Historical Context:
The invasion of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar II, the king of Babylon, marks a significant period in biblical history, occurring during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. This event is pivotal in the narrative of the Israelites, as it leads to the Babylonian Exile, a defining moment in Jewish history. Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns against Judah are chronicled in several books of the Bible, including 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Jeremiah, and Daniel.

Biblical Account:
The initial invasion of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar is recorded in 2 Kings 24:1-2: "During Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded the land, and Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years. But then he turned and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar." This passage highlights the beginning of Babylonian dominance over Judah, as King Jehoiakim submits to Nebuchadnezzar's authority, only to later rebel, which leads to further conflict.

The subsequent siege and capture of Jerusalem are detailed in 2 Kings 24:10-14: "At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched to Jerusalem, and the city came under siege. And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to the city while his servants were besieging it. Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his servants, his officials, and his eunuchs surrendered to the king of Babylon. So in the eighth year of his reign, the king of Babylon took Jehoiachin captive. He carried off all the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the king’s palace, and he cut into pieces all the gold articles that Solomon king of Israel had made for the temple of the LORD, just as the LORD had foretold."

Prophetic Significance:
The invasion and subsequent exile were prophesied by Jeremiah, who warned of the coming judgment due to the people's unfaithfulness and idolatry. Jeremiah 25:9 states, "behold, I will send for all the families of the north,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land and against its residents and against all the surrounding nations. I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and scorn, an everlasting desolation."

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, Nebuchadnezzar's invasion is seen as a divine instrument of judgment against Judah for their persistent disobedience and idolatry. The Babylonian Exile serves as a period of purification and reflection for the Jewish people, emphasizing themes of repentance and the hope of restoration. The prophet Daniel, who was among those taken to Babylon, exemplifies faithfulness in exile and the sovereignty of God over earthly kingdoms.

Impact on Judah:
The impact of Nebuchadnezzar's invasion was profound, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:8-10: "On the seventh day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign over Babylon, Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, entered Jerusalem. He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building. And the whole army of the Chaldeans under the captain of the guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem."

The exile reshaped Jewish identity and religious practice, as the people were forced to adapt to life in a foreign land while maintaining their distinct covenant relationship with God. The period of exile also set the stage for the eventual return and rebuilding of Jerusalem under Persian rule, as foretold by the prophets.