And so it all comes to an end. Jeremiah saw the fall of Jerusalem in his lifetime, but, of course, did not see the return from exile. The text in this chapter reads like stuff we see in 1 and 2 Kings and adds the historical context to the prophecy.
Zedekiah did evil in the eyes of the Lord, as had other kings. It was the disobedience of the rulers and the people that led to the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem. We need to appreciate that the moral state of a nation determines the destiny of a nation.
The city was besieged by Nebuchadnezzar, and was so for about two years, during which time conditions became terrible. Food ran out and then the city wall was breached. The army, along with Zedekiah, tried to escape, but failed.
Zedekiah saw the death of his family, had his eyes gouged out, and was then held prisoner for the rest of his life.
The temple and many important buildings were burnt down. Much of the temple fittings were carried off to Babylon.
4, 600 people were taken into exile in total, many more must have died.
Unlike Zedekiah, Jehoiachin got off quite lightly and seems to have lived quite well. Maybe he was lucky to have reigned for only three months, not having time to do much wrong.
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