2 Crônicas 36

2 Crônicas 36

Meyer - 2 Chronicles 36:15 Rising up betimes. What a touching and graphic phrase! How did God yearn over that sinful and rebellious city! Sending His messengers, “rising up betimes, and sending” — like a man who has had a sleepless night of anxiety for his friend or child, and rises with the dawn to send a servant on a mission of inquiry, or a message of love. How eager God is for men’s salvation! From God’s eagerness, may we not learn a lesson of anxiety for the souls of men? We do not long after them enough, or rise betimes to urge them to repent. Did we realize what heaven is, or hell, what men are missing or incurring, what our duty is, as saved ourselves, we should rise up betimes to seek their eternal interests. But if God rises betimes to seek men, should they not do the same to seek Him? Think you not, that when Adam heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden at morning prime, he would be up and away to meet Him on the up land lawns of Paradise? Can we wonder that our Master would rise up a great while before day, to meet His Father on some unfrequented height? Let us not cling to beds of sloth when God is awaiting us; let us heed His loving remonstrances, that we may be saved in the overthrow of the world; and let us, like Lot, pass on the word to others enwrapt in fatal slumber around us, bidding them to escape to the mountains, before the sun rise on the earth, lest they be consumed. It was the practice of Sir Henry Havelock, during his campaigns in India, always to have two hours for prayer and Bible study before the march. If the camp was struck at 6:00 A. M., he would rise at 4:00. Don’t Touch the Fence! The Lord . . . sent word to them . . . again and again, because he had pity on his people. Today's Scripture & Insight: Jeremiah 18:1-12 As a young girl I went with my parents to visit my great-grandmother, who lived near a farm. Her yard was enclosed by an electric fence, which prevented cows from grazing on her grass. When I asked my parents if I could play outside, they consented, but explained that touching the fence would result in an electric shock. Unfortunately I ignored their warning, put a finger to the barbed wire, and was zapped by an electrical current strong enough to teach a cow a lesson. I knew then that my parents had warned me because they loved me and didn’t want me to get hurt. When God saw the ancient Israelites in Jerusalem crafting and worshiping idols, He “sent word to them . . . again and again, because he had pity on his people” (2 Chron. 36:15). God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah, but the people said, “We will continue with our own plans” (Jer. 18:12). Because of this, God allowed Nebuchadnezzar to destroy Jerusalem and capture most of its inhabitants. Lord, give me the ability to hear not just Your words but also Your heart. Help me to learn from the mistakes of those whose stories You have given us. Help me to honor You with my life. God’s warnings are to protect us, not to punish us. 2 Chronicles 36:16 but they continually mocked the messengers of God, despised His words and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, until there was no remedy. mocked: 2Ch 30:10 Ps 35:16 Isa 28:22 Jer 5:12,13 20:7 Lu 18:32 22:63,64 Lu 23:11,36 Ac 2:13 17:32 Heb 11:36 despised: Pr 1:24-30 Lu 16:14 Ac 13:41 1Th 4:8 scoffed: Jer 32:3 38:6 Mt 5:12 21:33-41 Ac 7:52 the wrath: Ps 74:1 79:1-5 until: Pr 6:15 29:1 Related Passages: Proverbs 29:1 A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy. Jeremiah 7:26 “Yet they did not listen to Me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck; they did more evil than their fathers. Matthew 23:37 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. NO REMEDY FOR THOSE DESPISING GOD'S WORD! This has to be one of the saddest, most tragic passages in the entire Bible as it presents a sobering summary of Judah’s persistent rebellion and the inevitability of divine judgment. But - Term of contrast. What is being contrasted? In the previous verse we see God's messengers brought God's Word and here we see the contrast in how they responded to God's Word. They continually mocked the messengers (PROPHETS) of God - The coming judgment on Judah was not God's fault for He had repeatedly sent His prophets crying out with merciful ("mercy filled") warnings. Mocked is an ugly word! Mocked (la'ab used only here; LXX - mukterizo - strictly "turn up one's nose at") means to treat with contempt, to make a game of somebody, to not take seriously, or to make fun of. Mocked means they did not hold back from treating God’s appointed spokesmen with contempt and ridicule, refusing to take them seriously. And this awful response was not occasional but continual, which led to progressive hardening of their hearts to God and His Word. They mocked words of Jeremiah who was in their midst... “Since the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have sent you all My servants the prophets, daily rising early and sending them. 26 “Yet they did not listen to Me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck; they did more evil than their fathers. (Jer 7:25–26) Despised (bazah; LXX - exoudeneo - disdain, treat with contempt, consider of no account) His words - Rejecting (and despising) God's prophets was ultimately the same as rejecting God Himself, because the message was His Word. Despised indicates they regarded it as worthless or irrelevant, choosing their own way instead of God's way (cf. Pr 1:24–30, Pr 14:12). And scoffed (LXX - empaizo - continually ridiculed, made fun of) at His prophets - To scoff is stronger and implies open scorn and derision, and even hostility. They didn’t just ignore God’s truth, but mocked it