Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Zedekiah, originally named Mattaniah, was the last king of Judah before the Babylonian conquest. He was the son of Josiah and the uncle of his predecessor, Jehoiachin. His reign marked the final chapter in the history of the independent kingdom of Judah, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. Historical Context: Zedekiah ascended to the throne in 597 BC after King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deposed Jehoiachin and took him into captivity. Nebuchadnezzar appointed Zedekiah as a vassal king, changing his name from Mattaniah to Zedekiah, which means "Yahweh is righteousness" (2 Kings 24:17). His reign lasted for eleven years, during which he faced immense political and spiritual challenges. Reign and Political Challenges: Zedekiah's reign was characterized by political instability and pressure from surrounding nations. Despite being a vassal to Babylon, he was caught in the geopolitical struggle between Babylon and Egypt. Influenced by his advisors and the political climate, Zedekiah eventually rebelled against Babylonian rule, a decision that would lead to dire consequences for Judah. Prophetic Counsel: Throughout his reign, Zedekiah received counsel from the prophet Jeremiah, who urged him to submit to Babylonian rule as a means of preserving the nation (Jeremiah 27:12-15). Jeremiah's message was one of submission to God's will, warning that rebellion against Babylon would lead to destruction. Despite this, Zedekiah vacillated between listening to Jeremiah and yielding to the pressure of his officials and false prophets who promised deliverance. The Siege and Fall of Jerusalem: In 588 BC, Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem in response to Zedekiah's rebellion. The siege lasted approximately two years, leading to severe famine and hardship within the city. The biblical account in 2 Kings 25:1-3 describes the dire conditions: "By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that the people of the land had no food." Capture and Punishment: As the Babylonians breached the city walls, Zedekiah attempted to escape but was captured near Jericho. He was brought before Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah, where he witnessed the execution of his sons before his eyes were put out, and he was taken in chains to Babylon (2 Kings 25:6-7). This fulfilled the prophecy given by Jeremiah and Ezekiel regarding his fate (Jeremiah 34:3; Ezekiel 12:13). Legacy: Zedekiah's reign is often viewed as a tragic end to the Davidic line of kings ruling in Jerusalem. His failure to heed prophetic warnings and his rebellion against Babylon led to the destruction of the temple, the city, and the exile of the people. Despite his tragic end, Zedekiah's account serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands and the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of crisis. Biblical References: · 2 Kings 24:17-20 · 2 Kings 25:1-7 · 2 Chronicles 36:11-21 · Jeremiah 21:1-10; 27:12-22; 34:1-7; 37:1-10; 52:1-11 · Ezekiel 12:8-13 Zedekiah's life and reign are a testament to the complexities of leadership under divine mandate and the severe repercussions of straying from God's ordained path. His account is preserved in the biblical narrative as a somber chapter in the history of God's chosen people. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 36:12Then he went down into the king's house, into the scribe's chamber: and, see, all the princes sat there, even Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, and Elnathan the son of Achbor, and Gemariah the son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the princes. Nave's Topical Index Library The Last King of Judah Ezekiel The Captivity. Palestine under Pagan Kings. Altar and Temple The Ascension of Isaiah. Egypt The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... Book 9 Footnotes The Apocalypse of Baruch. Resources Who was King Zedekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Babylonian captivity/exile? | GotQuestions.org When and how was Judah conquered by the Babylonians? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Zedekiah: A False Prophet: Strikes Micaiah, the True Prophet Zedekiah: Grandson of Jehoiakim Zedekiah: Made King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar Zedekiah: Made King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar by Ezekiel Zedekiah: Made King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar by Jeremiah Zedekiah: Made King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar: Forms an Alliance With the King of Egypt Zedekiah: Made King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar: Imprisons Jeremiah on Account of his Denunciations Zedekiah: Made King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar: The Evil Reign of Zedekiah: Made King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar: Throws off his Allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar Zedekiah: Nebuchadnezzar Destroys the City and Temple Zedekiah: Prophesies to Ahab That he Will be Victorious Over the Syrians, Instead of Being Defeated Related Terms |