Destruction: A Study in 2 KingsSample

What does it say?

When Nebuchadnezzar attacked Judah, Jerusalem’s leaders were taken captive, and Solomon’s temple artifacts were dispersed across Babylon.

What does it mean?

Manasseh’s evil legacy continued through his sons. God judged the evil kings of Judah by raising Nebuchadnezzar, who took them into captivity and plundered Jerusalem. As tragic as it was to defile and lose the intricate temple treasures, the greatest tragedy was the loss of God’s glory in the temple, which was a sign of God’s presence and favor on His people. The Jewish nation’s history had now moved full circle: from Egyptian slavery to wilderness wandering, to victorious possession of the Promised Land, and finally, captivity again in a place that was not their home.

How should I respond?

Since the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, His followers are the temple where God’s presence resides (1 Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19). When we allow sin to take hold of some aspect of our lives, we obscure God’s glory and defile His temple. While He promises never to remove His presence from His children, sin hinders the fellowship within that relationship. Take time to reflect on where you are spiritually. Are you a slave to sin? Are you wandering, or are you victorious because of God’s presence?