Exile



2 Kings 25:1-30
http://www.esvbible.org/2 Kings 25

When things crumbled for God’s people the devastation is complete. All of the treasures of the land are carried off, the city of Jerusalem is burned to the ground, and the people are transported into Babylon as slaves. God’s judgment for the idolatry of the people has been made a reality. God has not abandoned His people, but He has allowed them to suffer for their rejection of Him as their Sovereign God. What follows is 70 years of slavery in Babylon. What we know is that even in the midst of a foreign land, some of the Hebrews remained faithful to God (see the books of Daniel and Ezekiel – both of whom traveled into exile with God’s people.)

It has been a long march for us through the 4 books of Jewish history that began with the King Saul in 1 Samuel. Approximately 500 years have passed since Saul, with the crown of the story being King David. We have watched as God’s people go back and forth between faithfulness to Him and complete disobedience as they chase after other gods. It is quite a roller coaster. While we marvel at what sometimes seems to be epic stupidity and stubbornness, we must always remember that their story is our story. We are just as capable of sin as they were. Their story is a cautionary one for us. While God will not punish us for our sin, as Jesus has already paid that price, He will allow us to suffer the consequences of our choices and that can be painful too.

I think that our next stop will be the book of Daniel. Let’s follow the Judeans into captivity and see how a faithful man deals with difficult circumstances. It is a fascinating book and as always, God holds amazing things in store for those who will read His Word.

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