Topical Bible: Self-Will and Stubbornness: Zedekiah

Bible > Topical > Self-Will and Stubbornness

◄ Self-Will and Stubbornness: Zedekiah ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, serves as a poignant biblical example of self-will and stubbornness, traits that ultimately led to his downfall and the destruction of Jerusalem. His reign, which lasted from 597 to 586 BC, was marked by a series of poor decisions and a refusal to heed divine warnings, as recorded in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Jeremiah.

Background and Reign

Zedekiah, originally named Mattaniah, was the son of Josiah and the uncle of Jehoiachin, whom he succeeded as king. Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, installed Zedekiah as a puppet ruler after deporting Jehoiachin to Babylon. Despite his position being secured by Babylonian power, Zedekiah's reign was characterized by political instability and spiritual decline.

Self-Will and Rebellion

Zedekiah's self-will is most evident in his rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar. Despite the prophet Jeremiah's repeated warnings to submit to Babylonian rule as God's ordained plan (Jeremiah 27:12-15), Zedekiah chose to align with Egypt in a futile attempt to assert independence. This decision was driven by a stubborn refusal to accept God's will, as communicated through Jeremiah. The Berean Standard Bible records Jeremiah's plea: "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who say to you, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon,’ for they are prophesying a lie to you" (Jeremiah 27:14).

Stubbornness and Consequences

Zedekiah's stubbornness is further highlighted in his interactions with Jeremiah. Despite secretly consulting the prophet and acknowledging his wisdom, Zedekiah lacked the courage to act on Jeremiah's counsel. In Jeremiah 38:19, Zedekiah expresses fear of the Judeans who had defected to the Babylonians, saying, "I am afraid of the Jews who have gone over to the Chaldeans, for the Chaldeans may hand me over to them to abuse me." His fear of man overruled his fear of God, leading him to persist in his rebellion.

The consequences of Zedekiah's self-will and stubbornness were severe. In 586 BC, after a prolonged siege, Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians. Zedekiah attempted to flee but was captured near Jericho. The Babylonians killed his sons before his eyes, then blinded him and took him in chains to Babylon (2 Kings 25:7). This tragic end fulfilled Jeremiah's prophecy and underscored the dire results of ignoring God's warnings.

Spiritual Lessons

Zedekiah's life serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of self-will and stubbornness. His refusal to submit to God's plan, despite clear prophetic guidance, led to personal and national disaster. His account is a reminder of the importance of humility, obedience, and the willingness to listen to God's voice, even when it contradicts personal desires or fears.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 36:13
And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning to the LORD God of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook