4/9 2 Kings 24 - Judah Falls! - Part 1

The Fall of Judah might not be something we think we need to know much about, but the history behind 2 Kings 24 helps us connect the dots with much of the Old Testament. So, please join us for a weighty study in this chapter and the history that surrounds it!

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    The podcast mentioned that behind the scenes, there were three nations/empires that were vying for dominance over this region. Who were those nations? How do you think their power would have impacted Judah’s view of herself and her situation?
2.    The podcast explained that although Judah officially fell to Babylon in 586 BC, her fall was the final culmination of a series of events that began in 609 BC. What happened then and who was the true ruler in Judah from 609 to 605 BC? 
3.    The podcast refers to the Book of Jeremiah for the backstory on King Jehoiakim. What events took place in King Jehoiakim’s life in Jeremiah 22, 26 and 36? What do those events show us about King Jehoiakim’s view of the Lord and His prophets? Why would this have been a problem for those who were seeking the Lord’s protection?
4.    The podcast also mentions that although King Jehoiakim paid stiff fines to Egypt, Jeremiah 22 lets us know that he was raising taxes on the people of Judah for another purpose. What was that purpose and how would this have further embittered the people against him? 
5.    The podcast mentions the Battle of Charchmish in 605 BC as being one of the most important extra-biblical events from this time. What happened in that battle and who was the victor? (Feel free to look it up online) How did that change the geopolitical landscape of the region? 
6.    After the Battle of Charchemish, what happened to the control of the Egyptian and Assyrian controlled regions? How would that have affected Judah (considering that she was under Egyptian control at that point)?
7.    After the death of King Jehoiakim, his son Jehoiakim became king. What does he do with Babylon in verse 11? How does Nebuchadnezzar respond in verses 12-14? 
8.    In verse 17, who did Nebuchadnezzar install as king? What light does Ezekiel 1:2 on how the people viewed his rule (as mentioned in the podcast)? 
9.    Look up the following assessment of these final kings of Judah: 2 Kings 32:32, 2 Kings 23:37, 2 Kings 24:9, 2 Kings 24:19. What is the common thread between these kings? How do you think this thread affected the Lord’s protection of His people? 
10.    Look up the following assessment of these final events: 2 Kings 24:2, 2 Kings 24:3, 2 Kings 24:13, 2 Kings 24:20. Whose hand was behind these events? What does this tell us about the underlying reason for Judah’s downfall? Why did it happen? How could it have been prevented? 
11.    Think about the decisions of these final kings and the actions of King Hezekiah only five chapters earlier. How were these situations similar to what Hezekiah faced? How were their reactions different from Hezekiah’s? What was the final outcome? What principles can we learn about how to handle difficult situations?

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