Nehemiah 6

Nehemiah 6:1

A Special Passover

There are also Israelites present at the celebration of the Passover, i.e. members of God’s people from the ten tribes (2 Chronicles 35:17). They should be all men of Israel, for according to the command they should go to Jerusalem three times a year, among other things to celebrate the Passover (Exodus 23:14-17; Deuteronomy 16:7-17). Unfortunately, this is not the case. Even today, many do not come to the place where the Lord Jesus is in the midst of the church to honor Him there.

The Passover is followed by the celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a feast that lasts for seven days. The connection between the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Breast is very close and occurs more often (Luke 22:1; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8). The meaning is that our life must be in accordance with our eating of the slain Lamb. Our whole life – seven is the number that indicates a complete period – must be ‘unleavened’, i.e. free from sin, of which leaven is a picture.

The Passover that Josiah celebrates is of a higher spiritual level than that of Hezekiah. The Passover celebrated by Hezekiah has not been so celebrated since the days of Solomon (2 Chronicles 30:26). The Passover celebrated by Josiah even surpasses that Passover. To find a comparison for celebrating such a Passover, the chronicler must go back much further, to the days of Samuel (2 Chronicles 35:18). This means that throughout the time of the kings, the Passover has not been celebrated in the way Josiah does now.

God in His grace can give such glorious things that have not been there for a long time. Josiah celebrates an unprecedented Passover, also because he by far is not as rich as his predecessors and yet makes such sacrifices and provides for the whole people. We must not restrict God and deny Him revivals. Across all the unfaithfulness of the people, He can give in His grace a restoration that reminds us of the beginning.

Josiah celebrates the Passover in the eighteenth year of his reign (2 Chronicles 35:19). He has then cleansed the land and the house and ordered the restoration of the house of the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:8). At the end of the description of his celebration of the Passover, the connection between a sanctified life and the house of God, on the one hand, and salvation on the basis of the death of the Lamb, on the other, is emphasized.

Nehemiah 6:2

A Special Passover

There are also Israelites present at the celebration of the Passover, i.e. members of God’s people from the ten tribes (2 Chronicles 35:17). They should be all men of Israel, for according to the command they should go to Jerusalem three times a year, among other things to celebrate the Passover (Exodus 23:14-17; Deuteronomy 16:7-17). Unfortunately, this is not the case. Even today, many do not come to the place where the Lord Jesus is in the midst of the church to honor Him there.

The Passover is followed by the celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a feast that lasts for seven days. The connection between the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Breast is very close and occurs more often (Luke 22:1; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8). The meaning is that our life must be in accordance with our eating of the slain Lamb. Our whole life – seven is the number that indicates a complete period – must be ‘unleavened’, i.e. free from sin, of which leaven is a picture.

The Passover that Josiah celebrates is of a higher spiritual level than that of Hezekiah. The Passover celebrated by Hezekiah has not been so celebrated since the days of Solomon (2 Chronicles 30:26). The Passover celebrated by Josiah even surpasses that Passover. To find a comparison for celebrating such a Passover, the chronicler must go back much further, to the days of Samuel (2 Chronicles 35:18). This means that throughout the time of the kings, the Passover has not been celebrated in the way Josiah does now.

God in His grace can give such glorious things that have not been there for a long time. Josiah celebrates an unprecedented Passover, also because he by far is not as rich as his predecessors and yet makes such sacrifices and provides for the whole people. We must not restrict God and deny Him revivals. Across all the unfaithfulness of the people, He can give in His grace a restoration that reminds us of the beginning.

Josiah celebrates the Passover in the eighteenth year of his reign (2 Chronicles 35:19). He has then cleansed the land and the house and ordered the restoration of the house of the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:8). At the end of the description of his celebration of the Passover, the connection between a sanctified life and the house of God, on the one hand, and salvation on the basis of the death of the Lamb, on the other, is emphasized.

Nehemiah 6:3

The Death of Josiah

After Josiah has finished restoring God’s house (2 Chronicles 35:20), another act of him is described by the chronicler. This act will be his last, because Josiah will be killed in it. It is an act of war. The connection between the mention that his work concerning the house is finished and his acting against Neco is perhaps that he no longer sees any challenges internally and shifts the field of his interest to events outside his land.

Be that as it may, it is always a dangerous moment when we have come to the completion of a particular work for the Lord. We should then remain dependent on Him and not look for challenges in areas where He has not called us. It is important that we remain in the field of work that the Lord has entrusted to us (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:13). Josiah should not have interfered in the politics of the world. The disputes between these empires are none of his business (Proverbs 26:17 ; Proverbs 20:3). It is also a mystery why he did this.

In 609 BC Neco, the king of Egypt, comes up to make war. It is not clear whether he is engaged in battle with Assyria or whether he is on his way to help Assyria in its battle against the rising Babylonian empire (2 Kings 23:29). As a matter of fact, it is not so important. It is about Josiah’s attitude to what is happening outside his land and how he responds to warnings not to interfere in matters that do not concern him.

When Josiah meets Neco to fight against him, Neco lets warn him not to do so (2 Chronicles 35:21). He clearly says this time he isn’t out for war with Judah but that he is going against a house that is waging war against him. Neco appeals for this fight to a command from God Who also said to him that he has to hurry. He emphasizes once more to Josiah that his actions mean obstruction of God. Neco knows God at his side. If Josiah stands in his way to prevent him from carrying out his task, it will be to his ruin. God will then ruin him.

The words Neco speaks are very remarkable. Did God really command him to take up the sword against an enemy empire? Or is it the case that Neco speaks about his own god he consulted and that he says what he told him? We do not have to exclude speaking of the true God to the heathen Neco. It may be that God has spoken to him in some way hidden from us (cf. Genesis 31:24). We can see a confirmation of this in the following verse, where his words to Josiah are referred to as “the words of Neco from the mouth of God” (2 Chronicles 35:22).

The fact is that God warns Josiah through Neco not to interfere in this battle. We see here that a believer is reprimanded by an unbeliever for his actions as a believer. Being a Christian has consequences and sometimes we are reminded of this by people of the world. It will be wisdom to listen to them. God may want to make things clear to us through an unbeliever. He can make use of an unbeliever (John 11:51) and even a donkey (Numbers 22:28-31).

However, Josiah does not let himself be warned and goes into battle. In doing so, he disguises himself, which reminds us of Ahab who did the same (2 Chronicles 18:29). This shows that Josiah is not in the way of faith. Just as the disguise did not protect Ahab, the disguise of Josiah does not protect him from death. The archers shoot him (2 Chronicles 35:23). God knows how to hit him. Josiah realizes that he is badly wounded and orders his servants to take him away. Because his own chariot may have been disabled, the servants transport Josiah on the second chariot, the spare chariot (2 Chronicles 35:24). They take him to Jerusalem, where he dies and is buried.

