Josiah and Jehoiakim

2 Kings 22; Jer. 36
It was when Israel mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and misused His prophets that the wrath of the Lord arose against His people till there was no remedy. Josiah and Jehoiakim reigned over Judah just before the Babylonian captivity. The judgments of God were at the door.
We have in the history of these two kings the important contrast in the way each received the testimony given to them. In Josiah we have the subjection of heart which God always honors, and in Jehoiakim that insubjection which He always judges. The history of man proves that whether God speaks in the way of commandment, or in the way of threatening, or in mercy, His words are despised. There are many exceptions as in the case of Josiah, the inhabitants of Nineveh, etc., but generally rebellion is the course man takes. This has been the case from the beginning, and continues to be so and will continue so long as the god of this world blinds the minds of men.