Background:
Zedekiah, originally named Mattaniah, was the last king of Judah before the Babylonian conquest. He was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, after the latter had exiled Jehoiachin, Zedekiah's nephew. Zedekiah reigned from approximately 597 to 586 BC. His reign was marked by political instability, rebellion against Babylon, and a failure to heed prophetic warnings, particularly those from the prophet Jeremiah.

Zedekiah's Inquiry:
During the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, Zedekiah sought guidance from the LORD through the prophet Jeremiah. Despite the dire circumstances, Zedekiah hoped for a favorable word from God, perhaps expecting divine intervention similar to past deliverances experienced by Israel.

The LORD's Response:
The LORD's response to Zedekiah, delivered through Jeremiah, was one of judgment rather than deliverance. In Jeremiah 21:3-7 , the LORD declares:

“Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war in your hands, which you are using to fight the king of Babylon and the Chaldeans who besiege you outside the wall, and I will assemble them in the center of this city. And I Myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm, with anger, fury, and great wrath. I will strike down the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast. They will die in a terrible plague. After that, declares the LORD, I will hand over Zedekiah king of Judah, his officials, and the people in this city who survive the plague, the sword, and the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, into the hands of their enemies, and into the hands of those who seek their lives. He will put them to the sword; he will not spare them or show pity or compassion.”

Reasons for Judgment:
The LORD's response highlights several reasons for the impending judgment:

1. Rebellion Against Babylon: Zedekiah's rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar, despite being placed on the throne by him, was seen as a rebellion against God's ordained authority at that time. This act of defiance was contrary to the counsel given by Jeremiah, who urged submission to Babylon as part of God's plan.

2. Idolatry and Injustice: The people of Judah, including their leaders, had persistently engaged in idolatry and social injustices, violating the covenant with God. Despite numerous warnings through prophets, they continued in their sinful ways.

3. Failure to Heed Prophetic Warnings: Zedekiah and the people of Judah repeatedly ignored the warnings and counsel of Jeremiah, who was God's appointed messenger. Their refusal to repent and turn back to God sealed their fate.

The Outcome:
The LORD's response was fulfilled as prophesied. Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians in 586 BC. Zedekiah attempted to flee but was captured. In a tragic fulfillment of prophecy, he witnessed the execution of his sons before his eyes were put out, and he was taken in chains to Babylon (Jeremiah 39:6-7).

Theological Implications:
The LORD's response to Zedekiah underscores the seriousness of covenant faithfulness and the consequences of disobedience. It serves as a sobering reminder of God's justice and the importance of heeding His word through His prophets. Despite the grim message, the overarching narrative of Scripture reveals God's enduring faithfulness and the hope of restoration for those who turn back to Him.