The sadness about Josiah’s death is great. All of Judah and Jerusalem mourn over him. Jeremiah makes a lament about him (2 Chronicles 35:25). This doesn’t mean the lamentation after which his Bible book is mentioned. The book of Lamentations is written on the occasion of the fall of Jerusalem, which takes place twenty-two years after the death of Josiah. Zechariah also speaks of a lamentation and that refers back to this lamentation about Josiah (Zechariah 12:11).

The singing about Josiah in lamentations continues for a long time. There is even an ordinance made in Israel to do so. For that purpose the lamentations are written down. They can always be consulted when the grief for the loss of this king needs to be expressed. The people may feel that he has been their last hope for prosperity and that with his death all hope for blessing has disappeared. What remains is the expectation of the judgment on Judah and Jerusalem.

The chronicler does not conclude his description of the life of Josiah with his failure, but with a remark about “his deeds of devotion” (2 Chronicles 35:26). He points out his pious deeds, his deeds “as written in the law of the LORD”. Only if deeds are in accordance with the Word of God they can be seen as ‘deeds of devotion’. It is not about human goodness, but about goodness as God also demonstrates it.

The deeds of devotion of Josiah which the chronicler did not include in his account can be found “in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah” (2 Chronicles 35:27). What is written in those books concerns his whole life, from “first to last”. Thus there is a complete description of the life of one of the most God-fearing kings of Judah. Only what is of use to us is included in Scripture.

Nehemiah 6:4

The Death of Josiah

After Josiah has finished restoring God’s house (2 Chronicles 35:20), another act of him is described by the chronicler. This act will be his last, because Josiah will be killed in it. It is an act of war. The connection between the mention that his work concerning the house is finished and his acting against Neco is perhaps that he no longer sees any challenges internally and shifts the field of his interest to events outside his land.

Be that as it may, it is always a dangerous moment when we have come to the completion of a particular work for the Lord. We should then remain dependent on Him and not look for challenges in areas where He has not called us. It is important that we remain in the field of work that the Lord has entrusted to us (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:13). Josiah should not have interfered in the politics of the world. The disputes between these empires are none of his business (Proverbs 26:17 ; Proverbs 20:3). It is also a mystery why he did this.

In 609 BC Neco, the king of Egypt, comes up to make war. It is not clear whether he is engaged in battle with Assyria or whether he is on his way to help Assyria in its battle against the rising Babylonian empire (2 Kings 23:29). As a matter of fact, it is not so important. It is about Josiah’s attitude to what is happening outside his land and how he responds to warnings not to interfere in matters that do not concern him.

When Josiah meets Neco to fight against him, Neco lets warn him not to do so (2 Chronicles 35:21). He clearly says this time he isn’t out for war with Judah but that he is going against a house that is waging war against him. Neco appeals for this fight to a command from God Who also said to him that he has to hurry. He emphasizes once more to Josiah that his actions mean obstruction of God. Neco knows God at his side. If Josiah stands in his way to prevent him from carrying out his task, it will be to his ruin. God will then ruin him.

The words Neco speaks are very remarkable. Did God really command him to take up the sword against an enemy empire? Or is it the case that Neco speaks about his own god he consulted and that he says what he told him? We do not have to exclude speaking of the true God to the heathen Neco. It may be that God has spoken to him in some way hidden from us (cf. Genesis 31:24). We can see a confirmation of this in the following verse, where his words to Josiah are referred to as “the words of Neco from the mouth of God” (2 Chronicles 35:22).

The fact is that God warns Josiah through Neco not to interfere in this battle. We see here that a believer is reprimanded by an unbeliever for his actions as a believer. Being a Christian has consequences and sometimes we are reminded of this by people of the world. It will be wisdom to listen to them. God may want to make things clear to us through an unbeliever. He can make use of an unbeliever (John 11:51) and even a donkey (Numbers 22:28-31).

However, Josiah does not let himself be warned and goes into battle. In doing so, he disguises himself, which reminds us of Ahab who did the same (2 Chronicles 18:29). This shows that Josiah is not in the way of faith. Just as the disguise did not protect Ahab, the disguise of Josiah does not protect him from death. The archers shoot him (2 Chronicles 35:23). God knows how to hit him. Josiah realizes that he is badly wounded and orders his servants to take him away. Because his own chariot may have been disabled, the servants transport Josiah on the second chariot, the spare chariot (2 Chronicles 35:24). They take him to Jerusalem, where he dies and is buried.

The sadness about Josiah’s death is great. All of Judah and Jerusalem mourn over him. Jeremiah makes a lament about him (2 Chronicles 35:25). This doesn’t mean the lamentation after which his Bible book is mentioned. The book of Lamentations is written on the occasion of the fall of Jerusalem, which takes place twenty-two years after the death of Josiah. Zechariah also speaks of a lamentation and that refers back to this lamentation about Josiah (Zechariah 12:11).

The singing about Josiah in lamentations continues for a long time. There is even an ordinance made in Israel to do so. For that purpose the lamentations are written down. They can always be consulted when the grief for the loss of this king needs to be expressed. The people may feel that he has been their last hope for prosperity and that with his death all hope for blessing has disappeared. What remains is the expectation of the judgment on Judah and Jerusalem.

The chronicler does not conclude his description of the life of Josiah with his failure, but with a remark about “his deeds of devotion” (2 Chronicles 35:26). He points out his pious deeds, his deeds “as written in the law of the LORD”. Only if deeds are in accordance with the Word of God they can be seen as ‘deeds of devotion’. It is not about human goodness, but about goodness as God also demonstrates it.

The deeds of devotion of Josiah which the chronicler did not include in his account can be found “in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah” (2 Chronicles 35:27). What is written in those books concerns his whole life, from “first to last”. Thus there is a complete description of the life of one of the most God-fearing kings of Judah. Only what is of use to us is included in Scripture.

Nehemiah 6:5

The Death of Josiah

After Josiah has finished restoring God’s house (2 Chronicles 35:20), another act of him is described by the chronicler. This act will be his last, because Josiah will be killed in it. It is an act of war. The connection between the mention that his work concerning the house is finished and his acting against Neco is perhaps that he no longer sees any challenges internally and shifts the field of his interest to events outside his land.

Be that as it may, it is always a dangerous moment when we have come to the completion of a particular work for the Lord. We should then remain dependent on Him and not look for challenges in areas where He has not called us. It is important that we remain in the field of work that the Lord has entrusted to us (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:13). Josiah should not have interfered in the politics of the world. The disputes between these empires are none of his business (Proverbs 26:17 ; Proverbs 20:3). It is also a mystery why he did this.

In 609 BC Neco, the king of Egypt, comes up to make war. It is not clear whether he is engaged in battle with Assyria or whether he is on his way to help Assyria in its battle against the rising Babylonian empire (2 Kings 23:29). As a matter of fact, it is not so important. It is about Josiah’s attitude to what is happening outside his land and how he responds to warnings not to interfere in matters that do not concern him.

