These are very troubled days for Judah as their end draws near. Egypt is replaced as the main super-power by Babylon. King Jehoiakim, for 3 years submits to the rule of Babylon and then rebels (v1). His 11-year reign is marked by conflict with many raiding parties giving little peace (v2). It is highlighted that what was happening was not just down to world events but because of their sin (v3). Sin is always to be fear and fled from to Jesus.

Jehoiachin succeeds his father but only rules for three months before King Nebuchadnezzar comes and takes him captive along with many of the leading people (v10-17). This was when Daniel and his friends were taken captive. Jehoiachin’s uncle Zedekiah is placed on the throne as a puppet ruler.

Troubled times come in this world because of man’s sin. We live in a world that is cursed because of mankind’s rebellion against God. We need to acknowledge that and not expect a world of paradise now. Yet in all that was happening to the people of Judah God still had a plan to give them a future and a hope. In troubled days we need to confess our sins and trust fully in the Lord who is our only hope when the world around falls apart.