1 + 2 CHRONICLES

2 CHRONICLES 1

GOD GRANTS SOLOMON GREAT WISDOM, WEALTH, + A LONG LIFE 

Solomon, the King of Israel, has a dream where God promises to provide anything he requests. Solomon chooses the wisdom to discern good and evil. God is pleased by this request and gives Solomon wisdom as well as wealth and a long life. This account is also recorded in 1 Kings 3.

Solomon is extremely wealthy and has accrued 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen. In Deuteronomy 17, God forbids Israel's kings from amassing three things: wealth, women, and horses. Solomon has already gained great wealth and horses, and if he's anything like his father David, women will be next.

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KING HIRAM PROVIDES SOLOMON MATERIALS FOR THE TEMPLE

As Solomon prepares to build the temple, he consults King Hiram of Tyre to obtain the highest quality materials. King Hiram had a close relationship with David and recognizes the great work that God has done in Israel. Hiram rejoices with gladness that God provided David a wise and faithful son.

King Hiram has access to beautiful cedar and cypress and supplies Solomon with everything he needs to build the temple, including craftsmen who are skilled in engraving.

Solomon acknowledges that not even the highest places of heaven could contain God. Solomon is honored and humbled that God allows him to build His dwelling place on Earth.

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SOLOMON BEGINS CONSTRUCTING THE TEMPLE

Solomon starts building the temple, taking time to add beautiful details. It is designed with an abundance of gold and cypress and cedar wood. In the most holy place, Solomon positions two cherubim, gigantic angel-like figures, as guards. Separating the innermost part of the temple, Solomon makes a curtain of blue, purple, and crimson yarn and fine linen, similar to the garments made for the priests (Exodus 28).

Solomon builds the temple at Mount Moriah on the threshing floor that David previously purchased as a place for sacrifice (1 Chronicles 21).

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THE TEMPLE ELEMENTS + FURNISHINGS

Solomon commissions the construction of the temple furnishings, including an altar, lampstands, table, and bronze doors. Hiram makes many items out of pure gold, making them valuable and beautiful for God’s dwelling place. Many of the elements God instructed Moses to build within the tabernacle were also built to be used within the temple (Exodus 25-31).

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THE ARK OF THE COVENANT TRANSPORTED TO THE TEMPLE

Once Solomon completes construction, he brings David's dedicated treasures to the temple. Solomon gathers the Israelites for a feast before transporting the ark of the covenant into the temple. Earlier in 2 Samuel 6, when moving the ark of the covenant to the tabernacle, David allows the ark to be carried incorrectly and a man named Uzzah was killed in the process. Solomon follows God’s instructions carefully and appoints the priests to correctly carry the ark of the covenant.

Once they arrive, the ark of the covenant is placed inside the innermost part of the temple, called the holy of holies or most holy place. The Israelites praise God and worship using trumpets, cymbals, harps, and lyres. Using the language of Psalm 136, they declare that God is good and that His steadfast love would endure forever!

God’s presence arrives in the form of a thick cloud and becomes so overwhelming that the priests could no longer stand. God made His presence known!

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SOLOMON PRAISES GOD FOR HIS FULFILLED PROMISE

Solomon offers a blessing over the people of Israel and reminds them how significant and meaningful it is for God to choose Jerusalem as His dwelling place on Earth. Solomon acknowledges the fulfillment of God’s promise to David, that although David desires to build God’s dwelling place, God chose Solomon to complete it.

Solomon is amazed at God's goodness, not only for keeping His promise, but also for His decision to draw near to the Israelites. Solomon knows that God’s presence cannot be contained to the temple—not even the heavens can contain His presence! Solomon dedicates himself to God and asks for God’s continued provision and mercy.

Solomon praises God for His ability to know our hearts intimately and personally. Solomon prays that people of all nations would come to know God and experience His nearness.

