Reasons for the Captivity

The kingdom of Israel has come to an end as recorded in the last chapter of 2 Kings. Since the fall of Judah, the southern kingdom, there has not been a king on the throne of David, and will not be until Jesus Christ takes His place on that throne.

Three specific reasons are given for Israel being taken into captivity as they have come under God's judgment. One, Zedekiah had a stubborn, hard heart that would not listen and heed God's message given through the prophets. Two, the priests, the people and the king all had unrepentant hearts. And three, the seventy years, foretold to be the duration of the captivity was judgment for the land sabbath's Israel had failed to observe.

The writing of the prophet Jeremiah contains the record of the events surrounding the fall of Jerusalem, testifying to the continued rebellion of the people.

The final verses of 2 Kings 25 remind us that even though Israel was removed from the land in judgment, God has not forsaken His promises to David and Israel, as a legitimate successor to the throne is preserved.