5th Captivity
At approx. 589 BC the famine waxed sore upon the people and thereby Babylon prevailed to break up the City at the 9th day of the 4th month of the 11th year of Zedekiah’s reign (2 Kings 25:2-3, Jer. 39:2). The Babylonians spoiled and set fire to the House of the LORD and the City at the 7th day of the 5th month of the 11th year (Jer. 39:1-10, 52:12-27, 2 Kings 25:1-21, 2 Chron. 36:17-20). This took place at the 19th year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign (Jer. 52:1-12).
Jeremiah 39:1-18 – At the 9th day of the 4th month of the 11th year of Zedekiah’s reign, the famine prevailed upon Jerusalem and thus the City was broken up (Jer. 39:2, 2 Kings 25:3). After the City was broken up and the House of the LORD and the City were burned, it was written that Nebuar-adan the Captain of the Guard “left of the poor of the people, which had nothing, in the Land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time” (Jer. 39:10). Fearfully, though, this people came under the judgment of God according to the prophecies which were before spoken concerning them (reducing Jerusalem into an uninhabited desolation: Jer. 44:2)! And, yet, after the 1st increment of this judgment came to pass an interval of mercy was provided (1st increment: Jer. 40:7-41:18, interval of mercy: Jer. 42:1-12, rejection of mercy: Jer. 42:13-43:7). A way of escape was made available! Sadly, though, the people rejected the mercy of God and claimed that Jeremiah spoke falsely (Jer. 43:2-3). Obstinately, all the Jews left the Land of Judah to dwell in Egypt …place where the people were not permitted to escape (Jer. 43:7-13; especially verses 11-12)! Fearfully, the LORD proceeded to proclaim judgment upon cities of refuge which were erroneously chosen in the Land of Egypt (Jer. 44:1). A great and affectionate appeal was made (Jer. 44:4)!
Jeremiah 52:1-27 – At the 11th year of Zedekiah’s reign, I conclude (or perhaps written in retrospect at a later time), Jeremiah gives an account of the fall of Jerusalem and the burning of the Temple in what we know to be the 5th Captivity.
Ezekiel 33:1-33 – At what would have been the 12th year of Zedekiah’s reign, which we know to be the 12th year since Jeconiah’s captivity & Zedekiah’s installment (the 5th day of the 10th month of the 12th year; time reference: 33:21),
Ezekiel 34:1-31 – Chronologically subsequent to the former prophecy and in the same timeframe (sometime between the 5th day of the 10th month of the 12th year & the 10th day of the 1st month of the 25th year; time reference: 33:21 & 40:1).
Ezekiel 35:1-15 – Chronologically subsequent to the former prophecy and in the same timeframe (sometime between the 5th day of the 10th month of the 12th year & the 10th day of the 1st month of the 25th year; time reference: 33:21 & 40:1).
Ezekiel 36:1-38 – Chronologically subsequent to the former prophecy and in the same timeframe (sometime between the 5th day of the 10th month of the 12th year & the 10th day of the 1st month of the 25th year; time reference: 33:21 & 40:1).
Ezekiel 37:1-28 – Chronologically subsequent to the former prophecy and in the same timeframe (sometime between the 5th day of the 10th month of the 12th year & the 10th day of the 1st month of the 25th year; time reference: 33:21 & 40:1).