2 Chronicles 6:18 - But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built!

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GOD WARNS THE ISRAELITES TO REMAIN FAITHFUL

When Solomon finishes his prayer, fire comes down from heaven to consume the Israelites' burnt offerings. God’s presence is so overwhelming that the priests could not enter the temple. Everyone bows down and worships God, praising His goodness and steadfast love. Thousands of sacrifices are offered, and the Israelites feast, rejoicing for two weeks over all that God has done for them.

Solomon accomplishes all that he set out to do. God hears Solomon’s prayer and appears to him, telling him that He has chosen Jerusalem as a house of sacrifice.

Despite God’s dwelling among the Israelites, they return to their unfaithful and rebellious ways. God warns Solomon of impending plagues, including drought, locust, and illness as a result of the nation's sinfulness. God would forgive the Israelites and end the plagues if they would repent and turn from their wicked ways.

God reminds the Israelites that idol worship will bring disaster. If the Israelites forsake God’s covenant and commandments by worshiping false gods, they will be removed from the Promised Land.

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SOLOMON COMPLETES THE TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION

After twenty years, Solomon finishes constructing the temple and building his palace, as well as rebuilding cities for King Hiram. Solomon has an abundance of cities, chariots, and horsemen, acquiring anything that he desires with his wealth.

In Leviticus 25, God forbids forced labor among the Israelites. Instead, Solomon finds a way around this law and used foreigners as forced labor.

Solomon’s wife, Pharaoh's daughter, is given a separate home and does not live near the Temple. Solomon makes burnt offerings and honors the annual festivals.

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THE QUEEN OF SHEBA AMAZED BY SOLOMON’S WEALTH

After completing the temple, news of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth travel quickly. The Queen of Sheba travels to Jerusalem to test Solomon’s knowledge with difficult questions. She is left speechless by Solomon’s wisdom and accomplishments. Although she does not know God, she praises Him and acknowledges Him as the source of Solomon’s wisdom!

Solomon’s wealth is growing rapidly. He has amassed great wealth and an abundance of horses, a direct disobedience to the laws of Deuteronomy 17.

After Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam replaces him on the throne.

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REHOBOAM’S MERCILESS DECISION

After Solomon’s death, Rehoboam reigns and Jeroboam returns to Israel after hiding from Solomon in Egypt.

Jeroboam confronts Rehoboam about the heavy burden of forced labor that was created under Solomon’s reign. Rehoboam takes three days to decide what to do and during that time seeks advice from two groups of people, his elders and his peers.

The older men encourage Rehoboam to have mercy and lighten the workload for the laborers, but the younger men encourage Rehoboam to increase their burdens and overwork them. Rehoboam makes the cruel decision to increase the labor of the workers, who compares his leadership to the sting of a scorpion.

Because of Rehoboam’s poor leadership and unrighteousness, the Israelites rebel against him, and he flees to Jerusalem.

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THE NATION OF ISRAEL SPLIT INTO TWO KINGDOMS

In Jerusalem, two of the tribes remain loyal to Rehoboam, the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, who become the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

Rehoboam prepares for battle with the other ten tribes, who become the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Rehoboam fortifies cities around Judah for protection in the case of a civil war.

Because Jeroboam, the leader of the Northern Kingdom, is recklessly making false places of worship, the Levite priests support Rehoboam. For three years, the Levites provide added security and peace to the kingdom of Judah.

Shown through his genealogy, Rehoboam is a descendant of David. Although Rehoboam has many children, he intends to make his son Abijah the heir to the throne.

For a more detailed account of the nation’s divide, visit 1 Kings 12-14.

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THE TEMPLE PLUNDERED BY THE EGYPTIANS

Rehoboam’s poor leadership leads to unfaithfulness in Judah. Because the people abandon God’s word, God allows the Egyptians to plunder the temple, stealing valuable treasures and shields of gold.

After a seventeen-year reign, Rehoboam dies and is succeeded by his son Abijah.

