Reasons Jerusalem Was Captured

Lamentations 4:14–22
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Jerusalem had been so prosperous and protected that neither kings nor ordinary citizens anywhere could have dreamed that she could be over-run and conquered. Then why was she captured?

1. One cause of Jerusalem’s siege and fall was the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests (vv. 14-16). These spiritual leaders had shed the blood of the innocent and just. They had even attempted to add Jeremiah to their list. Without honor or respect they wandered the countryside as vagabonds. God allowed these leaders to be scattered because they had led the people into sin.
2. The second cause of Jerusalem’s siege and fall was the futility of foreign alliances (vv. 17-19). Instead of trusting in God, Jerusalem had turned to Egypt for protection from Babylon. Both Jeremiah and Ezekiel had warned against the futility of trusting in Egypt for protection (Jer. 37:6-10 and Ezek. 29:6-7). Powerful, swift enemies overwhelmed Judah.
3. The third cause of Jerusalem’s siege and fall was Zedekiah her king (v. 20). King Zedekiah, although called “the anointed of the Lord” had little spiritual depth and leadership. Instead of putting his faith in God and listening to His prophet, Jeremiah, he listened to the false prophets.  The people chose to follow their king instead of following the directives God was giving through His prophet, Jeremiah. When Jerusalem fell, Zedekiah tried to escape toward the Jordan River (Jer. 39:2-7) but was caught in the enemy’s traps. Even his children were killed and he was carried away in chains.

Application

I can be very sure of the Bible principle of sowing and reaping so need to be very careful what I sow.