By: REV. DR. ISAIAH ROBINSON, JR.
Scriptural text: JEREMIAH 38: 7-13
KEY VERSE: It was because of the Lord’s anger that all of this happened to
Jerusalem and Judah, and in the end, He thrust them from His presence.
Now Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. (2 Kings 24: 20 NIV).
INTRODUCTION: In its simplest form, faith is defined as utter dependence on the almighty God. In a more profound sense, it can be defined as the positive response of the total person to the initiatives of God the Father. The God who never gives up.
The events described in this passage occurred against a backdrop of international power shifts and internal spiritual decline. Judah had become a dependent or subordinate to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar installed Zedekiah as a puppet king. The political situation reflected a deeper spiritual crisis; decades of idolatry and social injustice had eroded the nation’s covenant relationship with God. Zedekiah’s reign had provided a brief period of spiritual renewal, but subsequent kings returned to corrupt practices. Despite clear warnings from the prophet Jeremiah, the leadership continued to make disastrous political and spiritual choices. This crisis caused the loss of the Temple, monarchy, and land, challenged fundamental assumptions about God’s promises and Israel’s identity. This crisis forced a profound reevaluation of faith, leading to new forms of worship and community life that would shape Judaism For centuries to come. It was a theological watershed moment that continues to influence how believers understand divine judgment, faithfulness, and restoration.
When Children stray from their upbringing (24:18-20). King Zedekiah’s original name was Martaniah. The Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar changed his name when he made him the new king of Judah. Under King Zedekiah, the people of Jerusalem and the whole of Judah did much that was displeasing in the eyes of the Lord. Yahweh eventually cast them from His presence, His anger burning hot over their disobedience. The fall of God’s chosen people would go down in history as a horrific tragedy, but God had grown weary of their sinful ways. Ultimately, this passage is a reminder of the universal need for the perfect King- Jesus Christ, who would succeed where Zedekiah and all other human leaders have failed. Jesus reigns over an eternal kingdom, and His name is above every name that is named not only in this age but also in the time to come. Righteousness in these texts is not defined as perfect behavior toward God. Evilness, particularly in the Books of Kings, involves moving away from God and worshipping idols.
The Day of Reckoning at the hands of God (25: 1-3). God allowed Nebuchadnezzar to return to Jerusalem and lay siege to the city through His permissive will. Once the siege was underway, the Babylonians allowed the outsiders to leave the city, but not enter, while the permanent residents were forced to remain in the city and starve to death. The best way out of any situation is to go through it with God. Even in this dark passage, there is hope. God’s faithfulness did not end with Jerusalem’s fall. God remained faithful to His promises today, even in our moments of crisis. The fall of Jerusalem reminds us that no human institution is everlasting. The destruction of Jerusalem symbolized God’s withdrawal of His presence from His people.
This story reminds us that restoration comes no through pride or denial, but through self-reflection, humility, and a commitment to greater personal responsibility and faithfulness to God.