Background and Context:

King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, reigned from approximately 597 to 586 BC. He was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon, after the latter had exiled Jehoiachin, Zedekiah's nephew. Zedekiah's reign was marked by political instability, rebellion against Babylonian rule, and a failure to heed prophetic warnings. His inquiry to the prophet Jeremiah is a significant event that highlights the spiritual and political turmoil of his time.

Biblical Account:

The inquiry of King Zedekiah is primarily recorded in the Book of Jeremiah. During the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, Zedekiah sought guidance from the prophet Jeremiah, hoping for a favorable word from the LORD. The account is found in Jeremiah 21:1-2 : "This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur son of Malchiah and the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah. They said, 'Please inquire of the LORD on our behalf, since Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is waging war against us. Perhaps the LORD will perform for us something like all His past wonders, so that Nebuchadnezzar will withdraw from us.'"

Jeremiah's Response:

Jeremiah's response to Zedekiah's inquiry was not what the king hoped for. Instead of promising deliverance, Jeremiah conveyed a message of impending judgment. In Jeremiah 21:3-7 , the prophet declared that the LORD would turn back the weapons of war in the hands of the Judeans and that He Himself would fight against them with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm, in anger, fury, and great wrath. The LORD would deliver Zedekiah, his officials, and the people of the city into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, who would strike them down with the sword.

Significance:

The inquiry of King Zedekiah underscores several key themes in the biblical narrative:

1. Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The response to Zedekiah's inquiry highlights God's sovereignty and the certainty of His judgment against Judah for their persistent disobedience and idolatry. Despite the king's hope for divine intervention, the LORD's message through Jeremiah was one of inevitable judgment due to the nation's unrepentant sin.

2. Prophetic Role: Jeremiah's role as a prophet was to faithfully deliver God's message, regardless of its popularity or acceptance. His response to Zedekiah exemplifies the prophet's commitment to truth and his role as a mouthpiece for divine revelation, even when it brought him into conflict with the king and the people.

3. Human Desperation and Misplaced Hope: Zedekiah's inquiry reflects a common human tendency to seek divine intervention in times of crisis, often without a corresponding willingness to repent and align with God's will. The king's hope for a miraculous deliverance, akin to past wonders, was misplaced due to the nation's continued rebellion.

4. Historical and Theological Implications: The inquiry and its outcome are pivotal in understanding the historical context of the Babylonian exile. The fall of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile were not merely political events but were deeply theological, serving as a fulfillment of prophetic warnings and a demonstration of God's justice and faithfulness to His covenant.

Related Passages:

· Jeremiah 37:3-10: Another instance where Zedekiah seeks Jeremiah's counsel, hoping for a different outcome, yet receiving a similar message of judgment.
· 2 Kings 24:18-20; 25:1-7: Historical accounts of Zedekiah's reign, the siege of Jerusalem, and the eventual capture and punishment of Zedekiah by the Babylonians.
· Ezekiel 17:11-21: A prophetic allegory concerning Zedekiah's rebellion against Babylon and the consequences thereof.

Conclusion:

The inquiry of King Zedekiah serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of genuine repentance and obedience to God's word. It illustrates the futility of seeking divine favor while persisting in disobedience and highlights the role of prophets in conveying God's truth, regardless of its reception.