publicly, often persecuting those who spoke it (cf. 2Ch 24:21+; Mt 23:37+; Jer 26:20-24). They made a habit of rejecting God's prophetic messengers NET NOTE makes an excellent comment writing that "All three verbal forms ("mocked," "despised," and "ridiculed") are active participles in the Hebrew text, indicating continual or repeated action. They made a habit of rejecting God's prophetic messengers." (ED: And in the Septuagint all three verbs are in the present tense signifying continual action and in active voice signifying this was their volitional choice, a choice of their stubborn wills!) Until is always an important time phrase to observe and interrogate. Here until marks a turning point. God’s patience is immense, but not endless. Until shows that everything before it, the mocking, despising, scoffing, all occurred over an extended period of time. Until is like a boundary or a line in the sand, a point where continued rebellion finally crosses over into irreversible judgment. God did not judge them immediately, but His wrath was like a "slow cooker," so to speak. There comes a moment when rejection becomes fixed hardness and divine opportunity gives way to divine accountability. In short in the present context Until highlights God’s patience and longsuffering in sending messengers “again and again” (2Ch 36:15), giving them repeated chances to repent. One is reminded of similar passages Genesis 6:3 “Then the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.” 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. Proverbs 29:1 A man who hardens his neck after much reproof ("UNTIL") will suddenly be broken beyond remedy. The wrath of the LORD After prolonged rejection, His righteous anger (not impulsive, but just and holy) rose in response to their persistent sin (cf. Ro 2:5). In Scripture, God’s wrath is His holy, settled opposition to sin (See this attribute of God - Wrath) God's wrath is not like human anger, which is often impulsive or sinful, but is righteous, just, and measured. God’s wrath arises because His "eyes are too pure to approve evil, and (He) can not look on wickedness with favor" (Hab 1:13). The only way to avoid God's wrath is to take refuge in Christ, which it appears very few of the people in Judah did. Paul explains in Romans 1:18 that “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness." David writes “God is a righteous judge, and a God who has indignation every day.” (Psalm 7:11) The point is that Yahweh's wrath is not arbitrary but is a moral necessary, which flows from His holy nature. Arose - This verb pictures a transition. For generations, God had been patient but over time, Israel's rejection hardened into permanent resistance. Thus arose indicates that His wrath moved from restraint to action. What had long been held back now stood up, so to speak, to execute judgment. Against His people - This phrase is especially sobering emphasizing that God's wrath was directed not against the pagans, but against His chosen people. From this phrase we learn that God is not One to show partiality! (Acts 10:34+, Dt 10:17+, 2Ch 19:7+) The chosen people had received God’s perfect law (Dt 4:7–8), had experienced His presence in the temple (even seeing the Shekinah glory cloud!), been warned repeatedly by His servants the prophets. There are several takeaways -- their accountability was great (Amos 3:2, Lk 12:47,48+, cf Heb 10:28,29) and if they never came to a saving knowledge of Yahweh, their eternal judgment would be greater (Mt 11:21-24+). As Paul explained in Ro 2:11+ "For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law." Judgment corresponds to light received. Those closest to God are first in accountability (Jas 3:1+, 1Pe 4:17+). You can mark it down that Scripture consistently teaches that those who receive greater revelation, privilege, and opportunity from God are held to a higher standard of accountability, so that knowledge of His will, exposure to His truth, and nearness to His presence all increase responsibility and intensify judgment if rejected. until - Here we encounter a "Double “Until” which intensified the finality of God's judgment. This repetition of until builds intensity. The first “until” signaled God’s patience ends and wrath rises while the second “until” indicates the condition has become irreversible (“no remedy”) there was no remedy (marpe) - Hebrew literally - "until the anger of the LORD went up against his people until there was no healer." This is the most tragic line. It means the nation had reached a point of irreversible judgment—not because God is unwilling to forgive, but because the people were no longer willing to repent. Every means of correction had been rejected. The “remedy” (healing, restoration) was refused so long that judgment became unavoidable (cf. Jeremiah 15:6; Proverbs 29:1). This passage gives us several takeaways - God’s wrath is patiently delayed, not quickly triggered. Persistent rejection of truth leads to a point of no return. Divine judgment is both just and inevitable when repentance is refused. IN SUMMARY - The wrath of the LORD arose against His people” describes the moment when God’s long-suffering patience gave way to righteous judgment after repeated rejection of His Word; His holy opposition to sin, long restrained by mercy, now moved into action against His own covenant people, resulting in their discipline through exile, demonstrating that while God is compassionate and patient, persistent hardness of heart will ultimately provoke His just and unavoidable judgment (Romans 2:5; Amos 3:2). This description could be an apt summation of Judah's repeated response in the Chronicles (AND THE ENTIRE OT)! To despise His words is to despise Him! And the same parallel applies to mocking and scoffing! 🙏 THOUGHT We never do that do we? Of course we do, for every time we willfully commit a sin we know God abhors, we are in effect doing just what Judah did! But remember God's patience does have limits! Notice how this verse suggests a progression of sin which we see today in those who reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ... Mocking God’s messengers Despising God’s Word Openly scorning truth Hardening beyond repentance Judgment with no remedy James Smith - A SAD CASE 2 CHRONICLES 36:16 1. God’s Messengers Mocked. 2. God’s Word Despised. 3. God’s Prophets Misused. 4. God’s Wrath Aroused. 5. God’s Presence Withdrawn. “No remedy.” P G Matthew —2 Chronicles 36:16 Second Chronicles describes the catastrophic events that shook Judah in 586 BC. Nebuchadnezzar came to Judah because his vassal, King Zedekiah, had rebelled against him. Zedekiah broke the terms of the covenant, against the counsel of the prophet Jeremiah, who had repeatedly told the king, “Don’t do that. This is the plan of God.” But this little fellow Zedekiah stubbornly chose to rebel against the mighty empire of Babylon. I say “little fellow” because this term is an apt description of us in relation to the sovereign, eternal God. Every time we disobey, we are rebelling against God’s rule and reign in our life. In fact, the biblical concept of covenant is this: we are nothings, yet we are given an opportunity to be saved by the Great Sovereign and enjoy life. The condition, however, is total surrender. His absolute sovereignty demands our absolute submission if we would be saved. If we remain stubborn, we shall experience our Sovereign’s anger. Zedekiah refused to be subject to King Nebuchadnezzar. He was warned again and again by Jeremiah of the consequences of his action, and in due time Nebuchadnezzar arrived. I am sure Zedekiah had deceived himself into thinking that Nebuchadnezzar would not really bother to come. But he did, and he breached the wall and destroyed the temple. What happened to Zedekiah and Judah should serve as a serious warning to us, because this is the way God responds to those who will not submit to him. Zedekiah’s problem was not primarily that he did not submit to Nebuchadnezzar. His problem was that he would not submit to God. Why did God use Nebuchadnezzar to punish Judah? It is true that God’s people had sinned, but that is not the final reason. Ultimately, they experienced the outpoured wrath of Nebuchadnezzar because they would not receive God’s offers of mercy. The final reason for a rebel’s destruction is always his refusal to receive God’s mercy based on repentance. God sends pastors with his word of mercy to rebels, yet most reject the divine offer of reconciliation. Thus, judgment shall surely follow. Let us, therefore, take heed and accept God’s gracious terms of peace. Unheeded warning The island of Ischia was a favourite summer resort of Italians. In 1883 the sinking of water in wells, mutterings and rumblings underground, distinctly foretold a coming earthquake; these signs were noticed and understood, but through fear of frightening visitors, and so losing custom, hotel-keepers and others refrained from making public these warnings. Ruin and death ensued, involving those who knew and heeded not, and those who, through lack of warning, had unwittingly exposed themselves to peril. Refused Warnings His name was Harry Truman. No, not “The buck stops here” Harry Truman. No, this Harry Truman lived in a rustic log cabin near pristine Spirit Lake in the crisp, cool timberland of Washington. But at some point in the early part of 1980, geologists and government officials came to his home and said he needed to leave his homestead. Pressure was brewing in a nearby volcano, and Harry’s life was in danger. I recall watching him one night on television as he told the news media how all the learned authorities didn’t know what they were talking about. Even more vividly, I recall a helicopter ride I took one afternoon a year later over the gray-streaked remains of Mount St. Helens. Somewhere down below, under hundreds of feet of molten ash, lay the bones of one Harry Truman—and the dusty, empty hole that used to be Spirit Lake. UNTIL there was no remedy. These words contain three facts of great importance. 1. That there was, at least at one time, a remedy. 2. That the remedy went on, and might have been used, for a very long period. 3. That there came a time when the remedy ceased. I. ALL LIFE IS A REMEDY. The conditions of things require it. Life a great restorative process. 1. Comes that marvellous provision of God in Jesus Christ. 2. All providences have a curative character. 3. Every one carries within himself an antidote to evil. Conscience, till silenced, a sure antidote to evil. We may sin ourselves into a state, not in which there is no forgiveness, but no thought or desire to seek forgiveness. II. Notice the word “TILL.” (UNTIL) It shows how slow God is to take away the remedy. We may sin ourselves into a state, not in which there is no forgiveness, but no thought or desire to seek forgiveness. “No remedy,” not on God’s account, but your own; not in God’s want of will to save you, but in your own incapacity to will your own salvation. (J. Vaughan, M.A.) Presumptuous rebellion I. We see here CONTINUED REBELLION, which suggests-- 1. That habits are easily commenced. There is little difficulty in forming’ habits. They are not acquired by one mighty bound, but by a series of almost imperceptible steps. 2. That habits are readily strengthened. Every step that is taken is planted with firmer grip. With every ripple that flows the stream becomes wider and swifter, fed as it were with other streamlets on the way. Every time an action is repeated the easier it becomes, and the more deeply rooted in the soul. 3. That habits are seldom eradicated. Can the Ethiopian change his skin? Yea, easier than a man unassisted by Divine help can break away from evil habits. They become part of the nature of the man himself. II. WE SEE THE PRESUMPTION OF CONTINUED REBELLION. We are constantly reminded of the fact that God is merciful. But there is a limit to the mercy and forbearance even of God. This is evident-- 1. From the fact that it is impossible always to continue His warning and judgments on the impenitent. If the obstinacy of one person cannot be overcome it were unjust on that account to remove the chance of salvation from others. 2. From the inevitable progress of temporal affairs. Death comes on with his rapid step and cuts short the life and with it the opportunities of repentance from the obdurate spirit. Then the door of mercy must be shut for ever. 3. From the very nature of the refusal. Is it likely that He, the Lord of all, will continue offering heavenly treasures to human swine who only trample His gifts in the mire? Oh, it is a sad and an awful truth that man may presume too far even on infinite love! III. WE SEE THE AWFUL END OF PRESUMPTUOUS SIN. The consequences are at the last utter destruction and irretrievable loss. This stands to reason if we remember-- 1. That God must vindicate His character. 2. That an example must be set to the world at large. 3. That the sinful must be removed out of the way. (Homilist.) Who Knows Best? They mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets. — 2 Chronicles 36:16 Today's Scripture: 2 Chronicles 36:15-21 “I love my job,” said Maggie, a young nurse, “but it’s so frustrating when I tell people what they need to do to stay healthy and they don’t follow my advice.” I smiled in empathy. “I felt that way when I started my editorial career,” I told her. “It was frustrating when authors would disregard the advice I gave them about improving their manuscripts.” Then I realized the spiritual implication. “If you and I feel frustrated when people don’t follow our professional advice,” I said, “imagine how God feels when we ignore His.” He’s the only One with perfect knowledge of what’s good for us, yet we often behave as if we know better. This was the case in ancient Israel. Thinking that they knew more than God did, the people followed their own way (2 Chronicles 36:15-16). As a result, Jerusalem and the house of God fell into the hands of the Babylonians. This is also the case with us when God’s instructions seem difficult. We may conclude that He had exceptions in mind for our particular circumstance. What freedom lies with all who choose To live for God each day! But chains of bondage shackle those Who choose some other way. —D. De Haan God’s teaching may not always make sense, but it’s always senseless to think we know better. 2 Chronicles 36:17 Therefore He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion on young man or virgin, old man or infirm; He gave them all into his hand. He brought up: 2Ch 33:11 De 28:49 2Ki 24:2,3 Ezr 9:7 Jer 15:8 32:42 40:3 Da 9:14 the king of the Chaldeans: 2Ki 25:1-30 Jer 39:1-18 52:1-34 who slew: Lev 26:14-46 De 28:15-68 29:18-28 30:18 31:16-18 32:15-28 Ps 74:20 79:2,3 Jer 15:9 18:21 La 2:21,22 in the house: 2Ch 24:21 La 2:20 Eze 9:5-7 Lu 13:1,2 no compassion: De 28:50 Ps 74:20 Related Passages: Deuteronomy 28:49-52+ “The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as the eagle swoops down, a nation whose language you shall not understand, 50a nation of fierce countenance who will have no respect for the old, nor show favor to the young. 51 “Moreover, it shall eat the offspring of your herd and the produce of your ground until you are destroyed, who also leaves you no grain, new wine, or oil, nor the increase of your herd or the young of your flock until they have caused you to perish. 52 “It shall besiege you in all your towns until your high and fortified walls in which you trusted come down throughout your land, and it shall besiege you in all your towns throughout your land which the LORD your God has given you. CLIMATIC EXPRESSION OF GOD'S JUDICIAL RESPONSE Therefore - Term of conclusion. Judah rejected God’s Word, and the inevitable conclusion was that God acted in judgment. He (YAHWEH) brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans Nebuchadnezzar II, ruler of Babylon, though a pagan king, was brought up by Yahweh. Do not miss the phrase which demonstrates God's sovereignty and His willingness to use pagan to punish His people. Babylon was not acting independently, but was the instrument of Yahweh’s discipline (cf. Jer 25:9 – “I will send… Nebuchadnezzar… My servant”). This emphasizes that God is in full control of Judah's judgment. Who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary The people likely fled there for refuge, but the place meant for worship and mercy became a place of their judgment! Trusting in the temple without obedience would not save them (Jer 7:4,14) Religious privilege without repentance offers no protection. And had no compassion on young man or virgin, old man or infirm - God's judgment was total and indiscriminate! Young men (strength and future). Virgins (purity and hope). Old men (wisdom and legacy). Infirm (weak and helpless) No category was spared reflecting tje covenant curses in Moses' prophecy in Deuteronomy 28:50+ "a nation of fierce countenance who will have no respect for the old, nor show favor to the young." 🙏 THOUGHT - Beloved, if you are in a sin that has you caught like a rat in a trap and you are unwilling to confess and repent, be aware that the unchanging God may use pagans like He did with Judah to discipline you, for His ultimate desire for you is that you experience the peaceful fruit of righteousness (Heb 12:11+, cf Nu 32:23b). He gave them all into his hand - Do not miss this! It was not ultimately Babylon who conquered Judah, but it was God who handed Judah over. This phrase reveals God's sovereignty in judgment, the faithfulness of God to keep His covenant promises, good and bad and Judah's accountability (they were not innocent victims) Martin Selman: The end comes remarkably swiftly, like a bird of prey suddenly swooping down after circling repeatedly over its victim.… The final collapse under Zedekiah is therefore merely the final stage in a process that has long been inevitable. (See 2 Chronicles: An Introduction and Commentary) 🙏 THOUGHT - When God’s Word is persistently despised, His patience gives way to judgment, and He may sovereignly hand us over to the full consequences of our sin. OUCH! QUESTION - Who were the Chaldeans in the Bible? ANSWER - The Chaldeans were people who lived in southern Babylonia which would be the southern part of Iraq today. Sometimes the term Chaldeans is used to refer to Babylonians in general, but normally it refers to a specific semi-nomadic tribe that lived in the southern part of Babylon. The land of the Chaldeans was the southern portion of Babylon or Mesopotamia. It was generally thought to be an area about 400 miles long and 100 miles wide alongside the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The Chaldeans are mentioned multiple times in the Bible in both contexts. For example, Genesis 11:28 speaks of Abraham’s father Terah, who lived in “Ur of the Chaldeans,” home to the specific tribe or people known as the Chaldeans. We know from verses such as Genesis 11:31 and Genesis 15:7 that God called Abraham, a descendant of Shem, out of Ur of the Chaldeans so that Abraham would follow God to the land that God had promised to him and his descendants. The Chaldeans were an intelligent and sometimes aggressive, warlike people. In 731 BC Ukinzer, a Chaldean, became king of Babylon; however, his reign was short-lived. A few years later Merodach-Baladan, also a Chaldean, became king over Babylon. Then in 626 BC Nabopolassar, another Chaldean, began what would be an extended period of time during which Babylon was ruled by a Chaldean king. During this time the word Chaldean became synonymous for Babylon, and we see many verses in Scripture where the word Chaldean was used to refer to Babylonians in general (Isaiah 13:19; 47:1, 5; 48:14, 20). Successors to Nabopolassar were Nebuchadnezzar, Amel-Marduk, Nabonidus and then Belshazzar, “king of the Chaldeans” (Daniel 5:30). At the height of the Babylonian Empire, the Chaldeans were an influential and highly educated group of people. Some historians believe that, after Persia conquered Babylon, the term Chaldean was used more often to refer to a social class of highly educated people than to a race of men. The Chaldeans influenced Nebuchadnezzar’s decision to throw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:8) and were well known as wise men and astrologers during the time of Jewish captivity in Babylon. (Daniel 1:4; 2:10; 4:7; 5:7, 11). At the time of Daniel, Babylon was the intellectual center of western Asia, and the Chaldeans were renowned for their study and knowledge of astrology and astronomy. They kept detailed astronomical records for over 360 years, which can help us understand how the wise men from the East would have been able to recognize and follow the star that would lead them to the King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2).GotQuestions.org Related Resources: SPECIAL TOPIC: CHALDEANS. 2 Chronicles 36:18 All the articles of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king and of his officers, he brought them all to Babylon. All the articles of the house of God: 2Ch 36:7,10 2Ki 25:13-17 Jer 27:18-22 52:17-23 Da 5:3 treasures: 2Ki 20:13-17 Isa 39:6 Zec 1:6 Related Passages: 2 Kings 25:13-15 Now the bronze pillars which were in the house of the LORD, and the stands and the bronze sea which were in the house of the LORD, the Chaldeans broke in pieces and carried the bronze to Babylon. 14 They took away the pots, the shovels, the snuffers, the spoons, and all the bronze vessels which were used in temple service. 15 The captain of the guard also took away the firepans and the basins, what was fine gold and what was fine silver. Daniel 5:2-3+ When Belshazzar tasted the wine, he gave orders to bring the gold and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them. 3 Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God which was in Jerusalem; and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. Jeremiah 27:19-22 “For thus says the LORD of hosts concerning the pillars, concerning the sea, concerning the stands and concerning the rest of the vessels that are left in this city, 20which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon did not take when he carried into exile Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, from Jerusalem to Babylon, and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem. 21“Yes, thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning the vessels that are left in the house of the LORD and in the house of the king of Judah and in Jerusalem, 22‘They will be carried to Babylon and they will be there until the day I visit them,’ declares the LORD. ‘Then I will bring them back and restore them to this place.’” SYSTEMATIC STRIPPING OF JUDAH All the articles of the house of God, great and small - This refers to every sacred vessel used in temple worship, from large items (like basins, stands, utensils) to the smallest instruments. Nothing was spared. Compare 2Ki 25:13–15 – even the great bronze pillars and temple furnishings were dismantled. In Daniel 5:2–3+ we see these vessels later appear in Babylon, sacriligeously abused by Belshazzar in debauchery and idolatrous feasting (for which God quickly recompensed him - Da 5:26-28+!) What had been set apart for God’s glory was now removed and carried into a pagan land, symbolizing that Judah had forfeited her privilege of worship. and the treasures of the house of the LORD, These were the stored riches dedicated to God, gold, silver, and offerings accumulated over generations. 