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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To be kind, or not to be? That was the question.

Jeremiah 34

• Zedekiah learns that he will live, but that he will be captured by the Babylonians (v. 1-7).
• The people are told to be kind to their poorer country men (v. 8-10).
• After a period of obedience, the rulers reverse their decision and again oppress the poor (v. 11).
• God condemns their unkindness and promises death and destruction for the uncharitable ones (v. 12-22)

Meditation Points:

• “Buyer’s remorse” is the phrase that salesmen use to describe why many products are returned for a refund. These princes had “Saint’s remorse”—they were sorry that they had done right (v. 11).
• How bad would the judgment of God be? A scorched earth policy (v. 22).

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The Righteous Branch

Jeremiah 33

• The salvation and restoration of God’s people will cause the nations to fear God (v. 1-9)
• The barren land shall be filled with life again (v. 10-13).
• This salvation comes because of the Messiah’s government (v. 14-26).

Meditation Point:

How certain is this promise of salvation? As sure as the sun  (Jeremiah 33:20-21).

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Is anything too hard for God?

Jeremiah 32

• The imprisoned prophet enters the real estate market (v. 1-15).
• Jeremiah laments the sins which have brought God’s judgment upon the land (v. 16-25).
• God confirms the judgment, but promises deliverance (v. 26-44).

Meditation point:

Is anything too hard for the Lord? (Jeremiah 32:17, 27)

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