The Fall of Jerusalem

II Kings Chapter 25

King Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon and King Nebuchadnezzar led his army against Jerusalem and kept it under siege for several years. The famine became very severe and the last of the food gone. A section of the city wall was broken and the soldiers made plans to escape but since they were surrounded by Babylonians, they had to wait until nighfall and made a mad dash across the fields. But the Babylonians chased them and caught the king on the plains of Jericho and most of his men had abandoned him. The king of Babylon made Zedekiah watch as his sons were killed, then they gouged out his eyes and led him away in chains to Babylon.

Nabuzaradan, captain of the Babylonian guard arrived in Jerusalem and burned down the Temple of the Lord, the palace and all the houses of Jerusalem. Then they tore down the city walls and took as exiles all who remained in the city. But some of the poorest of people were allowed to stay behind in Judah to care for the vineyards and fields. The Babylonians broke up the bronze pillars, water carts and bronze Sea that were in the Lord's Temple. They took all pots, dishes and utensils made of gold or silver. The captain of the guard also took the chief priest as prisoner and many others as described in verses 18 through 20.

King Nebuchadnezzar named Gedaliah as governor over the people left in Judah. Gedaliah vowed to the people that the officials meant them no harm. He asked that they serve the king of Babylon and everything would go welll for them. But in midautumn, Ishmael who was of the royal family, went to Mizpah with ten men and assassinated Gedaliah and everyone with him. Then all the people of Judah fled in panic to Egypt.

After thirty-seven years in exile in Babylon, King Jehoiachin was released by Evil-merodach. He spoke kindly to Jehoiachin and gave him new clothes and let him dine at the king's table for the rest of his life. He also gave Jehoiachin an allowance to cover his expenses until the day of his death.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Israel's last hope of gaining back its land was gone. Judah's early kingdom was demolished. But prophets like Ezekiel and Daniel were captives and through them God was able to keep his spiritual kingdom alive in the hearts of the exiles.

Evil-merodach, son of Nebuchadnezzar treated Jehoiachin with kindness. But this king was killed in a plot by hsi brother in law who succeeded him to the throne.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? If the time comes when our world becomes desensitized to right and wrong and we can no longer discern God's purpose for our lives, we may fail like the people of Judah and Israel. But God is always there to help us straighten out and begin all over. God is ready and willing to help Christians everywhere in the world. And all we have to do is acknowledge our sins and be ready to accept his love.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
My niece Suzanne who was in a terrible car accident and is in the hospital with many broken bones. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues..
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.