Ezekiel 25

Ezekiel 25:1

Certainty of the Fall of Babylon

Babylon has subjugated many nations, but the LORD charges Babylon especially with what she has done to Israel. Because she caused Israel to fall and has slain many, therefore there will be slain in Babylon, in the whole world empire. This is an encouragement to Israel, to those who have not been killed by Nebuchadnezzar’s sword, to remember the LORD and Jerusalem wherever they are (Jeremiah 51:50). That is what their heart should be set on again.

They may recall the former glory. So let them do so, but with due shame (Jeremiah 51:51). It is because of their own unfaithfulness that there are now aliens in the holy places of the house of the LORD. When that acknowledgment is there, they are in the right mindset to go back.

The LORD Himself will clear the way for them by punishing Babylon and her idols (Jeremiah 51:52). The land of Babylon will be full of the groans of the mortally wounded. There is no escape for Babylon from the judgment of the destroyers the LORD sends upon her (Jeremiah 51:53). No matter how high she would climb and how high she would build their fortress, judgment will strike her.

Ezekiel 25:2

Certainty of the Fall of Babylon

Babylon has subjugated many nations, but the LORD charges Babylon especially with what she has done to Israel. Because she caused Israel to fall and has slain many, therefore there will be slain in Babylon, in the whole world empire. This is an encouragement to Israel, to those who have not been killed by Nebuchadnezzar’s sword, to remember the LORD and Jerusalem wherever they are (Jeremiah 51:50). That is what their heart should be set on again.

They may recall the former glory. So let them do so, but with due shame (Jeremiah 51:51). It is because of their own unfaithfulness that there are now aliens in the holy places of the house of the LORD. When that acknowledgment is there, they are in the right mindset to go back.

The LORD Himself will clear the way for them by punishing Babylon and her idols (Jeremiah 51:52). The land of Babylon will be full of the groans of the mortally wounded. There is no escape for Babylon from the judgment of the destroyers the LORD sends upon her (Jeremiah 51:53). No matter how high she would climb and how high she would build their fortress, judgment will strike her.

Ezekiel 25:3

Certainty of the Fall of Babylon

Babylon has subjugated many nations, but the LORD charges Babylon especially with what she has done to Israel. Because she caused Israel to fall and has slain many, therefore there will be slain in Babylon, in the whole world empire. This is an encouragement to Israel, to those who have not been killed by Nebuchadnezzar’s sword, to remember the LORD and Jerusalem wherever they are (Jeremiah 51:50). That is what their heart should be set on again.

They may recall the former glory. So let them do so, but with due shame (Jeremiah 51:51). It is because of their own unfaithfulness that there are now aliens in the holy places of the house of the LORD. When that acknowledgment is there, they are in the right mindset to go back.

The LORD Himself will clear the way for them by punishing Babylon and her idols (Jeremiah 51:52). The land of Babylon will be full of the groans of the mortally wounded. There is no escape for Babylon from the judgment of the destroyers the LORD sends upon her (Jeremiah 51:53). No matter how high she would climb and how high she would build their fortress, judgment will strike her.

Ezekiel 25:4

Certainty of the Fall of Babylon

Babylon has subjugated many nations, but the LORD charges Babylon especially with what she has done to Israel. Because she caused Israel to fall and has slain many, therefore there will be slain in Babylon, in the whole world empire. This is an encouragement to Israel, to those who have not been killed by Nebuchadnezzar’s sword, to remember the LORD and Jerusalem wherever they are (Jeremiah 51:50). That is what their heart should be set on again.

They may recall the former glory. So let them do so, but with due shame (Jeremiah 51:51). It is because of their own unfaithfulness that there are now aliens in the holy places of the house of the LORD. When that acknowledgment is there, they are in the right mindset to go back.

The LORD Himself will clear the way for them by punishing Babylon and her idols (Jeremiah 51:52). The land of Babylon will be full of the groans of the mortally wounded. There is no escape for Babylon from the judgment of the destroyers the LORD sends upon her (Jeremiah 51:53). No matter how high she would climb and how high she would build their fortress, judgment will strike her.

Ezekiel 25:5

The Destruction of Babylon Is Total

Jeremiah sees the destroyers of Babylon as already present. There are cries coming from Babylon (Jeremiah 51:54). This is not a war cry, but a cry of anguish, because of the disaster that is coming to the land. That disaster comes upon them from the LORD, Who is destroying Babylon. He will stifle the great sound of their cries into an even greater sound of the approaching armies roaring like mighty waters (Jeremiah 51:55). The destroyer who comes upon Babylon will capture their mighty men and break every resistance (Jeremiah 51:56). Babylon has to deal with the LORD as the God of recompence. He repays to Babylon for all the evil she has done.

