After Josiah’s death, Judah spirals downward faster and faster toward the Babylonian exile. Jehoahaz’s three-month reign is evil, and he is replaced by Jehoiakim, appointed by Pharaoh Neco. During the evil reign of Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon comes up for a first time, taking captive Daniel and his friends. After Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar comes a second time. He not only loots the LORD’s house, but he also takes captive the best of the people of Judah, including Ezekiel and the Davidic king, Jehoiachin. In his place, Nebuchadnezzar leaves Zedekiah as king over Judah. With each passing verse, the text makes plain that the end of Judah is coming, just as the LORD has spoken.

Rev. Lucas Witt, executive director of the Lutheran Mission Society of Maryland, headquartered in Baltimore, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 23:31-24:17.

To learn more about the Lutheram Mission Society of Maryland, visit www.compassionplace.org.

"A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]