2 KINGS 24

JUDAH OVERTHROWN BY BABYLONIAN + TAKEN INTO CAPTIVITY

During Jehoiakim’s reign, Babylon invades Judah. Jehoiakim made an alliance with Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, but rebels against him three years later. Babylon isn’t the only nation after Judah, the Arameans, Moabites, and Ammonites are all aiming for Judah’s destruction.

After his death, Jehoikim’s son Jehoiachin follows in his footsteps as a wicked ruler over Judah and surrenders to Babylon. Because of Judah’s defeat, the Babylonians carry away valuable items from the temple and capture most of the remaining people of Judah.

After Nebuchadnezzar’s victory with Babylon, Zedekiah is made king over Judah. Although he swears to be loyal to Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar, Zedekiah ultimately rebels against Babylon. Zedekiah never repents or turns toward God, but instead brings God’s wrath upon Jerusalem.