Day 215

Today's Reading Schedule: 2 Kings 25, Jeremiah 39-41

2 Kings 25: ​Destruction of Jerusalem and Aftermath

[Content Overview]

This chapter is the last chapter of the book and deals with the fall of Judah. It shows that 136 years after the fall of Samaria (722 B.C.), southern Judah was completely destroyed. At this time, what God used as a tool of judgment was the third invasion of Babylon. The third invasion of Babylon (verses 1-7), the fall of Jerusalem (verses 8-17), the slaughter of the people of Judah (verses 18-21), Gedaliah, the prince of Judah (verses 22-26), and Jehoiachin receiving mercy (verses 27-30) are recorded. In this way, all symbols of religious, social, and military life that existed in Judah were completely destroyed. In this way, through the tragic fate of God's chosen people, we can further confirm that God is in control of all history in this world.

Jeremiah 39: Jerusalem falls

[Content Overview]

This chapter records the fall of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, the city of God, fell to Babylon, and King Zedekiah and his family suffered a miserable situation as prophesied, and most of the leaders were taken captive by Babylon. This chapter consists of the first half (verses 1-10) dealing with the fall of Jerusalem and the suffering of Zedekiah, and the second half (verses 11-18) dealing with the release of Jeremiah and the salvation of Ebedmelech. The historical situation of this chapter is 586 B.C. when Jerusalem fell. Zedekiah, who was enthroned by Babylon at the time, listened to the anti-Babylonians and formed new alliances with Egypt, Ammon, and Moab in order to win the favor of the princes who did not accept him as the true king of Judah. In this way, he refuted God's judgment with human power and ultimately met a miserable end. On the other hand, Jeremiah and Ebedmelech, who stood on God's side until the end and insisted that their fellow countrymen obey God's will, were promised new blessings and hope from God.

Jeremiah 40: Gedaliah becomes governor of Judah

[Content Overview]

This chapter describes Jeremiah, who became free, and Gedaliah, who became governor of Judah. Despite the safety of his life guaranteed by Nebuchadnezzar's favor, Jeremiah was taken captive to Ramah, 8km north of Jerusalem, in the midst of chaos. Meanwhile, he was set free by Nebuzaradan, who received Nebuchadnezzar's edict, and returned to Judah. Afterwards, Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, became governor of Judah and implemented pro-Babylon policies and economic revival policies, so the situation in Judah gradually became stable. However, Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah, a close relative of the Davidic royal family, plotted to murder Governor Gedaliah due to the instigation of the King of Ammon and the anachronistic idea of ​​trying to restore national sovereignty through human abilities. The first half of this chapter refers to the release of Jeremiah (verses 1-6), the middle part refers to the policies of Gedaliah, who was appointed governor of Judah (verses 7-12), and the second half describes Ishmael's plot against Gedaliah (verses 13-16), etc.

Jeremiah 41: Israel's Rebellion

[Content Overview]

This chapter deals with the murder of Gedaliah. In other words, it introduces the scene in which Gedaliah, ignoring Johanan's warning, is murdered by Ishmael at the dinner table, and the chaos that ensued thereafter. As a result, Judah lost his last chance for revival due to his rebellion and flight in defiance of God's will, and was left in a wasteland for about 70 years until his return from captivity. This chapter, which deals with these contents, consists of the first half (verses 1-10), which deals with the assassination of Gedaliah and Ishmael's atrocities, and the second half (verses 11-18), which records Johanan's actions. This chapter presents the continuing apostasy of the Jewish people despite the destruction of Judah through a series of actions related to the assassination of Gedaliah. Judah was defeated as a result of breaking the covenant according to the prophet's message, but instead of seriously considering the covenant or showing an attitude of repentance, they formed a force against Babylon and dreamed of the recovery of Judah through human power. This chapter clearly reveals the nature of sinners who constantly apostate.​