2 Kings 25: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Kings 25 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, besieges Jerusalem in the ninth year of Zedekiah's reign (vv. 1-2). The city suffers from famine, leading to a breach in the walls where Zedekiah attempts to escape (vv.

Key verse

“He burned Yahweh’s house, the king’s house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, even every great house, he burned with fire.”
2 Kings 25:9 (WEB)

Outline

2 Kings 25:1–4 The Siege of Jerusalem Begins
2 Kings 25:5–10 Zedekiah's Capture and Judgement
2 Kings 25:11–15 Destruction of Jerusalem's Treasures
2 Kings 25:16–21 The Fall of Leadership
2 Kings 25:22–26 Gedaliah’s Governance and Assassination
2 Kings 25:27–30 Jehoiachin's Release

Discussion questions

In v1, who comes against Jerusalem and what do they build around it?
What happens to Zedekiah in v7 as a consequence of his actions?
In v9, why does Nebuzaradan burn 'Yahweh’s house' and the king’s house?
Gedaliah’s response in v24: what does he mean by 'it will be well with you'?
When have you felt the impact of a decision that led to loss, as in v10?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Kings 25: Jeremiah 52, Jeremiah 39, 2 Kings 24.

Before next time: read 1 Chronicles 1.