THE REST OF THE STORY. 2nd Chronicles 35 Some unforgettable events in life seem to be permanently etched in the history of nations as well as in the memories of their citizens. Such an event occurred in the eighteenth year of Josiah's reign as king of Judah, when they celebrated the Passover in a manner that surpassed the Passover celebrations of Hezekiah and Solomon—eighty years had passed since Hezekiah called all of Israel to the Passover in Jerusalem.
Eight hundred years earlier, when Samuel was judge in Israel, the Passover was observed in this special manner, and it had not been celebrated this way again until Josiah's time. The uniqueness of this Passover was that Josiah had it carried out “by the Book,” just as Samuel had done. It happened the same year the temple was repaired and the book of the law was discovered. Josiah didn't hesitate to call the nation to observe the Passover.
The account of the Passover written by the scribe was intended to promote righteousness in the spiritual service of the temple, through offerings and feast days. The Passover feast was meant to remind the Jewish people of their deliverance from three hundred years of slavery in Egypt through God's miraculous power. It was followed by seven days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, representing the bread the Israelites had when they left Egypt.
God's ways must be followed precisely. There should never be any downplaying of what Christ has done for us, nor any belittling of the cross-work that acquired our eternal redemption. "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us." Neglecting the Lord's Supper weekly and only participating at our convenience dishonors the One who paid for our salvation with His life. We celebrate the birthdays of former presidents and the queen of England—how much more should we honor our Lord, who said, "This do in remembrance of Me."
The king, the leaders, and the people joyfully gave to the Lord for the Passover, the other offerings, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The preparations were thorough so that "the service was prepared." There was nothing haphazard about this feast of remembrance. Everything was done properly by the right people in the right place at the right time. The ark may have been removed from the temple during Josiah's renovation of the temple, or it may have been removed earlier to protect it from the wicked kings who plundered the temple's treasures. It may have been that the ark was carried around as some form of charm or talisman to bring success to national ventures. It served as a symbol that God was dwelling among His people, so Josiah ensured the priests brought the ark back to its rightful place. This is the last time the ark is mentioned, and it was returned to its rightful place.
Because of the importance of Passover and the fact that it hadn’t been observed for some time, Josiah made sure the Levites carried out their duties in the temple, including guarding the gates and managing their other responsibilities. They were eager to do what was right and fulfill their roles. It seemed like the priests needed a little encouragement and motivation from the king before they began their work. The Levite gatekeepers opened the temple gates each morning and guarded the entrances. They cleaned and prepared the sacrifices and managed the funds donated. "I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked."
What a day that was! Those who were there will never forget the orderly worship and the joy it brought. What kind of impression was made! How hearts were humbled as the people sought God's mind and will. The king gave generously; there was enough for everyone. The offerings for Passover were well-prepared. Everyone who came had plenty of food as they shared that wonderful Passover.
One person who encourages those around them can have a bigger impact than they realize. If he inspires those responsible to do their part, each individual quickly joins in like links in a chain. Those with plenty will give when they see the need, and help is provided from willing hearts. Blessings flow down the line as everyone shares in the benefits that grace itself offers.
Although there may not be much one can do that seems to make a noticeable difference, encouragement is available to everyone. Pass it on to those working in the harvest fields today, and tell them that we call on God on their behalf. Often, a word will come to you at night that you feel can help those who are working. Share that encouragement; it will support them in their fight against the darkness that now seems to favor the world. Some are watchmen, others are singers; some carry heavy burdens. Their Supreme Lord gives each one a task. Encourage them with words and share some strength you have received from God’s Word.
The Holy Spirit in our gatherings is the One who knows exactly what should be done and said when the Lord's people gather in remembrance of "Christ our Passover." He guides the priesthood of believers, ensuring that he coordinates appropriate words, thoughts, hymns, and silent and audible prayers to bring glory to God. The Divine Guide knows what should be done at any given moment and leads God's people to offer what they have brought in harmony with what others have brought.
The impending judgment of God was about to come upon Judah, making it significant that this Great Passover was observed just before the captivity of Judah. The Passover during Hezekiah's reign occurred soon after the northern tribes were taken by the Assyrians, serving as a reminder of what God's people had lost because of their sin. For thirteen years after that great Passover, everything seemed to be fine on the surface with God's people. However, nothing is mentioned about those years. This is likely because the people's spiritual recovery was only superficial. There had been no genuine repentance like there was with Josiah.
When Necho of Egypt attempted to form an alliance with the Assyrians against the rising power of Babylon, he sought to have his troops pass through Judah on their way to Carchemish. Josiah acted out of character and tried to handle the situation himself, despite a warning from the Egyptian leader. Josiah had done many right things, obeying the Lord and the words of "the book," but he took independent action in this case by going against the Egyptians and trying to stop them from passing through to join the Assyrians.
It is possible for those who are in the world and of the world to be used by God for His sovereign purposes. Assumptions, opinions, and even prejudice can cause us to overlook the fact that God can use anyone He chooses to fulfill His purpose and even bring glory to Himself. It is possible for us to interfere in matters that are not our concern, and sometimes we may make an issue of something when the consequences are minor. We need God's guidance in everything we do.
