Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 14

Below is a short summary or synopsis of the Bible reading for the day. Use it as a helpful tool to think through the Scripture. There are also some cross references to study other passages of Scripture to highlight or better understand that passage.

Here is a worshipful prayer, pleading to the Lord both personally and corporately, followed by a vow unto God. The psalmist has a need and desire for personal deliverance and petitions the Lord for such. At the same time, the psalmist understands that those in authority, in this case the king, is at the very heart of their social, economic, political and most importantly, their spiritual world. Therefore, beyond personal prayer, there is a great need to pray for the leaders and those in authority, as their decisions and leadership determine the life and stability of the people. Asking that the king be enthroned forever hints at the eternal throne of Christ, who would unify the kingdom of God as the King of kings. Regardless of the outcomes flowing from the sovereign will of God, those who trust in him will seek to honour and glorify him with their daily lives.

(Jeremiah 29:7; Psalm 2:10-11; Proverbs 21:1; Romans 13:1; 1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Once again, here we see the contrasting phrases which separate the successful and fruitful individual that values wisdom and correction, verses those who are unteachable, that despise edification and alteration. A man or woman of God may occassionally entertain a sinful quality, however the fact that they are of God means that they will at some point see profit in rebuke, correction and be drawn to repentance. Only one who is apart from God, outside of his wisdom, will remain a sluggard, a scoffer, one who seeks their own desires and ways; bringing destruction upon themselves, and potentially others.

(Proverbs 29:1; Isaiah 55:7; Romans 2:1-8; 2 Timothy 2:22-26)

The king of Assyria, Sennacherib, sends his official, Rabshakeh, to declare victory over Hezekiah and the Kingdom of Judah. The previous chapter records the pride of the Assyrians, as well as the mockery and disdain they have for the God of the Israelites. When Hezekiah hears of this he becomes greatly distressed (v.1), for the enemy had overtaken all of Judah’s major cities (18:13) and openly blasphemed his God in front of all the people. Hezekiah sees this as a judgement from God (v.3) and quickly seeks the Lord’s council through fervent prayer and the prophet Isaiah. The Lord blesses Hezekiah and the people with both protection and provision because they sought him earnestly, just as he simultaneously judges the Assyrians for their blasphemous deeds.

(Exodus 20:7; Psalm 31:23; Jeremiah 15:21; Nahum 1:7)

Josiah was the great grandson of Hezekiah. Like Hezekiah, Josiah had a penitent heart that sought after the Lord. Unfortunately, Josiah’s dad and grandad (Manasseh and Amon) were two wicked kings that rejected Yahweh and lead the people into a long period of idolatry. The people had strayed from the God of their forefathers for so long they had essentially lost their way entirely. The Book of the Law, the Pentateuch or Torah, is considered to be the first 5 books of the Bible and is traditionally attributed to Moses. The sad reality is that Judah had rejected the word of the Lord for so long the temple was in disrepair and their bible was abandoned and completely forgotten. Josiah takes the throne at a very young age and as he realizes the error of his predecessors, he immediately seeks the Lord and establishes righteous reform to Judah. Due to Josiah’s faithfulness and obedience he and the kingdom are spared from experiencing God’s wrath for a time, however it was sure to come as a judgement against Judah for the longevity of her wickedness.

(Deuteronomy 7:9-10; Psalm 103:17-18; Nahum 1:3; 2 Peter 3:9)

Here we see in exhaustive detail all that Josiah did to rid the kingdom of its rot, as well as the level of ungodly evil and blasphemy that had been erected in the very face of the Lord. There is no wonder why God’s anger was kindled so, as pagan statues and worship had even been set up and permitted in the house of the Lord. Josiah is considered, even by scripture (v.25) to be the most righteous king of Judah, for he sought with tremendous zeal to purge God’s chosen people of idolatry and to lead them back to the true living God. It is heartbreaking to see Josiah’s own son reject the wisdom and faith of his father, ultimately preparing the people for the judgement and wrath to come. As the Egyptians attempt to reinforce the descending Assyrian empire, and the Babylonians grow in stature, the stage is set for God to wield his sovereign judgement on his people. God’s wrath and judgement are necessary tools that bring about the justice of God, which in turn highlight the magnificent work of Christ on the cross who bore such on our behalf.

(Job 19:29; Proverbs 21:15; Romans 2:5-8; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)

The inevitable fall and captivity of Judah is recorded as the Lord’s judgement against his people is executed. It is indeed a sad and somber ending to 2 Kings. Throughout the generations there have been kings and prophets calling for repentance, warning the people of impending disaster if adherence and obedience unto the Lord was not in their midst. Unfortunately the time had come for God to hold the people accountable for their ongoing perversion and rejection. Although we clearly see the destruction and plunder of Jerusalem and the temple, there is a glimmer of hope to behold at the end of the chapter. Mercy is shown to Jehoiachin and there is salvation observed for the line of David. There is a reason to look ahead and to trust in the sovereignty of Yahweh. For those who have faith in the Lord, destruction can be viewed as a cleansing, the decimation can be taken as a chance for a new beginning. Sin in fact brings destruction to our lives, but there is redemption found through faith in and obedience to God.

(2 Chronicles 7:19-20; Proverbs 13:6, 13; Isaiah 1:19-20; Jeremiah 6:6-8; Romans 6:23)

Like a true Father, the sovereign Lord disciplines his children out of love and concern. We can acknowledge this as we see his divine grace and providential mercy on full display in this chapter. Just as God utilized Israel’s enemies (Assyria and Babylonia) to bring judgement, he now uses their current captors (Cyrus and the Persians) to deliver them from exile so that they can return to their promised land and rebuild the temple. Even though Judah had seen many years of hardship and captivity, the God of Israel is still working on their behalf and is faithful to keep his covenant promises. In fact, the Lord not only orchestrates the first wave of Jewish exiles returning home through Cyrus, he also furnishes them with necessary funding and the articles and fixtures needed for the temple.

(Isaiah 43:14-15, 45:13; Jeremiah 29:10-14; Lamentations 3:37-38; Hebrews 12:5-6)