Palestine/ Israel: The Prophet Jeremiah mourns the Fall of Jerusalem in 586 BCE, as depicted by Rembrandt.

Zedekiah had been installed as king of Jerusalem by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II following the Siege of Jerusalem in 597 BCE. But Zedekiah revolted against Babylon, and entered into an alliance with Pharaoh Hophra, the king of Egypt. In 589 BCE, Nebuchadnezzar began an 18-month siege of Jerusalem, eventually breaking down Jerusalem's walls and conquering the city. Jerusalem was plundered, its temples were burnt down, and most of its inhabitants were taken into captivity in Babylon.

The Prophet Jeremiah had tried to warn Zedekiah against breaking his alliance with Babylon. After conquering Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar ordered Zedekiah’s eyes gouged out. Jeremiah was well-treated however, and went on to live in Egypt. He is credited with writing the Books of Jeremiah, Kings I and Kings II in the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible), and the Book of Lamentations.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

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