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Leadership and Responsibility: King Josiah took his role as a leader seriously. He ascended the throne at a
young age and was committed to governing the kingdom according to God's law. This teaches us the
importance of responsible leadership and the impact it can have on a nation or community.
Seeking God's Word: (3-7; 14-17) King Josiah made a deliberate effort to seek God's Word and
understand His commands. He ordered the repair of the temple and during the process, the Book of the
Law (likely the Torah) was discovered. When it was read to him, he responded with humility and
recognized the need for repentance and obedience. This highlights the significance of seeking God's
guidance through His Word and being receptive to His instructions.
Repentance and Humility (18-21): Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah tore his clothes in distress
and sought the counsel of the prophetess Huldah. He humbled himself before God, recognizing the sins
of the nation and the need for repentance. Josiah's response teaches us the importance of humility,
acknowledging our mistakes, and seeking forgiveness from God.
Active Reforms (3-13): King Josiah didn't stop at mere words of repentance; he took active steps to
implement reforms in Judah. He removed idols, destroyed pagan altars, and cleansed the land from all
forms of idolatry. This demonstrates the importance of taking decisive action to root out sinful practices
and pursue righteousness in our lives.
Generosity (8-17): King Josiah displayed generosity and a spirit of giving. He directed resources toward
the repair of the temple and provided for the priests and Levites who were involved in the worship and
service of God. This teaches us the value of supporting and investing in God's work and the well-being of
those dedicated to His service.
Faithfulness to God: Throughout his reign, Josiah remained faithful to God's commands. He celebrated
the Passover according to the Law and led the people in worship and obedience. Josiah's faithfulness
serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining steadfast in our commitment to God, even in the
face of challenges or opposition.
Positive Influence (31-33): King Josiah's reforms had a significant impact on the nation of Judah. His
actions inspired others to follow God and led to a period of spiritual renewal. This underscores the
power of our own actions and choices to influence those around us positively.
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Lesson 1: Faithfulness and Obedience to God
One of the key lessons from 2 Chronicles 35 is the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God. The
chapter describes the reign of King Josiah, who sought to restore true worship and obedience to God's
commandments in Judah. He reinstituted the Passover celebration according to the Law of Moses and
led the people in renewing their commitment to God. This teaches us the significance of remaining
faithful to God's Word and living in obedience to His commands.
Lesson 2: Honoring and Revering God's House
Another lesson from 2 Chronicles 35 is the importance of honoring and revering God's house. King Josiah
ordered the repair and restoration of the temple, which had fallen into disrepair. He recognized the
significance of the temple as the dwelling place of God and ensured that it was properly maintained. This
teaches us the value of respecting and cherishing places of worship, treating them as sacred spaces
where we can encounter God.
Lesson 3: Worshiping God with Sincerity and Joy
The chapter also emphasizes the importance of worshiping God with sincerity and joy. King Josiah led
the people in celebrating the Passover with great enthusiasm and joy, and the entire nation responded
by worshiping God wholeheartedly. This teaches us that our worship should not be mere ritualistic
observance but rather a genuine expression of gratitude, love, and joy towards God.
Lesson 4: Generosity and Hospitality (17-19)
2 Chronicles 35 highlights the generosity and hospitality displayed by King Josiah and the people of
Judah during the Passover celebration. They provided large numbers of animals for sacrifices and feasted
together as a community, including foreigners residing among them. This teaches us the importance of
being generous and hospitable, sharing our resources and blessings with others, and welcoming
strangers into our midst.
Lesson 5: The Consequences of Ignoring God's Word (20-22)
The chapter also serves as a warning about the consequences of ignoring or disregarding God's Word.
King Josiah, despite his faithfulness and efforts to restore worship, ultimately met a tragic end because
he disregarded God's warning through Pharaoh Neco. This reminds us that even if we have a history of
faithfulness, we must remain vigilant and attentive to God's guidance, avoiding complacency or
arrogance that may lead us astray.
Overall, 2 Chronicles 35 teaches us about the importance of faithfulness, obedience, worship, honoring
God's house, generosity, hospitality, and the consequences of ignoring God's Word. These lessons are
timeless and applicable to our lives today as we seek to live in accordance with God's will.
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Consequences of disobedience (1-14 Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Zedekias): Throughout the book of 2
Chronicles, the recurring theme is the relationship between the faithfulness of the kings of Judah and
the prosperity or downfall of the nation. In 2 Chronicles 36, we see that the disobedience, idolatry, and
unfaithfulness of the kings and the people led to the ultimate destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of
the Israelites. This serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, and disobedience to God's
commands can lead to negative outcomes.
God's patience and warnings (15-16): Despite the repeated disobedience of the Israelites, we see God's
patience and mercy in 2 Chronicles 36. He sends prophets to warn the people and give them
opportunities to repent and turn back to Him. This highlights the importance of listening to God's
warnings and messages, as well as the significance of repentance and seeking forgiveness when we have
strayed from His path.
God's sovereignty and faithfulness (22-23): Even in the midst of the Israelites' exile and the destruction
of the temple, we see glimpses of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. The chapter ends with the
proclamation that God stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia, to issue a decree allowing the
Israelites to return and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This reminds us that, no matter how dire our
circumstances may seem, God is in control, and He can work through unlikely means to accomplish His
purposes.
The importance of humility and repentance (11-14 – Zedekiah; Jer. 34:1-10): Throughout the book of 2
Chronicles, we witness the rise and fall of various kings, with some displaying humility and seeking God,
while others become prideful and turn away from Him. The downfall of the kingdom of Judah serves as a
reminder of the importance of humility before God, acknowledging our need for Him, and seeking
repentance when we have gone astray.
The consequences of neglecting worship and Sabbath: In 2 Chronicles 36 (20-21), it is mentioned that
the land had its Sabbath rest for seventy years, corresponding to the number of Sabbath years the
people had neglected. This highlights the significance of observing the Sabbath and the importance of
setting aside time for worship, rest, and honoring God's commandments.
While these are some lessons we can draw from 2 Chronicles 36, it is important to remember that the
Bible as a whole provides a comprehensive account of God's interactions with humanity and is a rich
source of wisdom, guidance, and lessons for our lives.