All who are responsible in Babylon for the evil they have done, the princes, wise men, governors, prefects and mighty men, will lose their minds and strength and perish (Jeremiah 51:57). They will never again awaken on earth (cf. Jeremiah 51:39) and never again be given the opportunity to do evil. He Who declares this is the King, and His name is LORD of hosts. Therefore, it will be as He has said. The wall of Babylon is not a problem for Him (Jeremiah 51:58). All the work that has been done on it by people of all kinds is useless. All the efforts have been futile. They have tired and worn out themselves for nothing. Their work becomes a prey to the fire (cf. Habakkuk 2:13).

Ezekiel 25:6

The Destruction of Babylon Is Total

Jeremiah sees the destroyers of Babylon as already present. There are cries coming from Babylon (Jeremiah 51:54). This is not a war cry, but a cry of anguish, because of the disaster that is coming to the land. That disaster comes upon them from the LORD, Who is destroying Babylon. He will stifle the great sound of their cries into an even greater sound of the approaching armies roaring like mighty waters (Jeremiah 51:55). The destroyer who comes upon Babylon will capture their mighty men and break every resistance (Jeremiah 51:56). Babylon has to deal with the LORD as the God of recompence. He repays to Babylon for all the evil she has done.

All who are responsible in Babylon for the evil they have done, the princes, wise men, governors, prefects and mighty men, will lose their minds and strength and perish (Jeremiah 51:57). They will never again awaken on earth (cf. Jeremiah 51:39) and never again be given the opportunity to do evil. He Who declares this is the King, and His name is LORD of hosts. Therefore, it will be as He has said. The wall of Babylon is not a problem for Him (Jeremiah 51:58). All the work that has been done on it by people of all kinds is useless. All the efforts have been futile. They have tired and worn out themselves for nothing. Their work becomes a prey to the fire (cf. Habakkuk 2:13).

Ezekiel 25:7

The Destruction of Babylon Is Total

Jeremiah sees the destroyers of Babylon as already present. There are cries coming from Babylon (Jeremiah 51:54). This is not a war cry, but a cry of anguish, because of the disaster that is coming to the land. That disaster comes upon them from the LORD, Who is destroying Babylon. He will stifle the great sound of their cries into an even greater sound of the approaching armies roaring like mighty waters (Jeremiah 51:55). The destroyer who comes upon Babylon will capture their mighty men and break every resistance (Jeremiah 51:56). Babylon has to deal with the LORD as the God of recompence. He repays to Babylon for all the evil she has done.

All who are responsible in Babylon for the evil they have done, the princes, wise men, governors, prefects and mighty men, will lose their minds and strength and perish (Jeremiah 51:57). They will never again awaken on earth (cf. Jeremiah 51:39) and never again be given the opportunity to do evil. He Who declares this is the King, and His name is LORD of hosts. Therefore, it will be as He has said. The wall of Babylon is not a problem for Him (Jeremiah 51:58). All the work that has been done on it by people of all kinds is useless. All the efforts have been futile. They have tired and worn out themselves for nothing. Their work becomes a prey to the fire (cf. Habakkuk 2:13).

Ezekiel 25:8

The Destruction of Babylon Is Total

Jeremiah sees the destroyers of Babylon as already present. There are cries coming from Babylon (Jeremiah 51:54). This is not a war cry, but a cry of anguish, because of the disaster that is coming to the land. That disaster comes upon them from the LORD, Who is destroying Babylon. He will stifle the great sound of their cries into an even greater sound of the approaching armies roaring like mighty waters (Jeremiah 51:55). The destroyer who comes upon Babylon will capture their mighty men and break every resistance (Jeremiah 51:56). Babylon has to deal with the LORD as the God of recompence. He repays to Babylon for all the evil she has done.

All who are responsible in Babylon for the evil they have done, the princes, wise men, governors, prefects and mighty men, will lose their minds and strength and perish (Jeremiah 51:57). They will never again awaken on earth (cf. Jeremiah 51:39) and never again be given the opportunity to do evil. He Who declares this is the King, and His name is LORD of hosts. Therefore, it will be as He has said. The wall of Babylon is not a problem for Him (Jeremiah 51:58). All the work that has been done on it by people of all kinds is useless. All the efforts have been futile. They have tired and worn out themselves for nothing. Their work becomes a prey to the fire (cf. Habakkuk 2:13).

