Jeremiah 21:1-22:30 & 23:1-40
At the 9th year of Zedekiah’s reign, Babylon attacked Judah and Jerusalem. Zedekiah is clearly put in fear, inquiring of God by Jeremiah, saying, “Enquire, I pray thee, of the LORD for us; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon maketh war against us; if so be that the LORD will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may go up from us” (Jer. 21:2). Zedekiah was denying that Babylon would even come, believing the false prophets, but at last he is made to inquire of Jeremiah (who was not yet imprisoned) if there is any hope that the Lord would work for them against Babylon (Jer. 21:2). Zedekiah was given the appeal to go out to the Chaldeans and live, rather than abiding in the city (Jer. 21:9). Zedekiah is charged to do justice and judgment, and hopeful words of the Throne being established are given (Jer. 22:2-5). Strong words of his imminent destruction were uttered if Zedekiah chose not to surrender to Babylon. These words, no doubt, moved Zedekiah and the princes to make the Covenant and keep the Covenant they made before God concerning the enslaved Israelites (recorded in Jeremiah 34:1-10); this is an event I am persuaded happened next, chronologically. I am persuaded of this because of the message of peace given to Zedekiah concerning a peaceful death in Jerusalem, which was not given to him yet anywhere else; yea, the contrary had been given!
To be Continued…