Today’s devotion comes from 2 Kings 25:22-30.
“Now as for the people who were left in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, he appointed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan over them. When all the captains of the forces, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah governor, they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, namely, Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of the Maacathite, they and their men. Gedaliah swore to them and their men and said to them, “Do not be afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans; live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.”
But it came about in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the royal family, came with ten men and struck Gedaliah down so that he died along with the Jews and the Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah. Then all the people, both small and great, and the captains of the forces arose and went to Egypt; for they were afraid of the Chaldeans.
Now it came about in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the year that he became king, released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison; and he spoke kindly to him and set his throne above the throne of the kings who were with him in Babylon. Jehoiachin changed his prison clothes and had his meals in the king’s presence regularly all the days of his life; and for his allowance, a regular allowance was given him by the king, a portion for each day, all the days of his life.” 2 Kings 25:22-30.
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In today’s Scripture above, 2 Kings 25:22-30, it is unusual that the LORD’S name was not mentioned, particularly because this Scripture closes out the end of the book of 2 Kings. But, we can perceive that the LORD gave some good things even though the LORD was in the midst of exercising His wrath against Judah. See the parts of today’s Scripture above highlighted in bold italic font. The LORD gave good instruction through Gedaliah to the remnant remaining in Judah, and the LORD gave good things to Jehoiachin king of Judah through Evil-merodach king of Babylon even though we read earlier in 2 Kings 24:9 how evil Jehoiachin was.
But, we notice that despite the good instruction of Gedaliah, the people did not trust Gedaliah, and they struck Gedaliah down and went to Egypt; for they were afraid of the Chaldeans.
On the other hand, although we do not read how Jehoiachin king of Judah responded to his captivity before Evil-merodach became king of Babylon nor how Jehoiachin responded after his release, we can presume that Jehoiachin did well enough throughout all the time of his exile because he “… had his meals in the king’s presence regularly all the days of his life; and for his allowance, a regular allowance was given him by the king, a portion for each day, all the days of his life.” Verses 29-30.
The lesson that we can glean from today’s Scripture is that in the midst of our trials, tribulations, and troubles, and at all times, we should wait for the LORD and hope for His lovingkindness and trust Him at all times.
At times, our situation may seem pitch black, like Judah in captivity and exile we may feel that the LORD has deserted us, but the dawn will come, and there will be instruction and some other good things that the LORD will give us, sufficient grace, to get us through it all.
“20 Our soul waits for the LORD;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
22 Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us,
According as we have hoped in You.” Psalm 33:20-22.
“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
“8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
9 Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.” Psalm 32:8-11.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 