Ezekiel 25:9

The Destruction of Babylon Is Total

Jeremiah sees the destroyers of Babylon as already present. There are cries coming from Babylon (Jeremiah 51:54). This is not a war cry, but a cry of anguish, because of the disaster that is coming to the land. That disaster comes upon them from the LORD, Who is destroying Babylon. He will stifle the great sound of their cries into an even greater sound of the approaching armies roaring like mighty waters (Jeremiah 51:55). The destroyer who comes upon Babylon will capture their mighty men and break every resistance (Jeremiah 51:56). Babylon has to deal with the LORD as the God of recompence. He repays to Babylon for all the evil she has done.

All who are responsible in Babylon for the evil they have done, the princes, wise men, governors, prefects and mighty men, will lose their minds and strength and perish (Jeremiah 51:57). They will never again awaken on earth (cf. Jeremiah 51:39) and never again be given the opportunity to do evil. He Who declares this is the King, and His name is LORD of hosts. Therefore, it will be as He has said. The wall of Babylon is not a problem for Him (Jeremiah 51:58). All the work that has been done on it by people of all kinds is useless. All the efforts have been futile. They have tired and worn out themselves for nothing. Their work becomes a prey to the fire (cf. Habakkuk 2:13).

Ezekiel 25:10

The Command to Seraiah

At the end of the long prophecy against Babylon, after all the words Jeremiah has spoken about Babylon, he has a command for Seraiah (Jeremiah 51:59). Seraiah is probably the brother of Baruch (Jeremiah 32:12) and quartermaster to Zedekiah. As quartermaster, he is to make sure that the king has a good home everywhere he travels.

In the fourth year of Zedekiah’s reign, he goes to Babylon. Jeremiah has written in a scroll all the calamity he announced about Babylon (Jeremiah 51:60). These are the words that were probably written down by Baruch when Jeremiah uttered them. He gives the scroll to Seraiah when he goes to Babylon. When he comes to Babylon, he must first look around carefully (Jeremiah 51:61). He will see all the glory and power of Babylon.

Then he is to read all the words of the scroll. He is to do so with the prayer to the LORD that He has spoken these words concerning Babylon (Jeremiah 51:62). As a true Elijah, he will be aware that he stands before the LORD and not before the power of Babylon (cf. 1 Kings 17:1a). For Babylon, the end announced by the LORD will surely come. Nothing will be left of it. Jeremiah announced the downfall of Babylon, as he announced that of Judah and Jerusalem, even though there is not much to see of either downfall yet and even though many do not believe in it at all.

When Seraiah has finished reading aloud, he must tie a stone to the scroll and throw it into the middle of the Euphrates, where the river is deepest (Jeremiah 51:63). When he has done so, he must explain why he has done so, what that act means (Jeremiah 51:64). Just as the scroll sank to the depths of the river never to rise again, Babylon will sink and never rise again (Revelation 18:21). This is the doom that the LORD has decreed upon Babylon. The grueling efforts to keep Babylon afloat remain unsuccessful. We see here that Jeremiah, during the time he is calling for submission to Babylon, is at the same time announcing the eventual fall of that city.

This ends the words of Jeremiah. His service is at an end. His prophecy against Babylon is meant to be an encouragement to the faith of the people of Judah. The chapter that follows describes the conquest of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. But it is clearly stated beforehand that Nebuchadnezzar’s power is neither unlimited nor endless. God has the final say. This knowledge provides support only if we trust God at His word.

Ezekiel 25:11

The Command to Seraiah

At the end of the long prophecy against Babylon, after all the words Jeremiah has spoken about Babylon, he has a command for Seraiah (Jeremiah 51:59). Seraiah is probably the brother of Baruch (Jeremiah 32:12) and quartermaster to Zedekiah. As quartermaster, he is to make sure that the king has a good home everywhere he travels.

In the fourth year of Zedekiah’s reign, he goes to Babylon. Jeremiah has written in a scroll all the calamity he announced about Babylon (Jeremiah 51:60). These are the words that were probably written down by Baruch when Jeremiah uttered them. He gives the scroll to Seraiah when he goes to Babylon. When he comes to Babylon, he must first look around carefully (Jeremiah 51:61). He will see all the glory and power of Babylon.

