Joshua's heart was committed to the Lord.  He spoke from his heart and he followed the Lord fully.
He reminded the people to love God, to walk in His ways, to keep His commands, to hold fast to Him and to serve Him with all their hearts and souls.  He told them to incline their hearts to the Lord.
To "stretch" towards the Lord and away from idols.  To freely and willingly pledge their hearts to the Lord.

In Judges we find that Deborah had a heart of compassion towards the commanders.  We find that the leaders had resolved hearts and that there was much searchings of heart among those who did not come to help their countrymen.

Samson told Delilah all that was in his heart - and then she betrayed him.
The heart can be merry or glad.  The heart also refers to "self".

Lord God, rule in my heart today.  Incline my heart to Yourself.  Keep Your Word in my heart and may my every intention and thought be stretched towards You always.  I commit myself willingly and freely to love and serve You and to obey Your Word.  Help me to do so Lord!  Thank You.  Amen

The heart... is mentioned 46 times in the book of Deuteronomy.  Interesting in a book we often think of as the Law.  In chapter 5:29 the Lord says " Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me, and keep all my commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever." 

The Lord our God wants us to be blessed, joyful, and well.  He desires what is good for us.  He knows the way for that to happen and it all focuses on our hearts.

We need to remember what God said and did - keep it in our hearts.
We need to seek Him with our hearts and we will find Him.
We need to know in our hearts that He is the Lord , the God of heaven and earth and there is no other.
We need to love Him with all our heart and soul and might.
We need to keep His Word in and on our hearts by teaching them, talking about them, wearing them, and filling our homes with them.  Surround ourselves and our families with the Word of God.
We need to remember God when when fears or doubts trouble our hearts.
We need to understand that the Lord disciplines us, humbles us, tests us - because He is our Father and He wants to see whether we will obey Him, to know our hearts; and so we can know our own hearts that He loves us.
We need to know that the Lord doesn't want us to have proud or boastful hearts so that we forget Him or take credit for ourselves when we  succeed.
He doesn't want us to lie to ourselves or others, but to speak truth in our hearts.
He doesn't want us to think that we are so righteous that we deserve His blessings.

The Lord requires us to :  fear Him, walk in His ways; love Him, and serve Him with all our hearts and souls. 
He wants us to circumcise our hearts and not be stubborn.
He wants us to listen and obey.
He wants us to be careful and watch lest our hearts are deceived.
He wants us to impress His Word on our hearts and souls.
He wants us to be discerning - to not listen to false prophets but to follow Him by obeying His word, listening, serving, and clinging to Him.
He wants us to love others, especially those in need - not hardening our hearts towards them, not being selfish or hostile towards them, but being generous.
He wants us to know that giving generously will  keep our own hearts from being grieved.
He warns that wealth and power are dangerous because they can turn our hearts from Him.
It is from observing His Word that our hearts are kept from turning aside or thinking we are better than others.

Our hearts can be full of anger or full of fear. They can be absorbed in our immediate needs.
When we obey God's word with all our hearts we are choosing life. 
When we are disobedient to His word we are choosing madness, blindness, bewilderment, trembling, despair and dread.

God will give us a heart to know Him if we will turn to Him.
He will restore us.
He will cut away the stubborn evil in our hearts and the hearts of our descendants if we will obey His word with all our hearts and souls.
He will put His word in our hearts so we can obey it.

But we need to keep choosing Him.  Our hearts can turn away.  Stubborness destroys and leads to death. Loving and serving Him with joy and gladness of heart is His desire for us.

Father in heaven, You are the Lord, our God, maker of heaven and earth, and the Ruler of my heart.
Impress Your image deep on my heart.  I love You and desire to walk in Your ways, to listen and obey Your voice and to keep steadfast in the Lord Jesus Christ. Grant me a heart to know You more and more I ask, in Jesus' name, Amen

The heart...

It is in Genesis that we begin learning about our hearts.  It is there that we are confronted with the fact that our hearts are evil.  It is in our hearts that our intentions are found - our conceptions, our imaginations, and our determinations.  And these intentions guide our thoughts - our plans and our purposes.  It is in our hearts that we decide to love or to hate.  It is  in our hearts that fear is found. It is there in our hearts that we determine to sin or believe.

In Exodus we are confronted with a "hardened heart".  A hardened heart is stubborn.  It has no concern for others.  It refuses to listen.  It chooses to sin.  Pharaoh hardened his own heart... and we do this too.  We are stubborn, we refuse to listen or care.  We choose to sin. ( 4:21, 7:3,13,14,22,23;)

 But, we are also told that the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart too.  In Ex. 9:14 Moses is told to tell Pharaoh that the plagues were being sent "to his heart" SO THAT he would know that there is no one on earth like the Lord.  ( a personal revelation)
And in 10:1 the Lord tells Moses that the reason He is hardening Pharaoh's heart is 3 fold -
So that the Lord may perform the signs;
so that the Israelites would testify about how God had made a "mockery of the Egyptians";  
and so that they, the Israelites, "may know that I am the Lord." ( A national revelation)

Later in Exodus 25 and 35 we learn that hearts can be "moved" "made willing", and "stirred".
God's people, who do not harden their hearts, and come to know that He is the Lord.. begin to have changed hearts!  They have a desire to give, to teach, and to work.  God gave Bezalel a heart of wisdom and skill to perform the work on the tabernacle. The people's hearts were moved to give and to work.  Quite a contrast from the stubborn heart of Pharaoh.

There are only 2 references to the heart in Leviticus.  19:17 where the Law is given "You shall not hate your fellow countryman in your heart;"  and Lev. 26:16 where the penalty of disobedience to God's law includes the "soul to pine away" - deep sorrow in the heart.

There are also 2 references in Numbers.  Chapter 15:39 tells of the purpose of tassels added to the garments of the Israelites - " to look at and remember all the commandments of the Lord, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes after which you played the harlot." 
When we forget that He is the Lord and forget His Word, and follow our own "hearts" we end up where we started - hearts, desperately wicked, hardened, barren, and filled with hate. And when that happens we will know the deep sorrow, our heart will "pine away".

