2 Chronicles·Chapter 36

How to Apply

This week, think about how you can be a source of encouragement for someone around you. Maybe it’s sharing a kind word, or taking a step that helps someone feel more hopeful. Also, reflect on areas in your life where you might be longing for change. Consider writing down what that change looks like for you and take one small action toward it. Just like Cyrus, you might be the one to ignite something wonderful in your own life or in someone else’s.

Chapter Context

To fully grasp this moment, let’s rewind a bit. The people of Israel had been through tough times, exiled and longing for their homeland. This verse pops up after years of struggle, where God’s promise through the prophet Jeremiah is finally coming to fruition. It’s like the climax of a story where hope is reawakened. Cyrus’s proclamation isn’t just a royal edict; it’s a call to rebuild their lives, to return home, and to reconnect with their identity. This verse is the turning point, where despair gives way to possibility, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their history.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• first - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• year - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• cyrus - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• king - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• persia - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• word - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• lord - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• mouth - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• jeremiah - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• fulfilled - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

What is one area in your life where you need to be stirred up, just like Cyrus was, to take action or make a change?

Related Verses

• Jeremiah 29:10 - Written 70 years before this, it promised the Israelites would return home after captivity.
• Isaiah 44:28 - Written 150 years before Cyrus was born, it even names him as an instrument for God’s plans!
• Isaiah 45:1 - Also prophesying about Cyrus, it speaks to how God can use anyone for His purpose, even a foreign king.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in 2 Chronicles 36:22. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

Disobedience to God, Consequences of sin, Divine judgment, Prophetic warnings, Judah's fall, Hope amidst destruction, God's compassion

Key Verses

2 Chronicles 36:15, 2 Chronicles 36:16, 2 Chronicles 36:17, 2 Chronicles 36:19, 2 Chronicles 36:20

Historical Context

This chapter concludes the historical narrative of Judah, focusing on the final kings leading to the Babylonian exile. The author, traditionally identified as Ezra, emphasizes the importance of temple worship and fidelity to God. The events described align with the broader historical context of Israel's disobedience and the subsequent judgment by foreign powers. The exile marks a significant transition in Israel's history, leading to a restoration period that is explored in subsequent texts. The chapter reflects a theological perspective, illustrating how kingship is tied to faithfulness to God and the consequences of failing to uphold His covenant.