Jerusalem’s Destruction

Synopsis     2Kings 25:8-18      10/29/2019 

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Jerusalem. So, in an effort to escape, King Zedekiah attempted fled the city. However, Chaldean soldiers apprehended him. And Nebuchadnezzar tortured and imprisoned him.  

After this, Nebuchadnezzar sent his forces to utterly destroy the city. So, the Babylonians burned the temple and the king’s palace along with other major buildings. They took everything of value from the city, especially the precious metals that had been used to build and equip Solomon’s temple. 

And then they deported the rest of the people, including the high priest and other temple ministers.  

Jerusalem’s Complete Destruction 

Jerusalem was completely destroyed. The Babylonians had torn down the protective walls of the city. And, they burned and looted the temple and palace. Additionally, they led the remaining officials away to exile in Babylon.  

All seemed lost.  

Ashes Before “Beauty From Ashes” 

There has to be ashes before there can be “beauty from ashes”. And everyone who follows in the Way of Christ will eventually have to give up their own way of self-service.   

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; He has sent me to bring good news to the afflicted, to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, release to the prisoners, To announce a year of favor from the LORD and a day of vindication by our God; To comfort all who mourn; to place on those who mourn in Zion a diadem instead of ashes, To give them oil of gladness instead of mourning, a glorious mantle instead of a faint spirit.” Isa 61:1-3