2 Kings 24 (résumé): Exile of Judah to Babylon

During Jehoiakim's reign in Judah King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon invaded Judah and Jehoiakim became his vassal during 3 years. Then Jehoiakim rebelled and suffered severe reprisals from Babylonian, Aramean, Moabite and Ammonite raiders which was in fact judgement from God for all that Manasseh had done. Jehoiakim died and was replaced by his son Jehoiachin, aged 18, who reigned for just 3 months. At that time Babylon laid siege on Jerusalem and Nebuchadnezzar came in person leading to the surrender of Jehoiachin and all around him. Jehoiachin was taken prisoner, all the treasures of the temple and palace were plundered and 10,000 officers, fighting men, skilled workers and artisans were taken in exile to Babylon leaving only the poor behind. Nebuchadnezzar took Jehoiachin captive to Babylon, plus his mother and wives, and he replaced him as king with his uncle Mattaniah whom he renamed Zedekiah. Zedekiah was made king at 21 years of age and reigned for 11 years doing evil before God.