05/29/2026
Release the Prisoners!
2 Chronicles 27:1 to 29:36
“Listen to me and return these prisoners you have taken, for they are your own relatives. Watch out, because now the Lord’s fierce anger has been turned against you!” (2 Chronicles 28:11)
Ahaz, king of Judah, had turned to idols, so the Lord allowed the kingdom of Israel to defeat him in battle. Many soldiers died, and their wives and children were taken, along with great plunder. The prophet Obed warned the Israelite soldiers to send the slaves back home, so the soldiers obeyed by clothing and feeding them before their release.
Prisoners of war were often badly treated in ancient times. No international standard existed for prisoner treatment the way it does today. But God’s Word was clear that the prisoners should be treated with kindness.
Where the prisoners of war expected judgment and mistreatment, they instead received food and clothing and even a return trip home! Instead of judgment, they found mercy. Anytime you choose to extend mercy to someone when you could judge them, you are setting a prisoner free and pleasing the Lord.
Show the same grace to others that God has shown to you.