Wisdom and Knowledge Is Granted Unto Thee
After his inauguration, Solomon led the people five miles north of Jerusalem to the tabernacle of Moses on the high place at Gibeon. He burnt a thousand offerings on the brazen altar. That night, God said, "Ask what I shall give thee." "Give me now wisdom and knowledge." Ask. Ye shall receive.
2 Chronicles 1:11-12 - "God said to Solomon, ...Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like."
The Temple - An Ordinance Forever
"Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD." David called it "a palace for the LORD God." Built on a divine pattern, virtually every aspect of the temple had prophetic meaning - a sermon that never stops preaching.
2 Chronicles 2:4 - "I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, ...to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel."
Construction On The Temple Begins
David delivered the God-given temple plans to Solomon, donating enormous supplies of timber, stone, gold, silver, brass, iron, and more. David even contracted many of the workers. Solomon spent four years accumulating the rest of the materials and laborers.
2 Chronicles 3:1,2 - "Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite. And he began to build in the second day of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign."
Mount Moriah - God's Altar and House of Prayer
ALL ON MOUNT MORIAH: Melchizedek. Salem. Jerusalem. Abraham. Altar. Isaac. Angel. Covenant with Abraham. "Jehovahjireh - Mount of the LORD." Threshingfloor of Ornan. David. Altar. Tabernacle of David. Ark of the Covenant. Temple of Solomon. "Them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings ...shall be accepted upon mine altar," (Isaiah 56:7). Crowds cheered, "Hosanna!" Jesus scourged. Eastern Gate. Second Coming. Millennial Temple. New Jerusalem. Holy Place.
2 Chronicles 3:1 - "Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared unto David."
God Designs His Own House
"These are the things wherein Solomon was instructed for the building of the house of God." The pattern God gave David was extremely detailed. Measurements of the porch and house. Gold overlayments. Ceilings. Garnishments. Beams. Posts. Walls. Doors. Engravings. Weight of nails. Golden Cherubims. Blue, purple and crimson linen vail. Pillars. Brazen Altar. Molten sea. Lavers. Golden Candlesticks. Courts. Pots. Shovels. Basins. Vessels. Golden Altar. Table of Shewbread. Snuffers. God controls details in His present temple, too - our lives!
2 Chronicles 4:11 - "Huram finished the work that he was to make for king Solomon for the house of God."
The Glory of the LORD
The house of the LORD was finished. The priests moved all the holy furnishings inside. Solomon offered thousands of sacrifices. At last, came the ark, with "two tablets which Moses put therein at Horeb." Singers and musicians jubilantly heralded the moment. Suddenly, "the house was filled with a cloud." Here is the crowning glory of all things religious. God's presence! Few have ever seen it. Ask God. "Show me Thy glory!"
2 Chronicles 5:14 - "The priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God."
David's Throne Established
God would not allow David to build the Temple in his day, but Nathan prophesied that his son, Solomon, would build it, and that God would establish David's throne through Solomon. Adversaries tried diligently to prevent Solomon from becoming king, but at the Temple dedication, Solomon declared the prophecy fulfilled. God's word will never fail.
2 Chronicles 6:10 - "...for I am risen up in the room of David my father, and am set on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built the house for the name of the LORD God of Israel."
Dedicatory Prayer
When Solomon dedicated the new temple, his prayer was an awe-inspiring communion with God - a model template for all time. Acknowledging God's infinite sovereignty, his words flowed with truest worship, heartfelt contrition, and earnest intercession for God's best blessings upon the people. God's response was mind-blowing. Want to see God move like that? Pray like that!
2 Chronicles 7:1 - "...when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house."
All The People Worshipped
The new temple was a breath-taking showpiece of unprecedented wealth and beauty, but when God filled the house with His glory, nobody could even go inside. "The priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house." Everyone fell on their faces and worshipped God.
