Concern for one Nation

A nation as a corporate entity undergoes some turbulent times. This may be political, economic or social problem. It is in the face of the problem that people show love for their nation by identifying themselves with its problem and proffering solution. In the series of the battle that led to the final destruction of Judah Pharaoh Necho of Egypt was the first to come up against the land. Pharaoh Necho made Eliakim king in place of his brother Jehoahaz and changed his name to Jehoiakim. He took Jehoahaz away to Egypt where he eventually died. Subsequently, Egypt was defeated by Babylon under king Nebuchadnezzar for three years before he rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar sent a contingent of Chaldeans, Syrians, Moabites and Ammonites to destroy Judah. It is worthy to note that it had earlier been prophesied that the Lord would send enemies that would destroy Judah because of the atrocities of the king.

Jehoiakim died before the arrival of the invaders. His eighteen year old son, Jehoaichin reigned in his place like his father, he did what was evil in the sight of God. When Nebuchadnezzar besieged the city he took him captive and carried out all the treasures in the house of the Lord. He carried away all the mighty men of valor. Only the poorest groups were left. The king passed sentence against him. They slew his two sons and removed his eyes, he later burned the house of the Lord and all the good buildings in Jerusalem.

Response to the State of the Nation (Nehemiah 1:1-11)

Following the conquest of Israel by Babylon Israel did not exist again as a nation. The captives of Israel settled in a particular area in Babylon most of them eventually attained positions of importance in the government of the land. Later, Persia defeated Babylon and became world super power. During the first year of king Cyrus, king of Persia, God stirred his spirit and he issued decree for all the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the house of the Lord. Various Jewish patriots rose to the occasion and played various roles which finally saw the establishment of Israel as a nation. Some people rose up and mounted stiff opposition and made several attempts to frustrate the people’s efforts but they kept on succeeding because of God was with them.

Reasons for the Positive Response of the Jews to Return Home

1. The people had the feeling that home is home coupled with the spirit of nationalism.
2. In a foreign land, they could not freely practise their culture and religion
3. Slavery is a curse to any people
4. It shows the fulfillment of God’s promise

EVALUATION

1. What led to the freedom of Israelites in Babylon?