2 Kings 24 Learn From Previous Generations

We read the beginning of captivity of all Judah and Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, initially with Jehoiakim who had pledged allegiance to him. Three years later Jehoiakim rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, which resulted in the entire city being taken captive, in alignment with the prophetic words given by Huldah and Jeremiah. The tipping point of judgment came as a result of Manasseh’s atrocities and transgressions; which included “the innocent blood that he had shed”, that generally refers to abortion and/or human sacrifice.

Upon his death Jehoiachin, son of Jehoiakim, assumed reign of Judah. He too “did evil in the sight of the Lord”, which brought further destruction, pillaging of the temple and taking people captive to Babylon. This was the second time items had been taken by Babylon from “the king’s house” that Solomon had made. All those who had any leadership capacity at all were taken captive as well, with Mattahiah, Jehoiachin’s uncle as king; however his name was changed to Zedekiah by Nebuchadnezzar. Also taken captive were those who had skills and or were men of war.

An observation is that after Josiah’s reign, every succeeding king “did evil in the sight of the Lord”; even with the previous reign being an example of what would happen as a result pursuing evil. When a righteous generation reigns, we can glean from their example on living righteously and holy; but also the blessings that come from being fully devoted to the Lord.