2 Chronicles 7:3 - "When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD."
The Lord Hears
Our Creator listens. The Spirit who made the worlds is attentive to our voices, and hears every word we speak. We all have times when it seems "the heavens are brass," but don't you believe it! Not a word escapes Him. He who knows the number of the stars and calls them all by name, who sees every sparrow fall, and knows the number of the hairs of your head - He hears you!
2 Chronicles 7:12 - "...the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer."
The Promise of Prayer
Abraham Lincoln said, "I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go." God promises faithfully to hear the prayers of His people. Who else in the world guarantees to care and intervene? Abandon all others, but seek the Lord!
2 Chronicles 7:14 - "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
The House of Prayer
God was pleased to call Solomon's temple a house of prayer. "I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice." "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:15,16 - "Mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house."
The Choice Is Up To You
God granted Solomon's prayer and said, "Now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually." But God warned, "If ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;" everything would come to naught. The choice is up to you. Obey God or lose everything.
2 Chronicles 7:20 - "This house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight."
No More Spirit In Her
When the Queen of Sheba saw Solomon's divinely-endowed wealth and wisdom, "there was no more spirit in her." Solomon's "ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD" took her breath away. If we whole-heartedly, faithfully enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise, men might be similarly awestruck by our ascent into the house of the LORD.
2 Chronicles 9:5,8 - "She said to the king, ...because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice."
They Labor In Vain
Psalms 127 was written for Solomon: "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." Solomon built a glorious temple and palace, plus many cities throughout Israel. But despite great accomplishments, Solomon condemned himself when he began marrying many idolatrous women who corrupted him.
2 Chronicles 8:11 - "Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh ...unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy."
Solomon Reigned Over Kings
Solomon inherited great stature from his father, David, and for years, greatly honored God in words and deeds. While he did, God exalted him above all the other kings of his time. No man can take as much honor as God can give. Honor God and He will honor you.
2 Chronicles 9:23,26 - "And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart. ...And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt."
Kindness Is Better Than Cruelty
When Rehoboam became king of Israel, his elders advised him, "If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever." But younger men foolishly urged him to be cruel. Why? Terrorism and cruelty is good for nothing! God is kind, even to the unthankful and evil (Luke 6:35). Effective leaders must treat people kindly.
2 Chronicles 10:10,19 - "Young men ...spake unto him, saying, ...say unto them ...'My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins,' ...and Israel rebelled against the house of David."
Revival For Obeying The Prophet
God ordained for Israel to forsake king Rehoboam for his cruelty. But Rehoboam declared war on those who fled. God sent Shemaiah, commanding him to abandon his war plans. When Rehoboam obeyed the prophet, God granted amnesty to Rehoboam. Shortly thereafter, Jeroboam sent the priests and Levites back to Jerusalem, and all the God-fearing Jews who wanted no part of Jeroboam's golden calves returned to Jerusalem.
2 Chronicles 11:17 - "So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon."
Saved By Humbling Themselves
After three blessed years, Rehoboam and the people forsook the law of the LORD. For their transgressions, God sent Shishak, king of Egypt, to oppress them. Shemaiah came again to Rehoboam and the princes of Judah and said, "Thus saith the LORD, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak." Rehoboam went into the temple and humbled himself before the LORD. Repentance works.
2 Chronicles 12:12 - "When he humbled himself, the wrath of the LORD turned from him, that he would not destroy him altogether: and also in Judah things went well.
Abijah Overthrows Jeroboam
Rehoboam's son, Abijah, courageously challenged the legitimacy of Jeroboam, idolatrous king of Israel. "The LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him; ...but ye have forsaken him." Jeroboam ambushed Judah, but "the men of Judah gave a shout: and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel ...so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men."
2 Chronicles 13:18,20,21 - "Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers. ..the LORD struck [Jeroboam], and he died. But Abijah waxed mighty."
God-Given Rest
Asa succeeded his father, Abijah, as king of Judah. The land was quiet for ten years. Asa did good and right in the sight of the LORD, taking away altars and high places of strange gods, breaking down images, cutting down groves, and commanding Judah to seek the LORD. Ethiopians launched an attack, but Asa cried unto the LORD, and God smote the Ethiopians. The surest formula for rest and quiet is to do what is right in the sight of the LORD.
