2 Chronicles 36:13

He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. But Zedekiah stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD, the God of Israel.

Study Bible

He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar
Zedekiah's rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar was a significant political and spiritual act. Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, had previously installed Zedekiah as a vassal king over Judah. This rebellion was not just a political maneuver but also a breach of an oath made before God, as Zedekiah had sworn allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar by invoking God's name. This act of rebellion is seen as a direct defiance against God's established order at the time, as Nebuchadnezzar was used by God to execute judgment on Judah for their disobedience.

who had made him swear by God
The oath Zedekiah took was a solemn one, invoking the name of God, which made it binding and sacred. In the ancient Near Eastern context, oaths were serious commitments, and breaking them was considered a grave sin. This highlights the spiritual dimension of Zedekiah's rebellion, as it was not merely against a foreign king but against God Himself. The breaking of this oath is seen as a violation of the Third Commandment, which warns against taking the Lord's name in vain.

But Zedekiah stiffened his neck
The phrase "stiffened his neck" is a metaphor for stubbornness and resistance to correction. In biblical literature, this imagery is often used to describe Israel's repeated disobedience and unwillingness to submit to God's will. This stubbornness is a recurring theme in the history of Israel and Judah, leading to their eventual downfall and exile. It reflects a heart that is unyielding and resistant to divine guidance.

and hardened his heart
The hardening of the heart is a spiritual condition where an individual becomes insensitive to God's voice and resistant to His commands. This phrase echoes the condition of Pharaoh's heart in the Exodus narrative, where repeated refusals to heed God's warnings led to judgment. In Zedekiah's case, it signifies a deliberate choice to ignore prophetic warnings and continue in a path of disobedience, ultimately leading to the destruction of Jerusalem.

against turning to the LORD, the God of Israel
Zedekiah's refusal to turn to the LORD indicates a rejection of repentance and a failure to seek God's mercy. Throughout the Old Testament, turning to the LORD is synonymous with repentance and seeking restoration. The prophets, including Jeremiah, repeatedly called for the kings and people of Judah to return to God, promising that He would relent from sending disaster if they repented. Zedekiah's failure to do so underscores the tragic consequences of ignoring God's call to repentance and the inevitable judgment that follows.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zedekiah
The last king of Judah, who reigned from 597 to 586 BC. He was placed on the throne by Nebuchadnezzar but later rebelled against him.

2. King Nebuchadnezzar
The powerful king of Babylon who conquered Jerusalem and installed Zedekiah as a vassal king. He represents the instrument of God's judgment against Judah.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which fell to Babylon due to its persistent disobedience and idolatry.

4. Oath by God
A solemn promise made by Zedekiah to Nebuchadnezzar, invoking God's name, which he later broke, demonstrating a lack of faithfulness and integrity.

5. Rebellion and Hardening of Heart
Zedekiah's refusal to submit to Nebuchadnezzar and his spiritual stubbornness against God, leading to Judah's downfall.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Keeping Oaths
Breaking an oath, especially one made in God's name, is a serious offense. Christians are called to be people of integrity, keeping their promises and commitments.

Consequences of Rebellion
Zedekiah's rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar, and ultimately against God, led to destruction. Rebellion against God's ordained authority can lead to severe consequences.

Spiritual Stubbornness
Hardening one's heart against God leads to spiritual downfall. Believers should remain open and responsive to God's guidance and correction.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The fall of Judah under Zedekiah's reign demonstrates God's control over nations and His use of earthly powers to accomplish His purposes.

Repentance and Turning to God
Despite past failures, there is always an opportunity to turn back to God. Zedekiah's account serves as a warning and a call to repentance.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Zedekiah's failure to keep his oath, and how does this apply to our commitments today?

2. How does Zedekiah's rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar reflect a deeper spiritual rebellion against God?

3. In what ways can we identify and address areas of spiritual stubbornness in our own lives?

4. How does the account of Zedekiah illustrate the consequences of ignoring God's warnings through His prophets?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that we remain responsive to God's guidance and avoid the hardening of our hearts?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 17
This chapter provides a parable and explanation of Zedekiah's rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar, highlighting the breach of covenant and its consequences.

Jeremiah 52
Offers a historical account of Zedekiah's reign and the fall of Jerusalem, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophetic warnings.

Exodus 7:13
The hardening of Pharaoh's heart parallels Zedekiah's spiritual stubbornness, illustrating a recurring theme of resistance to God's will.

Proverbs 29:1
Warns about the consequences of hardening one's heart, which aligns with Zedekiah's fate.