January 28, 2026
The book of Daniel begins with the announcement that “King Nebuchadnezzar came to Jerusalem to besiege it.” What a way to begin – war, death, and destruction. But why? Jerusalem was the place God’s chosen people met and worshiped Him.
We are told why in 2 Kings 21:1-6 Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, following the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he also erected altars to Baal and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. He bowed down to all the starry hosts and worshiped them. He built altars in the temple of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, “In Jerusalem I will put my Name.” In the two courts of the temple of the Lord, he built altars to all the starry hosts. He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger. King Manasseh was the worst king Judah had but Jehoiakim and Zedekiah also did evil. What kind of evil? Idolatry, child sacrifice, sorcery, divination, and spiritists. It all has to do with the occult; clearly satanic. These were activities practiced by those who occupied what became the Promised Land. God brought judgment upon them for those activities through Joshua. How was it that Judah thought they could practice the same wicked activities and defy God and His prophets who warned them to repent and escape judgment?
God is just and will not turn a blind eye to sin, be it “His chosen” or pagans. Defying God and indulging in rebellion is the pathway to destruction for both individuals and nations.
My question for you is: What practices listed above in 2 Kings is America not practicing? Is there a warning for us? Can we expect to be blessed or cursed?
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Today, 4:30 Confirmation class.
Sunday 1, 9:00 Morning worship and Holy Communion.
10:15 Sunday school.
Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran
Our service also airs on: KGLO 1300 AM at 10:00 AM, and KIOW 107.3 FM at 7:00 AM. Spread the word.
If you have an article or God sighting you would like to share with the congregation please submit it for publication in the Briefings.pastorbob@pilotknob.org