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ISRAEL + JUDAH AT WAR

After Rehoboam’s death, he is succeeded by his son Abijah. While Abijah rules in Judah, Jeroboam was still on the throne in Israel. During their reign, war breaks out between Abijah and Jeroboam.

Abijah confronts Jeroboam and his army, calling them out for their faithlessness and disregard for God’s covenant. Abijah believes that Judah is more righteous than Israel.

Despite Judah’s much smaller army, they are victorious over Israel because they cried out to God in prayer. 500,000 of Israel’s warriors were killed in battle.

Later, God strikes down Jeroboam, and Nadab succeeds him on the throne as Israel’s king.

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ASA’S RIGHTEOUS + VICTORIOUS REIGN

After Abijah’s death, his son Asa becomes ruler of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Asa is a righteous king who instituted good policies and rid Judah of false idols.

Although the odds are stacked against them, Asa and his small army trust in God’s provision and are able to defeat the Cushites, Israel’s Egyptian enemy.

2 Chronicles 14:11 - And Asa cried to the Lord his God, “O Lord, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O Lord, you are our God; let not man prevail against you.”

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ASA RULES FAITHFULLY IN JUDAH

A man named Azariah, the son of Obed, is led by God’s spirit to bring a message of encouragement to Asa. Azariah encourages Asa that if he continues to seek God, God’s presence would be with him. Asa gathers the kingdom, calling them to renew the covenant and remain faithful to God alone.

Asa continues to destroy idols and false gods. Asa goes as far as removing his own grandmother, Maacah, from her royal position because of her creation of false idols.

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ASA’S RIGHTEOUS REIGN COMES TO AN UNFORTUNATE END

During Asa’s reign in Judah, Israel is led by Baasha. Baasha wants to attack, so Israel starts preparing for war.

Asa becomes allies with Ben-Hadad, a leader in Aram, by making a treaty with gold and silver. Together, Asa and Aram overpower Baasha.

God is displeased with Asa for turning to the help of another country instead of relying on God for help. Through a man named Hanani, God speaks to Asa and warns him against seeking others for help over trusting in God. Asa does not respond well to this warning and locked up Hanani. Instead of admitting his wrongdoing, Asa lashes out and continues to sin.

Later in his life, Asa is afflicted with a diseased foot. Even in his unhealth, Asa does not call upon God for help. After forty-one years on the throne, Asa dies and is buried in Jerusalem.

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JEHOSHAPHAT FAITHFULLY REMOVES IDOLS + GREW JUDAH’S ARMY

After the death of Asa, Asa’s son Jehoshaphat rules over Judah. Jehoshaphat is a good, faithful king who follows God and did not worship other idols. Jehoshaphat is well regarded and all of Judah brings him gifts, increasing his wealth and influence.

Through Jehoshaphat’s devotion to God, he removes false places of worship and idols. The Kingdom of Judah appoints religious officials to travel throughout the nation and teach God’s law.

Because of Jehoshaphat’s God-fearing leadership style, other kingdoms do not start war with Judah. Although there is peace during this time, Jehoshaphat is diligent in growing Judah’s army and preparing fortresses.

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AHAB’S REBELLION LEADS TO HIS DEATH IN BATTLE

Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, meets with Ahab, King of Israel to form an alliance against Aram and their leader Ben-Hadad. Through this alliance, Jehoshaphat’s son Jehoram marries Athaliah, king Ahab’s daughter.

When deciding if they should attack the city of Ramoth Gilead, Jehoshaphat wants to ask God for guidance. Instead, Ahab asks 400 false prophets for guidance. The prophets encourage Ahab to attack, prophesying that Israel will be successful. Jehoshaphat is resistant to the advice of the false prophets and wants to consult Micaiah, a prophet of God. Ahab hates Micaiah because he had previously delivered bad news to the Israelites.

