Jeremiah 52

Jeremiah 52:1

IX. CONCLUSION: THE FALL OF JERUSALEM (Chap. 52)The last chapter of Jeremiah is historical, recounting the capture of Jerusalem and the captives. 52:1-16 The account of Zedekiah’s closing days is repeated in verses 1-11. The destruction of Jerusalem is repeated in verses 12-16. 52:17-23 Then a detailed inventory is taken of the temple articles which were seized by the Babylonians and carried . . . away. 52:24-27 The captain of the guard brought seventy-four men . . . out of Jerusalem to the King of Babylon, who, in turn, killed them at Riblah. 52:28-34 Others were taken into captivity in three deportations. In the thirty-seventh year of his captivity, King Jehoiachin was taken out of prison by the king of Babylon and cared for kindly until the day of his death. And thus, a prophetic book steeped in judgment and tears, ends on a kindly note. We should not think that this is merely “Hebrew history” pre-written as prophecy in many places. It is that, to be sure. But the Book of Jeremiah is part of the Word of God, ever fresh, ever relevant. Nearly three centuries ago the English commentator Matthew Henry summarized the spiritual lessons from Jeremiah for us: And now, upon the whole matter, comparing the prophecy and the history of this book together, we may learn, in general, (1.) That it is no new thing for churches and persons highly dignified to degenerate, and become very corrupt. (2.) That iniquity tends to the ruin of those that harbour it; and, if it be not repented of and forsaken, will certainly end in their ruin: (3.) That external professions and privileges will not only amount to an excuse for sin and an exemption from ruin, but will be a very great aggravation of both. (4.) That no word of God shall fall to the ground, but the event will fully answer the prediction; and the unbelief of man shall not make God’s threatenings, any more than his promises, of no effect. The justice and truth of God are here written in bloody characters, for the conviction or the confusion of all those that make a jest of his threatenings. Let them not be deceived, God is not mocked.