2 Chronicles 5:1 Solomon had dedicated treasures to the LORD. In Jeremiah 27:19–22 God warned these treasures would be taken. This was not just theft but was the visible sign that God had withdrawn His protection. The Temple, once guarded by His presence, was now left exposed. and the treasures of the king and of his officers - This expands the loss beyond the temple to the entire nation’s wealth including the royal treasury (king’s wealth) and treasures of the government officials. So long to their "401K Retirement Plans"! In short, Judah and Jerusalem was completely plundered, spiritually and economically! he brought them all to Babylon - The phrase “all” is repeated for emphasis, indicating total loss, with nothing held back. Babylon didn’t just conquer Judah but humiliated her God (at least in their eyes) and absorbed her wealth into their empire. And all of this was God's doing! (cf Dt 28:47,48+). TAKEAWAY - When God’s presence is rejected, even the things dedicated to Him can be taken away—because the blessing is not in the objects, but in the God who gives them. Believer's Study Bible has an interesting postulate - It is noteworthy that, while the great temple is destroyed and all its treasures taken to Babylon, no mention whatever is made of its most sacred occupant, the ark of the covenant. God evidently would not allow it to be desecrated again and so translated it directly (like Enoch and Elijah) to the heavenly temple, where it was seen by John five hundred years later when he himself was translated into the distant future of the end-times (Revelation 11:19). Russell H. Dilday: The Talmud declares that when the Babylonians entered the temple, they held a two-day feast there to desecrate it; then, on the third day, they set fire to the building. The Talmud adds that the fire burned throughout that day and the next. (See The Preacher's Commentary - Vol. 09: 1 and 2 Kings - Page 23) Martin Selman: The over-all impression is of unrelieved destruction. ‘All, every’ is used fivefold in verses 17-19, which together with young and old, large and small, and finally (literally), ‘to destruction’ confirms that there was no respite, no escape. (See 2 Chronicles: An Introduction and Commentary - Page 571) 2 Chronicles 36:19 Then they burned the house of God and broke down the wall of Jerusalem, and burned all its fortified buildings with fire and destroyed all its valuable articles. they burned: 2Ki 25:9 Ps 74:4-8 79:1,7 Isa 64:10,11 Jer 7:4,14 52:13 La 4:1 Mic 3:12 Lu 21:6 broke down: 2Ki 25:10,11 Jer 52:14,15 See Overview of the Glory of the LORD Related Passages: Lamentations 2:8-9 The LORD determined to destroy The wall of the daughter of Zion. He has stretched out a line, He has not restrained His hand from destroying, And He has caused rampart and wall to lament; They have languished together. 9 Her gates have sunk into the ground, He has destroyed and broken her bars. Her king and her princes are among the nations; The law is no more. Also, her prophets find No vision from the LORD. Lamentations 1:10 The adversary has stretched out his hand Over all her precious things, For she has seen the nations enter her sanctuary, The ones whom You commanded That they should not enter into Your congregation. THE PROGRESSIVE DEPARTURE OF THE GLORY OF THE LORD FROM "SOLOMON'S" TEMPLE (Ezekiel 8:1-11:25) (Mouse over any link in Bright Blue for tip) Steps in Departure of the the Glory of the LORD (Click # for note) #1 #2 #3 #4 Solomon's Temple K i d r o n V a l l e y GLORY stood over mountain east of the city (Eze 11:22, 23) Mt of Olives GLORY enthroned upon the cherubim over the Ark (Ezek 8:4) GLORY went up from cherub to Temple threshold (Eze 9:3, 10:4) E A S T G A T E GLORY hovers over cherubim at entrance of East Gate (Eze 10:18, 19) Click Image to enlarge "Solomon's" Temple East Gate Mt of Olives JERUSALEM SACKED TEMPLE DESTROYED 586 BC Then they burned the house of God To burn the temple was unthinkable for it represented the place of God’s presence (1Ki 8:10–11+), the center of sacrifice and forgiveness and the heart of Israel’s worship. Yet this fulfilled earlier warnings as in Jeremiah 7:14 "I will do to the house which is called by My name, in which you trust, and to the place which I gave you and your fathers, as I did to Shiloh (Ps 78:60)." And Micah 3:12+ "Therefore, on account of you Zion will be plowed as a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of ruins, And the mountain of the temple will become high places of a forest." In short, God allowed His own house to be destroyed because the people had defiled it (2 Chr 36:14). The destruction shows that God values obedience over buildings (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22+). The temple was destroyed because God had already withdrawn His presence as described by Ezekiel Then the glory of the LORD (Shekinah glory cloud) departed from the threshold of the temple and stood over the cherubim. 