1. God's judgment on Jerusalem (15-20)

The Chronicler comments that God mercifully sends his messengers again and again to lead his people back to him. But they humiliate his servants and hate his words, until finally God's judgment is inevitable. God's people have become thoroughly corrupted. So, God allows the Babylonians to wield his judgment. They kill most of them and take the remnant as POWs. The temple is burned and her articles carried off. Jerusalem is completely destroyed.

2. The prophecy of Jeremiah fulfilled (21-23)

The Chronicler depicts the exile as a good thing. The land finally has its sabbath rests for 70 years (21). Also, the prophecy of Jeremiah that the exile would last 70 years is fulfilled. God raises up the Persian King Xerxes who blesses them to return and rebuild the temple (23). God's judgment is his hope to revive his people's spirit.


Application: Lord, thank you for your discipline which is your hope. Please revive us spiritually.
One Word: God's discipline is his hope to revive us.