Jeremiah 52:1-34

52:1-34 | The final chapter in Jeremiah is an appendix that narrates the fall of Jerusalem in 587 BC and closely parallels the accounts found in chapter 39 and 2 Kings 24-25. The fall of Jerusalem had fulfilled Jeremiah’s prophecies of doom and validated him as a true prophet. This chapter reflects the ongoing nature of the exile that extended beyond Jeremiah’s ministry. Even the return to the land was in many ways a disappointment, and the full restoration of Israel will not come until the second coming of Jesus.

52:13 | The burning of the temple one month after the capture of Jerusalem presented a grave theological crisis for the people of Judah (ps 74, 79, 80, 137). The Lord gave assurance to the prophet Ezekiel of His presence with His people in exile in Babylon (Ezek.1-3). The post-exilic prophets Haggai and Zechariah stressed that rebuilding the temple was essential to restoring the relationship between God and Israel. Ezekiel promised a future temple in the Millenium where God’s presence would return to His people (Ezek. 40-48).

52:31-34 | The release of Jehoiachin from prison in Babylon occured in 560 BC, and a Babylonian text from this time records that Jehoiachin and his son received rations from the king. In a small way, the act of favor toward the deported king of Judah offers a glimmer of hope that God is not through with the house of David.