When Josiah meets Neco to fight against him, Neco lets warn him not to do so (2 Chronicles 35:21). He clearly says this time he isn’t out for war with Judah but that he is going against a house that is waging war against him. Neco appeals for this fight to a command from God Who also said to him that he has to hurry. He emphasizes once more to Josiah that his actions mean obstruction of God. Neco knows God at his side. If Josiah stands in his way to prevent him from carrying out his task, it will be to his ruin. God will then ruin him.

The words Neco speaks are very remarkable. Did God really command him to take up the sword against an enemy empire? Or is it the case that Neco speaks about his own god he consulted and that he says what he told him? We do not have to exclude speaking of the true God to the heathen Neco. It may be that God has spoken to him in some way hidden from us (cf. Genesis 31:24). We can see a confirmation of this in the following verse, where his words to Josiah are referred to as “the words of Neco from the mouth of God” (2 Chronicles 35:22).

The fact is that God warns Josiah through Neco not to interfere in this battle. We see here that a believer is reprimanded by an unbeliever for his actions as a believer. Being a Christian has consequences and sometimes we are reminded of this by people of the world. It will be wisdom to listen to them. God may want to make things clear to us through an unbeliever. He can make use of an unbeliever (John 11:51) and even a donkey (Numbers 22:28-31).

However, Josiah does not let himself be warned and goes into battle. In doing so, he disguises himself, which reminds us of Ahab who did the same (2 Chronicles 18:29). This shows that Josiah is not in the way of faith. Just as the disguise did not protect Ahab, the disguise of Josiah does not protect him from death. The archers shoot him (2 Chronicles 35:23). God knows how to hit him. Josiah realizes that he is badly wounded and orders his servants to take him away. Because his own chariot may have been disabled, the servants transport Josiah on the second chariot, the spare chariot (2 Chronicles 35:24). They take him to Jerusalem, where he dies and is buried.

The sadness about Josiah’s death is great. All of Judah and Jerusalem mourn over him. Jeremiah makes a lament about him (2 Chronicles 35:25). This doesn’t mean the lamentation after which his Bible book is mentioned. The book of Lamentations is written on the occasion of the fall of Jerusalem, which takes place twenty-two years after the death of Josiah. Zechariah also speaks of a lamentation and that refers back to this lamentation about Josiah (Zechariah 12:11).

The singing about Josiah in lamentations continues for a long time. There is even an ordinance made in Israel to do so. For that purpose the lamentations are written down. They can always be consulted when the grief for the loss of this king needs to be expressed. The people may feel that he has been their last hope for prosperity and that with his death all hope for blessing has disappeared. What remains is the expectation of the judgment on Judah and Jerusalem.

The chronicler does not conclude his description of the life of Josiah with his failure, but with a remark about “his deeds of devotion” (2 Chronicles 35:26). He points out his pious deeds, his deeds “as written in the law of the LORD”. Only if deeds are in accordance with the Word of God they can be seen as ‘deeds of devotion’. It is not about human goodness, but about goodness as God also demonstrates it.

The deeds of devotion of Josiah which the chronicler did not include in his account can be found “in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah” (2 Chronicles 35:27). What is written in those books concerns his whole life, from “first to last”. Thus there is a complete description of the life of one of the most God-fearing kings of Judah. Only what is of use to us is included in Scripture.

Nehemiah 6:6

The Death of Josiah

After Josiah has finished restoring God’s house (2 Chronicles 35:20), another act of him is described by the chronicler. This act will be his last, because Josiah will be killed in it. It is an act of war. The connection between the mention that his work concerning the house is finished and his acting against Neco is perhaps that he no longer sees any challenges internally and shifts the field of his interest to events outside his land.

Be that as it may, it is always a dangerous moment when we have come to the completion of a particular work for the Lord. We should then remain dependent on Him and not look for challenges in areas where He has not called us. It is important that we remain in the field of work that the Lord has entrusted to us (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:13). Josiah should not have interfered in the politics of the world. The disputes between these empires are none of his business (Proverbs 26:17 ; Proverbs 20:3). It is also a mystery why he did this.

In 609 BC Neco, the king of Egypt, comes up to make war. It is not clear whether he is engaged in battle with Assyria or whether he is on his way to help Assyria in its battle against the rising Babylonian empire (2 Kings 23:29). As a matter of fact, it is not so important. It is about Josiah’s attitude to what is happening outside his land and how he responds to warnings not to interfere in matters that do not concern him.

When Josiah meets Neco to fight against him, Neco lets warn him not to do so (2 Chronicles 35:21). He clearly says this time he isn’t out for war with Judah but that he is going against a house that is waging war against him. Neco appeals for this fight to a command from God Who also said to him that he has to hurry. He emphasizes once more to Josiah that his actions mean obstruction of God. Neco knows God at his side. If Josiah stands in his way to prevent him from carrying out his task, it will be to his ruin. God will then ruin him.

The words Neco speaks are very remarkable. Did God really command him to take up the sword against an enemy empire? Or is it the case that Neco speaks about his own god he consulted and that he says what he told him? We do not have to exclude speaking of the true God to the heathen Neco. It may be that God has spoken to him in some way hidden from us (cf. Genesis 31:24). We can see a confirmation of this in the following verse, where his words to Josiah are referred to as “the words of Neco from the mouth of God” (2 Chronicles 35:22).

The fact is that God warns Josiah through Neco not to interfere in this battle. We see here that a believer is reprimanded by an unbeliever for his actions as a believer. Being a Christian has consequences and sometimes we are reminded of this by people of the world. It will be wisdom to listen to them. God may want to make things clear to us through an unbeliever. He can make use of an unbeliever (John 11:51) and even a donkey (Numbers 22:28-31).

However, Josiah does not let himself be warned and goes into battle. In doing so, he disguises himself, which reminds us of Ahab who did the same (2 Chronicles 18:29). This shows that Josiah is not in the way of faith. Just as the disguise did not protect Ahab, the disguise of Josiah does not protect him from death. The archers shoot him (2 Chronicles 35:23). God knows how to hit him. Josiah realizes that he is badly wounded and orders his servants to take him away. Because his own chariot may have been disabled, the servants transport Josiah on the second chariot, the spare chariot (2 Chronicles 35:24). They take him to Jerusalem, where he dies and is buried.

The sadness about Josiah’s death is great. All of Judah and Jerusalem mourn over him. Jeremiah makes a lament about him (2 Chronicles 35:25). This doesn’t mean the lamentation after which his Bible book is mentioned. The book of Lamentations is written on the occasion of the fall of Jerusalem, which takes place twenty-two years after the death of Josiah. Zechariah also speaks of a lamentation and that refers back to this lamentation about Josiah (Zechariah 12:11).

The singing about Josiah in lamentations continues for a long time. There is even an ordinance made in Israel to do so. For that purpose the lamentations are written down. They can always be consulted when the grief for the loss of this king needs to be expressed. The people may feel that he has been their last hope for prosperity and that with his death all hope for blessing has disappeared. What remains is the expectation of the judgment on Judah and Jerusalem.

