For two years the Babylonians surrounded the city of Jerusalem and built siege ramps against its walls. After they finally broke through, the city was completely at their disposal. About a month later the captain of the guard burned God’s temple down.
He burned down the Temple of the Lord, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem. He destroyed all the important buildings in the city. 2 Kings 25:9
This may not be a subject that interests you. But in this chapter, we can learn quite a bit about how the enemy works. Even the enemy of our souls.
Then he supervised the entire Babylonian army as they tore down the walls of Jerusalem on every side. 2 Kings 25:10
After the Babylonians burned and destroyed the interior of the city, they removed the exterior defense system. Then, it wasn’t long until they took everyone captive.
Then Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, took as exiles the rest of the people who remained in the city, the defectors who had declared their allegiance to the king of Babylon, and the rest of the population. 2 Kings 25:11
The Articles of Worship in God’s Temple – Destroyed
The enemy didn’t stop at just burning God’s temple. They also destroyed and carried away the items God’s people used in their worship of the Lord.
- The Babylonians broke up the bronze pillars in front of the Lord’s Temple,
- The bronze water carts, and the great bronze basin called the Sea,
- And they carried all the bronze away to Babylon.
- They also took all the ash buckets, shovels, lamp snuffers, ladles,
- And all the other bronze articles used for making sacrifices at the Temple.
- The captain of the guard also took the incense burners and basins,
- and all the other articles made of pure gold or silver. 2 Kings 25:13-15
Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, took many of the important people to the king of Babylon at Riblah.
And there at Riblah, in the land of Hamath, the king of Babylon had them all put to death. 2 Kings 25:21
He had something other than death planned for King Zedekiah.
They made Zedekiah watch as they slaughtered his sons. Then they gouged out Zedekiah’s eyes, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon. 2 Kings 25:7
I know what you have just read was not uplifting to say the least. But since you have read this far, stick with me for the spiritual application.
Guard God’s Temple
In 2 Kings we focused on a temple structure built by Solomon. The New Testament though, speaks of God’s temple built by Him.
Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
You are God’s temple! No one can take that away from you. Satan can’t steal it from you. You can, however, forfeit it to follow him.
Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Ephesians 2:20-21
Guard Your Heart
Satan will do everything he can to corrupt and destroy our spiritual interior. Jesus addressed the “religious people” who had sold themselves out to the ways of the devil.
For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44
Don’t Let Down Your Defenses
The army of Babylon knocked down the outer walls of Jerusalem. Satan also wants to totally tear down our spiritual exterior defense system as well.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9
The enemy wants to take everything associated with the Lord away from us. Even our very lives. But Jesus has a better plan for us.
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10
You, God’s Temple Belong to the Lord
Satan will use every possible means to trip us up and destroy us. He’ll even try to use other people. But take heart, Jesus is much greater than them.
You belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 1 John 4:4
I have one last thought on this subject. We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world.
Revelation tells us that the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth defeated. How?
And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. Revelation 12:11
The enemy will try to destroy us, God’s temple, by using words. Why? Because he knows we can defeat him by the words of our testimony.
Lord, protect us from the wiles of the enemy. Thank you for the testimony of our salvation. If need be, give us the courage to speak it out.
In 1 Corinthians 3:16 tells us that we are the temple of God. Read about it in a post called Is The Church Ready Now For Christ’s Return?
Check out these other adventures found in 2 Kings.
- Being In The Presence Of God – 12 Kings 17:21
- Manasseh King Of Judah Strayed Far From God – 2 Kings 1-2
- Are You One Who Has Aroused God’s Anger Lately? – 2 Kings 21:6
- Being in The Presence Of God Is Your Goal – 2 Kings 24:3
Take the time to read all of 2 Kings 25.
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