kings rebel against God directly, they rebelled against the consequences God allowed upon them. Like a child throwing a tantrum, they not only rebel against commandments (eg. clean your room), they are angry at the consequences (eg. grounded until room is clean).
I know consequences are never pleasant, and it’s very easy to feel sorry for ourselves when those consequences occur. Moping and pouting don’t seem to go away with age (I still [internally] pout from time to time). Pouting and the “woe is me” attitude do not remove consequences, nor do they help us learn from our mistakes. Bemoaning or becoming angry at the consequences of our sin will not help us at all.
I encourage us to take ownership of our sin and consequences, as hard as that sounds. Those of us who repent as a result of our sin (eg. Manasseh in 2 Chr 33:10-16) will still suffer consequences, but at least we have forgiveness from God, and His support during future temptations. If we own our sin, seek God’s grace and mercy, and ask Him to deliver us from temptations, we will be more likely to succeed at avoiding future sin and consequences.
Father God, our Merciful and Gracious Lord, we praise You for Your abundant forgiveness and compassion. Thank you for sending Jesus to break the power and bondage of sin, and encouraging us to leave our lives of sin behind. Please deliver us from temptation each passing moment, and help us to fully rely on You for our strength and discernment. May we lead holy lives, set apart for You, brining glory to Your holy name, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training