Men's Ministry
Please read II Kings 23:21-27
14. In verses 21 through 23, Josiah commanded that the Passover be celebrated. Verse 22 indicates that the last time this happened was back in the days of the judges, 700 years before. II Chronicles 35:18 says that there wasn't a Passover like it since the days of Samuel the prophet. How likely do you think it is that Christians could forget Communion like the Jews forgot Passover?
15. Josiah did so many good things for Judah. Verse 25 says that there was no king like him before and no king after. That being the case, how do you explain the Lord’s burning anger in verses 26 and 27?
15. Josiah did so many good things for Judah. Verse 25 says that there was no king like him before and no king after. That being the case, how do you explain the Lord’s burning anger in verses 26 and 27?
Please read II Kings 23:28-30
16. Pharaoh Neco of Egypt made an alliance with the Assyrians (who were declining in power) and he was on his way to Carchemish, located near the Euphrates River to do battle with the Babylonians. (See II Chronicles 35:20-25.) He had to go through Judah to get there and Josiah decided to defend Judah, even though Neco wasn't interested in Judah. He told Josiah to turn aside, but he didn't. Instead, he disguised himself and went into battle. Why did Josiah disguise himself?17. Pharaoh Neco claimed he was following the command of God (see II Chronicles 35:21). Was this pagan king instructed by a righteous God to participate in the Battle of Carchemish? And, if so, how was Josiah to know that Neco wasn't just blowing hot air? Is it possible for God to speak to us through an unbeliever? How would we know that it really is the word of God
18. Upon Josiah’s death, we’re told the people took Jehoahaz and made him king. According to I Chronicles 3:15, Josiah’s sons were Johanan, Jehoiakim, Zedekiah, and Shallum. (Jehoahaz is identified as Shallum in Jeremiah 22:11.) Since it’s usually the first born who succeeds to the throne, why didn't Johanan become king? Hint: note that the people made him king.
Please read II Kings 23:31-35
19. Verse 33 tells us that Pharaoh Neco, in addition to killing Josiah, put Jehoahaz in prison and then took him to Egypt, where he died. Since Neco and Assyria lost the Battle of Carchemish, how could he put Jehoahaz in prison, and then take him to Egypt?
20. Pharaoh seems to be in charge of Judah, even though he lost the Battle of Carchemish. In addition to deposing King Jehoahaz, he imposes tribute from Judah (7,500 pounds of silver and 75 pounds of gold), places Jehoahaz's brother on the throne and changes his name from Eliakim to Jehoiakim. What was the purpose of changing Eliakim’s name?
21. Jehoiakim taxed the people of Judah in order to collect the tribute that Neco required. Why did Neco choose him?
21. Jehoiakim taxed the people of Judah in order to collect the tribute that Neco required. Why did Neco choose him?
Please read II Kings 23:36-37
22. After Josiah, Judah selected Jehoahaz as king and he was judge evil by God (verse 32). Then they were assigned Eliakim (Jehoiakim) by Pharaoh Neco and he was also judged evil. How is it possible that Josiah, a good king, could have two sons who were evil?