2 KINGS 25

A GLIMMER OF HOPE IN A DESPERATE TIME

Zedekiah serves as the final king over Judah, as the remaining people are either killed or exiled by Babylon. Zedekiah witnesses the death of his sons and is made blind.

The empire takes over, murdering the people and plundering the temple. Just as the prophets warned, this is the start of the seventy-year exile for the Israelites.

After thirty years in exile, Evil-Merodach becomes king of Babylon and releases Jehoichin from prison. Instead of leaving him imprisoned or killing him, Evil-Merodach replaces his prison clothing and invites him to eat at the king’s table for the rest of his life. The book of Kings ends on a hopeful note that serves as an image of God’s invitation to His people—to be freed from bondage and invited into His presence.