History

Embedding the Bible is about learning how to live in a relationship with God. It is also about knowing God and allowing Him to guide our lives. When we embed the Bible, we learn about God’s love, His plan, Jesus, how to treat others, how to manage money, how to be family, and much more. Embedding the Bible also means getting a sense of the history and the story of the Bible. Reading Jeremiah brings us into encounters with the last five kings of Judah before captivity. When we know who they are, it makes reading Jeremiah easier. So, in order of their reign, starting with Josiah, where Jeremiah began, the last five kings are… Josiah, a godly king who brought reform to Judah and removed the idols from the worship of the people. He died in battle against Pharaoh Neco. Jehoahaz (also called Shallum) was King Josiah’s son who reigned for three months. Pharaoh Neco took him off the throne and carried him into Egypt as a captive. Johoiakim was King Josiah’s son who did not follow in the footsteps of his father. He followed idols and led the people away from God. He died a disgraceful death and was given the burial of a donkey. Jehoiachin was Johoiakim’s son who was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar and spent thirty- seven years in prison. And finally, Zedekiah was Josiah’s son and the last king in Judah. He was also an idol worshipper and led the people away from God. He was placed on the throne by Nebuchadnezzar after Jehoiachin was taken captive. Eventually, he would be taken captive to Babylon where he would see his sons die.