Chapter Summary

Reign and dethronement of Jehoahaz. Final deportation. Captivity of Judah in Babylon.

Discussion Questions for 2 Chronicles, Chapter 36

1. Who are the primary nations represented in this chapter? What is the significance of each nation, and how do they contribute to world history? In what ways might this help you mesh together world history and biblical history, and how would that help grow your faith?
2. How many new kings of Judah are listed in this chapter? What is the common denominator of their character for each one? Why do you think this is significant in light of how the chapter ends? What role does the character of a leader play in the outcome of a society or community? How have you seen negative leadership traits impact the community around you?
3. What is Egypt's role in the leadership of Jerusalem after the reign of King Josiah? Do you think that a pagan country deciding Judah's leadership might represent God's punishment for their sins? How have you seen a pagan culture influence the decisions that you or others make, and what was the outcome of those decisions?
4. What is the historical significance of Nebuchadnezzar in this chapter? How does his introduction foreshadow or prophecy future events? What future event in Jerusalem's history is his presence foreshadowing? What role does Babylon play throughout Scripture? Why do you think God allowed the Babylonians to kidnap Jehoiachin?
5. Why had Zedekiah "hardened his heart against Yahweh" (HCSB)? Do you think that the generational sins of the previous kings contributed to his Godlessness? Do you think that Zedekiah had a choice to repent and turn to the Lord? Or was he destined to ultimately fall in sin like his predecessors? How did this contribute to the destruction of Jerusalem? How have you seen sin in your life lead to destruction?
6. Why is it important that all the survivors of the siege of Jerusalem became "servants" to King Nebuchadnezzar? Can you think of any prophecies this might fulfill? What do you think the people of Judah might have learned during this exile experience? What is a way in which you have felt "in exile" because of your sin? How did the Lord restore you?
7. What elements of hope can you find in this passage? What does it say about God's character that He always makes a way for hope in the midst of dire circumstances? How have you seen God express times of hope in your own difficult life circumstances?
8. What can we learn about God's judgment and view of sin from this chapter? Why does God take sin so seriously, and how does He judge sin specifically in this chapter? In what ways has God brought judgment for your sin, and what was that like?
9. What was the main sin that Judah had committed against God? Were only the spiritual leaders to blame? What does this teach us about our responsibility for our own sin? What does this chapter ultimately teach us about sin, and how does this lead us to understand more about the life and ministry of Jesus?
10. How are the different nations involved in this chapter? Why do you think God uses historical and geographical circumstances to teach and discipline His people? What does this say about His sovereignty, and how He ultimately controls even empires and kings to do His will? How does this change your view of God's authority in your life?

Key Words/Phrase

Wrath, v. 16.

Characters

God, Jehoahaz, Jehoiachin, Jehoikim, Nebuchadnezzar, Zedekiah, Cyrus, Eliakim, Necho.

Strong Verse(s)

16