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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