2 Chronicles 14:6 - "He had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest."
Your Work Shall Be Rewarded
King Asa won great spoils after chasing away a huge army of Ethiopians. The prophet Azariah said, "The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; ...but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. ...Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded." Asa "took courage," and became one of the great reformers in Israel's history - even dethroning his mother for her idolatry!
2 Chronicles 15:12 - "And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul."
The High Cost Of Neglecting To Pray
Asa was a godly king, blessed of God for thirty-five years. But when Baasha of Israel laid siege to Judah, Asa turned to Syria for help instead of seeking the LORD. Hanani the prophet rebuked him for foolishly relying on the Syrians. "From henceforth thou shalt have wars." Later, disease struck Asa, and again, he did not seek the LORD, but instead turned to physicians. Consequently, he died. God wants us to call on Him first. In times of trouble, pray!
2 Chronicles 16:12,13 - "In his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians."
The LORD Was With Jehoshaphat
Nowadays, a president faces the wrath of the media and political suicide if he says that God tells him what to do. But in Bible days, kings were duty-bound to obey God. When Jehoshaphat inherited the kingdom of Judah, he immediately set about to restructure the nation by the will of God. We should ardently support leaders who strive to live and rule by the Bible.
2 Chronicles 17:3-5 - "The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he ...sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, ...Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand."
Teachers
Jehoshaphat made an unprecedented move to educate the people of Judah in the ways of the LORD. He sent a "power-team" of princes, Levites and priests "to teach in the cities of Judah. ...and had the book of the law of the LORD with them." Sixteen of the best-learned men went "throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people." Our generation perishes for the lack of the knowledge of God. Teach them!
2 Chronicles 17:10 - "The fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah."
Chenaanah vs. Micaiah
400 false prophets urged Ahab to conquer Ramothgilead. Chenaanah made horns of iron, and said, "Thus saith the LORD, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be consumed." But Jehoshaphat called Micaiah, a true prophet, who prophesied Ahab's utter failure. Chenaanah slapped Micaiah in the face, and asked. "Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?" Ahab threw Micaiah into prison, "until I return in peace." But he never returned.
2 Chronicles 18:27 - "Micaiah said, If thou certainly return in peace, then hath not the LORD spoken by me."
Jehoshaphat Sets Up Judges
Jehu the prophet rebuked Jehoshaphat for his alliance with evil Ahab. So Jehoshaphat went across the land turning people "back unto the LORD." In each city, he set up godly judges under the chief priest, Amariah. He told the judges, "Judge not for man, but for the LORD, ...let the fear of the LORD be upon you." May God give us judges throughout our land who will judge for the LORD!
2 Chronicles 19:9 - "Warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you. ...Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the good."
The King Prays For God's Help
Huge armies from Moab, Ammon and Mount Seir threatened Judah, so Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast. People came into Jerusalem from every direction to seek the LORD. Jehoshaphat stood in the temple and prayed, "We have no might against this great company, ...neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee." Jahaziel prophesied, "Thus saith the LORD, ...Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. ...stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 20:18 - "All Judah ...fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD."
Praise The Beauty Of Holiness
After Jehoshaphat prayed for God's help, a host of Levites stood and loudly praised the LORD. Jehoshaphat's faith soared. "Hear me, O Judah, ...Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper." He "appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army." As they sang and magnified God, their enemies slew each other. Dead bodies lay everywhere. "None escaped."
2 Chronicles 20:28 - "And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD."
Elijah Prophesies Jehoram's Fatal Disease
Jehoshaphat's eldest son, Jehoram, was an evil king. He killed all his brothers and many princes in Israel. His wife was a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Elijah wrote a letter to Jehoram, condemning his evils. "Behold, with a great plague will the LORD smite thy people, ...And thou shalt have great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out." God simply will not tolerate sin indefinitely.
