Monday, February 3 – 2 Chronicles 36, Psalm 79
1. 2 Chronicles 36 describes the reigns of four kings (Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah) and the fall of Jerusalem. What role did their choices play in the nation’s downfall? (2 Chr. 36:5)
2. How does the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people reflect the consequences of turning away from God? What does this teach us about the importance of obedience? (2 Chr. 36:16)
3. Despite their disobedience, God showed His mercy to the people, but they refused to listen. How can we embrace God’s grace in times of personal failure or hardship? (2 Chr. 36:15)
The death of King Josiah in 609 BCE (2 Kings 23:28-30, NKJV) marked a significant spiritual and political setback for Jerusalem. The religious reforms Josiah initiated were quickly forgotten, and the nation descended into idolatry and disobedience. This decline set the stage for Jerusalem’s downfall, as outlined in 2 Chronicles 36.
- A talent of silver (Approximately, 75 pounds or 1,200 ounces) at today’s rate of $25 per ounce would equal $30,000.
- One hundred talents of silver: $3,000,000.
- A talent of gold, worth approximately $2,340,000.
- Total tribute: $5,340,000.
- During Jehoiakim’s reign (605 BCE): Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem and carried off treasures from the temple (2 Chr. 36:5-7).
- During Jehoiachin’s reign (597 BCE): The Babylonian king took more treasures and exiled Jehoiachin and many others to Babylon (2 Chr. 36:9-10).
- During Zedekiah’s reign (586 BCE): Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem, burned the temple, and led the remaining people into exile (2 Chr. 36:11-20).