Chapter 39 represents the climax of Jeremiah’s book—and the low point of his life. From the opening chapter, his prophesies have pointed toward the day of Jerusalem’s destruction. Now the prophet writes as a historian, giving a sober, restrained, objective account of the dreaded day. Archeologists confirm his record, as do other ancient historians. After eighteen long months of siege, the Babylonian army finally conquers the city in July of 587 BC. Consistent with the way generals would claim victory, Nebuchadnezzar’s men take their seats in the city gates. Having broken through Jerusalem’s walls, they triumphantly claim the place of rule and governance. Judah is now under the control of a foreign power, speaking an unfamiliar language (v 1-3). Judah’s king does not stay to observe the bloody transition of power; he quickly abandons ship. The man who had persistently rejected God’s salvation had no choice now except to save himself. But Zedekiah fails in his desperate attempt to escape judgment. The fugitive is caught by Babylonian soldiers who bring him to Nebuchadnezzar’s field headquarters (v 4-5). There Zedekiah receives the punishment God had promised—and worse. Jeremiah prophesied that the king of Judah would not escape (38:18), but would see the king of Babylon with his own eyes (34:3). What Zedekiah had not been told was that the brutal slaughter of his sons was the last thing he would ever see with his eyes—for then his eyes are torn out, he is bound in chains, and led on a long, slow, dark march to the land of Babylon (v 6-7). Meanwhile, Babylonian troops set fire to all the houses of Jerusalem, including the royal palace. The city walls are broken down, and the best and brightest of the Jews are deported to Babylon. Those left behind are the poorest of the citizens—who suddenly become rich when the property of wealthy landowners is then redistributed among the peasants (v 8-10). Even as the city burns, God watches over His faithful servants, both famous prophet and humble slave. For some reason, Jeremiah is treated well. Perhaps the king of Babylon had respect for prophets. Or maybe he had been told how this man had begged his city to surrender. But Jeremiah is given a royal escort and received into the care of godly friends (v 11-14). Ebed-melech, who had earlier saved Jeremiah’s life (38:7-13), is also snatched from the flames because he had trusted in the LORD (v 15-18). In what ways does this chapter foreshadow the final day of judgment which is coming upon the world? For further meditation: