Reasons Jerusalem Was Captured

Topic: Punishment
Passage: Lamentations 4:14–22

September 10, 2020

Commentary

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.

Lamentations 4:14– 22 (NET)

14 They wander blindly through the streets, defiled by the blood they shed, while no one dares to touch their garments. ס (Samek)

15 People cry to them, “Turn away! You are unclean! Turn away! Turn away! Don’t touch us!” So they have fled and wander about; but the nations say, “They may not stay here any longer.” פ (Pe)

16 The Lord himself has scattered them; he no longer watches over them. They did not honor the priests; they did not show favor to the elders. ע (Ayin)

17 Our eyes continually failed us as we looked in vain for help. From our watchtowers we watched for a nation that could not rescue us. צ (Tsade)

18 Our enemies hunted us down at every step so that we could not walk about in our streets. Our end drew near, our days were numbered, for our end had come! ק (Qof)

19 Those who pursued us were swifter than eagles in the sky. They chased us over the mountains; they ambushed us in the wilderness. ר (Resh)

20 Our very life breath—the Lord’s anointed king — was caught in their traps, of whom we thought, “Under his protection we will survive among the nations.” ש (Sin/Shin)

21 Rejoice and be glad for now, O people of Edom, who reside in the land of Uz. But the cup of judgment will pass to you also; you will get drunk and take off your clothes. ת (Tav)

22 O people of Zion, your punishment will come to an end; he will not prolong your exile. But, O people of Edom, he will punish your sin and reveal your offenses!