This chapter is all about leadership and timing.  God has some tough words for the kings at the time, and some encouraging words for their successors.  The bottom line is:  God has a leader in mind for the position.  If God was choosing the leaders, what was the people’s responsibility in leadership?

Verses 12-13, “Therefore in that day the Lord God of hosts called you to weeping and wailing, to shaving the head and to wearing sackcloth.  Instead there is gaiety and gladness...”

Solomon said (and so did the Byrds) that there is a time and season for everything.  Often, we feel guilty for being sad.  As if sadness is not something we Christians should feel.  This verse warns us:  If God has called us to weeping, we should not forsake that calling and live in celebration.  The opposite is true:  If God is calling us to rejoice, let us not be downtrodden!  

Now the question:  What has God called you to today?
Why would God call us to weeping (look at the entry for chapter 20 for help)
How could the people have avoided the judgment of verse 14?