19 When the cherubim departed, they lifted their wings and rose up from the earth in my sight with the wheels beside them; and they stood still at the entrance of the east gate of the LORD’S house, and the glory of the God of Israel (Shekinah glory cloud) hovered over them. (Ezekiel 10:18-19+) Then the cherubim lifted up their wings with the wheels beside them, and the glory of the God of Israel (Shekinah glory cloud) hovered over them. 23 The glory of the LORD (Shekinah glory cloud) went up from the midst of the city and stood over the mountain which is east of the city (Mount of Olives). (Ezekiel 11:22-23+) And broke down the wall of Jerusalem - The wall symbolized security and protection as well as national identity and strength. Its destruction meant the city was now defenseless and Judah’s political independence was gone. The destruction was the LORD's doing (Lam 2:8-9). The point is that when God removes His protection, no human defense can stand (cf Ps 127:1). And burned all its fortified buildings with fire - Fire represents complete devastation, leaving nothing usable behind. In short, everything Judah trusted in, military, architecture, power, etc, was reduced to ashes. The burning of the temple and city demonstrates that God’s presence is not tied to a building. And destroyed all its valuable articles - Earlier (2Ch 36:18) the treasures were carried away and now whatever remained was destroyed. This completes the picture that literally nothing was left of value. TAKEAWAY - When God’s presence is rejected, what once stood as a place of blessing can become a ruin, because without Him, even the strongest structures cannot stand. 2 Chronicles 36:20 Those who had escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon; and they were servants to him and to his sons until the rule of the kingdom of Persia, they were servants: De 28:47,48 Jer 27:7 until the rule: 2Ch 36:22 Ezr 1:1-11 Related Passages: Jeremiah 27:6-7 “Now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, My servant, and I have given him also the wild animals of the field to serve him. 7 “All the nations shall serve him and his son and his grandson until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will make him their servant. Jeremiah 25:11-12 ‘This whole land will be a desolation and a horror, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years. 12 ‘Then it will be when seventy years are completed I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation,’ declares the LORD, ‘for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans; and I will make it an everlasting desolation. OUTCOME OF GOD'S JUDGMENT AFTER FALL OF JERUSALEM Those who had escaped from the sword This refers to the survivors of the Babylonian destruction, those not killed during the siege and fall of Jerusalem (cf. 2Ki 25:1–21). The phrase highlights both judgment and mercy, judgment because many perished under divine wrath (2 Chr 36:17) and mercy because a remnant was spared. This reflects a consistent biblical pattern, Isaiah declaring “Unless the LORD of hosts had left us a few survivors, we would be like Sodom” (Isaiah 1:9) he carried away to Babylon - The survivors were deported by Nebuchadnezzar II into exile, fulfilling Jer 25:9 and Jer 20:5. and they were servants to him and to his sons - This describes the condition of political servitude (vassalage/slavery) under Babylonian rule, so that the survivors lived under foreign authority and labored for the Babylonian empire. Their servitude was ultimately ordained by God, Until - Until introduces a divine turning point and indicates that the exile was temporary. Until is the limit set by God and marks the transition from divine judgment to divine restoration the rule of the kingdom of Persia - After 70 years in exile, Babylonian dominance ended with the rise of the Medo-Persian Empire rose under Cyrus the Great. This passage demonstrates that God not only judges sin but also governs history with precise limits, preserving a remnant and preparing the way for restoration (Jer 25:11–12; 29:10–11; 2Ch 36:22–23). Andrew Hill: Essentially the Chronicler offers his generation a twofold rationale for Judah’s expulsion from the land of the promise. (1) Both king and people have rejected God’s word spoken by his prophetic messengers (2Ch 36:16). (2) The people of Judah have failed to keep the covenant stipulation of giving the land “its sabbath rest” (2Ch 36:21; cf. Lev. 25:1-7). Here again the compiler assumes his audience has a working knowledge of the Torah and the Prophets in the intertwining of the covenant curse (Lev. 26:34) and the word of Jeremiah (Jer. 29:10). (See First and Second Chronicles - Page 229) Dilday: The fall of Jerusalem didn’t come about in one cataclysmic battle; it occurred in stages. Nebuchadnezzar’s initial subjugation of the city about 605 B.C. The destruction by Nebuchadnezzar’s marauding bands, 601 to 598 B.C. The siege and fall of Jerusalem under Nebuchadnezzar’s main army on 16 March, 597 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar’s return to completely destroy and depopulate Jerusalem in the summer of 586 B.C. (See The Preacher's Commentary - Vol. 09: 1 and 2 Kings - Page 15) 2 Chronicles 36:21 to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed its sabbaths. All the days of its desolation it kept sabbath until seventy years were complete. To fulfil: Jer 25:9,12 26:6,7 27:12,13 29:10 Da 9:2 Zec 1:4-6 until the land: Lev 25:4-6 26:34,35,43 Zec 1:12 Related Passages: Jeremiah 25:11 ‘This whole land will be a desolation and a horror, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years. Jeremiah 29:10 “For thus says the LORD, ‘When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place. Daniel 9:2 in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, observed in the books the number of the years which was revealed as the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years. Leviticus 25:4 but during the seventh year the land shall have a sabbath rest, a sabbath to the LORD; you shall not sow your field nor prune your vineyard. Leviticus 26:31-35 (A PROPHECY OF MOSES) ‘I will lay waste your cities as well and will make your sanctuaries desolate, and I will not smell your soothing aromas (NOT HEAR THEIR PRAYERS!). 