The last five verses of the Book of Jeremiah. The release of Jehoiachin, king of Judah, in the 37th year of his exile. Was he in captivity for 37 years? Jeremiah, a book of judgment, ends with a wonderful note of grace.
There was a curse on Jehoiachin. Read Jeremiah 22.24-30. 'This is what the LORD says: Record this man as if childless, a man who will not prosper in his lifetime...' But he did prosper. He is included in the lineage of Jesus Christ, Matt 1.12. Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel. He produced several sons. God can turn a curse into a blessing. There is nothing impossible for Him!
Evil-Merodach released Jehoiachin from prison on the 25th day of the 12th month. [Well, that is not December 25th!] The king of Babylon spoke kindly to him. He gave him a seat of honour higher than those of the other kings who were in Babylon. Jehoiachin put aside his prison clothes and for the rest of his life he ate regularly at the king's table. [Reminds you of Mephibosheth, doesn't it? But even more, it reminds us of Joseph who came out of prison in Genesis 41.]Moreover, Jehoiachin got a regular allowance from the king of Babylon every day, as long as he lived, till the day of his death.
There is obviously a deep message here. From prison to throne, from barrenness to fruitfulness, from curse to blessing. This is the work of the Cross. This is the experience of Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
