Theory question 103
Concern for Judah(a) Describe king Nebuchadnezzar's attack on Judah. (b) List four effects of war on a nation.
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(a) In Jehoiakim's days Nebuchadnezzar came up and Jehoiakim served him three years, then rebelled (2 Kings 24:1).
In Jehoiachin's reign Babylon besieged Jerusalem; the king surrendered and was taken to Babylon with the temple and palace treasures (2 Kings 24:10-13).
He carried away the officials, warriors, craftsmen and smiths — ten thousand captives — leaving only the poorest (2 Kings 24:14-16).
He made Mattaniah king, renaming him Zedekiah (2 Kings 24:17).
Zedekiah rebelled; Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem from his ninth to eleventh year; famine was severe (2 Kings 25:1-3).
The wall was breached; Zedekiah fled but was caught at Jericho; his sons were killed before him, his eyes put out, and he was taken to Babylon in chains (2 Kings 25:4-7).
Nebuzaradan burnt the temple, palace and houses, broke down the walls and exiled the people (2 Kings 25:8-11).
The temple vessels were taken; the chief priests and leaders executed; Gedaliah made governor (2 Kings 25:13-22).
(b) Any four: loss of lives; destruction of property and infrastructure; refugees and displacement; famine and disease; economic collapse; breakdown of families; psychological trauma; loss of independence.
Narrate 2 Kings 24–25, then four effects.