Then he is to read all the words of the scroll. He is to do so with the prayer to the LORD that He has spoken these words concerning Babylon (Jeremiah 51:62). As a true Elijah, he will be aware that he stands before the LORD and not before the power of Babylon (cf. 1 Kings 17:1a). For Babylon, the end announced by the LORD will surely come. Nothing will be left of it. Jeremiah announced the downfall of Babylon, as he announced that of Judah and Jerusalem, even though there is not much to see of either downfall yet and even though many do not believe in it at all.

When Seraiah has finished reading aloud, he must tie a stone to the scroll and throw it into the middle of the Euphrates, where the river is deepest (Jeremiah 51:63). When he has done so, he must explain why he has done so, what that act means (Jeremiah 51:64). Just as the scroll sank to the depths of the river never to rise again, Babylon will sink and never rise again (Revelation 18:21). This is the doom that the LORD has decreed upon Babylon. The grueling efforts to keep Babylon afloat remain unsuccessful. We see here that Jeremiah, during the time he is calling for submission to Babylon, is at the same time announcing the eventual fall of that city.

This ends the words of Jeremiah. His service is at an end. His prophecy against Babylon is meant to be an encouragement to the faith of the people of Judah. The chapter that follows describes the conquest of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. But it is clearly stated beforehand that Nebuchadnezzar’s power is neither unlimited nor endless. God has the final say. This knowledge provides support only if we trust God at His word.

Ezekiel 25:12

The Command to Seraiah

At the end of the long prophecy against Babylon, after all the words Jeremiah has spoken about Babylon, he has a command for Seraiah (Jeremiah 51:59). Seraiah is probably the brother of Baruch (Jeremiah 32:12) and quartermaster to Zedekiah. As quartermaster, he is to make sure that the king has a good home everywhere he travels.

In the fourth year of Zedekiah’s reign, he goes to Babylon. Jeremiah has written in a scroll all the calamity he announced about Babylon (Jeremiah 51:60). These are the words that were probably written down by Baruch when Jeremiah uttered them. He gives the scroll to Seraiah when he goes to Babylon. When he comes to Babylon, he must first look around carefully (Jeremiah 51:61). He will see all the glory and power of Babylon.

Then he is to read all the words of the scroll. He is to do so with the prayer to the LORD that He has spoken these words concerning Babylon (Jeremiah 51:62). As a true Elijah, he will be aware that he stands before the LORD and not before the power of Babylon (cf. 1 Kings 17:1a). For Babylon, the end announced by the LORD will surely come. Nothing will be left of it. Jeremiah announced the downfall of Babylon, as he announced that of Judah and Jerusalem, even though there is not much to see of either downfall yet and even though many do not believe in it at all.

When Seraiah has finished reading aloud, he must tie a stone to the scroll and throw it into the middle of the Euphrates, where the river is deepest (Jeremiah 51:63). When he has done so, he must explain why he has done so, what that act means (Jeremiah 51:64). Just as the scroll sank to the depths of the river never to rise again, Babylon will sink and never rise again (Revelation 18:21). This is the doom that the LORD has decreed upon Babylon. The grueling efforts to keep Babylon afloat remain unsuccessful. We see here that Jeremiah, during the time he is calling for submission to Babylon, is at the same time announcing the eventual fall of that city.

This ends the words of Jeremiah. His service is at an end. His prophecy against Babylon is meant to be an encouragement to the faith of the people of Judah. The chapter that follows describes the conquest of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. But it is clearly stated beforehand that Nebuchadnezzar’s power is neither unlimited nor endless. God has the final say. This knowledge provides support only if we trust God at His word.

Ezekiel 25:13

The Command to Seraiah

At the end of the long prophecy against Babylon, after all the words Jeremiah has spoken about Babylon, he has a command for Seraiah (Jeremiah 51:59). Seraiah is probably the brother of Baruch (Jeremiah 32:12) and quartermaster to Zedekiah. As quartermaster, he is to make sure that the king has a good home everywhere he travels.

In the fourth year of Zedekiah’s reign, he goes to Babylon. Jeremiah has written in a scroll all the calamity he announced about Babylon (Jeremiah 51:60). These are the words that were probably written down by Baruch when Jeremiah uttered them. He gives the scroll to Seraiah when he goes to Babylon. When he comes to Babylon, he must first look around carefully (Jeremiah 51:61). He will see all the glory and power of Babylon.

