2 Chronicles 36: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Chronicles 36 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

2 Chronicles chapter 36 concludes the historical account of Judah and highlights the tragic fall of Jerusalem. It describes the final kings of Judah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jeconiah, and Zedekiah, detailing their reigns marked by disobedience and infidelity to God. The chapter explains how the people's persistent sin led to divine judgment, culminating in the destruction of the temple and the city by the Babylonians.

Key verse

“but they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and scoffed at his prophets, until Yahweh’s wrath arose against his people, until there was no remedy.”
2 Chronicles 36:16 (WEB)

Outline

2 Chronicles 36:1–3 Jehoahaz Becomes King
2 Chronicles 36:4–7 Jehoiakim's Reign and Idolatry
2 Chronicles 36:8–10 Jehoiachin's Short Rule
2 Chronicles 36:11–14 Zedekiah's Rebellion
2 Chronicles 36:15–19 God's Judgment Declared
2 Chronicles 36:20–21 Exile to Babylon
2 Chronicles 36:22–23 Cyrus's Decree

Discussion questions

In v1, who do the people of the land make king in place of Josiah?
In v9, how old is Jehoiachin when he begins to reign?
Zedekiah’s rebellion in v13: what does it indicate about his relationship with Nebuchadnezzar?
The phrase 'until there was no remedy' in v16: what does it suggest about the people's response to God's messengers?
When have you ignored a warning despite multiple reminders, as seen in v15?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Chronicles 36: 2 Kings 24, Ezra 1, Leviticus 26.

Before next time: read Ezra 1.