Editing Books of Kings (section)

=====The destruction of Jerusalem (23:31–25:30)=====
Necho takes Josiah's successor, [[Jehoahaz of Judah|Jehoahaz]], captive and imposes huge demands on Judah. He places another of Josiah's sons, [[Jehoiakim]], on the throne, who pays the demands by increasing taxes. Both of Josiah's successors are evil.

[[Nebuchadnezzar II]] of [[Neo-Babylonian Empire|Babylon]] invades, and Jehoiakim becomes his vassal for three years until he rebels. In response to this, in order to fulfil what God had said with regards to Manasseh, a large number of raiders from neighbouring kingdoms and empires attack Judah. This time, there is no support from Egypt because it has already been invaded by the Babylonians. Jehoiakim dies and is succeeded by his son [[Jeconiah|Jehoiachin]], who is also evil. Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to Jerusalem, and the Judahites surrender.

Nebuchadnezzar takes Jehoiachin and his family hostage, and takes away everything from the Temple and the palace, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy to Hezekiah. He then takes away everyone into exile except the very poorest people. He then puts Jehoiachin's uncle, [[Zedekiah]], on the throne. Zedekiah is also evil. Eventually, he rebels against Nebuchadnezzar and Jerusalem is put under siege for two years. Finally, famine overcomes the city and the walls are broken through. Zedekiah's punishment, which he serves at [[Riblah]], is to watch his sons being killed before having his eyes gouged out and being carried as prisoner to Babylon.

Nebuchadnezzar burns down Jerusalem, including the Temple, the palace and all the important buildings. The walls are broken down, and everyone left is carried off, except some of the poorest people to act as farmers. He also kills the remaining priests at Riblah. He appoints [[Gedaliah]] as provincial governor. However, he is eventually killed by the last remaining member of the royal family, [[Ishmael son of Nethaniah]], and a large number of Judahites and Babylonians flee to Egypt. [[Amel-Marduk|Awel-Murduk]] becomes king of Babylon on Nebuchadnezzar's death. He releases Jehoiachin, gives him a place at his table and an allowance, and places him higher in honour than all other kings in Babylon other than himself.