2 Chronicles 35:21–22 (ESV) — 21 But he sent envoys to him, saying, “What have we to
do with each other, king of Judah? I am not coming against you this day, but
against the house with which I am at war. And God has commanded me to hurry.
Cease opposing God, who is with me, lest he destroy you.” 22 Nevertheless, Josiah did not turn away from him, but disguised himself
in order to fight with him. He did not listen to the words of Neco from the
mouth of God, but came to fight in the plain of Megiddo.
NOTE: This is a
difficult passage. First of all, Josiah is not condemned anywhere in scripture
for his action. It is likely that at this time, Josiah ruled all the land of
Israel, and not just Judah, so Neco did transverse his land. Neco produced
nothing to validate his claim as a prophet of God. Was it a necessary war? No,
he could have let Neco cross, so we might call it unjust. Why does not God save
him? Was it because he disguised himself? Not necessarily. In fact, God does
not interject himself in all the affairs of men, just the ones that are
peculiar to his will. God is sovereign, but that does not mean he interferes in
all activities; it only means that he could if he wished. For believers, the
bible does promise that God works for the good in all things, but that does not
say he is the cause of all things. They are two different things.
PRAYER: Father, I do
trust that you will intervene if it is absolutely necessary to your will, but
that most of your work in my life and my family is bringing good out of the
events and circumstances of our lives. Help us to learn and to be receptive to your
work.
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