SERMON NOTES
The Lord Would Not Pardon
2 Kings 24
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: The final chapters of 2 Kings recount the final years of Judah before the exile. King Jehoiakim, grandson of Josiah, finds himself subject to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, against whom he rebels after a period of three years. Jehoiakim’s rebellion sets in motion a coalition of nations against Judah which, according to the narrator, is actually the Lord’s doing. In fact, the author states that the final years of Judah actually began years earlier when Manasseh was king because he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood and the Lord refused to pardon. Thus, even Jehoiakim’s son and successor Jehoiachin is unable to prevent Nebuchadnezzar from besieging Jerusalem. Consequently, Nebuchadnezzar forces Jehoiachin to surrender and takes him prisoner; he carries off all the treasures of the house of the Lord; he carries away all the officials and mighty men of valor, leaving only the poorest people of the land behind; and he appoints a king of his own choosing to rule over Judah. The author assures us that these events could have been avoided had the people of God not provoked Him to anger, which is a good lesson for us to take to heart today.
01. The judgment of the Lord is slow in its development but sudden in its execution.
02. The judgment of the Lord is deleterious in its effect but deserved when it occurs.
03. The judgment of the Lord is avoidable for a time but uncontrollable once it is underway.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. Consider how the reign of Josiah was followed by four successive kings who “did evil in the sight of the Lord.” How does this change in direction underscore God’s right to bring judgment upon Judah? In what ways does the leadership of a nation determine the direction of a nation?
2. In what ways did God’s judgment over Judah occur gradually before it manifested itself suddenly? When you think about the final judgment either through death or the return of the Lord, does it seem far off to you or closer than ever before? How does your awareness of the final judgment affect your life now?
3. What are your thoughts on the fact that God had already pronounced judgment on Judah during the time of Manasseh? Do you agree that God’s judgment is avoidable for a time but uncontrollable once it is underway? What sense of urgency does this text impose upon us to share the gospel while we are able?
4. One of the themes that stands out in this text is the loss of autonomy among kings and commoners alike (Jehoiachin is taken prisoner, people are exiled, a puppet king is installed, etc.). In what ways was the loss of personal and national autonomy deserved as a result of God’s judgment? Where are true freedom and everlasting joy to be found?
5. What was Nebuchadnezzar’s strategy in removing the best and brightest workers, leaving only the poorest of the people of the land behind? What does it say about a society where the best and brightest are no longer able or willing to serve the national interests? Pray that the Lord in His mercy will raise up leaders who place Him first in all things as they serve others with the talent He provides.
For Further Reading: D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, The Plight of Man and the Power of God (Christian Focus, 2009)