The chronicler does not conclude his description of the life of Josiah with his failure, but with a remark about “his deeds of devotion” (2 Chronicles 35:26). He points out his pious deeds, his deeds “as written in the law of the LORD”. Only if deeds are in accordance with the Word of God they can be seen as ‘deeds of devotion’. It is not about human goodness, but about goodness as God also demonstrates it.

The deeds of devotion of Josiah which the chronicler did not include in his account can be found “in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah” (2 Chronicles 35:27). What is written in those books concerns his whole life, from “first to last”. Thus there is a complete description of the life of one of the most God-fearing kings of Judah. Only what is of use to us is included in Scripture.

Nehemiah 6:7

The Death of Josiah

After Josiah has finished restoring God’s house (2 Chronicles 35:20), another act of him is described by the chronicler. This act will be his last, because Josiah will be killed in it. It is an act of war. The connection between the mention that his work concerning the house is finished and his acting against Neco is perhaps that he no longer sees any challenges internally and shifts the field of his interest to events outside his land.

Be that as it may, it is always a dangerous moment when we have come to the completion of a particular work for the Lord. We should then remain dependent on Him and not look for challenges in areas where He has not called us. It is important that we remain in the field of work that the Lord has entrusted to us (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:13). Josiah should not have interfered in the politics of the world. The disputes between these empires are none of his business (Proverbs 26:17 ; Proverbs 20:3). It is also a mystery why he did this.

In 609 BC Neco, the king of Egypt, comes up to make war. It is not clear whether he is engaged in battle with Assyria or whether he is on his way to help Assyria in its battle against the rising Babylonian empire (2 Kings 23:29). As a matter of fact, it is not so important. It is about Josiah’s attitude to what is happening outside his land and how he responds to warnings not to interfere in matters that do not concern him.

When Josiah meets Neco to fight against him, Neco lets warn him not to do so (2 Chronicles 35:21). He clearly says this time he isn’t out for war with Judah but that he is going against a house that is waging war against him. Neco appeals for this fight to a command from God Who also said to him that he has to hurry. He emphasizes once more to Josiah that his actions mean obstruction of God. Neco knows God at his side. If Josiah stands in his way to prevent him from carrying out his task, it will be to his ruin. God will then ruin him.

The words Neco speaks are very remarkable. Did God really command him to take up the sword against an enemy empire? Or is it the case that Neco speaks about his own god he consulted and that he says what he told him? We do not have to exclude speaking of the true God to the heathen Neco. It may be that God has spoken to him in some way hidden from us (cf. Genesis 31:24). We can see a confirmation of this in the following verse, where his words to Josiah are referred to as “the words of Neco from the mouth of God” (2 Chronicles 35:22).

The fact is that God warns Josiah through Neco not to interfere in this battle. We see here that a believer is reprimanded by an unbeliever for his actions as a believer. Being a Christian has consequences and sometimes we are reminded of this by people of the world. It will be wisdom to listen to them. God may want to make things clear to us through an unbeliever. He can make use of an unbeliever (John 11:51) and even a donkey (Numbers 22:28-31).

However, Josiah does not let himself be warned and goes into battle. In doing so, he disguises himself, which reminds us of Ahab who did the same (2 Chronicles 18:29). This shows that Josiah is not in the way of faith. Just as the disguise did not protect Ahab, the disguise of Josiah does not protect him from death. The archers shoot him (2 Chronicles 35:23). God knows how to hit him. Josiah realizes that he is badly wounded and orders his servants to take him away. Because his own chariot may have been disabled, the servants transport Josiah on the second chariot, the spare chariot (2 Chronicles 35:24). They take him to Jerusalem, where he dies and is buried.

The sadness about Josiah’s death is great. All of Judah and Jerusalem mourn over him. Jeremiah makes a lament about him (2 Chronicles 35:25). This doesn’t mean the lamentation after which his Bible book is mentioned. The book of Lamentations is written on the occasion of the fall of Jerusalem, which takes place twenty-two years after the death of Josiah. Zechariah also speaks of a lamentation and that refers back to this lamentation about Josiah (Zechariah 12:11).

The singing about Josiah in lamentations continues for a long time. There is even an ordinance made in Israel to do so. For that purpose the lamentations are written down. They can always be consulted when the grief for the loss of this king needs to be expressed. The people may feel that he has been their last hope for prosperity and that with his death all hope for blessing has disappeared. What remains is the expectation of the judgment on Judah and Jerusalem.

The chronicler does not conclude his description of the life of Josiah with his failure, but with a remark about “his deeds of devotion” (2 Chronicles 35:26). He points out his pious deeds, his deeds “as written in the law of the LORD”. Only if deeds are in accordance with the Word of God they can be seen as ‘deeds of devotion’. It is not about human goodness, but about goodness as God also demonstrates it.

The deeds of devotion of Josiah which the chronicler did not include in his account can be found “in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah” (2 Chronicles 35:27). What is written in those books concerns his whole life, from “first to last”. Thus there is a complete description of the life of one of the most God-fearing kings of Judah. Only what is of use to us is included in Scripture.

Nehemiah 6:8

The Death of Josiah

After Josiah has finished restoring God’s house (2 Chronicles 35:20), another act of him is described by the chronicler. This act will be his last, because Josiah will be killed in it. It is an act of war. The connection between the mention that his work concerning the house is finished and his acting against Neco is perhaps that he no longer sees any challenges internally and shifts the field of his interest to events outside his land.

Be that as it may, it is always a dangerous moment when we have come to the completion of a particular work for the Lord. We should then remain dependent on Him and not look for challenges in areas where He has not called us. It is important that we remain in the field of work that the Lord has entrusted to us (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:13). Josiah should not have interfered in the politics of the world. The disputes between these empires are none of his business (Proverbs 26:17 ; Proverbs 20:3). It is also a mystery why he did this.

In 609 BC Neco, the king of Egypt, comes up to make war. It is not clear whether he is engaged in battle with Assyria or whether he is on his way to help Assyria in its battle against the rising Babylonian empire (2 Kings 23:29). As a matter of fact, it is not so important. It is about Josiah’s attitude to what is happening outside his land and how he responds to warnings not to interfere in matters that do not concern him.

When Josiah meets Neco to fight against him, Neco lets warn him not to do so (2 Chronicles 35:21). He clearly says this time he isn’t out for war with Judah but that he is going against a house that is waging war against him. Neco appeals for this fight to a command from God Who also said to him that he has to hurry. He emphasizes once more to Josiah that his actions mean obstruction of God. Neco knows God at his side. If Josiah stands in his way to prevent him from carrying out his task, it will be to his ruin. God will then ruin him.

The words Neco speaks are very remarkable. Did God really command him to take up the sword against an enemy empire? Or is it the case that Neco speaks about his own god he consulted and that he says what he told him? We do not have to exclude speaking of the true God to the heathen Neco. It may be that God has spoken to him in some way hidden from us (cf. Genesis 31:24). We can see a confirmation of this in the following verse, where his words to Josiah are referred to as “the words of Neco from the mouth of God” (2 Chronicles 35:22).