Then he is to read all the words of the scroll. He is to do so with the prayer to the LORD that He has spoken these words concerning Babylon (Jeremiah 51:62). As a true Elijah, he will be aware that he stands before the LORD and not before the power of Babylon (cf. 1 Kings 17:1a). For Babylon, the end announced by the LORD will surely come. Nothing will be left of it. Jeremiah announced the downfall of Babylon, as he announced that of Judah and Jerusalem, even though there is not much to see of either downfall yet and even though many do not believe in it at all.

When Seraiah has finished reading aloud, he must tie a stone to the scroll and throw it into the middle of the Euphrates, where the river is deepest (Jeremiah 51:63). When he has done so, he must explain why he has done so, what that act means (Jeremiah 51:64). Just as the scroll sank to the depths of the river never to rise again, Babylon will sink and never rise again (Revelation 18:21). This is the doom that the LORD has decreed upon Babylon. The grueling efforts to keep Babylon afloat remain unsuccessful. We see here that Jeremiah, during the time he is calling for submission to Babylon, is at the same time announcing the eventual fall of that city.

This ends the words of Jeremiah. His service is at an end. His prophecy against Babylon is meant to be an encouragement to the faith of the people of Judah. The chapter that follows describes the conquest of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. But it is clearly stated beforehand that Nebuchadnezzar’s power is neither unlimited nor endless. God has the final say. This knowledge provides support only if we trust God at His word.

Ezekiel 25:14

The Command to Seraiah

At the end of the long prophecy against Babylon, after all the words Jeremiah has spoken about Babylon, he has a command for Seraiah (Jeremiah 51:59). Seraiah is probably the brother of Baruch (Jeremiah 32:12) and quartermaster to Zedekiah. As quartermaster, he is to make sure that the king has a good home everywhere he travels.

In the fourth year of Zedekiah’s reign, he goes to Babylon. Jeremiah has written in a scroll all the calamity he announced about Babylon (Jeremiah 51:60). These are the words that were probably written down by Baruch when Jeremiah uttered them. He gives the scroll to Seraiah when he goes to Babylon. When he comes to Babylon, he must first look around carefully (Jeremiah 51:61). He will see all the glory and power of Babylon.

Then he is to read all the words of the scroll. He is to do so with the prayer to the LORD that He has spoken these words concerning Babylon (Jeremiah 51:62). As a true Elijah, he will be aware that he stands before the LORD and not before the power of Babylon (cf. 1 Kings 17:1a). For Babylon, the end announced by the LORD will surely come. Nothing will be left of it. Jeremiah announced the downfall of Babylon, as he announced that of Judah and Jerusalem, even though there is not much to see of either downfall yet and even though many do not believe in it at all.

When Seraiah has finished reading aloud, he must tie a stone to the scroll and throw it into the middle of the Euphrates, where the river is deepest (Jeremiah 51:63). When he has done so, he must explain why he has done so, what that act means (Jeremiah 51:64). Just as the scroll sank to the depths of the river never to rise again, Babylon will sink and never rise again (Revelation 18:21). This is the doom that the LORD has decreed upon Babylon. The grueling efforts to keep Babylon afloat remain unsuccessful. We see here that Jeremiah, during the time he is calling for submission to Babylon, is at the same time announcing the eventual fall of that city.

This ends the words of Jeremiah. His service is at an end. His prophecy against Babylon is meant to be an encouragement to the faith of the people of Judah. The chapter that follows describes the conquest of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. But it is clearly stated beforehand that Nebuchadnezzar’s power is neither unlimited nor endless. God has the final say. This knowledge provides support only if we trust God at His word.

Ezekiel 25:15

The Command to Seraiah

At the end of the long prophecy against Babylon, after all the words Jeremiah has spoken about Babylon, he has a command for Seraiah (Jeremiah 51:59). Seraiah is probably the brother of Baruch (Jeremiah 32:12) and quartermaster to Zedekiah. As quartermaster, he is to make sure that the king has a good home everywhere he travels.

In the fourth year of Zedekiah’s reign, he goes to Babylon. Jeremiah has written in a scroll all the calamity he announced about Babylon (Jeremiah 51:60). These are the words that were probably written down by Baruch when Jeremiah uttered them. He gives the scroll to Seraiah when he goes to Babylon. When he comes to Babylon, he must first look around carefully (Jeremiah 51:61). He will see all the glory and power of Babylon.

