Scripture to Read: Daniel 9:3–19
Israel was in captivity for seventy years because they disobeyed God’s command, which He gave to them through Moses in Leviticus 25:1–5. God even warned Israel in Leviticus 26:33–35 that if they disobeyed His command, He would allow them to be taken captive and removed from their land so that the land could get its rest. The Israelites chose not to obey God’s command, and God lovingly disciplined them (Hebrews 12:5–11) according to the years they did not give the land the rest He commanded them to give it. God was incredibly patient with the nation of Israel because they were allowed to live in the land of Israel for 490 years. During those 490 years, the Israelites never let the land rest according to God’s command in Leviticus 25:1–5. That is why God sent them into seventy years of exile; they did not obey Him and allow the land to rest every seventh year. It’s just as foolish today, though, when God’s children choose to disobey Him and His Word. We bring suffering into our lives when we decide not to follow God’s commands. God has given us His Word so that we have no excuse for not knowing what He expects from us each day of our lives. God shows us in Galatians 5, Ephesians 4, Colossians 3, and Philippians 2 how we are to crucify our fleshly desires, choose a Christ-like attitude daily, and walk in the fullness of His power through His Holy Spirit in us. We know what He has commanded; we just need to obey it.
Challenge & Application
• Why had Israel been sent into exile and taken out of their land, and who allowed this exile to take place?
• How should we live each day, and what will God do to us when we choose to disobey Him? (See Hebrews 12:5–11 for help.)
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!