Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Calamities of, Mentioned: Besieged by Nebuchadnezzar

◄ Jerusalem: Calamities of, Mentioned: Besieged by Nebuchadnezzar ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jerusalem, the city of great historical and spiritual significance, has faced numerous calamities throughout its storied past. One of the most significant and devastating events was the siege by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, a pivotal moment in biblical history that marked the beginning of the Babylonian Exile.

The siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar is a key event recorded in the Old Testament, illustrating the consequences of the Israelites' disobedience to God. This calamity is chronicled in several books of the Bible, providing a detailed account of the events leading up to and following the siege.

Historical Context

The siege took place during the reign of King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah. Zedekiah was installed as a vassal king by Nebuchadnezzar after the first deportation of Jews to Babylon in 597 BC. Despite warnings from the prophet Jeremiah, Zedekiah rebelled against Babylonian rule, leading to the final siege of Jerusalem in 586 BC.

Biblical Account

The Book of 2 Kings provides a detailed narrative of the siege: "In the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They encamped outside the city and built siege works all around it" (2 Kings 25:1). The siege lasted approximately eighteen months, resulting in severe famine within the city walls.

Jeremiah, the prophet, had long warned of the impending disaster due to the people's unfaithfulness. In Jeremiah 21:10, the Lord declares, "For I have set My face against this city for harm and not for good, declares the LORD. It will be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will burn it with fire" .

Destruction and Exile

The culmination of the siege was the breach of Jerusalem's walls, leading to the city's capture. The Babylonians set fire to the temple, the king's palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem. The destruction was comprehensive, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:9: "He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building" .

The fall of Jerusalem resulted in the deportation of a significant portion of the population to Babylon, marking the beginning of the Babylonian Exile. This period of exile was a time of reflection and repentance for the Jewish people, as they grappled with the loss of their homeland and the destruction of the temple, the center of their worship.

Theological Significance

The siege and subsequent destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar serve as a profound reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It underscores the themes of judgment and redemption that run throughout the Bible. Despite the calamity, the prophets also spoke of hope and restoration, promising that God would eventually bring His people back to their land and restore Jerusalem.

The siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar remains a significant event in biblical history, illustrating the interplay of divine justice and mercy. It serves as a testament to the enduring faithfulness of God, who, despite the judgment, continued to work towards the ultimate redemption and restoration of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 24:10,11
At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besieged.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... time, and the heavier impending calamities which they ... of this earthquake, which is
simply mentioned by Zechariah ... ended in the destruction of Jerusalem and the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ...
... effects as have been before mentioned; the only ... to bring upon men innumerable other
calamities; which yet ... 490 years, after the restoring of Jerusalem which had ...
/.../xiv proposition xiv fifthly as.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... appears, like the trial of faith mentioned by Peter ... went his fatal journey up to
Jerusalem; he went ... though attended with a thousand calamities, more profitable ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... town, which had to be besieged and captured ... to the nations; behold, publish against
Jerusalem!" The Scythians had hardly been mentioned before they ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... cold, nakedness, and a thousand calamities, though I ... to the comfort of many despairing
Jerusalem sinners; to ... should often also think on Nebuchadnezzar, of whom ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm