During King Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, captured Jerusalem. Jehoiakim first pledged loyalty to Babylon, then switched back to Egypt. Ignoring Jeremiah’s warnings, he was taken to Babylon, where he died. His son Jehoiachin became king but also rebelled. Babylon returned, destroyed the city, and exiled 10,000 people, including Ezekiel. Only the poor were left behind.

Zedekiah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, was made king. He too rebelled, hoping Egypt would help. Jeremiah warned him, but the Babylonians besieged Jerusalem. Zedekiah asked Jeremiah to pray, yet God declared the city would fall, and famine, disease, and death would come.

Despite his warnings, Jeremiah was beaten and imprisoned for his messages but protected by God. Eventually, Jerusalem fell. Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the city, leaving a few to farm, with Gedaliah as governor. Rebel soldiers killed Gedaliah, causing panic. Fearing Babylon, the people fled to Egypt, taking Jeremiah and Baruch with them, despite God’s warning to stay in Judah.

Years later, a new Babylonian king released Jehoiachin from prison, giving him comfort and honour for the rest of his life.