Micaiah knows the false prophets were lying and warned Ahab and Jehoshaphat not to attack Aram. Micaiah knew that disaster that awaited if they attempted war with Aram. Micaiah is struck by a man named Zedekiah and imprisoned for rebuking Ahab’s plans. Micaiah is confident in God’s wisdom and knows that Ahab would not return from battle alive.

Jehoshaphat wears his royal robes into battle, making him a more obvious target. Ahab, wanting to remain discreet, enters the battle disguised. One of the Arameans shot off an arrow, by accident and without aim, and killed Ahab! No disguise or battle plan is greater than the prophecy of God—His Word always comes to pass!

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JEHOSHAPHAT’S HONORABLE DECISIONS

After Ahab’s death, Jehoshaphat went back to Judah. The prophet Jehu confronted Jehoshaphat for making an alliance with Ahab. Because Jehoshaphat destroyed false idols throughout Judah and desired to follow God, he was considered a righteous king, but his alliance with Ahab was wrong and out of character.

Jehoshaphat appointed judges and instructed them to honor God’s law in their decision making. Jehoshaphat also appointed the Levites to serve as officers and settle disputes. He encouraged his leadership to serve with justice and acknowledge God as the ultimate judge.

2 Chronicles 19:9 - And he charged them: ”Thus you shall do in the fear of the Lord, in faithfulness, and with your whole heart.”

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GOD’S VICTORY OVER THE AMMONITES + MOABITES

The Moabites and Ammonites, two neighboring enemy kingdoms, wage war on Judah. When Jehoshaphat hears that they are approaching, he asks God for help in prayer. Jehoshaphat instates a nationwide fast throughout the Southern Kingdom. The people of Judah remember God’s previous victories and trust in Him to save them.

God’s spirit comes upon a man named Jahaziel, a Levite priest. Jahaziel knows that the nation of Judah is helpless without God’s strength, but trusts that God will provide them with a victory. He encourages the people standing before God to not be dismayed, for the battle is not theirs to win, it is God’s! Instead of entering the battle with weapons and vengeance, they enter with song and praise, singing “Give thanks to God, his steadfast love endures forever!”

Despite this unlikely battle strategy, God sends an ambush against the men attacking Judah, turning them against each other and killing them all. The people of Judah plunder the dead Ammonites and Moabites, spending three days taking all of their loot. The Kingdom of Judah comes together and blesses God, praising Him for their victory. When the surrounding nations hear of God’s miraculous victory, they fearfully withdraw from battle with Judah and leave the nation at peace.

All of the surrounding nations hear of God’s miraculous victory and leave Judah alone out of fear. Although Jehoshaphat follows in his father Asa’s righteous footsteps, he attempts to partner with Ahaziah, the wicked king of Israel. Similar to his alliance with Ahab, Jehoshaphat does not make deals with righteous people. Because of this, the prophet Eliezer tells Jehoshaphat that God would not establish his plans with wicked people and is shipwrecked on his way to trade in Tarshish with Ahaziah.

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JEHORAM REIGNS IN JUDAH

When Jehoshaphat dies, he leaves the throne of Judah to his firstborn son, Jehoram. Although Jehoram is from the line of David, he is not a righteous king. Although he is already king, Jehoram kills all of his brothers, leaving no competition for the throne.

During Jehoram’s kingship, the people of Edom revolt against Judah and appoint their own king. Jehoram leads with wickedness, influencing the people of Judah to worship false gods.

The prophet Elijah gives Jehoram a letter which shares the words of God. The letter reveals that because of Jehoram’s wickedness, God would send a plague on Jehoram’s family and inflict him with a terrible bowel disease. Worst mail ever!

God incites the Philistines and nearby nations to invade Judah, raiding the palace and stealing all of the king’s valued possessions. Jehoram’s family is taken as well, all of his wives and sons, except for Jehoahaz, his youngest son.

Just as Elijah prophesied, Jehoram dies an embarrassing and agonizing death from his disease. After his eight-year reign, there is no mourning for his death.

