The Israelites Lose the Temple 

As a family, read 2 Kings 25:1-21 together. Afterwards, share the following discussion.

What happened?

The events in this week’s Scripture reading happened during one of the most discouraging times in Israel’s history.  Remember that the nation of Israel is God’s chosen people.  God would use Israel to reveal Himself and provide a Savior to all mankind.  But in today’s passage, that plan seemed impossible because Israel had been fighting against the Babylonian Empire.  In fact, the Babylonians had put Jerusalem under siege for over three years.  You see, the city of Jerusalem is completely surrounded by walls, which meant the Babylonians could not get into the city to fight the Israelites.  So, the Babylonians blocked the city from getting any food or supplies.

After three years, the city of Jerusalem was totally out of food.  King Zedekiah fled the city with all his men through a break in the city walls, leaving his city and his people in the hands of the Babylonians.  That was a despicable thing for a king to do.  But the Babylonians caught and punished the king.

And – just when you thought things were bad enough for the Israelites – it got worse!  Years later, King Nebuchadnezzar sent his captain to destroy the temple in Jerusalem, Israel’s most prized possession and location. The captain spread relics and pieces of the temple across all of the Babylonian Empire to make an example of the Israelites, preventing them from worshiping as God intended. The Israelites then found themselves without a home or place to worship. This week’s story ends here, but the big story that God is writing about the Israelites is far from over.

Why is this important to us today?

The people of Israel lost everything – their homes, their temple, their king – their entire way of life was wiped away. Surely their faith was tested, wasn’t it?  When we learn that Israel loses its most prized possession, the temple, what comes to mind? Let’s put it into today’s context.  What if our church building burned to the ground, and we couldn’t meet together anymore?  Wouldn’t that be terrible? But it was even more than that for Israel. The temple was the place where God’s presence came to meet with His people. Without the temple, the average person had no way to communicate with God. It was an important place!  As followers of Christ, we live daily in the presence of God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We are the temple of God!

Spend a few minutes talking about what you just read by answering these questions together:

1. Where and how do you meet with God and enjoy His presence?

2. What does having faith in God mean to you?  Does this mean that you follow God only when times are easy or also when they are tough?

3. What do you think would happen to your faith in God if you lost everything you knew and loved?  Would it be tested and strengthened, or would you become weak and not follow God?

How can we better follow God this week?

Sometimes we don’t truly appreciate what we have until it’s gone. Stop right now and talk with one another about the blessings God has given each of you.

Did anyone in your family express gratitude for living in the presence of God? How does knowing He is always with you affect your thoughts or attitude about the upcoming week?

Throughout this week, look for ways that God is blessing you. Make a commitment to thank Him each day for at least one thing He’s provided in your life. Being continually thankful will keep you mindful of His continual presence.