The King was Jehoiachin of Judah. And … “He did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father had done.” 2 Kings 24:9 relates this sad information.
This man, the leader of his nation, ignobly surrendered to the enemy during the Babylonian siege of the city, but was captured … “And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out (to give up)to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign.” 2 Kings 24:12, just giving you some background on today’s Text verse.
Nebuchadnezzar immediately “jailed” King Jehoiakim. The verb “took” used here by the Hoy Spirit is “laqach,” meaning “apprehended, seized,” often with brute force!
And he remained in prison 30 years!
Then … a new King comes!
His name is “Evilmerodach,” simply meaning “soldier of Merodach.” He is then a warrior king! (The name’s first four letters, “evil,” do not have any connotation of sin in them at all.) In reality it turns out he is surprisingly a gracious King!
Now today’s Verse … “And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up (released) the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison; and he spake kindly to him.” Quoting 2 Kings 25:27, amazing behavior for that primitive day, among the Babylonians at that!
And that “undeserved favor” somehow shown to a despicable King (Jehoiachin the wicked coward) is what has caught my attention this morning!
The Babylonian Monarch “lifted up the head” of King Jehoiachin! (That does not mean he decapitated him!) It does mean he released him from prison, gave him a measure of freedom, as we shall see. The verb “lifted up” is “nasa” in Hebrew … and means (is actually translated) “FORGIVE” 16 times in the King James Version! This is glorious!
I myself know a Kind King who “lifted me” out of Prison, too! King Jesus, sinless King Jesus! And Mercy, how my Jesus has “spoken kindly to me!” Words like “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Just one example of many, Matthew 11:28.
But there’s more, many more blessings lavished upon Jehoiachin … “And they changed his prison garments: and he did eat bread continually before him all the days of his life. And his allowance was a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life.” 2 KIngs 25:29-30
Jesus, too, has given me a change of clothes! (Taking my sin-spotted garments and exchanging them for a robe of pure righteousness!)
Jesus has “fed” me very well, too! The “Bread of Life,” plus the milk and meat of the Word of God! Plus a continual feast around the Cross of Calvary! Psalm 22, the crucifixion Psalm, promises: “The meek shall EAT and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever. “ Amen!
And a “daily allowance?” Oh Yes! Psalm 68:19 … “Blessed be the Lord Jesus, who DAILY loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.”
In fact, we once-cowardly, ex-jailbird Christians … have “more than enough” from the hands of our Saviour!
“Our God supplies all our need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Hallelujah!
Just a little typology this morning. Illustrating in a small way the marvelous Grace of God!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Do I hear someone shouting the victory somewhere in the background?
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