Jerusalem is Captured

Jeremiah 52:1–11
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R.C. Sproul gives us a simple way to grasp God’s holiness: “The first prayer I learned as a child was the simple table grace: ’God is great, God is good, and we thank Him for this food.’ The two virtues assigned to God in this prayer, greatness and goodness, may be captur … More

Captured

It is thought that chapter 52 of the book of Jeremiah was written approximately 25 years after the rest of the book. No one knows for sure who wrote this chapter but it is thought that he was also responsible for completing the book of II Kings. It is nearly identical to II Kings 24:18 - 25:30. Whoever this writer was, it is obvious that the Holy Spirit guided him to include this chapter.

The history of Judah’s final king is summarized in this chapter. Zedekiah became king when he was 21 years old and he reigned for 11 years (v. 1). Zedekiah disobeyed the Lord, just as Jehoiakim had done (v. 2) and it was Zedekiah who finally rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar (v. 3). In the 11th year of his reign Nebuchadnezzar began the final take over of Jerusalem (v. 4). This was Zedekiah’s ninth year as king when Nebuchadnezzar attacked Jerusalem. Things became very severe as the food ran out (vv. 5-6), and the Babylonians broke through the city wall (v.7). The same night Zedekiah and his soldiers tried to escape and headed toward the Jordan River valley but the Babylonian troops caught up with them and Zedekiah was arrested (v. 8). He was taken to Riblah, put on trial, and found guilty (v. 9). His sons were killed while he watched (v. 10). Then his eyes were poked out, he was put in chains, he was dragged to Babylon and kept in prison until he died (v. 11).

Jerusalem was captured in Nebuchadnezzar’s 19th year of reign (v. 12). A month later they burned down the Lord’s temple, the kings palace and every important building in the city (v. 13). Then the walls of Jerusalem were broken down (v. 14) ans the people were let away (v. 15). Only the poor people were left to work the vineyards (v. 16).

Application

Can I picture myself living in Jerusalem during this time? Would I throw up my hands and give up or would I look at this as a challenge? Some of my darkest hours may be some of my greatest opportunities to share God’s Word and watch Him do miracles.

Jeremiah 52:1-11 (English Standard Version)

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