Father in heaven, we pray for soft hearts and willing minds.  We pray that You will be Master of our hearts, letting Your will be done.  Stir our hearts once again, filling us with Your Spirit, that we might walk in Your ways and not our own.  Thank You for loving us and forgiving us all our sins as we confess them before You.  May Your Truth fill our hearts today, we ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Zechariah 12-14  Another oracle is given to Zechariah.  This one contains prophecy about the "day" when everything changes. He tells about the return of Christ and the judgements against those who refuse to worship Him.  There are statements that we know were fulfilled at Christ's first coming and those that will not happen until He returns again.  He tells about Jerusalem and living waters and unending light.  He tells of the day when everyone and everything will be Holy to the Lord.

Even so, come Lord Jesus!

The books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malichi were written after the return of the Jews to Jerusalem. Most of the other books of prophecy were written prior to the exile with several written during the time in Babylon.  Zechariah's oracles looked forward to the coming of the Messiah. He was instrumental in encouraging the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. But, his heart was focused on a time when the King would come and reign forever.

......

I awoke this morning with thoughts about what it really means when we talk about our "heart".  It has prompted me to take a look at that word as it is used in Scripture.  I will be taking a little side-step from my usual study through the Old and New Testaments to  write about this....

The first time the word "heart" is used ( according to my concordance) is Genesis 6:5 where God sees the heart of men and proclaims that "every intent of the thoughts of his heart" are continually evil.
The intent - the conceptions, the imaginations, and the determinations; of the thoughts - the plans, purposes; of the heart.  In 6:21 God declares that the inclination of mens hearts are evil from youth.

Because men have evil hearts, we are told, God's heart was grieved. ( Gen. 6:6)

Abraham spoke to himself, to his own heart, about the likelihood of Sarah having a child.
Abimelech spoke to God in a dream about the integrity of his heart.
The servant sent to find a wife for Isaac prayed in his heart and was immediately answered.
Esau determined in his heart to kill his brother, Jacob.
Joseph's brothers trembled in their hearts when they found their money in their bags.
And Jacob's heart was stunned when he learned that Joseph was still alive.

Genesis teaches us that our heart is the place of our thoughts and intentions; it is where we determine our plans -for good or for evil, but where evil seems to have free reign.  It is my heart that doubt and fear can grow. It is where I decide to hate or to love.  But, it is also where my prayers are lifted up to God. My heart is where God's amazing grace will stun me and I will praise Him.

Father in heaven,  teach me Your ways.  Let my heart not be troubled.  Let me not grow weary.  But strengthen me in Christ, the Lord of my heart.  I ask this in His name. amen.

Zechariah 9-11 This "burden" or oracle from the Lord is "against the land of Hadrach, with Damascus as its resting place."  These city-states were located north of Israel in the country of Syria. "Hamath" was originally a separate city - state north of Damascus, but became merged with Damascus after both were conquered by Assyria. Also mentioned in this passage are:
Tyre and Sidon, which were city-states in the land of the Phoenicians, northwest of Israel ; and
Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and Ashdod which were all located in the land of the Philistines, southwest of Israel.
All of these places were judged because of their idolatry and sin.  They were all conquered by Alexander the Great.

This word from Zechariah also contains prophecy of the coming Messiah.  Here, we find that He will come in peace, riding on a donkey.  Here we also find prophecy of His second coming, when He will rule the whole world, from sea to sea.  Zechariah was told to portray the good Shepherd and then to portray the foolish shepherd.  Israel would reject the Good Shepherd.  They would be devoured by the foolish one.

Throughout this oracle there are words that encourage and give hope, interwoven with facts that are otherwise devastating.  God is just and His wrath against sin and rebellion will be meted out.  But, He is also full of compassion and He will be with His people and has not given up on them.

Father in heaven, help us to understand Your Word.  Times and nations are in Your Hands.  We have seen Your Word fulfilled and look toward the final fulfillment of Your promises when the Messiah, Jesus returns to rule over all the earth.  Thank You for the hope we have in Jesus.  May our eyes be open and may we be ready for the day of His return.  Be glorified in all the earth!  May I walk in righteousness and truth,  in all the ways that please You today, I ask in Jesus Name, Amen.

Zechariah 7-8  In the 4th year of king Darius's reign, two years before the temple is completed, men from Bethel came to Jerusalem to speak to the priests there.  Their questions had to do with the fast that was to be held in the fifth month.  According to the Holman Bible Dictionary, this fast was observed on the 9th day to mourn the destruction of the temple.  This seems a reasonable question since the temple was now being reconstructed.  

Zechariah's response was a Word from the Lord.  "Say to all the people of the land and to the priests, 'When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and the seventh months these seventy years, was it actually for Me that you fasted?  And when you eat and drink, do you not eat for yourselves and do you not drink for yourselves?'"  The Lord reminds them of Israel's history.  Before the exile, the prophets had warned Israel that their external religious activity was not what the Lord required.  They did not listen and that is why Jerusalem had been made desolate.  Here is what Isaiah had spoken,

"Why have we fasted and Thou dost not see?

Why have we humbled ourselves and Thou dost not notice?

Behold on the day of your fast

you find your desire.

And drive hard all your workers.

Behold, you fast for contention and strife

and to strike with a wicked fist.

You do not fast like your do today

to make your voice heard on high.

Is it a fast like this which I choose, 

a day for a man to humble himself?

Is it for bowing one''s head like a reed,

and for spreading out sackcloth and ashes as a bed?

Will you call this a fast, even an acceptable day to the Lord?

Is this not the fast I choose,

to loosen the bonds of wickedness,

to undo the bands of the yoke,

and to let the oppressed go free, 

and to break every yoke?

Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry,

and bring the homeless poor into the house;

when you see the naked to cover him;

and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"

( Isaiah 58:3-7)

Because they refused to listen and made their hearts "like flint" the Lord "scattered them with a storm wind among all the nations whom they had not known..."  Now the returned remnant needed to learn the lesson that their ancestors had failed to learn.   " Thus has the Lord of hosts said, 'Dispense true justice, and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother; and do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another."  ( v9-10)   

" These are the things which you should do:  speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgement for peace in your gates.  Also let none of you devise evil in your heart against another, and do not love perjury, for all these are what I hate, declares the Lord." ( 8:16-17)

The Lord does answer the question about the fasts.  Yes, they should keep them... 

The fast of the fourth month ( observed for the taking of Jerusalem)

The fast of the fifth month ( observed for the destruction of the temple)

The fast of the seventh month ( the Day of Atonement and the Feast of tabernacles)

The fast of the tenth month ( observed for the siege of Jerusalem)

But, these would now be observed with "joy, gladness, and cheerful feasts" instead of solemn fasts!

Love, truth and peace would abound to the point that other nations would be drawn to the Lord. 

"So many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the Lord." 

A change would come to Jerusalem, the Lord promised,  because He loved Zion.  He was jealous for her.  He would return and make her "the City of Truth".  The mountain would be "called the Holy Mountain".  Men and women will live to old age.  The streets would be filled with children.  People would return from foreign lands.  The land and the people would be fruitful.  "If it is too difficult in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, will it also be too difficult in My sight? declares the Lord." ( v6)  The Lord promises to save His people, to make them a blessing, and to do good to them.  He tells them to be strong and courageous. 

The people had asked a good question.  The answer was probably much more than they expected!

They wanted to know about a religious observance.  The Lord wanted them to know His will for their whole lives - changed hearts, transformed lives, renewed minds - each individual personally hearing His Word and living in loving obedience:

Doing justice

Practicing kindness

Showing compassion

Speaking truth

Seeking peace

Not oppressing the widow, orphan, stranger, or poor. 

Not devising evil towards anyone

Not lying

Unfortunately, we know that Israel continued to fall short of what the Lord wanted for His people.  Jesus spoke about these same things during His time on earth, "You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying 'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me." 

They cared more about their outward images than their inward realities.  

It is a strong teaching for all of us.  Going to church, reading our Bibles, giving offerings, or even doing "good" works - are not going to please God if our hearts are far from Him.  We need to heed His Word and do what He has told us to do.  

Father, thank You that nothing is too hard for You.  You change our hearts and make us new creatures through Jesus our Lord.  You draw us near to Your own heart so that we honor You , not only with our lips, but with our whole lives as well.  Forgive our trespasses Lord.  Forgive us for being hypocrites... for worrying about our appearances and reputations instead of truly worshiping You with all of our hearts.   Remake me Lord.  Mold me in the image of Jesus.  May justice, truth, love, and peace flow from my life as You fill me with Yourself, I pray.  In the Name of the Savior I ask this, amen. 

Zechariah 4-6  As his vision continues, Zechariah is shown 4 mysterious sights:

A lamp stand with olive trees.
A flying scroll that is a curse.
A bushel basket with a lead cover, containing a woman that is a symbol for wickedness.
Four chariots, each with different colored horses.

In each situation the angel asks Zechariah to identify what he sees and then explains something about it.

The lampstand  represents the Word and the Spirit of the Lord.  The Lord promises that Zerubbabel will finish the temple, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts."

The olive trees represent two "anointed ones who are standing by the Lord of the whole earth." 

The scroll is a written judgement against those who steal and those who lie, giving false witness.

The "ephah" or bushel basket containing the woman called Wickedness,  is carried away by 2 winged women.  A temple will be built for her in Shinar ( Babylon).   Idolatry was contained and taken away, but not destroyed...

The chariots represented the "four spirits of heaven going forth after standing before the Lord of all the earth."  The one with black horses and the one with white horses went north.  The one with dappled horses was sent south.  The "strong ones" went out to patrol the earth.  Those who went north "appeased" the wrath of the Lord.

After this, Zechariah was told to take the silver and gold that came as an offering, and to make a crown.  He was to set it on Joshua's head.  Joshua was the high priest, not the king, so this was unusual.  This prophecy is given, " Thus says the Lord of hosts, ' Behold a man whose name is Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the Lord, Yes it is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices."

 Only Jesus Christ fulfills this prophecy.   He is our High Priest and our King.  The temple He builds is not made out of bricks and stone, but out of those who hear His voice and follow Him.

Father in heaven, how precious is Your Word to us.  You are actively at work in our world.  You judge the wicked and You redeem those who call upon Your Name and receive Your Son as Savior and King.  Jesus, the Branch, is coming again and we await that day.  Let Your Spirit fill us and work in us according to the power of Your might, to accomplish the building of Your temple, Your kingdom here on earth, through Jesus Christ our Priest and King. Amen.

Zechariah 3  The vision continues as Zechariah sees the high priest, Joshua, standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan is standing there also, accusing him.   The Lord rebukes Satan.  Then the Lord provides clean clothing for Joshua.  " See, I have taken your iniquity away from you and will clothe you with festal robes."   When Joshua has received the clean clothing and turban, the Lord charges him, "If you will walk in My ways and if you will perform My service, then you will also govern My house and also have charge of My courts, and I will grant you free access among these standing here."

After this the Lord makes two wonderful proclamations:
 " I am going to bring in My servant the Branch." (v8)
".. and I will remove the iniquity of the land in one day." (v9)

Both Isaiah and Jeremiah spoke of the "Branch", who we know is Jesus Christ the Lord.

Isaiah 11:2 "Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. "

Isaiah 53: 2 "For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground..." 

Jeremiah 23:5  " Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I shall raise up for David a righteous Branch; and He will reign as king and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land. "

Jeremiah 33: 15 "In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch of David to spring forth; and He shall execute justice and righteousness on the earth. " 

And when the Branch comes, iniquity is removed.