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AHAZIAH + ATHALIAH REIGN IN JUDAH

Jehoram’s only living son, Ahaziah (also called Jehoahaz), becomes the king over Judah.

Ahaziah’s mother, Athaliah, raises him in wickedness, training him to be deceitful and evil.

Ahaziah visits with Joram, king of Israel. There, God has given permission to a man named Jehu to bring destruction upon Ahab’s living lineage. Because Jehoram married Ahab’s daughter, Ahaziah is included in this legacy and is killed by Jehu.

When Athaliah sees that her son Ahaziah is dead, she takes over the throne, serving as the Queen over Judah. Athaliah, in her wickedness, slaughters her entire family including her children and grandchildren. Unknown to Athaliah, Ahaziah’s sister Jehosheba saves one of the Ahaziah’s children, Joash, and hides him in safety.

(Note: There are two Jehorams and two Ahaziahs mentioned in Kings + Chronicles)

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JOASH APPOINTED + JEHOIADA’S LEADERSHIP

Jehosheba, who saved Joash, is married to the priest Jehoiada. Jehoiada gathers army officials and Levites to conspire against Athaliah and appoint Joash as king over Judah. Their plan works! Athaliah is shocked to see Joash is still alive and she is quickly killed after he is appointed.

Because Joash is still very young, Jehoiada leads the way in restoring Judah’s faithfulness. Jehoiada has the temple of Baal destroyed and killed the leader of Baal worship. He reinstates the Levites’ leadership of the temple and encourages the people to worship God in song and generosity. Jehoiada references the scriptures and remembers the dedication of his ancestors in efforts to redirect the people of Judah towards faithfulness.

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JOASH + JEHOIADA’S REIGN IN JUDAH

Joash instructs the priests to make repairs to the temple while keeping good records and being responsible with the money. After many years, the temple has not been restored or updated. Workmen are hired to repair the temple and prove to be more trustworthy with the money than the priests had been.

Jehoiada, the priest that aided Joash, creates the sacred vessels within the temple. Jehoiada lives a faithful life and is buried in the royal cemetery after his death to honor his service to God’s temple.

After Jehoiada’s death, Israel disobeys God and lives in rebellion. God sends prophets, including Zechariah, Jehoiada’s son, to warn Israel, but they do not listen. Zechariah is stoned to death for his warning against Israel. Zechariah stands firm in his message, speaking of God’s judgment even in his final words.

After a forty-year reign, Joash is attacked and killed by two of his servants who conspired against him. After his death, Joash’s son Amaziah becomes king over Judah.

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AMAIAH’S PRIDEFUL BATTLE DECISIONS

Amaziah, son of Joash, reigns as king over Judah. Although he is faithful in some ways, his heart is divided, and he kills the servants who murdered his father.

Amaziah, along with his army, hires some of Israel’s army to grow his military in size. God sends a prophet to warn Amaziah not to team up with Israel and tells them they are better off on their own. God alone has the power to determine their victory, not the size of their army.

Amaziah is frustrated because he already paid many of Israel’s men. Eventually, he realizes that God’s help is worth more than the payments, so he sends the Israelites away. The troops that are dismissed are angry with Amaziah for enlisting them only to be rejected.

Amaziah moves forward in confidence with the small army of Judah and is victorious over the Edomites in Seir. After the battle, Amaziah worships the Edomite gods instead of praising God for his victory. God sends another prophet to confront Amaziah, but Amaziah would not listen or respond.

Amaziah defeats Edom in battle, giving him confidence. Next, Amaziah wants to pick a fight with Israel. This is a prideful and poor decision, leaving the nation Judah defeated and afraid. Jehoash, Israel’s king, captures Amaziah and plunders Judah in his absence. Amaziah escapes captivity, but is found and captured again.

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UZZIAH’S DISGRACEFUL ACTIONS

After Amaziah is taken into captivity by the Edomites, Uzziah (also called Azariah) serves as a righteous king in Judah.

