Wrapping up 2 Kings

Looking back at 2 Kings there was one description of each king that was black and white. Either the king did things that were pleasing to the Lord or they did not. I think this description says more about the heart of the particular king. Either he wanted to please God, or he didn't care. Because I don't see any way that a human could do everything pleasing to God!

In the last couple of chapters Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, has invaded the land. He takes the king at the time (Jehoiachin) prisoner. Nebu installs the kings uncle (also a young man- 21) as king in his stead. This is a bit puzzling, because why wouldn't Nebu himself be king? But say he couldn't or wouldn't- at least he gets to pick who gets on the throne. So, Nebu must have liked and trusted this new king. But after 9 years this new king rebelled against Nebu as well. This resulted in all of Judah being taken into captivity. Sometimes when you rebel against opression, things get worse!

Eventually, Evil-Merodach becomes king of Bablylon and takes a shine to the prisoner king Jehoiachin. So 2 Kings 25 ends with this picture:

29 So Jehoiachin put aside his prison clothes and for the rest of his life ate regularly at the king's table.

That's like a picture of what God does for us- he takes us out of our prison baggage and seats us at His table with Him. If we are willing to accept Him.

Help us to know when to fight the oppression.