The Fall And Captivity of Judah
July 23, 2020
Commentary
Babylon conquered Assyria and became the new world power. In the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar marched against Jerusalem and surrounded it (vv. 1-3). After 18 months of siege the Babylonians broke through the wall and completely destroyed the city. Zedekiah and the remaining soldiers fled by night through a gate in the wall and headed toward the Jordan Valley. However, they were overtaken and captured near Jericho. They were taken to Nebuchadnezzar’s field headquarters north of Damascus in Syria. Nebuchadnezzar slaughtered Zedekiah’s sons before his eyes. Then he was blinded and taken to Babylon which would make further rebellion virtually impossible (vv. 4-7).
About four weeks after the breakthrough into the city Nebuchadnezzar sent his imperial guard to Jerusalem. They burned every important building including the temple and the royal palace. Then they proceeded to break down the city walls so they could not defend themselves against their Babylonian conquerors. Anything that was made of gold, silver or brass was taken as spoil (vv. 13-17). The leading citizens of the city, who had probably been leaders in resisting Nebuchadnezzar were also taken into exile. The only people left were the poorest farmers who were to keep the land from growing completely wild.
Application
There is a time coming when Israel will be proud of belonging to God (v. 5). I should be proud now to be one of His and be delighted to let everyone know about my relationship with Him.
Isaiah 44:1– 8 (NET)
1 “Now, listen, Jacob my servant, Israel whom I have chosen!”
2 This is what the Lord, the one who made you, says— the one who formed you in the womb and helps you: “Don’t be afraid, my servant Jacob, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
3 For I will pour water on the parched ground and cause streams to flow on the dry land. I will pour my Spirit on your offspring and my blessing on your children.
4 They will sprout up like a tree in the grass, like poplars beside channels of water.
5 One will say, ‘I belong to the Lord,’ and another will use the name ‘Jacob.’ One will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and use the name ‘Israel.’”
6 This is what the Lord, Israel’s king, says, their Protector, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies: “I am the first and I am the last, there is no God but me.
7 Who is like me? Let him make his claim! Let him announce it and explain it to me— since I established an ancient people — let them announce future events.
8 Don’t panic! Don’t be afraid! Did I not tell you beforehand and decree it? You are my witnesses! Is there any God but me? There is no other sheltering rock; I know of none.
Illustration: A Little Boy Wrote God a Letter Requesting 10000
A Little Boy wanted $100.00 badly and prayed to God for a whole week, but nothing happened. So, he decided to write God a letter requesting the $100.00. When the Post Office got the letter addressed to God they forwarded it on to the Whitehouse. The President was very impressed, touched and amused so he instructed his aid to send the boy $5.00. He thought $5.00 would be a lot to the little boy. The boy was, indeed, delighted by the money. He sat down and wrote a thank you note immediately, which read: Dear God, Thank you very much for sending the money. However, I noticed that for some reason you had to send it through Washington and, as usual, they kept most of it. (From bucket of Surprises by John and Mark Stibbe)