The fact is that God warns Josiah through Neco not to interfere in this battle. We see here that a believer is reprimanded by an unbeliever for his actions as a believer. Being a Christian has consequences and sometimes we are reminded of this by people of the world. It will be wisdom to listen to them. God may want to make things clear to us through an unbeliever. He can make use of an unbeliever (John 11:51) and even a donkey (Numbers 22:28-31).

However, Josiah does not let himself be warned and goes into battle. In doing so, he disguises himself, which reminds us of Ahab who did the same (2 Chronicles 18:29). This shows that Josiah is not in the way of faith. Just as the disguise did not protect Ahab, the disguise of Josiah does not protect him from death. The archers shoot him (2 Chronicles 35:23). God knows how to hit him. Josiah realizes that he is badly wounded and orders his servants to take him away. Because his own chariot may have been disabled, the servants transport Josiah on the second chariot, the spare chariot (2 Chronicles 35:24). They take him to Jerusalem, where he dies and is buried.

The sadness about Josiah’s death is great. All of Judah and Jerusalem mourn over him. Jeremiah makes a lament about him (2 Chronicles 35:25). This doesn’t mean the lamentation after which his Bible book is mentioned. The book of Lamentations is written on the occasion of the fall of Jerusalem, which takes place twenty-two years after the death of Josiah. Zechariah also speaks of a lamentation and that refers back to this lamentation about Josiah (Zechariah 12:11).

The singing about Josiah in lamentations continues for a long time. There is even an ordinance made in Israel to do so. For that purpose the lamentations are written down. They can always be consulted when the grief for the loss of this king needs to be expressed. The people may feel that he has been their last hope for prosperity and that with his death all hope for blessing has disappeared. What remains is the expectation of the judgment on Judah and Jerusalem.

The chronicler does not conclude his description of the life of Josiah with his failure, but with a remark about “his deeds of devotion” (2 Chronicles 35:26). He points out his pious deeds, his deeds “as written in the law of the LORD”. Only if deeds are in accordance with the Word of God they can be seen as ‘deeds of devotion’. It is not about human goodness, but about goodness as God also demonstrates it.

The deeds of devotion of Josiah which the chronicler did not include in his account can be found “in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah” (2 Chronicles 35:27). What is written in those books concerns his whole life, from “first to last”. Thus there is a complete description of the life of one of the most God-fearing kings of Judah. Only what is of use to us is included in Scripture.

Nehemiah 6:9

The Death of Josiah

After Josiah has finished restoring God’s house (2 Chronicles 35:20), another act of him is described by the chronicler. This act will be his last, because Josiah will be killed in it. It is an act of war. The connection between the mention that his work concerning the house is finished and his acting against Neco is perhaps that he no longer sees any challenges internally and shifts the field of his interest to events outside his land.

Be that as it may, it is always a dangerous moment when we have come to the completion of a particular work for the Lord. We should then remain dependent on Him and not look for challenges in areas where He has not called us. It is important that we remain in the field of work that the Lord has entrusted to us (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:13). Josiah should not have interfered in the politics of the world. The disputes between these empires are none of his business (Proverbs 26:17 ; Proverbs 20:3). It is also a mystery why he did this.

In 609 BC Neco, the king of Egypt, comes up to make war. It is not clear whether he is engaged in battle with Assyria or whether he is on his way to help Assyria in its battle against the rising Babylonian empire (2 Kings 23:29). As a matter of fact, it is not so important. It is about Josiah’s attitude to what is happening outside his land and how he responds to warnings not to interfere in matters that do not concern him.

When Josiah meets Neco to fight against him, Neco lets warn him not to do so (2 Chronicles 35:21). He clearly says this time he isn’t out for war with Judah but that he is going against a house that is waging war against him. Neco appeals for this fight to a command from God Who also said to him that he has to hurry. He emphasizes once more to Josiah that his actions mean obstruction of God. Neco knows God at his side. If Josiah stands in his way to prevent him from carrying out his task, it will be to his ruin. God will then ruin him.

The words Neco speaks are very remarkable. Did God really command him to take up the sword against an enemy empire? Or is it the case that Neco speaks about his own god he consulted and that he says what he told him? We do not have to exclude speaking of the true God to the heathen Neco. It may be that God has spoken to him in some way hidden from us (cf. Genesis 31:24). We can see a confirmation of this in the following verse, where his words to Josiah are referred to as “the words of Neco from the mouth of God” (2 Chronicles 35:22).

The fact is that God warns Josiah through Neco not to interfere in this battle. We see here that a believer is reprimanded by an unbeliever for his actions as a believer. Being a Christian has consequences and sometimes we are reminded of this by people of the world. It will be wisdom to listen to them. God may want to make things clear to us through an unbeliever. He can make use of an unbeliever (John 11:51) and even a donkey (Numbers 22:28-31).

However, Josiah does not let himself be warned and goes into battle. In doing so, he disguises himself, which reminds us of Ahab who did the same (2 Chronicles 18:29). This shows that Josiah is not in the way of faith. Just as the disguise did not protect Ahab, the disguise of Josiah does not protect him from death. The archers shoot him (2 Chronicles 35:23). God knows how to hit him. Josiah realizes that he is badly wounded and orders his servants to take him away. Because his own chariot may have been disabled, the servants transport Josiah on the second chariot, the spare chariot (2 Chronicles 35:24). They take him to Jerusalem, where he dies and is buried.

The sadness about Josiah’s death is great. All of Judah and Jerusalem mourn over him. Jeremiah makes a lament about him (2 Chronicles 35:25). This doesn’t mean the lamentation after which his Bible book is mentioned. The book of Lamentations is written on the occasion of the fall of Jerusalem, which takes place twenty-two years after the death of Josiah. Zechariah also speaks of a lamentation and that refers back to this lamentation about Josiah (Zechariah 12:11).

The singing about Josiah in lamentations continues for a long time. There is even an ordinance made in Israel to do so. For that purpose the lamentations are written down. They can always be consulted when the grief for the loss of this king needs to be expressed. The people may feel that he has been their last hope for prosperity and that with his death all hope for blessing has disappeared. What remains is the expectation of the judgment on Judah and Jerusalem.

The chronicler does not conclude his description of the life of Josiah with his failure, but with a remark about “his deeds of devotion” (2 Chronicles 35:26). He points out his pious deeds, his deeds “as written in the law of the LORD”. Only if deeds are in accordance with the Word of God they can be seen as ‘deeds of devotion’. It is not about human goodness, but about goodness as God also demonstrates it.

The deeds of devotion of Josiah which the chronicler did not include in his account can be found “in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah” (2 Chronicles 35:27). What is written in those books concerns his whole life, from “first to last”. Thus there is a complete description of the life of one of the most God-fearing kings of Judah. Only what is of use to us is included in Scripture.

Nehemiah 6:10

The Death of Josiah

After Josiah has finished restoring God’s house (2 Chronicles 35:20), another act of him is described by the chronicler. This act will be his last, because Josiah will be killed in it. It is an act of war. The connection between the mention that his work concerning the house is finished and his acting against Neco is perhaps that he no longer sees any challenges internally and shifts the field of his interest to events outside his land.

