The captivity of Israel
in the hands of foreign nations, was always a result of their sin and disregard
for God’s law. Time and again the land was ravaged, the city walls broken down
and anything of value taken by the oppressors, who would now rule them. The ancient
Assyrians when conquering the land of Israel were motivated by the Lord not to massacre
its people, but to take them captive. Occupants of the land with their
possessions were relocated to the conqueror’s country to help with local
industry, commerce and development. In this we see an evidence of God’s mercy
towards His people, in spite of their sins and the need for their punishment. The
temple which represented the worship of the True God which the Jews had despised
and ignored in favour of false gods, was robbed of all its treasures and
valuables, and the city walls which had offered them some protection were thrown
down, but nevertheless God maintained His promise to Israel. Instead of being
destroyed, the people were kept alive, to one day return to their own land,
rebuild and re-instate true worship. A second instance of God’s mercy is seen
in the action the king of the Chaldeans authorised towards the poor of the
land. These individuals had no personal resources to contribute to their
conquerors, and might therefore being considered completely dispensable. Again
instead of being exterminated by the foreign ruler, they were left to tend to
the fields and crops of the land. Whilst more than likely under tribute to the
conquering ruler, these individuals not only escaped with their lives, but were
also given opportunity to survive from the harvests of their crops, and
maintain a workable state of land, which would otherwise have laid waste. It is
clear in all the dealings of God with man, and in particular with His chosen
people, that in spite of their failure to remain consistent in their love and
worship of Yahwah and obedient to His law, the Lord’s desire toward them was
and remains always, one of love, protection and restoration. We truly serve a
Great and Loving Saviour and One that is worthy of all our thanks and praise!
http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion
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