Uzziah becomes well known for his military victories, having defeated the Philistines. Uzziah fortifies the city, making Judah more powerful and safe.

Although God helps Uzziah win the battles, Uzziah takes the credit and becomes prideful. In his arrogance, Uzziah attempts to burn incense in the temple, a role only to be done by the priests. Uzziah's actions are a disgrace to both God and the temple.

God responds by afflicting Uzziah with leprosy, causing him to live separately for the rest of his life. After Uzziah's death, his son Jotham rules in his place.

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JOTHAM FAITHFULLY LEADS JUDAH

After the death of Uzziah (also called Azariah), Jotham reigns as king over Judah. Jotham is a faithful king who restores the temple, builds fortresses around Judah, and defeats the Ammonites. Jotham becomes a powerful leader because of his steadfast faithfulness to God. After Jotham’s death, his son Ahaz becomes the next king.

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AHAZ WREAKS HAVOC IN JUDAH

After the death of Jotham, Ahaz becomes king of Judah. Ahaz does not rule in righteousness, but instead creates false idols, worships Baal, and offers heinous child sacrifices. Ahaz participates in all of the antics that the previous rulers attempted to wipe out, leading Judah more astray than ever.

In response to the sin of Ahaz, Judah is attacked by the Assyrains and the Israelites. God sends a prophet, Oded, to intercede and stop the Israelites from enslaving the people of Judah.

The Edomites and Philistines also attack Judah. Instead of turning to God to save them, the people of Judah ask the Assyrians for help. Ahaz even worships the false gods of Assyria as a cry for help. In direct disrespect to God, Ahaz steals elements of the temple and locks the temple doors. Ahaz trusts his own strength instead of relying on God.

Ahaz is remembered as a notoriously bad king. After his death, his son Hezekiah takes over the throne.

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HEZEKIAH WORKS TO RESTORE JUDAH 

After the death of Ahaz, Hezekiah rules as a righteous king over Judah. Hezekiah follows God’s law, removes the high places of idol worship, and restores the temple.

With the help of the Levites, Hezekiah reinstates temple sacrifices and the people of Judah bring an overwhelming amount to give sacrificially before God. Together, the nation worships God with music and song.

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HEZEKIAH REINSTATES THE PASSOVER CELEBRATION

For the first time since Solomon’s reign (250+ years ago!) Israel and Judah celebrate Passover in unison. Hezekiah commits to follow God’s law, including his instruction to celebrate the Passover and annual feasts. Everyone is filled with gladness, and they extend the celebration for an extra seven days.

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HEZEKIAH ORGANIZES THE PRIESTS + REMOVES HIGH PLACES

After the Passover celebration has concluded, Hezekiah removes any remaining high places throughout Judah. Next, Hezekiah organizes the priests, dividing them according to their role or service to the temple.

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ASSYRIA WILL NOT INVADE JUDAH

When Hezekiah hears that Assyria is threatening Judah, his response is to fortify the city and turn to God in prayer for protection. Hezekiah encourages the people to find strength and courage by trusting that God is with them.

The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, mocks God and doubts His ability to save Judah. Hezekiah and Isaiah cry out to God, who sends an angel to strike down the Assyrians and provide for Judah! The people of Jerusalem rejoice and bring precious gifts to both God and Hezekiah.

Hezekiah becomes ill and is nearing his death. Hezekiah pleads with God and asks him to postpone His wrath upon Jerusalem until after his death. God honors this prayer and Jerusalem is not captured by Assyria during Hezekiah’s life. Later, Judah would be captured by Babylon after Hezekiah’s death.

Before his death, the king of Babylon comes to Hezekiah’s home and God allows him to be tested to see what is in his heart. Hezekiah, although faithful throughout the majority of his life, ends his reign with pride over his possessions. Hezekiah’s story is explored more in-depth in 2 Kings 18-20 and Isaiah 36-39.