Be that as it may, it is always a dangerous moment when we have come to the completion of a particular work for the Lord. We should then remain dependent on Him and not look for challenges in areas where He has not called us. It is important that we remain in the field of work that the Lord has entrusted to us (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:13). Josiah should not have interfered in the politics of the world. The disputes between these empires are none of his business (Proverbs 26:17 ; Proverbs 20:3). It is also a mystery why he did this.

In 609 BC Neco, the king of Egypt, comes up to make war. It is not clear whether he is engaged in battle with Assyria or whether he is on his way to help Assyria in its battle against the rising Babylonian empire (2 Kings 23:29). As a matter of fact, it is not so important. It is about Josiah’s attitude to what is happening outside his land and how he responds to warnings not to interfere in matters that do not concern him.

When Josiah meets Neco to fight against him, Neco lets warn him not to do so (2 Chronicles 35:21). He clearly says this time he isn’t out for war with Judah but that he is going against a house that is waging war against him. Neco appeals for this fight to a command from God Who also said to him that he has to hurry. He emphasizes once more to Josiah that his actions mean obstruction of God. Neco knows God at his side. If Josiah stands in his way to prevent him from carrying out his task, it will be to his ruin. God will then ruin him.

The words Neco speaks are very remarkable. Did God really command him to take up the sword against an enemy empire? Or is it the case that Neco speaks about his own god he consulted and that he says what he told him? We do not have to exclude speaking of the true God to the heathen Neco. It may be that God has spoken to him in some way hidden from us (cf. Genesis 31:24). We can see a confirmation of this in the following verse, where his words to Josiah are referred to as “the words of Neco from the mouth of God” (2 Chronicles 35:22).

The fact is that God warns Josiah through Neco not to interfere in this battle. We see here that a believer is reprimanded by an unbeliever for his actions as a believer. Being a Christian has consequences and sometimes we are reminded of this by people of the world. It will be wisdom to listen to them. God may want to make things clear to us through an unbeliever. He can make use of an unbeliever (John 11:51) and even a donkey (Numbers 22:28-31).

However, Josiah does not let himself be warned and goes into battle. In doing so, he disguises himself, which reminds us of Ahab who did the same (2 Chronicles 18:29). This shows that Josiah is not in the way of faith. Just as the disguise did not protect Ahab, the disguise of Josiah does not protect him from death. The archers shoot him (2 Chronicles 35:23). God knows how to hit him. Josiah realizes that he is badly wounded and orders his servants to take him away. Because his own chariot may have been disabled, the servants transport Josiah on the second chariot, the spare chariot (2 Chronicles 35:24). They take him to Jerusalem, where he dies and is buried.

The sadness about Josiah’s death is great. All of Judah and Jerusalem mourn over him. Jeremiah makes a lament about him (2 Chronicles 35:25). This doesn’t mean the lamentation after which his Bible book is mentioned. The book of Lamentations is written on the occasion of the fall of Jerusalem, which takes place twenty-two years after the death of Josiah. Zechariah also speaks of a lamentation and that refers back to this lamentation about Josiah (Zechariah 12:11).

The singing about Josiah in lamentations continues for a long time. There is even an ordinance made in Israel to do so. For that purpose the lamentations are written down. They can always be consulted when the grief for the loss of this king needs to be expressed. The people may feel that he has been their last hope for prosperity and that with his death all hope for blessing has disappeared. What remains is the expectation of the judgment on Judah and Jerusalem.

The chronicler does not conclude his description of the life of Josiah with his failure, but with a remark about “his deeds of devotion” (2 Chronicles 35:26). He points out his pious deeds, his deeds “as written in the law of the LORD”. Only if deeds are in accordance with the Word of God they can be seen as ‘deeds of devotion’. It is not about human goodness, but about goodness as God also demonstrates it.

The deeds of devotion of Josiah which the chronicler did not include in his account can be found “in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah” (2 Chronicles 35:27). What is written in those books concerns his whole life, from “first to last”. Thus there is a complete description of the life of one of the most God-fearing kings of Judah. Only what is of use to us is included in Scripture.

Nehemiah 6:12

Introduction

In this chapter we first find the reign of three sons and a grandson of Josiah who are successively king of Judah. They all have double names: 1. Joahaz/Jehoahaz (or Shallum, 1 Chronicles 3:15-16), son of Josiah, 2 Chronicles 36:1-4; 2. Jehoiakim (or Eliakim), son of Josiah, 2 Chronicles 36:5-8; 3. Jehoiachin (or Jeconiah or Coniah, Jeremiah 22:24; 28; Jeremiah 24:1; Jeremiah 37:1), son of Jehoiakim, 2 Chronicles 36:9-10; 4. Zedekiah (or Mattaniah), son of Josiah, 2 Chronicles 36:11-16.

The description of their reign is brief. It is as if the chronicler is in a hurry to come to the end, in order to point out a new perspective.

During the reign of Zedekiah the destruction of Jerusalem takes place (2 Chronicles 36:17-21). God’s patience with His people has ended.

However, this is not the end of the book. In the last two verses the writer points to a new beginning. God allows through Cyrus the possibility that the Jews who were carried away into exile can return to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 36:22-23).

Joahaz King of Judah

After the death of Josiah the people take the initiative and choose a successor (2 Chronicles 36:1). This is not the eldest son, Jehoiakim, but a younger son, Shallum, who takes the name Joahaz. He reigns for only three months (2 Chronicles 36:2). He reigns that short period of time by the grace of the king of Egypt, who deposes him after three months (2 Chronicles 36:3). Here we see the result of Josiah’s failure by interfering in a battle of the king of Egypt (2 Chronicles 35:20-24). Josiah interfered with Egypt and was overwhelmed by it.

The king of Egypt also imposes a heavy fine on the land that must be paid by all the people (2 Kings 23:35). As a result, the whole population feels the yoke of domination. This must have been a huge difference with the favors they enjoyed under Josiah.

Now the king of Egypt decides who becomes king (2 Chronicles 36:4) and not the people of the land (2 Chronicles 36:1). The power of the king of Egypt is also shown by the fact that he gives another name to Eliakim he made king (cf. Daniel 1:7). It seems that Joahaz has caused the displeasure of the king of Egypt, because he is taken to Egypt. There he also died (Jeremiah 22:10-12).

Nehemiah 6:13

Introduction

In this chapter we first find the reign of three sons and a grandson of Josiah who are successively king of Judah. They all have double names: 1. Joahaz/Jehoahaz (or Shallum, 1 Chronicles 3:15-16), son of Josiah, 2 Chronicles 36:1-4; 2. Jehoiakim (or Eliakim), son of Josiah, 2 Chronicles 36:5-8; 3. Jehoiachin (or Jeconiah or Coniah, Jeremiah 22:24; 28; Jeremiah 24:1; Jeremiah 37:1), son of Jehoiakim, 2 Chronicles 36:9-10; 4. Zedekiah (or Mattaniah), son of Josiah, 2 Chronicles 36:11-16.

