Topical Bible: Falsehood: Zedekiah, in Violating his Oath of Allegiance to Nebuchadnezzer

◄ Falsehood: Zedekiah, in Violating his Oath of Allegiance to Nebuchadnezzer ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Zedekiah, originally named Mattaniah, was the last king of Judah, reigning from 597 to 586 BC. He was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar II, the king of Babylon, after the latter had exiled Jehoiachin, Zedekiah's nephew, to Babylon. Zedekiah's reign is marked by political instability, spiritual decline, and ultimately, the fall of Jerusalem. A significant aspect of his rule was his violation of an oath of allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar, which he had sworn in the name of the LORD.

Background and Oath of Allegiance

Zedekiah ascended to the throne during a tumultuous period in Judah's history. Nebuchadnezzar had already besieged Jerusalem once, taking many captives, including the prophet Ezekiel. As a vassal king, Zedekiah was expected to remain loyal to Babylon. In 2 Chronicles 36:13 , it is recorded, "He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him take an oath by God. He became stiff-necked and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD, the God of Israel."

The oath Zedekiah took was not merely a political formality but a solemn vow made before God, binding him to Nebuchadnezzar. This oath was intended to ensure peace and stability in the region, as well as to maintain the subjugation of Judah under Babylonian rule.

Violation of the Oath

Despite the gravity of his oath, Zedekiah's reign was characterized by political intrigue and rebellion. Influenced by nationalistic fervor and false prophets who promised deliverance from Babylonian oppression, Zedekiah sought alliances with Egypt and other neighboring nations. This decision was contrary to the counsel of the prophet Jeremiah, who urged submission to Babylon as God's ordained instrument of judgment.

In Ezekiel 17:15-16 , the prophet Ezekiel condemns Zedekiah's actions: "But he rebelled against him by sending his envoys to Egypt to obtain horses and a large army. Will he prosper? Will he who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and yet escape? As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, he will die in Babylon, in the land of the king who put him on the throne, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke."

Consequences of Falsehood

Zedekiah's breach of his oath had dire consequences for himself and the nation of Judah. In 586 BC, Nebuchadnezzar responded to Zedekiah's rebellion by laying siege to Jerusalem. The city fell after a prolonged and devastating siege, leading to the destruction of the Temple, the city walls, and the exile of the remaining population to Babylon.

Jeremiah 52:10-11 recounts the tragic end of Zedekiah: "There at Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and he also killed all the officials of Judah. Then he put out Zedekiah’s eyes and bound him with bronze shackles to take him to Babylon."

Zedekiah's falsehood, in breaking his oath, serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views covenants and the consequences of unfaithfulness. His actions not only led to personal ruin but also to the suffering and displacement of his people, fulfilling the prophetic warnings given by Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

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2 Chronicles 36:13
And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning to the LORD God of Israel.
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Ezekiel 16:59
For thus said the Lord GOD; I will even deal with you as you have done, which have despised the oath in breaking the covenant.
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Ezekiel 17:15-20
But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that does such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?
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