32 ‘I will make the land desolate so that your enemies who settle in it will be appalled over it. 33 ‘You, however, I will scatter among the nations and will draw out a sword after you, as your land becomes desolate and your cities become waste. 34‘ ‘Then the land will enjoy its sabbaths all the days of the desolation, while you are in your enemies’ land; then the land will rest and enjoy its sabbaths. 35 ‘All the days of its desolation it will observe the rest which it did not observe on your sabbaths, while you were living on it. DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM AND CAPTIVITY FULFILLED PROPHECY To fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah - God had already foretold the exile through Jeremiah 25:11-12 and Jer 29:10. The exile, therefore, was not merely judgment but it was prophecy fulfilled with exact precision. God’s Word governs history which reminds me of Hebrews 1:3+... And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds (present tense - continually) all things by the Word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, Until - Points to the fact that Israel's judgment was not endless but had a divinely ordained limit. Daniel understood this limit and in Da 9:2+ says "in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, observed in the books the number of the years which was revealed as the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years." Daniel recognized that even in judgment, God was working toward restoration, so that the same prophecy that announced exile also promised return. The land had enjoyed its sabbaths - Israel had systematically ignored God’s command to let the land rest every seventh year ("Sabbath year") For centuries, they exploited the land without obedience. So God enforced the rest Himself. The land finally “enjoyed its Sabbaths”—not by Israel’s obedience, but by their removal. All the days of its desolation it kept sabbath “Desolation” means the land lay empty and largely unworked, without a significant number of inhabitants. What Israel refused to do voluntarily, God accomplished through judgment. Israel's disobedience had accumulated a debt of obedience that God would collect over 70 years. Until seventy years were complete - Here is another crucial "until" marking termination of the 70 years. The seventy years corresponds to 490 years of disobedience divided by 7 which gives 70 missed Sabbath years! Since Israel failed to observe about 70 Sabbath years, God gave the land 70 years of rest, demonstrating His divine precision and exact repayment for Israel's violation of the covenant. Frederick Mabie: The beginning point and ending point of this seventy-year period (Jer 25:8-11; 29:10) is not exactly specified within the biblical material. The most likely possibility is that the destruction of the temple in 586 BC started the seventy-year period, which comes to a close with the dedication of the Second Temple (ca. 516 BC). Another possibility is that the end of the seventy-year period is connected with the Decree of Cyrus (539 BC; cf. 2Ch 36:22), which would imply a beginning point around the death of Josiah (609 BC), after which Judah became a pawn to the geopolitical interests of Egypt and Babylonia. (See 1 and 2 Chronicles) Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary on the “sabbath rests”: “The return of every seventh was to be held as a sabbatic year, a season of rest to all classes, even to the land itself, which was to be fallow. This divine institution, however, was neglected-how soon and how long, appears from the prophecy of Moses (Lev. 26:34), and of Jeremiah in this passage..., which told that for divine retribution it was now to remain desolate seventy years. Since the Assyrian conquerors usually colonized their conquered provinces, so remarkable a deviation in Palestine from their customary policy must be ascribed to the overruling providence of God.” Why did God permit Judah to suffer the horrors of Babylonia captivity? John Whitcomb summarizes the reasons for God's discipline of Judah - Why did God permit Judah to suffer the horrors of Babylonia captivity? The Chronicler lists three reasons. - First, Zedekiah refused God’s Word through Jeremiah and broke his oath to Nebuchadnezzar (II Chron. 36:12-13). - Second, the priests and the people adopted heathen customs, polluted the Temple, and scoffed at God’s prophets (II Chron. 36:14-16), - And third, God’s provision for the sabbatical year (cf. Lev. 25:4; 26:34) had been neglected for centuries; therefore, “as long as it lay desolate it kept sabbath, to fulfill threescore and ten years” (II Chron. 36:21). (ED: Whitcomb leaves out a fourth reason - the sin of Manasseh - 2Ki 23:26+ says "However, the LORD did not turn from the fierceness of His great wrath with which His anger burned against Judah, because of all the provocations with which Manasseh had provoked Him." The history of Israel from Solomon to the Babylonian Exile is a four-hundred-year demonstration of God’s faithfulness to His Word in both promise and warning. He is a God Who never changes (Mal. 3:6). He can be depended upon from generation to generation. And what He proved Himself to be for Israel, He proves Himself to be for us, as we heed His warnings and put our complete trust in His gracious promises. “Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall … but God is faithful …” (1 Cor. 10:11–13+).(BORROW Israel : from Conquest to Exile : a Commentary on Joshua-2 Kings) G Campbell