Talking about the Story18 Judah’s Fall; Jeremiah and EzekielWarm-Up QuestionIn a word or a few, what does it feel like to feel truly alive (versus just existing)?

We’ve been discussing the Israelites’ experience in the Promised Land, where the kingdom divided after the death of Solomon.

Today’s stories cover a century or so through the time when Judah fell to Babylonia and the temple built under Solomon was destroyed. This was also the time of the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

The Final Kings in JerusalemThe timeline below shows the period we’re considering. As the Assyrian Empire weakened, Egypt and Babylonia competed for control of the region including Judah, and Babylon won (see maps on separate page). Following revolts by Judahite kings in 597 and 587, the people of Jerusalem were

carried off to a 50-year exile in Babylonia.

1. Review the table of kings, and check their placement against the timeline. (Positions in the graphic are approximate.) What stands out for you?

2. Read 2 Kings 24:18–25:30. What are some reasons why Jerusalem fell?

King (Years of Rule) Key Points (Scripture)Manasseh (697–642) Very bad dude (2 Kings 21), but maybe repented (2 Chronicles 33)Amon (642–640) More evil deeds (like father, like son); assassinated (2 Kings 21)Josiah (640–609) Found and read the law; led the people in repenting (2 Kings 22–23)Jehoiakim (609–598) Installed by Egypt; served Babylon, then rebelled; died before punishment

arrived (2 Kings 23–24)

Two ProphetsJeremiah (626–585) urged the kings to ally with Babylon, not Egypt. He suffered with the people of Jerusalem and went into captivity with them.Ezekiel (593–571) was a priest, a descendant of Zadok, one of David’s priests who anointed Solomon. He went into exile in Babylonia with King Jehoiachin.

Jehoiachin (598–597) Surrendered to Babylon; taken into captivity with elites; temple looted (2K 24)Zedekiah (597–586) Installed by Babylon, then rebelled and was caught and executed; temple

destroyed; city leaders killed and residents taken into exile (2 Kings 24–25)Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and LamentationsWe have seen that the history in 1 and 2 Kings presents a particular understanding of the history of the people of Israel. Three other books—Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Lamentations present complementary views through the lens of prophecy, poetry, and narrative.3. What explanation did the writer of 1

and 2 Kings provide for the ups and downs of the Israelites’ (and Judahites’) history?

4. Review the information about Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Lamentations in the table below. What differences and similarities do you see?

5. To appreciate the passage we’ll read from Ezekiel, we should consider the significance of the Hebrew word ruach, referring to wind, breath, and spirit. These concepts are not separate in the Hebrew language. What stories from the Bible can you think of where wind, breath, or spirit is life giving?

6. Read Ezekiel 37:1-14, noticing the role of breath in the story. What is important about it? How does the prophecy illustrate “God’s creative and redeeming word”?

Book Themes Fun FactsJeremiah How the nation fell (chs. 1–25); how the

nation will survive (chs. 26–52); defense of God from accusations of injustice

Chapters 30–33 known as the “Little Book of Consolation”

Ezekiel Reasons for the Babylonian exile, using an analogy of sacrifice for purification

Includes apocalyptic literature and mystical visions of God

Lamentations Expressions of grief, including sorrow and complaint

In the Jewish Bible, part of the Megilloth (festival scrolls), read on the day of mourning for the loss of the temples

Readings To get today’s stories in full, read 2 Kings 21–25; Jeremiah 1–5 (or

Chapter 17 of The Story). To prepare for next week, read Matthew 1–2; Luke 1–2; John 1 (or

Chapter 22 of The Story). Note: We’re skipping ahead to the chapters about Jesus during Lent.

Closing Prayer

O God, source of all life, we place our future in your hands. Inspire us with your spirit to be faithful in good times and bad. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Source: Application Study Bible (Zondervan, 2005), Map 8.