II Kings 24:2

II Kings 24:2 And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets. When Josiah was killed in battle, there were no more kings in Judah who followed after the Lord. First the Egyptians defeated Judah, and then the Babylonians. Then the Egyptians again and the Babylonians again. Each time the kings of Judah thought that they could defeat their enemies without the Lord. But Judah just became weaker and weaker. Each time they lost, they had to pay stiff fines, and the golden implements of the Temple and the treasure of the kings were soon gone. Just as God had spoken by Isaiah the prophet, Judah was doomed because of their unfaithfulness. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, was fed up with dealing with the Jews. He attacked Jerusalem and King Zedekiah fled. His army scattered and he was captured near Jericho. Nebuchadnezzar’s captain brought Zedekiah before Nebuchadnezzar and executed all of Zedekiah’s children and then put his eyes out. He was bound in brass fetters and led away. Nebuchadnezzar burned the Temple and the king’s palace and all the prominent houses in Jerusalem and dragged everyone away in chains to be slaves in Babylon. God’s judgement was complete. But God didn’t forget his children. Even as slaves, God was with the Jews. God judges, but God loves and God forgives! Praise the name of the Lord!