‏ 2 Kings 24

* Jehoiakim subdued by Nebuchadnezzar. (1-7) Jehoiachim captive

in Babylon. (8-20)

1-7 If Jehoiakim had served the Lord, he had not been servant

to Nebuchadnezzar. If he had been content with his servitude,

and true to his word, his condition had been no worse; but,

rebelling against Babylon, he plunged himself into more trouble.

See what need nations have to lament the sins of their fathers,

lest they smart for them. Threatenings will be fulfilled as

certainly as promises, if the sinner's repentance prevent not. 8-20 Jehoiachin reigned but three months, yet long enough to

show that he justly smarted for his fathers' sins, for he trod

in their steps. His uncle was intrusted with the government.

This Zedekiah was the last of the kings of Judah. Though the

judgments of God upon the three kings before him might have

warned him, he did that which was evil, like them. When those

intrusted with the counsels of a nation act unwisely, and

against their true interest, we ought to notice the displeasure

of God in it. It is for the sins of a people that God hides from

them the things that belong to the public peace. And in

fulfilling the secret purposes of his justice, the Lord needs

only leave men to the blindness of their own minds, or to the

lusts of their own hearts. The gradual approach of Divine

judgments affords sinners space for repentance, and believers

leisure to prepare for meeting the calamity, while it shows the

obstinacy of those who will not forsake their sins.