Concern For One’s Nation SS2 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

THE CONDITION OF THE NATION II Kings 24; 25;1-17

A nation at times undergoes some difficult periods.It may be political, economic or social.People that love their nation identify themselves with these problems and offer possible solutions to the problems. These types of people can be described as being “Patriotic”. Such was the situation in Israel when some people exhibited noticeable acts of patriotism. These were Ezra, Zerubbabeland Nehemiah. This occasion was the exile of Judah and the destruction of the temple and walls of Jerusalem.

Jehoiakim was twenty- five years old when he began to rule Judah in Jerusalem. He was  formerly called Eliakim. King Neco changed his name to Jehoiakim  when he (Neco) conquered Israel.Jehoiakim was the son of Josiah, the man who carried out various reforms in Israel. Jehoiakim was very lax in attitude, carefree and non – challant.

Meanwhile, by this time,(605 BC) Egypt had been defeated by Babylon under king Nebuchadnezzar. Consequently, Judah  automatically transferred its allegiance to Babylon. King Jehoiakim rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar reacted by sending a powerful contingency of the Chaldeans, Syrians, Moabites, and Ammonites to destroy Judah. Jehoiakim  died that same year before the arrival of the invaders, and was replaced  by Jehoiachin,his eighteen year old son. Nebuchadnezzar, in (598 BC) invaded Judah and took men of Judah, the mighty men of valor,as well as craftsmen and smiths. Also, the temple was looted as well as the king’s house, only the poorest and the aged were spared.

To make matters worse, Nebuchadnezzar made Mattaniah – Jehoiachin’s uncle, King in his stead and changed his name to Zedekiah. It was not long before Zedekiah rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah again, Zedekiah fled with his men, but was captured and tortured and his two sons were killed before him just before his two eyes plucked out. He was taken to Babylon, where he eventually died. Nebuchadnezzar sent his men to burn down Jerusalem including the temple walls. This time another batch of captives were taken to Babylon.

RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF A NATION AND NEHEMIAH’S ROLE IN 

RECONSTRUCTING THE NATION. NEH. 1;1-11, 2;9-20, 4;1-23.

Following the conquest of Israel by Babylon, Israel did not exist again as a nation. Most of the people were taken as captives to Babylon, though they were not enslaved and they settled in a particular area. Later Persia defeated Babylon, and became a world superpower. 

Babylon and all his empire were now under Persia. Cyrus, king of Persia stirred by the spirit of God, called on all Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the house of God. He equally called on people to assist them financially. He also returned five thousand four hundred and sixty- nine vessels of gold and silver which king Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple.

Following this decree, various patriots rose up to the occasion and played various roles which finally saw the establishment of Israel as a nation. Remarkable among them were Zerubabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah who led five thousand Jews to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple of God. Some people 

(Samaritans) tried to oppose what these men were doing : they were Bishlam, Mithreadath, and Tabeel. God was with these men and the work was completed.

Nehemiah being the cupbearer to the king used this position to seek permission to build the temple. His request was granted. Some people tried to frustrate their efforts, they were Sanballat, and Tobiah, but despite the opposition, the work was completed in fifty two days.

LESSONS TO LEARN

1. Their actions showed strong concern and commitment to God and their nation which are acts of patriotism.

2. We should not forget our responsibilities to others simply because we are in a comfortable position. Even as Nehemiah was a top ranking officer under Arxtaxerxes, he never forgot his duty.
3. Even in the midst of danger, we should not be afraid to perform our responsibilities. Nehemiah at the risk of death from armed opposition was not deterred in the service of his people.