The God of Second Chances

Todays Reading – 2 Kings 25 – 1 Chronicles 1

In the closing verses of the book of 2 Kings there is a very interesting story involving King Jehoiachin.  Jehoiachim was Josiah’s grandson who took the throne when he was only eight years old and only reigned for three months.  It was during his short reign that the King of Babylon came in and took Jerusalem captive.  Though we certainly could not blame all of Jerusalem’s problems on Jehoiachin; the Bible does tell us that he was an evil king, even at eight years old.  Nevertheless Nebuchadnezzar took him captive and threw him in jail in Babylon where he stayed for 37 years. (He is now 45)

In this passage the Bible records something very remarkable.  The new king of Babylon (Evil-merodach) removes him from prison and places him in a position of honor in the kingdom.  The question I have is why?  The Bible doesn’t tell us directly, but I have a suggestion.  I believe that it is very possible that Jehoiachin got right with God when he was in prison (people often do).  He was possibly influenced by Daniel or some of the other men that were taken captive with him.  Notice the Bible tells us that he received some new garments.  I believe that could be a picture of the robe of righteousness that God gives us when we get saved.  I could be off-base on this; but since the king’s heart is in the Lord’s hand, I just would like to think that God gave him a second chance with a new life .