This final chapter of Jeremiah is an historical addendum covering the fall of Jerusalem, the Babylonian exile before concluding with a glimmer of hope. The chapter recalls events from 2 Kings 25. King Zedekiah rebelled against Babylon so the Babylonians sieged Jerusalem for 18 months causing mass starvation, and the city was burnt and destroyed. Zedekiah was blinded and taken captive to Babylon. Then the Babylonians looted the temple and stripped everything of value. Then the craftsmen and upper-class people were taken to Babylon leaving behind only the paupers. In all 4,600 people were taken into exile. Then the chapter ends on a nicer note with exiled King Jehoiachin being released by new King Evil-Merodach of Babylon after 37 years in jail and he was given a seat of honour above the other captive kings. "For the rest of his life he ate regularly at the king's table... and he even received a regular allowance"!
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