Jeremiah 31: 34 " And they shall not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying  Know the Lord, for they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, declares the Lord, for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more." 

Jeremiah 50:20 "In those days and at that time, declares the Lord, search will be made for the iniquity of Israel but there will be none; and for the sins of Judah, but they will not be found; for I shall pardon those whom I leave as a remnant." 

Again, I am assured that what God says He will do, He does!  He proclaimed that the Branch would rise up,  the Son of David, and  He did.  The Righteous Branch came to provide the cleansing of all our sin. In one day, the day that Jesus was crucified, iniquity was dealt with eternally.  Forgiveness came through the blood of the Lamb of God.

We are still called, like Joshua the high priest was, to walk in His ways and to perform His service.  God dealt with Satan.  God dealt with our sin.  God provided the righteous Branch and He will return to reign as King, just as He said.

Father, we look forward to that day, when You will send the Lord Jesus back to earth to reign in righteousness and to execute justice.  There is a great need for redemption and cleansing in our world Lord. Raise up faithful men and women to walk in Your ways and perform Your service.  Help us to hear and understand Your Word.  Help us to believe and obey.  For it is in Christ's name that we ask it, amen.

Zechariah 1:7-6:15  This is Zechariah's 2nd recorded prophesy, a vision.

Verses 1-17 The first thing that Zechariah sees is a man on a red horse, with other horses behind him. An angel speaks to him and explains what is happening.  The Lord had sent out this group to "patrol the earth".  They reported that all was well.  But, then the angel addresses the Lord and asks about Jerusalem and Judah.  The Lord's response is wonderful to Zechariah.  The Lord declares His jealousy for Jerusalem and Zion.  He will return there and His house will be rebuilt.  Prosperity and comfort will be restored.

Verses 18-21  Next, Zechariah sees 4 horns.  The angel explains that these are the ones who have scattered His people. But, now He is providing 4 "craftsmen" who have come to "throw down the horns of the nations who have lifted up their horns agains the land.."  This would also be an encouragement to Zechariah and those he spoke to - the enemies that had risen in power against them, would be overcome by the Lord's chosen men.

Chapter 2 - The vision again changes, this time Zechariah sees an angel with a measuring line.  He explains that he will be measuring Jerusalem.  Jerusalem would be inhabited by a multitude of people. There would be no walls, but God Himself would provide a "wall of fire around her, and I will be the glory in her midst."  The Lord calls for the people to return from the north.  He will be their protector.  He will dwell with them.  They will know Him and He will possess them.  God is on the move and acting on behalf of His people.  Twice, this phrase is used, " Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me." Verse 9 and verse11.   This seems to speak of Jesus, once speaking to the Jews and the second time to the nations which join themselves to Him.

In verse 8 the Lord says this, " ... for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye."  The apple of God's eye - such a beautiful expression!  When you are so close to Him that your reflection is seen in His pupils. What intimacy the Lord allows for those that He calls His own.  He wants us that close.

Father in heaven, You are all-powerful and all-knowing.   You have called for us to return to You and walk with You.   You have given us a place of refuge in Your midst.  You are at the same time, surrounding us and filling us!  You are amazing God.  We will sing for joy and be glad, along with Zion, when we come to that City with no walls, where there is no darkness, and no more tears.  Come Lord Jesus, come and take us to dwell with You forever.  Amen.

Zechariah 1:1-6  This is the first message that Zechariah gives the people in Jerusalem.   It comes 2 months after Haggai's 1st prophecy urging the Israelites to consider their ways and to rebuild the temple.  Here Zechariah says, " Thus says the Lord of hosts, 'Return to Me,' declares the Lord of hosts, 'that I may return to you,' says the Lord of hosts."  (v3)  

The Lord of hosts -  Jehovah, the I AM, the self-existent and sovereign God - of hosts.. of armies, of the masses, of the assemble, of those mustered and prepared for battle! 3 times in this one statement, Zechariah uses this title.  He uses it two more times:
Verse 4 - The Lord of hosts had spoken to their fathers through the prophets in the past, telling them to "Return now from your evil ways and from your evil deeds,"  and they had not listened.
Verse 6 - "As the Lord of hosts purposed to do to us in accordance with our ways and our deeds, so He has dealt with us."

What the Lord of hosts said He would do.. He did.  The testimony of their fathers confirms this.  They failed to obey the Lord and ended up in exile, in captivity, because of it. If they don't want to end up in the same situation, they needed to hear and obey the Word of the Lord.

We know from Ezra's writing that they heeded the words from Haggai and Zechariah and began again to rebuild the temple.  We also know that God directed Darius's heart in the matter and not only was permission granted, but money was supplied for the work.

Has God changed?  Isn't He still the LORD of hosts?  Has His message changed?  "Return to Me... THAT I may return to you."  Return from evil ways and deeds. Evil - the Hebrew word is "ra" - bad, adverse, affliction, calamity, displease, distress, grief, harm, heavy, hurt, mischief, misery, naught, noisome, sad, sore, sorrow, trouble, wicked, wretchedness, wrong...   Evil ways - the road we travel, the mode of action, our conversations, our customs,  our  journey through life, our manner and our path.

Isaiah had preached for Israel to "Wash yourselves, make yourself clean; remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, reprove the ruthless; defend the orphan, plead for the widow."   The Lord called them as "sinful nation... weighed down with iniquity" ( Isaiah 1:4) .  They acted corruptly.  They abandoned the Lord.  They were rebellious.. harlots, murderers, thieves, loving bribes,  failing to help those in need.  It sounds like our world today.

