Notes: April 27, 2009

The Fall of Jerusalem

Today’s reading is longer than usual as we examine the collapse of Judah from several Biblical perspectives.

Jeremiah 39

  • The seige of Jerusalem began in Zedekiah’s 9th year, and continued to his 11th year as king (v. 1-2).
  • When the Babylonian army entered Jerusalem, many Israelites fled the city; but the invading army pursued and captured them (v. 3-5).
  • King Zedekiah witnessed the execution of his sons; this was the last thing he saw before the Babylonians put out his eyes (v. 6-7).
  • Poverty has it’s perks. The poorest of the people were not carried away to Babylon. Instead they were given farmland to tend (v. 8-10).
  • Jeremiah was well-treated by the Babylonians, at King Nebuchadnezzar’s command (v. 11-14).
  • Ebedmelech, the Ethiopian who had interceded on Jeremiah’s behalf to King Zedekiah, received word that he, too, would live (v. 15-18).

Jeremiah 52

  • The Babylonians ransacked the temple and removed all the precious metals (v. 17-23).
  • Chief leaders of Judah’s government were executed, priests, eunuchs, scribes and more (v. 24-27).
  • At various times the Babylonians sent hundreds of Israelite captives to Babylon. The total was 4,600 (v. 28-30).

2 Kings 25

  • The siege of Jerusalem brought famine to the city (v. 1-4).
  • The Babylonians appointed a governor over the devastated land (v. 22).

2 Chronicles 36

  • Zedekiah was a young and wicked king who rebelled against God and the powerful Babylonians (v. 11-13).
  • His people followed his lead and sinned openly against the Lord (v. 14).
  • When God sent prophets to correct the people, they mocked and misused the messengers of God and despised His words (v. 15-16).
  • Therefore God brought the Chaldeans against Judah (v. 17-20).
  • Thus God’s word through Jeremiah was fulfilled; and the land was desolate for 70 years (v. 21)

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