This chapter depicts a messy and bloody attempt by some Judean rebels to overthrow their Babylonian overseers.
“Then Johanan the son of Kareah and all the leaders of the forces with him took from Mizpah all the rest of the people whom he had recovered from Ishmael the son of Nethaniah… whom Johanan brought back from Gibeon. And they went and stayed… near Bethlehem, intending to go to Egypt because of the Chaldeans. For they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land.” (v16-18 abr)
A Judean named Ishmael massacred over 100 people in a coup that killed the Babylonian governor and his followers / supporters. In fact he killed so many people that he filled an entire city’s cistern with the corpses (I’m picturing the Basilica Cistern). Johanan (another Judean) led an assault against Ishmael’s army and freed those they took captive. A few men including Ishmael escaped. The remaining Judeans then needed to figure out what to do, because they were afraid the Babylonians (Chaldeans) would retaliate for Ishmael’s coup.
Have you ever tried to set things right but then made things worse and / or found yourself in an even bigger mess? I have. I know for a fact that sinning to cover up another sin definitely makes things worse – it’s a vicious spiral.
Fortunately, we worship a God who not only helps right wrongs, but He also helps clean up our messes. We are physically and spiritually destroying this world with our sin, yet Jesus provided the ultimate solution for that sin. Our souls are cleansed from sin, and there will come a day when the current heavens and earth will pass away, along with all remnants of our sinful messes. What a glorious day that will be – all sin will be so far removed that we won’t even remember it. I can’t wait.
Father God, our Glorious and Righteous King, thank you for the amazing gift of Jesus’ death and resurrection. You have destroyed the power and legacy of sin, enabling our souls to be cleansed and a sinless world to be created one day. Thank you for inviting us into this new legacy, and removing all remnants of sin from our comprehension. We cannot wait to experience this, and we cannot delay in sharing this great news with others. In Jesus’ sovereign and righteous name we praise You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training