Jeremiah had preached to them also. "If you will return... put way your detested things from My presence..."  Then, live in "truth, in justice and in righteousness..."  Have a changed heart.  But they refused.   " Your ways and your deeds have bought these things to you. This is your evil. How bitter! How it has touched your heart!" ( Jeremiah 4:18)

Father in heaven, You are the Lord of hosts, still calling for Your people to return to You, to turn from evil, from calling their own ways right and Your's wrong.  We live in a world where sin and rebellion are everywhere.  We see here in this country a surge of wickedness and unbelief, flooding our nation.
Oh Mighty God, save us!  Open our ears to hear the Truth.  Change hearts that have become hardened and full of evil.  May there be a return of people to Your Word and to repentance, to justice and righteousness. You are our only Hope, Lord of hosts!  May Your kingdom come and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  In the wonderful Name, Jesus, we pray. amen.

Zechariah 1-2

Both Haggai and Zechariah prophesied during the time of Ezra.

Order of events - Just to give some perspective -

Daniel was probably about 100 years old when Cyrus/ Darius invaded Babylon and conquered  Belshazzar.

Ezra 4: 24 " Then work on the house of God in Jerusalem ceased, and it was stopped until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.... When the prophets Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo prophesied.... "

Haggai's 1st - Second year of Darius, 6th month ( Haggai 1:1)  The Lord told them to consider their ways.

Haggai's 2nd -                                      7th month ( Haggai 2:1) The Lord told them to take courage.

Zechariah's 1st                                      8th month ( Zech. 1:1) "Return to Me, declares the Lord of hosts, that I may return to you..."

Haggai's 3rd and 4th                             9th month (Haggai 2:10)  The Lord told them that from that day onward He would bless them. ( Haggai 2:20) - The Lord calls Zerubbabel, His servant - like a signet ring.

Zechariah's 2nd ( a vision)                   11th month ( Zech. 1:7 -6:15)

Zechariah's 3rd - Fourth year of Darius - 9th month (Zech. 7:1 -8:23)

Ezra 6:15 " And this temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar; it was the sixth year of the reign of king Darius."

Esther takes place in the reign of Xerxes I also called Ahasuerus. ( Darius' son and father of Artaxerxes)

It was almost 60 years later, during the reign of Artaxerxes that Ezra left from Babylon to return to Jerusalem. ( Ezra 7:1)

Nehemiah begins in the 20th year of Artaxerxes.

The book of Malachi was written during Nehemiah's times.

 I want to dig further into Zechariah, but for now, just want to focus on one verse; Zech. 2:11 " And many nations will join themselves to the Lord in that day and will become My people. Then I will dwell in your midst, and you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you."  

Oh what a wonderful Word for us today!  The Lord Jesus has made us His own! He has come to dwell with us and is returning soon to reign forever more!

Father, we thank You for the words that encourage us to seek You and find You;  to worship You and to be Your people.  Thank You for taking away our iniquity and for clothing us in righteousness.
Thank You for the hope we have in Christ Jesus.  All glory and honor and praise to You, the Lord of hosts.  In Christ we pray. Amen.

In Ezra 5 we read that the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah came to the leaders in Jerusalem and told them to begin rebuilding the temple, even though they had been ordered by Artaxerxes to stop.  They listened to the prophets and began again to rebuild and were given all they needed when king Darius was consulted.   I wanted to look at Haggai's prophecies recorded in the 2 chapters included in the Old Testament .  There were actually several different prophetic words given through Haggai.

Haggai 1 - "In the second year of Darius the king, on the first day of the sixth month.."  Haggai comes to Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest.   "This people says 'The time has not come, even the time for the house of the Lord to be rebuilt'".. but God says, "Consider your ways!"  All their work was in vain, they were planting but not harvesting, they didn't have enough food, wine, or clothing... "and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes."  The problem, the Lord tells them, is that He is not going to bless them when they are allowing His house to be neglected. They weren't honoring Him or worshiping because of their fears...  Yet when Haggai spoke the word of the Lord, the leaders listened and obeyed.  The work on the house of the Lord started up again.

On the "twenty-first day of the seventh month of king Darius" so, a month and 1/2 later,  Haggai came again, this time to encourage them.   We are told in Ezra 3:12 that when some of the older priests, Levites, and old men, saw new the foundation of the temple relaid, that they wept, because they remembered its former glory.... Here the Lord tells them to take courage, even though this is "nothing in comparison" as far as the outward beauty - "I am with you, says the Lord of hosts.... My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear!"
God promises to shake the nations and to fill His house with glory.  "The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine. declares the Lord of hosts."   There is a greater glory coming!

Two months later, Haggai comes again with a word from the Lord.  This message begins with a question - if a man carries a holy sacrifice in his garment, his pocket, so to speak, and then puts in bread or something else, will that also become holy?  The priests answer "No".   If  a man touches a corpse and becomes unclean and then touches the bread or other things, will they become unclean. The priest's answer this time is yes.  "So is this people. And so is this nation before Me, declares the Lord, and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean." 

Up to this point, the people were trying to become holy from what they offered to God, but they were actually unclean and making their offerings unclean because of their lack of worship and obedience.  "Do consider from this day of the ninth month; from the day when the temple of the Lord was founded... yet from this day on I will bless you."  Because of their obedience to God's Word, God was making a promise of blessing for His people.
On that same day, Haggai had another word, this time for Zerubbabel.   God was going to "shake the heavens and the earth."  He would overthrow all thrones and kingdoms, destroy all powers, overthrow all armies, and "On that day, declares the Lord of hosts, I will take you, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant.. and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you...."  The Bible Knowledge Commentary suggests that this prophecy establishes Zerubbabel in David's line and therefore in the line of the Messiah, Jesus.

The people in Ezra's days lived in very difficult times.  They had to be courageous just to obey the Word of the Lord.  Yet, disobedience led to judgement.  We also, must choose to obey God and live by His Word, even when challenged by our culture or government.  Without obedience, complete commitment to following the Word of God, we cannot experience God's blessings.  In disobedience we will suffer God's judgement.   The day is coming when the heavens and the earth will be shaken! God will overthrow all nations and power and thrones.  Hallelujah!  We must be like Zerubbabel - obedient,  wholly belonging to God.

