Zedekiah
Overview
- Testament: Old
- Role: Last king of Judah before Jerusalem fell to Babylon
- Family: Son of Josiah; uncle of Jehoiachin
- Key Books: 2 Kings, Jeremiah, 2 Chronicles
Biography
Zedekiah was installed by Nebuchadnezzar as Judah’s final king. Though Jeremiah repeatedly urged him to submit to Babylon as God’s judgment, Zedekiah wavered between fear of officials, secret interest in Jeremiah’s word, and political rebellion.
When Jerusalem fell, Zedekiah fled but was captured near Jericho. At Riblah he saw his sons killed, then his eyes were put out and he was taken in chains to Babylon.
Key Events
Relationships
- Jeremiah - Prophet who counseled surrender
- Nebuchadnezzar - Babylonian king who installed and judged him
Important Verses
- Jeremiah 38:17-23
- Jeremiah 39:4-7
- 2 Kings 25:1-7
Cross-References
- Mentioned in: Jeremiah, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles
Notes
Zedekiah’s story is a tragedy of fear: he heard enough truth to know the path of life but lacked the courage to obey it.