Judah Carried Into Captivity

Judah Carried Into Captivity

II Kings 24:10, 13-16 NKJV

[10] At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besieged....[13] And he carried out from there all the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king’s house, and he cut in pieces all the articles of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the Lord, as the Lord had said. [14] Also he carried into captivity all Jerusalem: all the captains and all the mighty men of valor, ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths. None remained except the poorest people of the land. [15] And he carried Jehoiachin captive to Babylon. The king’s mother, the king’s wives, his officers, and the mighty of the land he carried into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon. [16] All the valiant men, seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths, one thousand, all who were strong and fit for war, these the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon. 

    In Sept.,2,2024, Carolyn Luke made a very strong statement: " The God we serve is a jealous God, and He doesn’t want His people to serve Him and Satan. God will allow His people to go into captivity when they continue to reject the instructions of His written Word". That sums up our read today. That Captivity was the most traumatic experience in Judah. Here's what Becky Harling has to say. " The Babylonian captivity was one of the most traumatic events in Israel’s history. Historical theologians say that the trauma lasted until the coming of Jesus."

    The reason for that Captivity is explained more, in details, in 2 Chron. 36:15-17. Harling believes that there are at least three lessons that we can learn from the Babylonian Captivity. 

1. God takes idolatry very seriously..Exod. 20:3.

 2. In captivity, we are often awakened to God’s abiding presence...Dan.3:25

  3. Captivity can be used by God to transform our lives...Rom.8:28.

So God wasn't being mean to the captives, He had a purpose.

    " Even when God leads us into captivity, it really is for our good—for our redemption". You may ask: What good is there to be enslaved? Foley would answer that God , " protects us even when we’re in captivity. You can see that in the way that those who mistreat us when we are in captivity always get punished by him". Foley emphasizes, " Always—always—there is a glorious redemption for those owned by God". Your case is not beyond redemption. Take that to the bank. The enemy will NOT win. It might have taken a few days, but victory will come by Christ Jesus. You're not alone. Good morning.