2 Kings 22 records the beginning of King Josiah’s reign in Judah. Josiah was a good king, and we’re told he did good in the eyes of the LORD as his father, David, had done. Josiah also, initiated a restoration project on the Temple during his reign. While the Temple was being repaired a copy of the Book of the Law was found. When Josiah read it, he tore his clothes in repentance and sorrow. He sent the prophets to see what was going to happen for Judah’s failure to keep the Law. The LORD told Josiah the nation would pay for its sin and be destroyed, but it wouldn’t happen during his lifetime, because he showed penitence for the nation’s sin. Josiah’s repentance for himself and on behalf of his nation reminds us our actions have implications for the greater community around us whether they are good or evil.
In 2 Kings 23, we read an extensive summary of Josiah’s reforms and the reestablishment of the Passover. Josiah broke down all the idols that were being worshiped in the Temple and in the high places and desecrated the altars so they could not be used again. He also deposed the priests of those false gods. Nevertheless, because of Manasseh’s evil, the LORD did not relent from His plan to destroy Judah. Josiah died in a battle against the Egyptians at Megiddo. Jehoahaz became king, but the Egyptian king sent him to Egypt after a brief reign and put Josiah’s son, Eliakim, in his place, but changed his name to Jehoiakim. He reigned in Judah for eleven years. Both Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim did what was evil in the eyes of the LORD, so after a long and faithful reign by Josiah, Judah was not only overridden by Egypt, they also returned to unfaithfulness through the leadership of their own kings.
In 2 Kings 24, we read that King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came against Johoiakim and after three years, he was replaced by Jehoiachin. Jehoiachin ruled for only three months and was taken into captivity with many others to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar put Zedekiah in his place. He “ruled” Judah for eleven years doing evil in the sight of the LORD. As we turn to 2 Kings 25, King Nebuchadnezzar besieges Judah. Eventually, Judah falls, and all but the poorest people were carried off to captivity in Babylon. The Temple and most of the city of Jerusalem were burned. At the end of the chapter we find a bit of hope for the monarchy in Judah as we read that Nebuchadnezzar released Jehoiachin from prison and for the rest of his life, he ate at the king’s table as a free man. God had promised David there would always be one of his descendants on the throne of Judah, and in Jehoiahin, we see the hope of this promise continuing.
As we turn to Matthew 12, we read the account of Jesus’ disciples eating grain from a grain field on the Sabbath, and the Pharisees condemning them for it. Jesus responded with the account of David’s men eating the bread that was only permitted for priests to eat, and how priests serve on the Sabbath without profaning the Sabbath. He then reminded them He was Lord of the Sabbath and the Sabbath was made for man and not vice versa. After that, Jesus went into the synagogue and healed a man with a withered hand. He had asked the religious leaders whether it was lawful to do good on the Sabbath, but they wouldn’t answer. Jesus was more concerned with healing the man. Afterwards, He healed many others and cast out demons. The religious leaders said Jesus cast out demons by the power of the Prince of demons. Jesus made it clear a house divided against itself cannot stand, and also denounced them for sinning against the Holy Spirit by proclaiming the work of the Spirit to be the work of the devil. At the end of the chapter Jesus, called anyone who does His Father’s will His mother, sister, or brother. We do well to remember God’s work is to be carried out seven days a week. We need to rest. We need Sabbath, but the Sabbath is no excuse for failing to carry out God’s healing or other saving activity in Jesus’ name.