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The next scene opens with fresh intrigues - this time chiefly with Egypt (Ezekiel 17:15-
18) - probably through the numerous Judaean immigrants to that country (Jeremiah 24:8).
Neighboring tribes, were, however, also implicated. Whether Zedekiah now deemed
himself sufficiently strong with the help of Egypt, or else it was impossible any longer to
conceal the plans of the allies, certain it is that he now openly rebelled (2 Kings 24:20).
His punishment came quickly. Nebuchadrezzar advanced with his army, and pitched his
camp at Riblah - significantly, the same place where Jehoahaz had been cast into bonds
by Necho (2 Kings 23:33). Riblah remained the headquarters of the Babylonian army, as
being a convenient point whence to operate against Palestine and Tyre on the one side,
and on the other against Ammon and Moab (Ezekiel 21:19, 20, 22, 28; 26:1-7). Presently
all Judaea was overrun. Indeed, it was entirely defenseless, with the exception of the
fortified towns of Lachish, Azekah, and Jerusalem (Jeremiah 34:7). Against Jerusalem
itself Nebuchadrezzar and his host now laid siege. This was on the tenth day of the tenth
month of the ninth year of Zedekiah (2 Kings 25:1; Jeremiah 39:1).
In the city, the greatness of the danger gave rise to what might have seemed feelings of
repentance, alternating, however, with opposite tendencies, as amidst the general
stupefaction and helplessness one or the other party had the upper hand. In the midst of it
all the king seemed as one utterly lost. At first all was energy. The useless houses which
the kings and the nobles had reared, were thrown down, and their place and materials
used for the defenses of the city (Jeremiah 33:4). It was a vain measure - and these
defenses only became the graves of those who held them. Popular measures also were
adopted. The king made a covenant with the people, and a solemn proclamation restored
freedom to all of Hebrew nationality - men and women -whom previous exactions,
violence, and unrighteousness had reduced to, or kept in, slavery (Jeremiah 34:8, 9). The
"princes" sulkily submitted. But during the brief time that the Babylonians withdrew to
meet the Egyptian army, they not only ignored what had been done, but once more
reduced to bondage those who had so lately been set free (Jeremiah 34:10, 11).
As for Zedekiah himself, his conduct was characterized by that helpless perplexity and
vacillation, which were the outcome of weakness and want of religious conviction.
Deputations were sent to Jeremiah for inquiry of the LORD, and appeal to Him in name
of past deliverances (Jeremiah 21:1, 2; 37:3). And yet, at the same time, the king
imprisoned and maltreated the prophets. All this according as his nobles either opposed
or protected Jeremiah. Yet when the prophet clearly set before the king the certain
alternative of resistance and captivity, or else surrender and safety (Jeremiah 34:2-6,
38:17,18), Zedekiah could form no decision. Most characteristic of the situation is
Jeremiah 38. As we read it, the king first yielded to his princes, who even ventured to
charge the prophet with treacherous designs (Jeremiah 37:13), and Jeremiah was cast into
a loathsome dungeon. Next, Zedekiah listened to intercessions on the other side, and
Jeremiah was at least removed from the subterranean prison, where his feet had sunk in
mire, and more humanely treated. Then the king actually sent for him and consulted him.
Nay, he not only most solemnly swore to protect him, but seemed willing to follow his
(^)