Then he is to read all the words of the scroll. He is to do so with the prayer to the LORD that He has spoken these words concerning Babylon (Jeremiah 51:62). As a true Elijah, he will be aware that he stands before the LORD and not before the power of Babylon (cf. 1 Kings 17:1a). For Babylon, the end announced by the LORD will surely come. Nothing will be left of it. Jeremiah announced the downfall of Babylon, as he announced that of Judah and Jerusalem, even though there is not much to see of either downfall yet and even though many do not believe in it at all.

When Seraiah has finished reading aloud, he must tie a stone to the scroll and throw it into the middle of the Euphrates, where the river is deepest (Jeremiah 51:63). When he has done so, he must explain why he has done so, what that act means (Jeremiah 51:64). Just as the scroll sank to the depths of the river never to rise again, Babylon will sink and never rise again (Revelation 18:21). This is the doom that the LORD has decreed upon Babylon. The grueling efforts to keep Babylon afloat remain unsuccessful. We see here that Jeremiah, during the time he is calling for submission to Babylon, is at the same time announcing the eventual fall of that city.

This ends the words of Jeremiah. His service is at an end. His prophecy against Babylon is meant to be an encouragement to the faith of the people of Judah. The chapter that follows describes the conquest of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. But it is clearly stated beforehand that Nebuchadnezzar’s power is neither unlimited nor endless. God has the final say. This knowledge provides support only if we trust God at His word.

Ezekiel 25:17

Introduction

This chapter is a historical addition to the book of Jeremiah. It tells 1. about the fall of Jerusalem, 2. what the Babylonians did to the temple and its tools, 3. how Nebuchadnezzar treats Zedekiah, Jehoiachin and other officials, and 4. the number of Jews taken into exile.

The purpose of the chapter is to show how Jeremiah’s prophecies were fulfilled, in contrast to those of the false prophets (Jeremiah 27:16-22; Jeremiah 28:1-17). The chapter is almost identical to the history in 2 Kings 24 (2 Kings 24:18-20; 2 Kings 25:1-30).

The Fall of Jerusalem

This chapter describes the fall of Jerusalem. God emphasizes the importance of the fall by including a fourfold description of it in His Word (Jeremiah 39:1-14; Jeremiah 52:1-11; 2 Kings 24:18-20; 2 Kings 25:1-30; 2 Chronicles 36:11-21). The fall takes place during the reign of Zedekiah, who reigned in Jerusalem for eleven years (Jeremiah 52:1). His reign is of the same evil character as that of his brother Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 52:2) who also reigned eleven years (2 Kings 23:36). He too does what is evil in the sight of the LORD.

The LORD can no longer bear it and must reject Jerusalem and Judah from His presence (Jeremiah 52:3; 2 Kings 24:18-20). To all his evil deeds Zedekiah adds that he rebels against the king of Babylon. He has already been to Babylon once and promised to obey Nebuchadnezzar. However, he broke that promise (Ezekiel 17:12-15). Therefore, Nebuchadnezzar has gone up against Jerusalem with all his army and is besieging the city (Jeremiah 52:4).

The date of his arrival at the city is accurately recorded (Ezekiel 24:1-2). The arrival of Nebuchadnezzar is the beginning of the end of the city. He besieges the city for nineteen months, closing it hermetically (Jeremiah 52:5). No one can get in or out.

After the nineteen-month long siege, the city falls, on a day again named with date (Jeremiah 52:6). The city is starving. There is no strength left to fight. Then the city is broken into (Jeremiah 52:7). The resistance is broken. The men can no longer fight, but they can still flee. Among the refugees is King Zedekiah. In the darkness of the night they run away. The escape route is accurately described. They go out of the city through the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. The direction of escape is the Arabah.

The refugees, however, are quickly overtaken (Jeremiah 52:8). Zedekiah is seized when he is in the plains of Jericho. His army does not protect him. It is separated from him and scattered and thus made even more powerless than it already is. Zedekiah is taken to the king of Babylon, who is in Riblah and passes sentence on him (Jeremiah 52:9). It is a horrible judgment.

First Nebuchadnezzar slaughters the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes (Jeremiah 52:10). He also slaughters all the princes of Judah in Riblah. With the slaughter of his sons on his mind, Zedekiah’s eyes are blinded (Jeremiah 52:11). Thus, the man who is blind to the LORD is also literally blind. As if that were not enough to subdue this wicked and untrustworthy man, Zedekiah is also bound with two bronze chains. In this way he is taken to Babylon. There he is put in prison where he remains until the day of his death.