Topical Encyclopedia Zedekiah, originally named Mattaniah, was the last king of Judah, reigning from approximately 597 to 586 BC. He was the third son of Josiah and the uncle of his predecessor, Jehoiachin. Zedekiah's ascent to the throne was orchestrated by Nebuchadnezzar II, the king of Babylon, who had previously besieged Jerusalem and taken Jehoiachin captive. Nebuchadnezzar changed Mattaniah's name to Zedekiah, which means "The Lord is my righteousness," as a symbol of his authority over the newly appointed king (2 Kings 24:17).Political Context and Reign Zedekiah's reign was marked by political instability and pressure from surrounding powers. As a vassal king under Babylonian control, Zedekiah was expected to maintain loyalty to Nebuchadnezzar. However, his reign was fraught with internal dissent and external threats, as many in Judah sought independence from Babylonian rule. The prophet Jeremiah, a contemporary of Zedekiah, repeatedly warned against rebellion and urged submission to Babylon as God's will (Jeremiah 27:12-15). Despite these warnings, Zedekiah eventually succumbed to the pressure from his advisors and the surrounding nations, forming an alliance with Egypt in a bid to resist Babylonian dominance. This decision proved disastrous, as it led to the final siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar's forces in 586 BC. Religious and Prophetic Interactions Zedekiah's relationship with the prophets, particularly Jeremiah, was complex. While he occasionally sought Jeremiah's counsel, he often ignored the prophet's warnings. Jeremiah's prophecies were clear: Judah's only hope lay in submission to Babylon, as this was part of God's divine plan for the nation (Jeremiah 21:8-10). Zedekiah's failure to heed these warnings ultimately led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecies of judgment. In a poignant episode, Zedekiah secretly consulted Jeremiah, hoping for a favorable word from the Lord. Jeremiah, however, reiterated the message of surrender, predicting dire consequences if Zedekiah continued his rebellion (Jeremiah 38:14-23). Despite this, Zedekiah's fear of his officials and the people led him to persist in his resistance against Babylon. The Fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's Fate The Babylonian siege of Jerusalem culminated in a catastrophic defeat for Judah. In 586 BC, after a prolonged siege, the Babylonians breached the city walls, leading to widespread destruction and the burning of the temple. 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, and he was taken in chains to Babylon (2 Kings 25:1-7; Jeremiah 39:4-7). Zedekiah's tragic end serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands and the futility of relying on human alliances over divine guidance. His reign marked the end of the Davidic line of kings in Judah until the eventual restoration foretold by the prophets. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 24:17,18And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father's brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 3:15 2 Chronicles 36:10 Jeremiah 37:1 Library The Last King of Judah On Daniel. I. Preface by the Most Holy Hippolytus, (Bishop) of ... The Last Agony The Fall of Judah Carried Captive into Babylon The Captivity. Approaching Doom 'As Sodom' Babylon. The Kingdom of Judah. Resources What does the Bible say about emotional abuse? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Nebuchadnezzar? | GotQuestions.org What was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Zedekiah: A False Prophet: Strikes Micaiah, the True Prophet Zedekiah: Grandson of Jehoiakim Zedekiah: Made King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar Zedekiah: Made King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar by Ezekiel Zedekiah: Made King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar by Jeremiah Zedekiah: Made King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar: Forms an Alliance With the King of Egypt Zedekiah: Made King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar: Imprisons Jeremiah on Account of his Denunciations Zedekiah: Made King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar: The Evil Reign of Zedekiah: Made King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar: Throws off his Allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar Zedekiah: Nebuchadnezzar Destroys the City and Temple Zedekiah: Prophesies to Ahab That he Will be Victorious Over the Syrians, Instead of Being Defeated Related Terms |
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