2 Kings 24, 2 Chronicles 36, and Jeremiah 48-49, 22
I warned you when you felt secure, but you said, ‘I will not listen!’ his has been your way from your youth; you have not obeyed me. Jeremiah 22:21
Day 219 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith)
continues as I return to Jeremiah with additional historical context provided from 2 Kings 24:1-6 and 2 Chronicles 36:8. My commentary* describes how "Jehoiakim has the audacity to rebel against Nebuchadnezzar. Fortunately for Judah, Nebuchadnezzar does not react with immediate military force, at least not directly. However, he may well be the motivating force behind the attacks against Judah by several of its neighbors over a four-year period of inconclusive war. Jehoiakim is destined to live his last days in wearying conflict." My commentary* also describes how God rises up Judah's neighbors to harass Judah (2 Kings 24:2-4). Jeremiah then pronounces judgment Judah's enemies, including Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, and Kedar and Hazor.
*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Jeremiah 22 details God's Word regarding Jehoiakim's impending death, while 2 Kings 24:5-6 and 2 Chronicles 36:8 records Jehoiakim's death. God's message to Jehoiakim in Jeremiah 22:21 is convicting for those who have or continue to refuse to heed God's Word during times of peace, prosperity and security.
We must worship God during both good times and bad times (see also Love God during good times and God leads us in good times and bad times), and also remember that apart from God we have no good things (see also all comes from God and God provides all things).
Jeremiah 22:21 reminds me also of the Parable of the Lost (Prodigal) Son.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is so full of mercy and compassion for me...even when I ran from You and did not heed Your Word. You continued to seek me out to save me...thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of Your love. I fail to glorify in You in my work. Please forgive me Jesus. Help me overcome and turn from my sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