The description of their reign is brief. It is as if the chronicler is in a hurry to come to the end, in order to point out a new perspective.

During the reign of Zedekiah the destruction of Jerusalem takes place (2 Chronicles 36:17-21). God’s patience with His people has ended.

However, this is not the end of the book. In the last two verses the writer points to a new beginning. God allows through Cyrus the possibility that the Jews who were carried away into exile can return to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 36:22-23).

Joahaz King of Judah

After the death of Josiah the people take the initiative and choose a successor (2 Chronicles 36:1). This is not the eldest son, Jehoiakim, but a younger son, Shallum, who takes the name Joahaz. He reigns for only three months (2 Chronicles 36:2). He reigns that short period of time by the grace of the king of Egypt, who deposes him after three months (2 Chronicles 36:3). Here we see the result of Josiah’s failure by interfering in a battle of the king of Egypt (2 Chronicles 35:20-24). Josiah interfered with Egypt and was overwhelmed by it.

The king of Egypt also imposes a heavy fine on the land that must be paid by all the people (2 Kings 23:35). As a result, the whole population feels the yoke of domination. This must have been a huge difference with the favors they enjoyed under Josiah.

Now the king of Egypt decides who becomes king (2 Chronicles 36:4) and not the people of the land (2 Chronicles 36:1). The power of the king of Egypt is also shown by the fact that he gives another name to Eliakim he made king (cf. Daniel 1:7). It seems that Joahaz has caused the displeasure of the king of Egypt, because he is taken to Egypt. There he also died (Jeremiah 22:10-12).

Nehemiah 6:14

Introduction

In this chapter we first find the reign of three sons and a grandson of Josiah who are successively king of Judah. They all have double names: 1. Joahaz/Jehoahaz (or Shallum, 1 Chronicles 3:15-16), son of Josiah, 2 Chronicles 36:1-4; 2. Jehoiakim (or Eliakim), son of Josiah, 2 Chronicles 36:5-8; 3. Jehoiachin (or Jeconiah or Coniah, Jeremiah 22:24; 28; Jeremiah 24:1; Jeremiah 37:1), son of Jehoiakim, 2 Chronicles 36:9-10; 4. Zedekiah (or Mattaniah), son of Josiah, 2 Chronicles 36:11-16.

The description of their reign is brief. It is as if the chronicler is in a hurry to come to the end, in order to point out a new perspective.

During the reign of Zedekiah the destruction of Jerusalem takes place (2 Chronicles 36:17-21). God’s patience with His people has ended.

However, this is not the end of the book. In the last two verses the writer points to a new beginning. God allows through Cyrus the possibility that the Jews who were carried away into exile can return to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 36:22-23).

Joahaz King of Judah

After the death of Josiah the people take the initiative and choose a successor (2 Chronicles 36:1). This is not the eldest son, Jehoiakim, but a younger son, Shallum, who takes the name Joahaz. He reigns for only three months (2 Chronicles 36:2). He reigns that short period of time by the grace of the king of Egypt, who deposes him after three months (2 Chronicles 36:3). Here we see the result of Josiah’s failure by interfering in a battle of the king of Egypt (2 Chronicles 35:20-24). Josiah interfered with Egypt and was overwhelmed by it.

The king of Egypt also imposes a heavy fine on the land that must be paid by all the people (2 Kings 23:35). As a result, the whole population feels the yoke of domination. This must have been a huge difference with the favors they enjoyed under Josiah.

Now the king of Egypt decides who becomes king (2 Chronicles 36:4) and not the people of the land (2 Chronicles 36:1). The power of the king of Egypt is also shown by the fact that he gives another name to Eliakim he made king (cf. Daniel 1:7). It seems that Joahaz has caused the displeasure of the king of Egypt, because he is taken to Egypt. There he also died (Jeremiah 22:10-12).

Nehemiah 6:15

Introduction

In this chapter we first find the reign of three sons and a grandson of Josiah who are successively king of Judah. They all have double names: 1. Joahaz/Jehoahaz (or Shallum, 1 Chronicles 3:15-16), son of Josiah, 2 Chronicles 36:1-4; 2. Jehoiakim (or Eliakim), son of Josiah, 2 Chronicles 36:5-8; 3. Jehoiachin (or Jeconiah or Coniah, Jeremiah 22:24; 28; Jeremiah 24:1; Jeremiah 37:1), son of Jehoiakim, 2 Chronicles 36:9-10; 4. Zedekiah (or Mattaniah), son of Josiah, 2 Chronicles 36:11-16.

The description of their reign is brief. It is as if the chronicler is in a hurry to come to the end, in order to point out a new perspective.

During the reign of Zedekiah the destruction of Jerusalem takes place (2 Chronicles 36:17-21). God’s patience with His people has ended.

However, this is not the end of the book. In the last two verses the writer points to a new beginning. God allows through Cyrus the possibility that the Jews who were carried away into exile can return to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 36:22-23).

Joahaz King of Judah

After the death of Josiah the people take the initiative and choose a successor (2 Chronicles 36:1). This is not the eldest son, Jehoiakim, but a younger son, Shallum, who takes the name Joahaz. He reigns for only three months (2 Chronicles 36:2). He reigns that short period of time by the grace of the king of Egypt, who deposes him after three months (2 Chronicles 36:3). Here we see the result of Josiah’s failure by interfering in a battle of the king of Egypt (2 Chronicles 35:20-24). Josiah interfered with Egypt and was overwhelmed by it.

The king of Egypt also imposes a heavy fine on the land that must be paid by all the people (2 Kings 23:35). As a result, the whole population feels the yoke of domination. This must have been a huge difference with the favors they enjoyed under Josiah.

Now the king of Egypt decides who becomes king (2 Chronicles 36:4) and not the people of the land (2 Chronicles 36:1). The power of the king of Egypt is also shown by the fact that he gives another name to Eliakim he made king (cf. Daniel 1:7). It seems that Joahaz has caused the displeasure of the king of Egypt, because he is taken to Egypt. There he also died (Jeremiah 22:10-12).

Nehemiah 6:16

Jehoiakim King of Judah

After Joahaz, Jehoiakim reigned eleven years (2 Chronicles 36:5). The characteristic of his reign is that “he did evil in the sight of the LORD his God”. More information about this can be found in the book of Jeremiah. He is an arrogant, selfish man, who is completely indifferent to the LORD (Jeremiah 36:21-31). He is a tyrant who abuses his power to oppress and extort. He has imposed enormous taxes on the people to live a life of indulgence (Jeremiah 22:13-17).

After Egypt, Babylon comes to power in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 36:6). Nebuchadnezzar comes up against Jehoiakim to take him, bound with bronze chains, to Babylon. It is not clear whether Jehoiakim has arrived there. It is assumed that he was allowed to stay in Jerusalem because he swore allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar. What happens is that with this arrival of Nebuchadnezzar the first carrying away to Babylon takes place (2 Kings 24:14; Jeremiah 52:3-16; Daniel 1:1-3). This is the beginning of the seventy-year exile of Judah (Jeremiah 29:10), which lasted from 606-536 BC.

