King Zedekiah sought a request that Jeremiah ask the LORD to ("according to His wonderful works") turn Nebuchadnezzar away from them. (Now the LORD's works are wonderful.) Jeremiah told him in short...no. In fact, the LORD said:
I Myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger and fury and great wrath.
Jeremiah said Babylon will defeat Zedekiah; and those who do not die by the sword, will die by pestilence and famine. Nebuchadnezzar will not spare them or have mercy or pity. But those who surrender to Nebuchadnezzar shall live, and they shall be taken into captivity. And the city shall be destroyed.
To the house of David, God gave one last chance to turn back (repent) or face judgment.
COMMENTARY
Zedekiah went to Jeremiah to hear the word of God, hoping it would be to his favor; but it was too late. He had enough warnings, and he tried God's patience enough. The word Jeremiah gave to Zedekiah was bad news: either stay the city and die, or surrender to the king of Babylon and live (in captivity).
But King Zedekiah was the worst king and did not believe Jeremiah. He never did turn to God.
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