The Jews stubbornly resisted God to the last, but Jeremiah's prophecies came true. It seems that Nebuchadnezzar finally had enough of the rebellious Jews. He came and broke down the walls and burned the city with fire. But, even the Zedekiah and some of the princes and men of war still tried to escape, but they were captured and brought back to the Chaldean camp and killed (except for Zedekiah). He was forced to watch the execution of his sons. Then he was blinded, put in chains and taken to Babylon. What a sad ending for this king who bravely resisted the power of the mighty Chaldeans. However, if he would only have listened to God's Word by Jeremiah, he could have saved the city and himself.
But, there is a few good notes in the end of the chapter. Nebuchadnezzar told the captain to give Jeremiah the option of doing whatever he wanted and to be sure not to let any harm come to him. Also, Jeremiah promised Ebed-Melech safety because he had heroically rescued Jeremiah from the dungeon.
How are we doing today? Are we boldly fighting evil but forgetting to obey God like Zedekiah or are we like Jeremiah and obeying God uncompromisingly even when it's unpopular? Lord, help us to serve you without reservation our whole lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment