Welcome to BibleBum where we are exploring the entire Bible in one year to better learn how to follow God’s instructions and discover the purpose for our lives.  The BibleBum blog uses The One Year Chronological Bible, the New Living Translation version.  At the end of each day’s reading, Rob, a cultural history aficionado and seminary graduate, answers questions from Leigh An, the blogger host, about the daily scripture.  To start from the beginning, click on “Index” and select Day 1.

Jeremiah 5:20-6:30

2 Kings 22:3-20

2 Chronicles 34:8-28

Questions & Observations

O. (Jeremiah 5:24): It is amazing to think that God orchestrates our world so that rain comes in the spring and fall to give us food to eat.

Q. (6:1-9): I understand that God is giving them one last out, but why would they listen if they haven’t listened to the countless warnings thus far?  Why the effort?

A. God will take no pleasure in the destruction of His chosen city, and I believe that He still desired to see it spared, but it had, according to this lesson, become hopelessly corrupt.  So this is a final warning of sorts.

Q. (6:9): This means every last one in Jerusalem will be cast out, killed or whatever?

A. Yes, the city will be sieged and then emptied, one way or another, but it won’t all happen at once: you’ll see.

O. (6:15): Maybe this is disrespectful, but this verse reminds me of many politicians … at least from what we hear and read in the news.

Q. (6:24b): I know this is not the larger picture here, but I want to make note of it.  I was going to before, but thought maybe it wasn’t that important.  Anyway, we have seen many, many times where the pain that Jerusalem will face is like a woman in labor.  Any comment?

A. It’s a common metaphor that was clearly well understood among the people, and it will continue to be used.  Note clearly what God is saying, however: the agony of labor is only temporary, and there is great joy in the aftermath.  So file that part away for later.

Q. So, Jerusalem is still not invaded here, right?  This has just sounded like what is to come?

A. Yes, and the story will still continue to unfold, there is much that still has to happen.  Jerusalem will be under siege for several years.

Q. (2 Kings 22:14): Sorry, I get excited whenever I see a female main character.  Is Huldah the first female prophet we have met?  Do you know anything more about her?

A. The two women who have been given the title of prophetess (female prophet) prior to Huldah are Miriam (Moses’ older sister, Exodus 20-21), and Deborah (Judges 4:4).

Q. (2 Kings 11-20): Josiah got a free pass to get out of the disaster here.  If it weren’t for Hilkiah the priest finding God’s law on a scroll, Josiah would have faced disaster.

A. I guess you could see it that way.  What it looks like to me is Josiah’s humility and repentance is what spared him facing the disaster.