Sometimes issues come up between others, and we are asked for our opinion. We need to watch what we say and choose to stay silent when it's not our place to speak. We can't change the sins and ways of the world, but we should present both sides with the claims of Christ on their souls. We have some influence over individuals and should call them to repent of their sins and come to Christ personally.
Being overly focused on politics, worldly affairs, and pleasures is damaging to God's people. The kingdom of God is our main responsibility. Our concern and interest should be centered on that kingdom, and we should promote its values. Our duty to the nation is to "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's." We must recognize that "the powers that be are ordained of God." We are to "submit ourselves to every ordinance" and "Pray for kings and those that are in authority."
Josiah failed in his strongest area. A firm personal opinion can lead to a person's downfall. The end of Judah was inevitable due to the people's idolatry and their ancestors' sins, but Josiah likely accelerated that judgment through his confident and stubborn actions. Despite this, he was respected and mourned for his goodness even after being killed by an arrow. Like the writer of Chronicles, it is essential for us not to focus on foolish and stubborn things but on what will benefit those who learn from studying the history of those who lived in the past.
"BY HIS MESSENGERS." 2nd Chronicles 36 The books of 1st and 2nd Chronicles conclude the historical narrative of the Old Testament in terms of the timeline. Chronicles is the final book of the Hebrew Old Testament. Afterward, there were 400 years of silence until our Lord's arrival and the beginning of the New Testament era. During these last years of the kingdom of Judah, the warnings and prophecies of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and other prophets were given to the people. Receiving messages from God only to have them rejected, ignored, or openly disobeyed must have been very disheartening for those whom God had called to speak on His behalf.
When those who preach the Gospel and/or teach the Lord's people see very little response to their message, the tendency is to say, "What is the use of continuing to do this? No one comes out. No one wants to listen. The people won't pay heed to the Bible itself, let alone what we say." We must remember that our calling is to deliver the message, despite opposition and obstacles. What people do with it is out of our control. God can bring about circumstances according to His own sovereign will, resulting in outcomes that He has ordained. Our responsibility is to faithfully fulfill the commission we have been given to the best of our ability, and then leave the results to God.
For 490 years, the Jews had not kept the Sabbath years to let the land rest and recover, and the time had come for the payday of 70 years of captivity to make up for what had been ignored because of idolatry, greed, and willful disobedience. There is a line of unbelief that marks the end of divine patience. When a nation crosses that line, doom falls on that nation. Judah had crossed the line. “Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Once again, the readers of the Chronicles, who came from Babylon, learned about their more recent history, the reasons for their captivity, and the consequences of their ancestors' sins. The last four kings of Judah were briefly mentioned because they served as puppet rulers over a nation that had been conquered and subjected to tribute by foreign powers. Over $200 million worth of silver and gold had to be paid to the Egyptians. Then, the Egyptian-Assyrian alliance was defeated at the Battle of Carchemish by the rising Babylonian Empire under the leadership of Nebuchadnezzar. As a result, Judah became subordinate to Babylon, and all valuable items from the temple were taken to Babylon. The land of Judah was left impoverished and eventually decimated.
Of the four kings who succeeded Josiah, three were his sons. None of them had the character of their father. The fourth was probably an uncle. Jeremiah's prophecies to them seemed to fall on the deaf ears of men who were morally and spiritually weak. Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, and Jehoiachin did evil in God's eyes, and their evil influence was connected with the wickedness of the chief priests and the people. When the priesthood "transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen and polluted the house of the Lord," there was nothing left to save of the nation.
Once again, we are reminded, as the exiles who read this account were, that just because parents do what is right with enthusiasm and serve the Lord faithfully, it does not guarantee that their children will follow their example. The opposite can sometimes be true. Ungodly parents may have devout and faithful children who love the Lord and obey His word, even though their father or mother is wicked.
God's warnings have been ongoing for generations, as faithful prophets and servants called on leaders and the people to repent and turn away from their evil ways, pleading with the Lord for mercy. "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."
God is faithful to warn His people about the consequences of sin, but ignoring the warnings given by prophets and preachers opens the door to unavoidable, tragic results because of evil practices. The words of grace from Isaiah and other prophets could not have been made more apparent. Yet, "that great cloud of witnesses" was ignored, despised, imprisoned, and some were killed for speaking the truth to a hard-hearted people.
Manasseh's evil certainly brought about God's just judgment on Judah, but also "the chief priests, and the people transgressed very much." Political and religious leaders bear a serious responsibility in fulfilling their roles. However, individuals are also accountable for their actions and responses to warnings due to their own actions.
After such warnings are given and ignored, the situation ultimately becomes irreversible. Deliberately sinning after being repeatedly warned results in judgment rather than mercy. When sin is repeated without repentance, it prompts divine judgment to halt the spread of sin. Despite the positive effects of Josiah's reform, the people's hearts had not changed, and even the removal of the captives was necessary.
