Read: 2 Kings 23:31-25:30; Acts 22:17-23:10; Psalm 2:1-12; Proverbs 18:13
I found it interesting that Jehoahaz and Zedikiah had the same mother, Hamutal from Libnah. Jehoahaz only reigned 3 months before Pharaoh Neco put him in chains. His brother, Jehoiakim was put in his place by Pharaoh Neco and he reigned 11 years paying tribute to the pharaoh. Nebuchadnezzar from Babylon also invaded Judah and they had to pay him also. Jehoiakim rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar causing a war. This was God’s judgement on Judah for all her sin. Jehoiakim died and his son, Jehoiachin succeeded him as king. He reigned 3 months until he was taken prisoner by Nebuchadnezzar along with his mother, wives, officials, and leading men of the land. Seven thousand fighting men and a thousand craftsmen were also taken to Babylon and Zedekiah was made king of Judah by the king of Babylon. He rebelled against the king of Babylon so Nebuchadnezzar came and laid siege to Jerusalem. King Zedekiah tried to escape but was captured and taken to Babylon where his sons were killed before his eyes and then he was blinded and put in shackles. Babylon was ransacked and all the treasuries of the temple were striped and taken to Babylon. The priests were taken prisoner to Babylon where they were executed.
Nebuchadnezzar appointed his man, Gedaliah to be over the people left in Judah. He was assassinated by Ishmael who was of royal blood. Surprisingly, Jehoiachin was released from prison in Babylon by the new king Evil-Merodach and was supplied food and money the remainder of his life.
In Acts, Paul seems to like a good argument. He was at the end of his testimony and had the audience in the palm of his hand until he told them that since they didn’t want to receive him, he was sent to the Gentiles. This caused a riot and the commander took Paul away to be flogged. As he was putting him on the stretcher, Paul asked him if it was legal to flog a Roman citizen before he was tried. This got their attention. They quickly untied him and were alarmed especially when they found out he was a natural citizen. He was released and able to stand trial the next day in front of the Sanhedrin. He roused them up by bringing up the resurrection knowing that this was such a hot topic with them. He won over the Pharisees but caused a great split between them and the Sadducees who didn’t believe in a resurrection or angels.
It is amazing how fickle we as humans are. Paul’s life was full of fickle people who loved him one moment and hated him the next. It changed when they were offended by what he said. The truth is very offensive to those who love themselves and don’t want to be challenged. We have to soften our hearts to be able to let God refine and teach us new things. We all see through a glass darkly so we are all searching for truth. No one has the whole truth which is why we need to learn from one another.
Lord, help us to be teachable and humble. Show us new things about your goodness and help us to desire to conform to your image.
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