1. Babylonian Forces Approaching

2 Kings 24:20 "For because of the anger of the LORD this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, that He finally cast them out from His presence."

In 601 B.C there was an intense battle of attrition between Egypt and Babylon leaving both sides heavily depleted. Judah was left alone for a season and they paid tribute to the Babylonians. Then Judah revolted against the king of Babylon and conspired with Egypt. This was in spite of the warnings of the prophet Jeremiah that they should accept their new master as a just punishment from the Lord for all of their grievous sins, even for worshiping false gods and for straying from the God�s commands.

In 597 B.C. king Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon purposed in his heart to march on Judah and conquer Jerusalem because of Judah�s political intrigue with Egypt. King Jehoiakim had died before the Babylonians had invaded his capital, but Jehoiakin, his son and successor, was ruling in Jerusalem only three months and he went out with all his household and surrendered to the approaching Nebuchadnezzar. (according to the Babylonian Chronicles Nebuchadnezzar took Jerusalem on March 16, 597 B.C.)

Jerusalem was spoiled of all her treasures, King Jehoiakin and the leading men of Judah were taken captive to Babylon as prisoners.

Nebuchadnezzar then placed Josiah's second youngest son, Mattaniah, on the throne as a puppet king. His name was changed to Zedekiah by his captors, and he was left to reign over the remnant of his people.

11 years later, in the 9^th year of his reign he conspired with Egypt. Soon his rebellion was found out and the Babylonians came in full force.

(See the Timeline)