Father, take us by the hand and lead us into Your love and into the endurance and patience of Christ Jesus as we with for that great day!  Amen.

Ezra 1-6  Ezra writes a history of the rebuilding of the temple at Jerusalem beginning at the decree of Cyrus, king of Persia.  The return of exiles began with 42,360  people.  They came to Jerusalem and set up the altar and began offering sacrifices.  They began to lay the foundation of the temple building, but were stopped by their enemies who appealed to Xerxes.  However, after a period of time, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, began prophesying and encouraged the Jewish leaders to once again begin building the temple.  And they did.  Again a letter was sent to the king of Persia.. but now Darius was king.  Darius not only gave the Jews permission to begin building but told the Gentile governor to leave them alone and to give them all the money and supplies they needed!

The Lord used Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes in the rebuilding of His temple in Jerusalem.  With great joy the people of God celebrated the Passover that year.

Chapters 7-10  Here Ezra tells of his own travel to Jerusalem and how the hand of God was with him throughout.  Ezra's testimony is summarized in 7:10 " For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel."   God gave Ezra a courageous spirit as he led the exiles back to Israel.  Then, as everything was going so well, there came a major set back.  Some of the leaders came to Ezra and told him that many of the Israelites had intermarried with the people of the land.  This was so devastating to Ezra that he immediately tore his clothing and fell on his face before the Lord.

As Ezra fasted and prayed before the Lord, the heart of the Israelites began to break also.  They came and confessed their sins.  They made a covenant to put away their godless wives and children.  They encouraged Ezra to act as he should and so he did.

A long list of men is given at the end of chapter 10.  Men who had disobeyed God's word, but who repented and put away their foreign wives and children.  Such sadness and yet obedient sacrifice..

Father in heaven,  set our hearts, like You did Ezra's, to obey Your Word and to be courageous to act in accordance to it.  May we know Your Word and practice it faithfully.  May we be teachers of Your Word and take responsibility for it.  Father, we thank You for the Truth that You have revealed. Thank You for forgiveness and restoration.  We praise You for the grace that You have given to us, that You have not "requited" as our sins deserved.  Enlighten our eyes Lord, and give us also a "little reviving". Thank You for extending lovingkindness to us and for never forsaking us, even as You did for the house of Israel.  May our lives reflect Your glory to the nations.. to our own ungodly nation, we pray. Amen.

II Thess. 2 -3

 Paul taught the believers about the return of the Lord Jesus,  yet they were misled by some who  claimed that the Lord had already come back.  So, Paul tells them again of the signs that will precede His return:  first, apostasy- departing or falling away from the Truth;  then the "man of lawlessness" or "son of destruction" will be revealed.

There will be increased lawlessness - wickedness.
There will be one who will exalt himself above any god.
There will be one who will be linked with Satan, having "power and signs and false wonders".
There will be many who will be deceived.

Only those who have received the "love of truth" will be saved.   All others will be deluded. God will allow that because they choose wickedness over truth.

Paul's prayers: " Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word." ( 2:16-17)  And "..May the Lord direct your heart into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ." ( 3:5)

Paul speaks again about those who are undisciplined or unruly.  We are to stay separated from them, we are to gently admonish them, and we are to be examples for them - quietly working to provide for our own needs and doing good without growing weary.

Father in heaven and our Lord Jesus, thank You for saving us by Your great love and wonderful truth. Thank you for eternal comfort and hope.  Strengthen us for for the days ahead.  Grant us clear thinking and steadfastness in Christ our Lord. May we be prepared for the day of Your coming, abiding in the truth and walking in a manner worthy of Your calling.  I ask this in Your name and authority Lord, amen.

II Thessalonians 1

Paul is thankful that the church is doing well...
their faith is "greatly enlarged"
their love for one another "grows even greater"
they have perseverance and faith as they endure persecutions.
and they are "considered worthy of the kingdom of God"

Paul reminds them that God will:
- repay those who have afflicted them with affliction.
- give relief to them all when Jesus returns.
-"... dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus".

The penalty is "eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day and to be marveled at among all who have believed..." 

Another of Paul's prayers is recorded in verses 11-12

"To this end we pray for you always

that our God may count you worthy of your calling, 

and fulfill every desire for goodness

and the work of faith with power;

in order that the name of our Lord Jesus

may be glorified in you,

and you in Him, 

according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. "

Those who are considered worthy of the Kingdom of God are those who are growing in faith and love, persevering in afflictions, desiring goodness and working in faith.  They will "marvel" at the coming of Jesus and He will be glorified in them on that day!

Those who do not know God or refuse to obey His Word, will be repayed with affliction for any that they afflicted; receive retribution for their unbelief and disobedience; and will pay the ultimate price of eternal destruction. 

Such a stark contrast and heart-wrenching truth... 

Oh Father, God of grace and Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray for our brothers and sisters in You, that they may grow in faith and love, that they may persevere in troubles, and that You would bring every desire for goodness to fulfillment.  May they do the work of faith with power, to bring glory to Your Name.  And Father of mercy, we plead for those who are unbelievers, that their eyes might be opened to the Truth of the gospel and that their hearts will be opened to believe.  Grant repentance and salvation to these today Lord.... Thank You for hearing my prayer.  amen.

I Thessalonians 5:12-28  Paul's final words in this 1st letter to the Thessalonians are about how they should conduct themselves.  Challenging words ....

v12-13  Appreciate, esteem, and love those in leadership positions in the church.  Easy to do when these men are wise, faithful, and fair.  Not so easy to do when they are.. human, imperfect, and seem to show favoritism to others... Regardless, we are to "Live in peace with one another".

v 14 - Four things:
1. "..admonish the unruly" - to caution or gently reprove..calling attention to those who are undisciplined or insubordinate.

