August 3rd~Cautious or Careless

Zephaniah 2:8-3:20


2 Chronicles 35:20-27

2 Kings 23:29, 30

Jeremiah 47:1-48:47

The great King Josiah was killed. Tucked away in the middle of prophecies from Zephaniah and Jeremiah was the account of the king’s unfortunate demise. When Josiah heard that King Neco of Egypt was nearby, in the northern valley of Megiddo, he was alarmed to the danger of invasion. What good king wouldn’t be concerned?

However, Neco was not there to attack God’s people; rather he was there to assist the Assyrians against the Babylonians at Carchemish. He warned Josiah not to interfere. “What do you want with me, King of Judah? I have no quarrel with you! I only want to fight the nation with which I am at war. God has told me to hurry. Do not interfere with God, who is with me, or He will destroy you” (2 Chronicles 35:21).

When Josiah heard Neco’s warning, he did not believe it. Military leaders will say all sorts of things to maintain the advantage over their enemies. Josiah would not fall for that trick, especially when Neco stated that God was on his side. After God had blessed all of Josiah’s efforts, he knew that the Lord was with His people. Why would He be assisting the Egyptians? Thus, he refused to listen to Neco’s words.

Nonetheless, we are told that the Lord had indeed spoken to Neco and ordered him to Carchemish (v.22). How? We do not know, perhaps a vision, a dream, or a prophet. God was not assisting Egypt to gain victory over Judah or even the Babylonians; rather He was leading these nations into destruction. Still, how was Josiah to know that? Simple, all he had to do was inquire of the Lord and ask about His plans.

While I do not blame King Josiah for being alarmed or for leading his army out to war. He was simply protecting his nation from an apparent invader. However, I do find it odd that Josiah went to war without seeking God’s direction.

He assumed that he knew what was taking place and that it was right to enter the fight. He was wrong. His assumptions led his men into danger and set matters into motion for his death. After Josiah was pierced by an arrow, he was hurried off the battlefield, back to his palace in Jerusalem, where he soon died.

The great King Josiah was dead and the people mourned. Jeremiah wrote funeral songs that the people sung for decades. They understood how this man’s right actions had been a protection for their country. They were also aware of the prophecies, that their destruction was near. With Josiah out of the way, their time was short.

Daily Reflection

Have you ever gotten into trouble because you assumed that you knew what was best? Have you made a decision without inquiring of the Lord only to make things worse? Explain.

How do you avoid the trouble of false assumptions, of thinking you know what God is doing? How do you ensure this doesn’t happen to you?

Assume nothing, but, instead, pray. Acting upon assumptions is unwise and rarely ends well. Be cautious rather than careless, lest the enemy stick an arrow in you.

BiAY.org | Day 215 — 150 Days to Go