Zedekiah rises up against the Babylonians. After a two-year-long siege, Jerusalem is dramatically weakened by hunger and military disadvantage. Nebuchadnezzar’s armies breach the city’s wall, imprison Zedekiah, and take him to Babylon. The Temple is burned, its treasures are hauled to Babylon, and the residents of Judah are driven into exile. Only the poorest people of the land are left in Judah. Nebuchadnezzar appoints Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, to lead them. However, the new governor is soon killed in an internal rebellion and the remaining residents of Judah flee to Egypt. The prophet Jeremiah is among them. These terrible events could have forever broken the spirit of the devastated nation. However, the true purpose of their exile is to enable repentance and salvation. The Jews must continue dreaming and hoping for the brighter future that awaits them. Reflecting on our opportunities and possibilities is itself an action that can ultimately help turn our expectations into reality.
“The famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land” (2 Kings 25:3)
“But the captain of the guard left of the door of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen” (2 Kings 25:12)
Positivity is realizing that every single thing comes from the creator and is therefore good.
