Topical Encyclopedia Historical Context:Babylon, an ancient city-state in Mesopotamia, rose to prominence under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar II, who reigned from 605 to 562 BC. Nebuchadnezzar is one of the most significant figures in biblical history, particularly in relation to the Kingdom of Judah. His reign marked the height of Babylonian power and influence, and he is best known for his military conquests, architectural achievements, and interactions with the Jewish people. Zedekiah's Reign: Zedekiah, originally named Mattaniah, was the last king of Judah, appointed by Nebuchadnezzar himself after the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 597 BC. He was the son of Josiah and the uncle of Jehoiachin, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken captive to Babylon. Zedekiah's reign lasted from 597 to 586 BC, during which he was a vassal king under Babylonian authority. Rebellion and Siege: Despite his position as a vassal, Zedekiah eventually rebelled against Babylonian rule, influenced by false prophets and political pressures from surrounding nations. This rebellion led to Nebuchadnezzar's decisive military response. The Bible records that Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem, a siege that lasted approximately eighteen months, resulting in severe famine and hardship within the city. Capture and Exile: The fall of Jerusalem is a pivotal event in biblical history. In 586 BC, Nebuchadnezzar's forces breached the city walls, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the burning of the Temple, a catastrophic event for the Jewish people. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this event in 2 Kings 25:7: "Then they put out Zedekiah’s eyes, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon." Zedekiah's capture was marked by tragedy and humiliation. After witnessing the execution of his sons, Zedekiah was blinded and taken in chains to Babylon, fulfilling the prophecy of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 34:3) and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 12:13). His fate symbolized the end of the Davidic line of kings ruling in Jerusalem until the prophesied restoration. Theological Significance: The captivity of Zedekiah and the fall of Jerusalem are seen as divine judgment for the persistent idolatry and disobedience of the people of Judah. The prophets had long warned of impending doom should the nation fail to repent and return to the covenant with Yahweh. The exile served as a period of purification and reflection for the Jewish people, emphasizing themes of judgment, repentance, and eventual restoration. Legacy: Nebuchadnezzar's conquest and the subsequent Babylonian Exile had profound implications for Jewish identity and theology. The exile prompted the development of Jewish synagogues, a renewed focus on the Torah, and the emergence of a more defined Jewish identity. The hope for a future Messiah and the restoration of Israel became central themes in Jewish thought during and after the exile. The account of Zedekiah's capture and the Babylonian Exile remains a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the enduring hope for redemption and restoration through God's promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 25:7,11,18-21And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 36:20 Library How the King of Babylon Took Jerusalem and Burnt the Temple and ... Carried Captive into Babylon The Last King of Judah 'As Sodom' The Restoration of the Jews. How Nebuzaradan Set Gedaliah Over the Jews that were Left in Judea ... The End Approaching Doom The Antiquities of the Jews Palestine under Pagan Kings. Resources Was Daniel made a eunuch in Babylon? | GotQuestions.orgWhen and how was Judah conquered by the Babylonians? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Zedekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Babylon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Babylon was Called: Desert of the Sea Babylon was Called: Lady of Kingdoms Babylon was Called: Land of Merathaim Babylon was Called: Land of Shinar Babylon was Called: Land of the Chaldeans Babylon with Media and Persia Divided by Darius 120 Provinces Babylon: Ambassadors of, Sent to Hezekiah Babylon: As a Power Was: An Instrument of God's Vengeance on Other Nations Babylon: As a Power Was: Arrogant Babylon: As a Power Was: Covetous Babylon: As a Power Was: Cruel and Destructive Babylon: As a Power Was: Grand and Stately Babylon: As a Power Was: Oppressive Babylon: As a Power Was: Secure and Self-Confident Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called Babylon the Great Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called Beauty of Chaldees Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called the City of Merchants Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called the Glory of Kingdoms Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called the Golden City Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Enlarged by Nebuchadnezzar Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Its Antiquity Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Surrounded With a Great Wall and Fortified Babylon: Babylon the Chief Province of Babylon: City of Built by Nimrod Babylon: City of Capital of the Kingdom of Babylon Babylon: City of in the Land of Shinar Babylon: City of Peter Writes From Babylon: City of Prophecies Concerning Babylon: Composed of Many Nations Babylon: Destroyed by the Medes Babylon: Empire of a Limited Monarchy Babylon: Empire of Armies of, Invade Ancient Canaan Babylon: Empire of At the Time of Ahasuerus Babylon: Empire of Called Land of Shinar Babylon: Empire of Colonists From, Sent to Samaria Babylon: Empire of Conquest of Egypt By Babylon: Empire of Divisions of Babylon: Empire of Extent of, at the Time of Nebuchadnezzar Babylon: Empire of Founded by Nimrod Babylon: Empire of Jews Carried To Babylon: Empire of Prophecies of Conquests By Babylon: Empire of Prophetic Denunciations Against Babylon: Formerly a Part of Mesopotamia Babylon: Founded by the Assyrians, and a Part of Their Empire Babylon: Inhabitants of Addicted to Magic Babylon: Inhabitants of Idolatrous Babylon: Inhabitants of Profane and Sacrilegious Babylon: Inhabitants of Wicked Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Besieged and Took Jerusalem Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Besieged Jerusalem Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Burned Jerusalem Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Made Jehoiakim Tributary Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Made Zedekiah King Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Rebelled Against by Zedekiah Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Spoiled and Burned the Temple Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Spoiled the Temple Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Took Jehoiachin Captive to Babylon Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Took Zedekiah Captive to Babylon Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Captivity of the Jews By Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Conquests By Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Destruction of Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Perpetual Desolation of Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Preaching of the Gospel In Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Restoration of the Jews From Babylon: Presidents Placed Over Babylon: Remarkable For: Antiquity Babylon: Remarkable For: Commerce Babylon: Remarkable For: Manufacture of Garments Babylon: Remarkable For: Military Power Babylon: Remarkable For: National Greatness Babylon: Remarkable For: Naval Power Babylon: Remarkable For: Wealth Babylon: Remarkable For: Wisdom of Senators Babylon: Represented by a Great Eagle Babylon: Represented by a Head of Gold Babylon: Represented by a Lion With Eagle's Wings Babylon: Restoration of the Jews From Babylon: Revolt of the Jews From, and Their Punishment Illustrated Babylon: Situated Beyond the Euphrates Babylon: The Gospel Preached In Babylon: The Jews Exhorted to be Subject To, and Settle In Babylon: Treatment of the Jews In Babylon: Watered by the Rivers Euphrates and Tigris Related Terms Merodach-baladan (2 Occurrences) |
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