Day 242 Reading Schedule: 2 Chronicles 34-36

2 Chronicles 34: Josiah's Reformation and the Book of the Law

[Contents Overview]

Josiah, the sixteenth king of Judah, destroyed the idols that had been worshipped under Amon the prophet, brought about a religious reformation, reinstated the observance of the Passover, and brought prosperity. This chapter describes Josiah's first act as king, the removal of the idols (vv. 1-7), and the preparation and implementation of the repair of the dilapidated temple of God (vv. 8-13). It also includes the discovery of the Book of the Law during the repair of the temple and the counsel of the prophetess Huldah in response (vv. 14-28), and the reading of the Book of the Law and the renewal of the covenant (vv. 29-33).

2 Chronicles 35: Josiah's Great Passover Celebration

[Overview]

This chapter records the observance of the Passover, which is at the heart of Josiah's religious reforms. In the battlefield, Josiah's reform movement was furthered by the discovery of the Book of the Law during the temple repairs, and as we see in this chapter, he helped to spread the faith of Jehovah throughout Judah by sanctifying the Passover, the culmination of the reformation. However, the invasion of the Egyptian king, Nehemiah, cut short the continuation of this reform movement in Israel's history. Josiah's command to observe the Passover (vv. 1-6), the preparation of the Passover sacrifice (vv. 7-9), and the observance of the Passover (vv. 10-19) are recorded. The Egyptian invasion, Josiah's death (vv. 20-25), and the rest of Josiah's life are also mentioned (vv. 26-27).

2 Chronicles 36: The Destruction of the Southern Kingdom of Judah

[Overview]

This chapter records the rapid decline in religious prosperity after the death of Josiah, king of Judah, culminating in the defeat of Judah. The last four kings of Judah, Josiah's three sons and one grandson, were all humiliated by the kings of the Gentiles, and the nation was destroyed only 23 years after Josiah's death. This destruction of Judah was hastened by national crimes committed during the reigns of each of these four kings. First, Jehoahaz's deposition by Nebuchadnezzar (vv. 1-4), Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin's captivity in Babylon (vv. 5-10), and the rebellion of Zedekiah and the people (vv. 11-16) are mentioned. The destruction of Judah (vv. 17-21) and the death of Cyrus, king of Basha (vv. 22-23) are also recorded.