2. "encourage the fainthearted" I love the word "encourage" in the greek "parakaleo" call near, or invite, pray for , comfort; ( parakletos - the Comforter, the Holy Spirit has this same root..) fainthearted - is actually "little-spirited" or feebleminded, puny in spirit or mind.  When we lack faith or hope or love, we need our brothers and sisters in Christ to come along side of us, draw near to us and comfort us, to pray for us, and to encourage us.

3. "help the weak"  "antechomai" - to hold fast to or support those who are strengthless, feeble, impotent, sick..

4. "be patient with all men"- be long spirited, forbearing, long-suffering - toward all.

v 15 - "See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that with is good for one another and for all men."  Paul expands on this a little in Romans 11 where he exhorts us to  "bless those who persecute you";  "never pay back evil for evil to anyone," but "respect what is right in the sight of all men"; and to not take our own revenge, leaving that for God while we feed our hungry enemy and give them something to drink if they are thirsty. v 21 sums it up for us "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."  For when we seek the good of those who have done evil to us, we overcome !

v16-22  -
"Rejoice always;
pray without ceasing;
in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 
Do not quench the Spirit;
do not despise prophetic utterances, but examine everything carefully;
hold fast to that which is good;
abstain from every form of evil." 

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you and He also will bring it to pass." ( v23-24)

What a wonderful prayer! Without His help, His Spirit at work in us to sanctify us, how could we ever do these things that are pleasing to our Lord?  But He is faithful to bring to pass that which He calls us to do!  Such a precious promise!

Father in heaven, be exalted and glorified in all the earth!  May Your Name be honored and blessed forever and ever.  Come and reign over us, our God. We are citizens of Your Kingdom in heaven and long for the day when You will send the King Jesus to come to earth to reign forever.  May Your will be done fully in our hearts and lives today, we pray in His Name. Amen.

I Thessalonians 4:13-5:11   Paul addresses the subject of Christ's return here, making these points:

v 14 - Jesus died and rose again , this is Truth, likewise, those who have "fallen asleep" in Him will be with Him; they will "precede" those who are still living at Christ's coming ( v15);  and "the dead in Christ shall rise first" (v16).   This truth is meant to give us hope, comfort, and encouragement.

V 16 " For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God.."

V15-17  Those who are alive at His coming will "be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.."   

We are to be ready for that day, for it will come unannounced, like when a thief comes in the night.
How can we be ready?
By staying in the Light. 
We are not in darkness - v4
We are not of night nor of darkness - v5
We must not sleep like those who are in darkness.
We must not be drunk like those who are in darkness and night.
We must stay alert and sober. 
We must be properly dressed - in faith, love, and hope. 
For we are destined for salvation not wrath, in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Sometimes I find myself staring at the clouds and thinking about what it will look like when they are rolled back like a scroll...In the quiet of this moment, I listen for the shout, the voice, and the trumpet - sounding the joyful return of our Savior.  One day, He IS coming and it will be a glorious day!

Father in Heaven,  You alone know the day of Christ's return, when the dead in Him will be raised, when the living believers will be caught up in the clouds, meeting Jesus in the air.  O how we long for that day! We live in a world where the darkness seems to be growing stronger, yet we do not fear for Jesus is the Light of the world and He has overcome all darkness!  May we be ready, Lord God, standing firm in faith, abounding in love, and abundant in hope.  Praise and thanksgiving I offer to You, my God and Father.  Amen.

I Thessalonians 4

The Word here "exhorts" us to "excel still more" in walking in ways that please God.. having received the instructions, the commandments given "by the authority of the Lord Jesus".
This is God's will for us, Paul writes, " your sanctification". 

 Specifically, Paul says, " abstain from sexual immorality... possess your own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God" ( v3-5)  Adding,  that "no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter... For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification." 

Paul also urges the believers to "excel still more"  in loving one another.  They are doing well in that area, for God Himself is teaching them to love one another,  but the urgency to keep excelling is Paul's heart for them.

Thirdly, Paul writes, "make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you; so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and not be in need."  ( v11-12)

God's desire for us is our sanctification - holiness: physically, emotionally, and economically.

To please the Lord, then, we must "possess" our own "vessel".  The word vessel is actually talking about equipment or goods - or a wife!  But, the same word is used in II Timothy 2: 20-21 where Paul says that there are vessels of honor and dishonor in a household...and a man who is cleansed of wickedness, "will be a vessel of honor, sanctified, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work".  To possess means to own it.  It is more than just self -control, although that is a very important part of it, we are commanded to take the work of purifying our lives very seriously.  To become pure so that we are vessels of honor.  Then we are "useful for the Master"!

We are sanctified, purified in our hearts, as we excel in loving one another.  Love that abounds more and more is the request that Paul most often prays for his churches.  This is absolutely vital in our walk if we want to please the Lord.

We are also to live set apart, or pure, lives, economically  - quietly taking care of our families, making a living by honest work,  not dependent on others (outsiders).

Father in heaven, thank You for providing these simple yet profound instructions for a life that pleases You.  May we excel more and more in purity, love, and honest living.  May we please You in all we do.  Sanctify us entirely, preserving us completely, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus.  We praise You, Lord, that You are faithful, for as You have called us to sanctification, You will also bring it to pass. Amen!

I Thess. 3

Paul professed his love for the people in Thessalonica in Chapter 2.    His love for them was like a mother, who is gentle and tenderly cares for her own children and  like a father, who exhorts, encourages, and implores his own children to walk worthily.  He had a "fond affection" for them, not only giving them the gospel, but "our own lives" as well. He called them his "glory and joy".

Here in Chapter 3 Paul tells them how much he longed to see them again.  He was concerned for them because of the afflictions he knew they were experiencing.  His deepest concern was that their faith would falter.  So, he sent Timothy to them, to encourage and strengthen them, as to their faith.
Paul rejoiced when Timothy returned with the good news that their faith and love continued. ".. for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord." 

