This chapter details the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of tis people. Zedekiah’s family is executed, and he and many Judeans are exiled to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar’s Captain of the Guard, Nebuzaradan.
“Nebuzaradan… burned the house of the Lord and the king’s house and all the houses of Jerusalem… And [they]… broke down the walls around Jerusalem. And the rest of the people who were left in the city… [were] carried into exile… And the pillars of bronze that were in the house of the Lord, and the stands and the bronze sea that were in the house of the Lord, the Chaldeans broke in pieces and carried the bronze to Babylon.” (v8-13 abr)
It is a dark day for the sons of Jacob – the nation of Israel was exiled into Assyria, and now the nation of Judah is exiled into Babylon (also called Chaldea). The age of kings is over – God allowed the destruction of His temple / holy city, and the exile of His people, because they were disobedient.
Despite all of the bad news, the Lord gives His people (and us) a glimmer of hope: ” ‘Behold, I will stir up the spirit of a destroyer against Babylon… For Israel and Judah have not been forsaken by their God, the Lord of hosts…’ ” (Jer 51:1,5 abr) and ” ‘Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.’ ” (Mal 3:1)
God allowed His people to experience exile and the destruction of their land as a consequence of their sin – yet God was already promising their redemption. The ‘messenger’ He promised was of course Jesus, who would enter this world as a human child and die on the cross for their sin.
Since God is love, His grace and mercy trump His wrath every day of the week. He extends us the same love He showed His people when He delivered them from exile. He also promises to deliver us from our exile (separation from Him as a result of our sin). Even though we’ve probably said a ‘sinner’s prayer’ at least once in our lives, it doesn’t hurt to refresh thankfulness for Jesus’ gracious sacrifice.
Father God, our Merciful and Loving Lord, we praise Your holy name. Father please forgive us our sin and cleanse our hearts. We have rebelled against You and voluntarily exiled ourselves from Your sinless presence. Thank you Jesus for Your loving sacrifice, and for taking our rightful punishment for our sin. Please guide us along our paths daily, and remain our One True King. We admit our faults and weaknesses, and claim You O Lord as our only source of strength. In the name of Jesus our Savior and Redeemer we seek to honor and glorify You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training