2 Chronicles Chapters 33-36

33:9 - This is a pretty scary verse. Churched/Religious people have greater opportunity to bring evil into the world than pagans, because they know better. When people who claim to be believers live in direct opposition to the truth they claim, they not only commit sin but they bring dishonor to the name of God and live in knowing rebellion.

33:12 - Another picture of the graciousness of God and proof that there is always hope for redemption. Manasseh is an evil man, but when God puts him in a state of distress...he humbles himself before the Lord and turns his life around. Because of human stubbornness, there are many times when God allows us to go through incredibly brutal circumstances to bring us back to Him.

34:3 - What a great example for teenagers! At the age of 16 Josiah is a true seeker of God and a spiritual leader for his nation - at 16! At a time when most guys are still trying by any means necessary to prove their manliness/worth for the approval of others, Manasseh is solely focused on seeking God's approval. Maybe we should expect more of our kids?

34:15/19 - The people of God are in such spiritual disarray...the priesthood has lost the Book of Law! We see that the Israelite people with the guidance and instruction of God's Law are utterly lost and easily swayed by the cultures around them. Josiah is heartbroken when he finally understands exactly how fall they have fallen as God's people. If this doesn't highlight the importance of allowing God's Word to shape your life and mind, I don't know what will.

34:31 - What a great example set by Josiah - he sees something wrong and he does whatever it takes to make things right. The king personally reintroduces his people to God's law and re institutes the covenant. He also lives out the example himself for all the people to see by offering his whole life to God.

35:18 - Josiah shows honor and respect for the spiritual history of God's people by reintroducing the Passover. This celebration highlights the story of the people of Israel and reminds them that they only exist through God's salvation and provision. It is essential that leaders be able to connect the people of God with who they truly are.

35:21 - When I first read this verse I wondered, "How is Josiah supposed to know that the pagan ruler Pharaoh Neco is actually following the prompting of God?" The text does not specifically tell us, so we are left to guess. I would think that a wise, discerning, God-fearing king like Josiah would be able to see God's hand involved in the words of Neco and the wisdom in what he is saying. Neco says, "Hey, my fight isn't with you...I'm just passing through (It's a well known fact that Pharaoh Neco was really into speaking in rhyme)." When a godly leader has an opportunity for a peaceful solution, why not take it?

36:9 - Eight years old and he is utterly evil? Whoa! That sounds kinda crazy - what is going on here (If you are reading in the NIV is probably says the king is 18 years old). The ESV lists the king as eight because that is what the majority of the ancient manuscripts of 2 Chronicles say. I would agree with the commentators and translators of the NIV and say that it was probably a scribal mistake that should be changed to 18 years old. 2 Kings 24:8 tells us that Jehoiachin was 18 when he took over.