We feel this way too, especially for our family members and close friends... This is my daily prayer for my children and grandchildren - that they would "stand firm in the Lord".   Paul's prayer in verses 11-13 is another good model for us:

"Now may our God and Father Himself

and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you. 

and may the Lord cause you to increase and 

abound in love for one another, and 

for all men, just as we do for you;

so that He may establish your hearts

unblamable in holiness before our God and Father

at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints."

Father, Holy One of Heaven, direct our lives according to Your perfect wisdom and love.  Cause us to increase in our love for one another. Establish us in perfect holiness before You.  Prepare us for the day of our Lord's return .  Mighty God, fill us with Your Spirit and with faith, that we also may stand firm in You.  We ask this in the Name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, Amen. 

I Thessalonians 2

Paul and his friends:
Spoke the gospel with boldness amid opposition.
They did not allow error, impurity, or deceit; pleasing God, not man, in presenting the Truth.
They did not come with flattery or greed.
They did not seek glory for themselves, not did they assert their authority.
They worked day and night, so they would not burden the people.
They were "gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children." 
They "were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children."
They were devout, upright, and blameless towards the new believers.

Paul's one desire was to see the new Christians "walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory." ( v12)

The believers in Thessalonica:
Accepted the Word of God.
Were transformed by the word of God which "performs its work in you who believe." (v13)
They became imitators of the churches in Judea.
They endured suffering at the hands of their own countrymen.
Were Paul's "glory and joy". 

The work of the Word of God - the "energeo" - active, efficient, effectual, operative, powerful Word - transforms the believer, the one who has accepted the Word as God's message and not the word of men. Paul spoke the gospel, he proclaimed the gospel, he imparted the gospel..he was entrusted with the gospel... and he lived according to the gospel in every way.  The Word of God was active, effectual and powerful in his life and ministry.

Matthew 4:17 says that Jesus "began to preach and say, 'Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand'" Then in verse 23 we read that He went about "teaching in their synagogues , and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom..."   The gospel, the good news from God is this - His Kingdom is here!
When we hear this and believe - this is faith.  Hebrews 4:2 "For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard."  It is those who hear the Word and believe it that enter into His "rest", His kingdom.  This is the good news, the gospel that Jesus preached and that Paul taught.

Father, bless Your holy Name!  You are wonderful beyond description.  Your grace and mercy towards us is overwhelming. Thank You for bringing Your kingdom here. Thank You for providing rest through Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son.  Thank You, Jesus, for suffering death for us, that we might have life in the Kingdom of God.  Fill me again with Your Spirit, Who gives wisdom and righteousness, through the Word of God. Transform my life that I may always walk in a manner worthy of the One who has called me into His Kingdom.  In Jesus' name I ask this Father, amen.

I Thessalonians 1

Paul's greeting in this letter to the Thessalonians is positive and encouraging. He commends them for their:
"work of faith"
"labor of love" and
"steadfastness of hope"

He calls them "brethren beloved by God", chosen by God..
He speaks of how they received the gospel "in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction". 
They were like Paul, receiving "the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit". 

The church in Thessalonica had become an example to others.  Their faith in God was reported everywhere. They had "turned from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come." 


How does my church compare with the church in Thessalonica, as we look at this passage?

What works of faith are being done?
What labors of love?
What steadfast hope?
Do we act like those "beloved by God"?
Have we received the gospel with power, the Holy Spirit , and full conviction?
Do we serve a the living and true God?
Are we waiting for Jesus?

Do we have a reputation as a church where faith in God is found?

We can look at this individually also..
Am I doing works of faith? labors of love?
Do I have steadfast hope?
Have I received the gospel with power, the Holy Spirit, and full conviction?
Am I serving the living and true God?
Am I eagerly awaiting the Lord Jesus?
Do I have a reputation of one who has put my faith in God?

Father in heaven,  I am Yours.  I fall far short of Your high calling, my Lord.  Come and fill me Holy Spirit, complete in me all that You desire.  Sanctify me completely, Lord.  That I might be known as Your beloved child, one who serves You with a whole heart.. who loves You with all my heart and soul and spirit and strength. I ask this in Your Name, Jesus, amen.

II Chronicles 33-36
Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah became king at the age of 12.  He ignored his father's reforms and his father's God, turning back to the evil of his grandfather.  He was even worse.  He worshiped every idol and desecrated the temple.  He practiced witchcraft and sorcery.  He "misled Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord destroyed before the sons of Israel."  When God spoke to Manasseh, he paid no attention.  Finally, the king of Assyria came against Judah and Manasseh was taken away captive with a hook in his nose and chains binding him.

But, in his captivity, Manasseh repented.  He humbled himself before God and prayed. And God had mercy on Manasseh and returned him to Jerusalem.  Manasseh removed the false idols and altars and restored the sacrifices to the Lord.

When Manasseh died, his son Amon became king.  He did not learn from his father, but did evil, never humbling himself before the Lord. "Finally his servants conspired against him and put him to death in his own house."

Josiah, Amon's son, was only 8 when his father was killed.  But, he "did right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of his father David and did not turn aside to the right or the left." Josiah, we are told, ".. while he was still a youth,.. began to said the God of his father David;"  Josiah, once again got rid of every false idol, repaired the temple, celebrated Passover.. humbled himself before the Lord.  When the book of the Law was found in the process of the restoring the temple, Josiah heart the Word and wept before the Lord.

But, after Josiah, came Joahaz, who was taken to Egypt after 3 months.  His brother, Eliakim/Jehoiakim was set up as king by the king of Egypt.  He did evil.  Nebuchnezzar came in next, taking him into captivity.  His son Jehoiachin was next in line, 8 years old, doing evil.  He also was taken to Babylon. Zedekiah, was next, but he did evil also, rebelling against God.

The people would not listen to the prophets.  "But they continually mocked the messengers of God, despised His words and scoffed at His prophets until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, until there was no remedy."  The Chaldeans came.  They destroyed the temple and broke down the walls of Jerusalem.  The Word of the Lord was fulfilled.