Bible Chapter: II Kings 25

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    We come to the end of these two volumes that were originally one.  We have been on a roller coaster ride of spiritual extremes.  This book of the kings was written to give the Hebrew people in exile a prophetic rendering of their history.  It told the history of the dividing of the nation.  They learned why the northern kingdom of Israel was defeated.  It also gave the reason why Judah and Jerusalem were defeated and the city destroyed.  The writer emphasized that the calamities of the division of the nation and defeat of the divided nation were the direct results of the idolatry and unrighteousness of the kings and the citizens of the nation.  Actions have consequences.  These destructive results were going to happen because of the extent of the sin they committed.  This volume judged each king on the basis of their obedience and faithfulness to God.  Their political acts didn’t really matter.
    The author of this book wanted the people to understand the importance of following God in everything.  The Israelites needed to learn from history the importance of turning away from idolatry, turning to God and obeying His commands.  The fact that they ended up in exile resulted from generations of evil living.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    In the process of telling the stories of these kings, there were true prophets who were warning the kings and the citizens of their actions.  I’m sure that there were many people who heard the prophets and mocked.  They felt they were smarter than the prophets who they considered a bunch of clueless people.  We still have people like that around today.  They claim greater insight to life and declare that we must interpret the Bible and life in a new way.  I have seen teachings of people claiming to be Christians who take very clear Bible passages and turn them upside down.  They find meanings that have never existed, but give them permission to sin.  The moral and ethical laws of God were ridiculed and rejected in the times of the kings.  They are being ridiculed and rejected today as well.  I am continually shocked at what I see happening.
    These history books continually remind me of the importance of doing things God’s way.  The Bible warns against changing the message.  I must live life according to what the Bible really says.

3.  How can I help someone?
    As the people were being taken captive, I’m sure they lamented and cried out to God.  Where are you God?  It was too late.  My encouragement to people is to serve God while it is still day, before it is too late.