Daily Devotionals

Charles Spurgeon's "Morning & Evening"

Devotional: July 22nd

Morning

“The way of the ungodly shall perish.”

2 Kings 24:6-9 , 2 Kings 24:11 , 2 Kings 24:12

2 Kings 24:11 , 2 Kings 24:12

That is to say, the eighth year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. Jehoiachin saw the utter uselessness of holding out against the potent Babylonian, and probably hoped that he would be reinstated as a vassal prince, but Nebuchadnezzar’s temper had been too much tried by Judah’s affinity with Egypt, and he took both the king and all the better part of the population of Jerusalem as prisoners to Babylon. This was a second and more sweeping captivity. All this had been foretold by the prophet Jeremiah, though they would not hearken to him. Those who will not regard warnings must perish hopelessly. Thus plainly and plaintively had the messenger of the Lord spoken.

Jeremiah 22:21-30

Jeremiah 22:21 , Jeremiah 22:22

Like a parching wind, the Chaldeans would wither all; not pasture only, but pastors also, would be destroyed; Judah’s helpers should all fail her. The hope of the wicked is gone like dew from the grass when the summer’s sun burns overhead.

Jeremiah 22:23

The cedar palace could not shelter the king. He was very graceful in his pomp, but little grace would he or his people get from the invader.

Jeremiah 22:28

His people idolized him, and God broke down his power and pride

Jeremiah 22:28

is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure? a broken, worthless pot:

Jeremiah 22:29 , Jeremiah 22:30

Sad doom for a grandson of holy Josiah. His own sin and his father’s sin, blotted out their names from the roll of genealogy, for had not the prophetic roll been destroyed by them? May none of our household provoke the Lord. May a godly father be followed by pious sons, for Jesus’ sake, Amen.

Kingdoms and thrones to God belong,

Crown him, ye nations, in your song:

His wondrous names and powers rehearse;

His honours shall enrich your verse.

Proclaim him” king, pronounce him bless’d;

He’s your defence, your joy, your rest;

When terrors rise and nations faint,

God is the strength of every saint

Evening

“In the days of famine they shall be satisfied.”

Jeremiah 37:1-8 , Jeremiah 37:11-21

After Jehoiakim’s son had been removed, another son of Josiah came to the throne.

Jeremiah 37:1 , Jeremiah 37:2

Amazing folly! They would not see, though the judgments of God stared them in the face.

Jeremiah 37:3

He wanted his prayers, but not his sermons. How like the ungodly of our days! Zedekiah had broken his solemn oath to the Babylonian king, and well might he fear his just anger; and moreover the people had followed the abominations of the heathen, so that the eleven years’ reign of Zedekiah had been a great provocation to the Lord.

Jeremiah 37:11 , Jeremiah 37:12

Intending to wander hither and thither as a witness that Jerusalem was unsafe to dwell in.

Jeremiah 37:13-15

They were willing to make prisons of their private houses, but they had no room for the worship of the Lord.

Jeremiah 37:16 , Jeremiah 37:17

When Jeremiah was entered into the dungeon, and into the cabins, or vaulted cells in the pit

Thus boldly did the good man speak: we should always be brave in the Lord’s cause.

Jeremiah 37:18-21

Thus was the promise fulfilled, “in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.” God takes care that those who serve him well shall not starve.

To be sung or read

104th

Though troubles assail, and dangers affright,

Though friends should all fail, and foes all unite;

Yet one thing secures us, whatever betide,

The Scripture assures us, “The Lord will provide.”

When Satan appears, to stop up our path,

And fill us with fears, we triumph by faith:

He cannot take from us, though oft he has tried,

This heart cheering promise, “The Lord will provide.”