Zedekiah of Judah

Nebuchadnezzar's army besieged Jerusalem for 18 months. The siege caused severe famine, and the city walls were breached in 586 BC. Zedekiah and his soldiers attempted to flee but were captured near Jericho.

Zedekiah, appointed king by Nebuchadnezzar, broke his oath of loyalty and formed an alliance with Egypt. He rebelled against Babylonian rule, provoking Nebuchadnezzar's full-scale invasion of Judah. This decision led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.

Zedekiah was brought before Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah. His sons were executed in front of him, then his eyes were put out. He was bound in bronze shackles and taken to Babylon, where he remained a prisoner until his death.

Nebuzaradan, commander of Nebuchadnezzar's guard, burned the Temple of Solomon, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem. The bronze pillars, vessels, and treasures were carried to Babylon. This event ended the Davidic monarchy and the Temple cult.

After Jerusalem's fall, most of the population of Judah was deported to Babylon. Only the poorest were left to tend the land. This exile lasted 70 years and fundamentally transformed Jewish religion and identity, leading to the development of the synagogue and written Torah.