The king of Babylon also takes some articles from the house of the LORD to Babylon (2 Chronicles 36:7). There he places them in “his temple”. In this way he mixes the things of God with his idols. He does not bring his heathen gods into the house of God, but takes the objects of God’s house to his own heathen idolatry. This is an illustration of what has taken place in the history of professing Christianity through the ages. First, heathen practices are brought into the church. Later, things from God’s Word are introduced into the idolatrous practices of a worldly religion, which we see especially in roman-catholicism.

The remarks with which the chronicler concludes his description of Jehoiakim’s life are not flattering. He doesn’t have a good word left for him. He summarizes the life of this king with the words “the abominations which he did” (2 Chronicles 36:8). He doesn’t say a word about his death and burial. Jeremiah tells us that this man was given a burial of a donkey, that he was thrown away as a cadaver (Jeremiah 22:19; Jeremiah 36:30).

Nehemiah 6:17

Jehoiakim King of Judah

After Joahaz, Jehoiakim reigned eleven years (2 Chronicles 36:5). The characteristic of his reign is that “he did evil in the sight of the LORD his God”. More information about this can be found in the book of Jeremiah. He is an arrogant, selfish man, who is completely indifferent to the LORD (Jeremiah 36:21-31). He is a tyrant who abuses his power to oppress and extort. He has imposed enormous taxes on the people to live a life of indulgence (Jeremiah 22:13-17).

After Egypt, Babylon comes to power in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 36:6). Nebuchadnezzar comes up against Jehoiakim to take him, bound with bronze chains, to Babylon. It is not clear whether Jehoiakim has arrived there. It is assumed that he was allowed to stay in Jerusalem because he swore allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar. What happens is that with this arrival of Nebuchadnezzar the first carrying away to Babylon takes place (2 Kings 24:14; Jeremiah 52:3-16; Daniel 1:1-3). This is the beginning of the seventy-year exile of Judah (Jeremiah 29:10), which lasted from 606-536 BC.

The king of Babylon also takes some articles from the house of the LORD to Babylon (2 Chronicles 36:7). There he places them in “his temple”. In this way he mixes the things of God with his idols. He does not bring his heathen gods into the house of God, but takes the objects of God’s house to his own heathen idolatry. This is an illustration of what has taken place in the history of professing Christianity through the ages. First, heathen practices are brought into the church. Later, things from God’s Word are introduced into the idolatrous practices of a worldly religion, which we see especially in roman-catholicism.

The remarks with which the chronicler concludes his description of Jehoiakim’s life are not flattering. He doesn’t have a good word left for him. He summarizes the life of this king with the words “the abominations which he did” (2 Chronicles 36:8). He doesn’t say a word about his death and burial. Jeremiah tells us that this man was given a burial of a donkey, that he was thrown away as a cadaver (Jeremiah 22:19; Jeremiah 36:30).

Nehemiah 6:18

Jehoiakim King of Judah

After Joahaz, Jehoiakim reigned eleven years (2 Chronicles 36:5). The characteristic of his reign is that “he did evil in the sight of the LORD his God”. More information about this can be found in the book of Jeremiah. He is an arrogant, selfish man, who is completely indifferent to the LORD (Jeremiah 36:21-31). He is a tyrant who abuses his power to oppress and extort. He has imposed enormous taxes on the people to live a life of indulgence (Jeremiah 22:13-17).

After Egypt, Babylon comes to power in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 36:6). Nebuchadnezzar comes up against Jehoiakim to take him, bound with bronze chains, to Babylon. It is not clear whether Jehoiakim has arrived there. It is assumed that he was allowed to stay in Jerusalem because he swore allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar. What happens is that with this arrival of Nebuchadnezzar the first carrying away to Babylon takes place (2 Kings 24:14; Jeremiah 52:3-16; Daniel 1:1-3). This is the beginning of the seventy-year exile of Judah (Jeremiah 29:10), which lasted from 606-536 BC.

The king of Babylon also takes some articles from the house of the LORD to Babylon (2 Chronicles 36:7). There he places them in “his temple”. In this way he mixes the things of God with his idols. He does not bring his heathen gods into the house of God, but takes the objects of God’s house to his own heathen idolatry. This is an illustration of what has taken place in the history of professing Christianity through the ages. First, heathen practices are brought into the church. Later, things from God’s Word are introduced into the idolatrous practices of a worldly religion, which we see especially in roman-catholicism.

The remarks with which the chronicler concludes his description of Jehoiakim’s life are not flattering. He doesn’t have a good word left for him. He summarizes the life of this king with the words “the abominations which he did” (2 Chronicles 36:8). He doesn’t say a word about his death and burial. Jeremiah tells us that this man was given a burial of a donkey, that he was thrown away as a cadaver (Jeremiah 22:19; Jeremiah 36:30).

Nehemiah 6:19

Jehoiakim King of Judah

After Joahaz, Jehoiakim reigned eleven years (2 Chronicles 36:5). The characteristic of his reign is that “he did evil in the sight of the LORD his God”. More information about this can be found in the book of Jeremiah. He is an arrogant, selfish man, who is completely indifferent to the LORD (Jeremiah 36:21-31). He is a tyrant who abuses his power to oppress and extort. He has imposed enormous taxes on the people to live a life of indulgence (Jeremiah 22:13-17).

After Egypt, Babylon comes to power in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 36:6). Nebuchadnezzar comes up against Jehoiakim to take him, bound with bronze chains, to Babylon. It is not clear whether Jehoiakim has arrived there. It is assumed that he was allowed to stay in Jerusalem because he swore allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar. What happens is that with this arrival of Nebuchadnezzar the first carrying away to Babylon takes place (2 Kings 24:14; Jeremiah 52:3-16; Daniel 1:1-3). This is the beginning of the seventy-year exile of Judah (Jeremiah 29:10), which lasted from 606-536 BC.

The king of Babylon also takes some articles from the house of the LORD to Babylon (2 Chronicles 36:7). There he places them in “his temple”. In this way he mixes the things of God with his idols. He does not bring his heathen gods into the house of God, but takes the objects of God’s house to his own heathen idolatry. This is an illustration of what has taken place in the history of professing Christianity through the ages. First, heathen practices are brought into the church. Later, things from God’s Word are introduced into the idolatrous practices of a worldly religion, which we see especially in roman-catholicism.

The remarks with which the chronicler concludes his description of Jehoiakim’s life are not flattering. He doesn’t have a good word left for him. He summarizes the life of this king with the words “the abominations which he did” (2 Chronicles 36:8). He doesn’t say a word about his death and burial. Jeremiah tells us that this man was given a burial of a donkey, that he was thrown away as a cadaver (Jeremiah 22:19; Jeremiah 36:30).