2 Kings 24-25; 2 Chronicles 36; Psalm 126; 1 Peter 3
The Babylonians' conquest of Judah occurred in several stages. The Babylonians attempted to establish loyal governments there, but the young Judean kings repeatedly rebelled against the occupation, only to be defeated again by the Babylonian army. Eventually, Jerusalem was completely destroyed, including the temple. All the valuables from the temple were taken to Babylon.
The saddest aspect was that despite all of God’s judgments, the Judean kings continued to live in wickedness without turning to God. This ultimately led to the fulfillment of God’s decree: “He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his successors until the kingdom of Persia came to power. The land enjoyed its sabbath rests; it rested all the time of its desolation until the seventy years were completed in fulfillment of the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah.” (2 Chronicles 36:20-21).
The book of Chronicles ends by affirming the faithfulness of prophecy by mentioning King Cyrus’s decree allowing the Jews to return to their land and rebuild the temple and Jerusalem.
Psalm 126
The exiled Jews returned from Babylon in waves. This psalm expresses gratitude to God for the return and prays for the return of the remaining captives.
1 Peter 3
Christian influence in the family and society is achieved by following and imitating Christ—“Likewise you…” in 3:1 and 3:7 refers to Christ’s example mentioned at the end of the previous chapter. Our positive influence is determined by the level of our reverence for God: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to answer everyone who asks you and explain your hope. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16).
The saddest aspect was that despite all of God’s judgments, the Judean kings continued to live in wickedness without turning to God. This ultimately led to the fulfillment of God’s decree: “He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his successors until the kingdom of Persia came to power. The land enjoyed its sabbath rests; it rested all the time of its desolation until the seventy years were completed in fulfillment of the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah.” (2 Chronicles 36:20-21).
The book of Chronicles ends by affirming the faithfulness of prophecy by mentioning King Cyrus’s decree allowing the Jews to return to their land and rebuild the temple and Jerusalem.
Psalm 126
The exiled Jews returned from Babylon in waves. This psalm expresses gratitude to God for the return and prays for the return of the remaining captives.
1 Peter 3
Christian influence in the family and society is achieved by following and imitating Christ—“Likewise you…” in 3:1 and 3:7 refers to Christ’s example mentioned at the end of the previous chapter. Our positive influence is determined by the level of our reverence for God: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to answer everyone who asks you and explain your hope. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16).
Posted in Reading Bible Together