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THE WICKED REIGNS OF MANASSEH + AMNON

After Hezekiah’s death, his son Manasseh begins his reign in Judah at the young age of twelve. Manasseh angers God with his evil ways. He rebuilds the high places, creates altars of Baal, consults mediums and fortune tellers, and participates in child sacrifice. Even the temple, once used to honor God, is made into a place of idol worship. Manasseh undoes the good deeds of the previous righteous kings, leading Judah further into sin and rebellion. Through the voice of the prophets, God sends a warning of denouncement against Manasseh’s reign.

Eventually, God intervenes, and Manasseh is captured and bound with hooks and chains by the Assyrians and left in Babylon. Manasseh responds to God’s actions, repenting and humbling himself before God. Because of this, God brings Manasseh back to Jerusalem. Afterward, Manasseh removes foreign gods and idols and makes altars to bring sacrifices to God.

After the death of Manasseh, his son Amnon reigns in Judah for two years. Amnon is wicked, unfaithful to God, and unrepentant. During his reign, his servants conspire against him and murder him, making his son Josiah the new king over Judah.

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JOSIAH MOURNS + RESPONDS TO GOD’S LAW

Josiah rules as a righteous king over Judah, removing high places and altars of Baal. Josiah provides money to the Levite priests to help rebuild and restore the temple. During this time, Hilkiah, the priest, found the Book of the Law that God had given to Moses.

Upon hearing the contents of the book, Josiah mourns and tears his clothes in repentance. Josiah knows that God’s wrath would be great, according to what was written in his law and the actions of Judah. God shows compassion on Josiah for his repentance and humility. God promises Josiah that His wrath will not come until after his death, similar to the promise He earlier made to Hezekiah. Instead of pride, Josiah responds with obedience and follows God’s law for the remainder of his life.

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JOSIAH CELEBRATES PASSOVER + DIES NEEDLESSLY IN BATTLE

Following God’s word, Josiah honors the Passover with an elaborate and abundant celebration. Josiah reinstates the Levites to their assigned roles within the temple and makes copious sacrifices in accordance with God’s laws. The ark of the covenant is placed within the temple and the priests prepare for a time of worship.

Later on, Josiah enters into a nearby battle with the Egyptians in disguise. Despite being warned by Egypt’s ruler, Pharaoh Neco, Josiah engages in the war between Egypt and Carchemish. After celebrating the Passover and reestablishing temple rituals, Josiah’s decision is inconsistent with his faithful character. By the wound of an arrow, Josiah is killed in battle. Josiah was the last righteous king of Judah, and Jerusalem mourned his death.

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THE EXILE + FUTURE HOPE FOR THE ISRAELITES 

After his death, Josiah’s son Jehoahaz becomes king over Judah. Only three months after taking the throne, Egypt overthrows Jehoahaz and institutes his brother Eliakim as king. The Egyptians change Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim.

Jehoiakim rules for eleven years as an evil king. He is eventually captured and taken into Babylonian captivity. Jehoiakim’s son, Jehoiachin follows in his footsteps as a wicked ruler over Judah. After three months, Jehoachin is also taken into Babylonian captivity and Nebuchadnezzar appoints Zedekiah as king over Judah.

Although he swears to be loyal to Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar, Zedekiah rebels against the Babylonians. Zedekiah never repents or turns toward God, but instead brings disaster upon Jerusalem.

Zedekiah serves as the final king over Judah, as the remaining people are either killed or exiled to Babylon. The Babylonian empire takes over, murdering the people and plundering the temple. Just as the prophets warned, this is the start of the seventy-year exile for the Israelites.

The final verse flashes forward seventy years later, once Persia has taken over Babylon. God gives king Cyrus, ruler of Persia, a message to announce throughout the kingdom that God’s people are to return to Judah and rebuild a temple of worship. These few verses offer hope for Judah’s return to foster a greater redemption and a righteous king.