Day 348: The Rise and Fall of the Kings of Judah and the Rebuilding of the Temple

Welcome to Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience. On Day 348, the narrative focuses on the transitions of various kings of Judah, their reigns, and the subsequent consequences of their actions. It begins with Jehoahaz becoming king and quickly being deposed by the king of Egypt, leading to Jehoiakim's, Jehoiachin's, and Zedekiah's reigns—all of whom did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon captures Jerusalem, and the city along with the Temple is destroyed. However, the narrative takes a hopeful turn with the decree of King Cyrus of Persia, who fulfills Jeremiah's prophecy by allowing the exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. Details about the families and individuals returning from exile, along with the materials and resources provided for the Temple's reconstruction, are meticulously accounted for, culminating in the joyous yet poignant laying of the Temple's foundation.

00:00 Introduction and Context
00:04 The Reign of Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim
03:27 The Fall of Jerusalem
04:41 The Prophecy of Cyrus
06:59 The Return of the Exiles
14:04 Rebuilding the Temple
16:15 Foundation of the New Temple

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Volume 6 — Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel

Chronicles

Immerse: Chronicles is the sixth and final installment in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Chronicles contains the remaining First Testament Books: Chronicles–Ezra–Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel. These works were all written after the Jewish people fell under the control of foreign empires and were scattered among the nations. They remind God’s chastened people of their identity and calling to faithfully represent God to the nations and that there is still hope for the struggling dynasty of David.

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

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