Introduction:
Zedekiah, originally named Mattaniah, was the last king of Judah before the Babylonian conquest. He reigned from approximately 597 to 586 BC. His reign was marked by political instability, rebellion against Babylon, and significant prophetic activity, particularly from the prophet Jeremiah. The prophecies against Zedekiah are crucial for understanding the final days of the Kingdom of Judah and the theological implications of its downfall.

Historical Context:
Zedekiah was appointed king by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon after the latter deposed Jehoiachin, Zedekiah's nephew. Despite his position as a vassal king, Zedekiah's reign was characterized by political intrigue and attempts to assert independence from Babylonian control. This culminated in a rebellion that led to the siege and eventual destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC.

Prophetic Warnings:
The prophet Jeremiah was a central figure during Zedekiah's reign, delivering messages from God that warned of impending judgment due to the nation's persistent idolatry and disobedience. Jeremiah's prophecies were often met with resistance and hostility from the king and his officials.

1. Jeremiah's Prophecy:
Jeremiah repeatedly warned Zedekiah of the consequences of his rebellion against Babylon. In Jeremiah 21:3-7 , the prophet conveys God's message to Zedekiah, stating that the city would be handed over to the king of Babylon, and Zedekiah himself would not escape. The prophecy emphasizes the futility of resistance and the certainty of divine judgment.

"This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I am about to turn back the weapons of war in your hands, which you are using to fight the king of Babylon and the Chaldeans who are besieging you outside the wall, and I will assemble them in the center of this city. I Myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm, with anger, fury, and great wrath. I will strike down the residents of this city, both man and beast. They will die in a great plague. After that, declares the LORD, I will hand over Zedekiah king of Judah, his officials, and the people in this city who survive the plague, the sword, and the famine, to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to their enemies who seek their lives. He will put them to the sword; he will not spare them or show pity or compassion.'"

2. Ezekiel's Prophecy:
The prophet Ezekiel, who was among the exiles in Babylon, also prophesied against Zedekiah. In Ezekiel 12:10-13 , Ezekiel symbolically acts out the king's fate, predicting that Zedekiah would be captured and taken to Babylon, yet he would not see it.

"Say to them, 'This is what the Lord GOD says: This oracle concerns the prince in Jerusalem and all the house of Israel who are there.' Say, 'I am a sign to you.' As I have done, so it will be done to them; they will go into exile as captives. The prince who is among them will lift his bags to his shoulder in the dark and go out. He will dig through the wall to bring them out through it. He will cover his face so that he cannot see the land with his eyes. But I will spread My net over him, and he will be caught in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon, the land of the Chaldeans, yet he will not see it, and there he will die."

Fulfillment of Prophecy:
The prophecies against Zedekiah were fulfilled when Nebuchadnezzar's forces breached Jerusalem's walls. Zedekiah attempted to flee but was captured near Jericho. As foretold, he was brought to Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah, where he witnessed the execution of his sons before his eyes were put out. He was then taken in chains to Babylon, where he remained until his death (2 Kings 25:1-7).

Theological Implications:
The prophecies against Zedekiah highlight themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and the consequences of disobedience. They serve as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God regards covenant faithfulness and the inevitable fulfillment of His word through His prophets.