Reading for October 22nd

A good king and a bad community Chs 34-35: These two chapters contrast the failure of the king and people to obey God's word (ch 34) with exemplary fidelity of a small group of people called Rechabites (ch 35). The former group faces the dire consequences of infeidelity, and the latter group gains a future because of fidelity. Both stories are set during the Babylonian invasion, but the behavior they describe concerns consequences in the exilic present. Read Jeremiah 34.1-22. Jerusalem is under attack. In verses 6-7: Only the fortress cities of Lachish and Azekah have not fallen to the Babylonians. The times are dire. In verses 8-10: Zedekiah proclaims the freedom of Judean slaves, according to the law and God's command (Deut 15.12-14). At first all the people followed, but then they changed their minds, so they will go into slavery. In verses 18-20: They will be cut up like a sacrificial animal in a covenant offering. Comments or Quetions..