“and for his allowance, a regular allowance was given him by the king, a portion for each day, all the days of his life.” 2 Kings 25:30
This is the last verse of 2nd Kings. Though much of the Book is devoted to Israel, the Northern Kingdom, their Immediate Plunge into Apostasy, and subsequent conquering and captivity by Assyria; and a more gradual and slow decline there by the Kingdom of Judah, with its “High Water Mark” Kings like Hezekiah and Josiah, its “Low Water Mark” Kings like Manasseh and Josiah’s Heirs, and ultimate Captivity to Babylon – it ends on a Happy Note!
In the kindness of God, King Jehoiachin is released from prison and shown favor by the King of Babylon. Though he “did evil in the sight of the Lord”, and would also spend 37 years of his life in prison, he was only 18 and had reigned just 3 months when taken captive. This may seem harsh, but he would not suffer the same fate of his father and uncle. Instead, he would be shown extraordinary favor by Babylon’s King, and also be included in the kingly line of Christ!
The Prophet Habakkuk prayed “Lord…in wrath remember mercy.” No doubt, this kindness was in answer to his prayer. May God also Remember us during our difficult times!