Background:
Zedekiah, originally named Mattaniah, was the last king of Judah, reigning from 597 to 586 BC. He was the son of Josiah and the uncle of Jehoiachin, whom he succeeded as king after Jehoiachin was taken captive to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar II, the king of Babylon, installed Zedekiah as a vassal king, changing his name to Zedekiah, which means "Yahweh is righteousness" (2 Kings 24:17).

Political Context:
Zedekiah's reign occurred during a tumultuous period marked by the Babylonian Empire's dominance over the region. Judah was a vassal state under Babylonian control, and Zedekiah was expected to remain loyal to Nebuchadnezzar. However, the political climate was unstable, with various factions within Judah advocating for rebellion against Babylonian rule, often seeking alliances with Egypt.

The Rebellion:
Despite the warnings of the prophet Jeremiah, who counseled submission to Babylon as God's will (Jeremiah 27:12-15), Zedekiah eventually succumbed to pressure from his advisors and the pro-Egyptian faction. In the ninth year of his reign, Zedekiah rebelled against Babylon by withholding tribute and seeking military support from Egypt (2 Kings 24:20; Jeremiah 52:3).

Biblical Account:
The rebellion is detailed in several biblical passages. In 2 Kings 24:20, it is noted, "For because of the anger of the LORD, this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, until He finally banished them from His presence. And Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon." The prophet Ezekiel also prophesied against Zedekiah, symbolically portraying his capture and the fall of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 12:10-13).

Siege and Fall of Jerusalem:
In response to Zedekiah's rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem in the tenth month of the ninth year of Zedekiah's reign (2 Kings 25:1). The siege lasted approximately eighteen months, leading to severe famine and hardship within the city (2 Kings 25:2-3). In the eleventh year of Zedekiah's reign, the Babylonians breached the city walls, leading to the capture and destruction of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:4).

Zedekiah's Capture and Punishment:
As the Babylonians entered the city, Zedekiah attempted to flee but was captured near Jericho. He was brought before Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah, where he witnessed the execution of his sons before his eyes were put out. Zedekiah was then bound in chains and taken to Babylon, where he remained in captivity until his death (2 Kings 25:6-7; Jeremiah 39:6-7).

Theological Significance:
Zedekiah's rebellion is often viewed as a culmination of Judah's persistent disobedience and idolatry, leading to divine judgment. The fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile were seen as fulfillment of prophetic warnings, emphasizing the consequences of forsaking the covenant with God. Jeremiah's role as a prophet during this period highlights the tension between political expediency and divine command, as he urged submission to Babylon as an act of obedience to God's will.

References in Scripture:
· 2 Kings 24:17-20; 25:1-7
· 2 Chronicles 36:11-21
· Jeremiah 21:1-10; 27:1-22; 39:1-7; 52:1-11
· Ezekiel 12:1-13

Zedekiah's rebellion serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the dire consequences of rebellion against His ordained authority.