The Fall of Jerusalem
Jeremiah 39

Lesson 37

background notes

doctrinal / teaching points

1.  The fall of Jerusalem was recorded.

2.  The fate of Zedekiah was realized.

3.  The faith of Ebed-Melech was rewarded.

 

practical application

Don’t be lukewarm like King Zedekiah!

 

questions

1. How many months did the siege of Jerusalem last?
2. Which book of the Bible provides details of the horrible conditions in Jerusalem during the siege by the Babylonians?
3. The wall of Jerusalem was breached by the Babylonians in 586 BC, on the 9th day of Ab, the 5th month.  What significant event involving the city of Jerusalem took place several hundred years later, on the same day of the same month?
4. How many times is the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC recorded in Scripture?
              
   Why did God consider the fall of Jerusalem so significant that He had it recorded 4 times in Scripture?
5. Jesus spoke of the “times of the Gentiles” in Luke 21:24.  When did this period of time begin?  When will the “times of the Gentiles” end?

 

answers

1. The first 2 verses of chapter 39 provide the chronological dates necessary to determine that the Babylonian siege lasted 18 months.
2. The book of Lamentations provides details of the horrible conditions in Jerusalem during the siege. 
3. In 70 AD, on the 9th day of Ab, the 5th month, the Romans conquered Jerusalem.
4. The fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC is recorded 4 times in Scripture as follows:
               a. Jeremiah 39:1-10
               b. Jeremiah 52:4-11
               c. 2 Kings 25:1-10
               d. Ezekiel 24:1-2
5. The “times of the Gentiles” spoken of by Jesus in Luke 21:24, began with the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC.  The “times of the Gentiles” will not be completely fulfilled until the Lord returns.

discuss / consider

Discuss the explicit contrast between the final days of King Zedekiah and the final days of the servant Ebed-Melech.  Consider the character, roles, attitudes and actions of these two, very different people. Discuss the practical applications for the lives of God’s people today.

challenge

Could your spiritual life be described as lukewarm?  Is your time spent in God’s Word  consistent and fruitful?  Is your quiet time with the Lord vibrant and effective?  Is your worship  Christ-centered and filled with gratitude?  Are you surrounded in fellowship with other believers who build you up in the faith?  Don’t be lukewarm.  Put your trust in the Lord and live your life fully for Him.

memorize

• “For I will surely deliver you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but your life shall be as a prize to you, because you have put your trust in Me.” Jeremiah 39:18