2 Chronicles 21:19 - "And it came to pass, ...after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases."
Prayer's Good Reputation
When Jehoram died, Ahaziah, his youngest son, became king of Judah. His mother was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. "They were his counsellors," so he emulated their evil ways. Like Ahab, he attempted to take Ramothgilead, and like Ahab, he failed. Jehu, who slew Jezebel, slew Ahaziah, too. Ordinarily, kings who died disgracefully did not receive a proper burial, but in honor of his prayerful grandfather, Jehoshaphat, Ahaziah was buried.
2 Chronicles 22:9 "When they had slain him, they buried him: Because, said they, he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart."
Ahab's Wicked Influence Finally Dies
Ahab and Jezebel's wicked son, Jehoram (Joram) became king of Israel. Their wicked daughter, Athaliah, married the king of Judah, also named Jehoram. He died, and wicked son, Ahaziah, became king. God told Elijah to anoint Jehu king of Israel, who immediately executed both kings Joram and Ahaziah. Athaliah murdered her sons and claimed queenship. But Joash, her baby, was saved alive by her daughter, Jehosheba (and son-in-law, Jehoiada, the high priest). Eventually, soldiers killed Athaliah and Joash became king of Judah.
2 Chronicles 23:21 - "The people of the land rejoiced: ...after that they had slain Athaliah."
"Preacher Religion"
Some people only do right while the preacher holds them accountable. Joash was counseled extensively most of his life by Jehoiada the high priest. "Joash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest." He restored the temple and vessels profaned unto Baalim. "But Jehoiada waxed old, ...and died." Joash was quickly enticed into evil by the princes of Judah. He forsook the house of God and served idols. Preacher or none, you are still accountable to God.
2 Chronicles 24:18 - "And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass."
Zechariah's Rebuke
When Jehoiada the high priest died, king Joash and Judah slid into idolatry. But Jehoida's son, Zechariah, stood up and rebuked their sins. The people angrily stoned him to death, but as he was dying, he said, "The LORD look upon it, and require it." Shortly afterward, Syrians attacked Judah and caused devastating losses of men and properties. Joash paid dearly for his backsliding. In the end, all backsliders will.
2 Chronicles 24:25 - "His own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died."
Foolish Prayers To The Losers' Gods
Amaziah ruled Judah for twenty-nine years. At first, he heeded the prophets, but after a great military victory, "he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them." Such dumb-founding foolishness cannot be explained - worshipping gods who lost the battle; and rejecting God who gave victory.
2 Chronicles 25:15 - "The anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this."
Uzziah - The Strong Man Transgresses
Uzziah became king of Judah after God destroyed Amaziah. Uzziah did right in the sight of the LORD. Zechariah the prophet advised him. He prevailed against the Philistines and Ammonites, and his kingdom flourished. "But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense." God smote him with leprosy. You are never too old for pride to destroy you.
2 Chronicles 26:21 - "Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death."
Learning From Others' Mistakes
Jotham began reigning in Judah before Uzziah, his father, died of leprosy. "He did that which was right in the sight of the LORD." "Howbeit, he entered not into the temple of the LORD." That statement means more than what appears at first glance. God smote Uzziah with leprosy for committing sacrilege. He entered the holy place of the temple and offered incense instead of the priests. Consequently, Jotham "entered not into the temple." Are you smart enough to avoid repeating others' mistakes?
2 Chronicles 27:6 - "Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God."
Predictable Punishments
King of Judah at 20, dead at 35, Ahaz's sins included molding images for Baalim, sacrificing and burning incense practically everywhere, and burning his children in fire. Because of their brash sins, God delivered Judah to their enemies again and again. Syrians took multitudes captive. The King of Israel killed 120,000. Edomites came and took captives. Philistines raided dozens of towns and villages. Your defiant, provocative sins enrage God to your great hurt.
2 Chronicles 28:19 - "The LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD."
Making A Covenant To Restore Sanctity
When Hezekiah inherited the throne of Judah, his apostate father, Ahaz, had profaned everything. The temple was abandoned. The doors were shut, the lamps were out, the altar of incense was dormant, and God was angry with the people. Hezekiah called the priests and Levites together. "It is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us." The first step to spiritual revival is a return to holiness.
2 Chronicles 29:16 - "The priests went into the inner part of the house of the LORD, to cleanse it"
Hezekiah Tries To Save The Northern Tribes
Hezekiah made a magnanimous effort to save the northern tribes of Israel from their backsliding. He was not even their king! Many were already in Assyrian captivity and Israel had not kept passover for decades. Hezekiah sent letters calling all Israel to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem to keep passover. Many mocked him, but many returned to the LORD. Intercessor, be encouraged! Some sinners only need a nudge!
2 Chronicles 30:8 - "Enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you."
Repenting for Someone Else
Who would you pray for if you knew YOUR prayers would prevent harsh judgment for sins? Hezekiah repented for the people's failures, and God showed mercy.
2 Chronicles 30:18-20 - "...had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one that prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleaned according to the purification of the sanctuary. And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people."
Prescription For Revival
Hezekiah successfully turned Judah and many in Israel back to God in one of the greatest reformations in the Bible. He destroyed all the images, high places and pagan altars, then carefully re-instituted the priesthood by genealogy. He totally cleansed the temple, and instructed the people to bring their firstfruits (tithes). Revival demands casting out the wrong and magnifying the right.
2 Chronicles 31:21 - "In every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered."
Hezekiah Prophesies Victory Over Assyria
Israel's revival under Hezekiah inflamed Assyrian king Sennacherib, who had plundered Israel. He laid siege against several Judean cities. Hezekiah quickly protected the water supply in Jerusalem, and encouraged his people, saying, "With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles." Sennacherib boasted that no God could stop him, but the LORD sent an angel to cripple Sennacherib's army. He returned home shamefully and was murdered..
2 Chronicles 32:22 - "Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib."
A Most Evil King Saved By Prayer
Manasseh was so wicked, he made Judah "worse than the heathen." He perverted the temple of the LORD with altars to Baalim and all the host of heaven. He burnt his children in fire, used enchantments, witchcraft, familiar spirits, and worse. God judged Manasseh. Assyrians carried him into Babylonian captivity. Amazingly, Manasseh "besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers." God hears even scoundrels when they repent.
2 Chronicles 33:13 - "And prayed unto Him: and He was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom."
Josiah - Righteous King Among Unrighteous People
Josiah was a noble reformer. He repaired the temple, rediscovered the law, consulted the prophets, overthrew idolatry and false worship, and commanded the law be taught to the people. Unfortunately, his people resisted reformed. Huldah the prophetess prophesied evil upon the people, but grace to Josiah for his heroic efforts. God will reward you for living righteously among sinners.
2 Chronicles 34:33 - "Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Israel, and made all that were present in Israel to serve, even to serve the LORD their God."
You Will Miss A Righteous Man When He Is Gone
Josiah re-instituted the passover in Judah, and tried his best to turn Judah back to righteousness. But they refused to abandon their pagan practices. Huldah, the prophetess, prophesied that Josiah would go to his grave in peace, "neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place." God spared Josiah from seeing His judgments on the rebels. Shortly afterward, Josiah became senselessly embroiled with an Egyptian army en route to Syria, and was killed. You will miss a righteous man when he is gone.
2 Chronicles 35:24 - "All Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah."
The Demise, Captivity and Revival Of Judah
Josiah's sons and grandsons were wicked. King Jehoahaz was taken captive to Egypt. Kings Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin were taken captive to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. Lastly, King Zedekiah, saw his sons killed, then was taken, blinded, and carried to Babylon. Jeremiah accurately prophesied 70-years of captivity for the Jews, followed by a return. Cyrus fulfilled Jeremiah's prophecy when he commissioned the Jews to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
2 Chronicles 36:22 "That the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia."
