2 Chronicles 36:2-4

2 Chronicles 36:2–4 (ESV): “2 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. 3 Then the king of Egypt deposed him in Jerusalem and laid on the land a tribute of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. 4 And the king of Egypt made Eliakim his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem, and changed his name to Jehoiakim.”

All earthly kings are “puppet kings,” serving to accomplish God’s will. Whether good or evil, the Lord will use them as He sees fit.

After Josiah died, his son Jehoahaz was enthroned by the people of Judah. God rejected him as king and allowed Neco, the king of Egypt, to carry him off to captivity. The Lord used Neco to enthrone Eliakim in Judah. Neco changed his name to Jehoiakim, and he reigned over Judah for eleven years until Nebuchadnezzar overtook Egypt. The Babylonians were now in control of Judah. Nebuchadnezzar enthroned Jehoachin for three months and then replaced him with Zedekiah, who rebelled against Babylon. It was game over for Judah at this point. They were carried away to Babylon just as had been prophesied to Hezekiah! God ultimately enthroned and used all these rulers to accomplish His will.

Who do you think is really in control of the world today? All authority is given by God (Rom 13:1-4). Not a single ruler is enthroned without God allowing it. The enemy might try to outmaneuver God, but it will not stand. God will always prevail and use what the enemy means for evil for good. Relax… God has your best interest in mind, and He will cover you no matter who is enthroned and ruling. The enemy always loses. Amen?

Father, what a glorious truth it is to know You are in control. Protect our hearts from believing otherwise. The enemy is defeated, and You will accomplish Your purposes. We believe and trust in You always, in Jesus’ name, amen.