There were several times when captives were taken to Babylon. Some were taken early, likely including Daniel and other young men who were to be trained in Babylonian leadership. The gradual deportation of the Jews allowed tribute to continue flowing to Babylon. The last kings were subservient to the authority of their Babylonian captors. Zedekiah was a weak-hearted man, but he had a stubborn streak that kept him from humbling himself before the Lord. He rebelled against the Lord and his captors by breaking his oath to them. This led to severe retribution on this weak man, as well as on Jerusalem and all Judah.
The city of Jerusalem was destroyed. The temple was demolished. All the treasures of the house of the Lord were taken away. The people were taken captive for seventy years, giving the land the Sabbath rest God had intended. The sons of Zedekiah were brutally killed before his eyes, and then his own eyes were put out. All that made a nation—a nation—was gone. The infrastructure, the capital city, the temple, the city walls, the leaders, and most of the people were gone, except for one thing: the promises of God. God had warned them of all that would happen if the nation forsook Him. It did—and He arranged that just judgment would fall on the nation. "The Lord shall scatter you among the nations."
They mocked [v.16]. These people whom God chose got off to a good start. Not because they were great; they had nothing to lose by following God's plans. They were to serve no other gods, only Him. The temple worship, when it began, was well-organized. Everyone knew their role; the Word of God was not despised. But the early followers of God’s ways at the beginning—obeying God’s will and serving Him with their hearts.
Now, newer generations have emerged, and the fear of God has waned. What matters to these people is no longer what God has done but what they can do — what pleases them. They seek comfort, even if it means sin. Each new generation seems to want to push further. It’s something to be mocked; how we gather — “The churches around do things in different ways. We would rather be like them than do what the Bible says.”
God's messengers are ridiculed when they speak the simple truth. People prefer a prosperity Gospel that tells them their worth, rather than messages that call for repentance and sorrow. They want more for themselves, regardless of what they borrow or owe. A life of faith may seem childish; it’s not viewed as modern. The right way is to pay as you go, and if you can’t afford it, then wait. Going before the Lord and singing praises from your own heart is mocked by those who want harmony sung with all the parts.
It may take some time, but it is sure to happen—religious activity that follows the world can never last. The day will come when what was once “In spirit and truth” becomes just a form of human pleasure lacking spiritual worth. An entire generation of people, including leaders and everyone else, finds themselves in Babylon; now they seem so insignificant. The mockery is directed at them, the very ones they once dedicated to others, when they chose to turn away from the faith of their ancestors.
It is wonderful to know that God “hears from heaven” the cries of repentant sinners and will “heal their land.” When there is devotion to Him, He will once again bless His people. God never changes, and His way of salvation remains the same. “Repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” is the same for everyone. His word is “settled in heaven” forever, and defeat is not permanent.
The “last days' we live in are “perilous times,” but God’s mercy is still available to anyone willing, and they can still turn to Christ for salvation. There is a remedy for sin, but it won't be offered forever. When sin is not repented of, disaster will occur. God always keeps His promises of blessing and judgment.
Even the mighty Babylonian Empire, with all its power and glory, was subject to God's sovereignty. "God is the judge: He puts down one, and sets up another." To our God, "the nations are as a drop in a bucket." When the Persians conquered Babylon, God had a man prepared to do His will. Cyrus was in the right place so that, when the time was right, according to God's plan, He had a man under His authority to accomplish what was needed. "The Lord God of heaven ... hath charged me to build Him a house in Jerusalem."
The writer of the Chronicles, from the perspective of post-exile, could reflect on the reason for and the timing of judgment. However, he could also look forward to the future with hope. The purified remnant that returned to the purified land was given a completely new beginning. God remembered His covenant with them and restored them to their land. Now it was time for the returned Jews to fulfill their side of the covenant.
This would have given confidence and courage to those who had returned from captivity in Babylon, knowing what they should do. They were tasked with building a new temple. Later, they were to rebuild the walls and the gates. They were to restore the testimony of Israel, even though it wouldn't have the former glory Israel once had.
We may feel all is lost, but we still have God's word, God's Spirit, and God's promises. God's will is being accomplished, even today. There will be a more glorious reign when "our Lord shall come in power and glory from on high." He will sit on David's throne, and the whole world will recognize who is in control of all human affairs.
Even in gatherings of God's people today, we hear people say it is not like it used to be among us. That is true, but we still have God with us and guiding us. It is up to us to keep moving forward with the commission we have received, trust God with all our hearts, and then leave the results to Him. God's voice and His promise, "I will hear... will forgive... will heal," are still valid.
The books of Chronicles are truly books of encouragement, recording victories and vindications of faith despite national decline. God will reject His people for disobedience, but from the ruins of failure, a new generation rises in a restored and rejuvenated land of promise. A new temple will be built, and a new city established, with God's worship at its center. The word of God will be fulfilled, and all the kingdoms of the world will ultimately belong to our Lord Jesus Christ, not to Cyrus. In the Hebrew Bible, Chronicles is the last book, meaning that instead of ending with a curse, it concludes with the final words of 2nd Chronicles 36: “Who is among you of all His people? May the Lord his God be with him, and let him go up!”