There is a superpower on the scene - Babylon. Having conquered the key Assyrian city of Nineveh seven years earlier (~612 BC), Babylon exerts its influence over the small nation of Judah. Why did this happen? Was it because of the economic and political policies of the time? Was Judah simply located in an unfortunate geographical position? No - Judah had turned away from God and the sins of Manasseh had to be accounted for. The Lord's mercy is not for the 'nation,' but for the people of that nation. Judah has had a string of evil kings and the Lord will not tolerate anymore internal persecution to His people. A painful solution? Yes. But the Lord is still in control and, as we will see, He will bring Babylon to their knees before Him.
A chart of Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns against Judah
