2 Chronicles 34-36

The biggest problem with this passage is that we are only given the narrowest picture of life in Judah. Manasseh wicked premissiveness had so permeated the land that even the whole-hearted righteousness of Josiah for 31 years was not enough to turn the hearts of the people back to God. Though Josiah outlived the generation from the end of his evil father's rule he was unable to lead the revival that Judah needed to restore their relationship with God. Only an exile would bring about God's purpose. I wonder how Josiah felt when the words of the prophetess were brought back. Did he wonder if he could persuade God to relent? Did he bargin like Abram did over Sodom? Did he plead with his sons like Lot did with his daughter's betrothed? I can't see him taking comfort in know that he would not live to see God's punishment.
It took me two different settings today to read this passage. I kept being interrupted.  It probabaly took me a total of 20 minutes to read it.
Stuart