In Zedekiah's ninth year, Nebuchadnezzar besieges Jerusalem and builds a siege wall. In the eleventh year, famine grips the city; the wall is breached. Zedekiah flees by night but is captured near Jericho; his army scatters. Before Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah, Zedekiah's sons are slaughtered before his eyes, then his eyes are put out. He is bound and taken to Babylon. Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, burns the temple, palace, and all great houses, and breaks down Jerusalem's walls. The rest of the population is deported, leaving only the poorest as vinedressers and plowmen. The bronze pillars, sea, stands, and implements are carried to Babylon. Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah, and other leaders are executed at Riblah. Judah goes into exile. Gedaliah is appointed governor; survivors gather to him at Mizpah, but Ishmael assassinates him and the people flee to Egypt fearing Babylon. In the thirty-seventh year of exile, King Evil-merodach releases Jehoiachin from prison, speaks kindly, gives him a seat above other captive kings, and provides daily allowance all his life.
Read 2 Kings Chapter 25 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
Elijah's successor who performed many miracles and ministered to Israel's kings
Faithful king of Judah who trusted God against Assyria and was healed from illness
Reforming king who rediscovered the Law and led Judah in renewal
Syrian commander healed of leprosy by Elisha, demonstrating God's grace to Gentiles
Wicked king of Judah who led the nation into deep idolatry
King of Babylon
Wise King of Israel
Prophet of the Day of the Lord
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
Son of Abraham and Hagar
Places in This Chapter
Jericho, one of the oldest cities in the world, was the first Canaanite city conquered by the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River. Its walls famously fell after the Israelites marched around it for seven days as commanded by God through Joshua. Jesus later passed through Jericho, healing blind Bartimaeus and dining with the tax collector Zacchaeus.
Mizpah, meaning "watchtower," was a significant location in Israel's history. Jacob and Laban made a covenant here. Samuel gathered Israel here for prayer and they defeated the Philistines. It served as a place of assembly and judgment throughout Israel's early history.
Egypt plays a significant role throughout the Bible, from the time of Abraham to the flight of the Holy Family. Joseph was sold into slavery there and rose to become second to Pharaoh, saving his family during famine. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years before God delivered them through Moses in the Exodus. Jesus' family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod, fulfilling the prophecy "Out of Egypt I called my son."
Position in Book
Hezekiah's faithfulness, Manasseh's wickedness, Josiah's reforms, fall of Jerusalem to Babylon.