Captivity: A condition of restricted freedom of movement or thought caused by personal choice or due to forces beyond one preference; to be under the control of something or someone, and or under the control of an impregnable condition by a power or agency outside of ones’ own ability to alleviate; a condition whereby ones’ personal freedom of movement or choices, are limited if not absolutely denied.
The Divided Kingdom
The Old Testament books of Samuel, Kings, and the Chronicles record Jewish life under the leadership of their first sitting king, King Saul, followed by King David, then David’s son Solomon, and subsequent kings, all of whom led Israel into continuous victorious battles against their enemies, the enemies of the Lord God, Jehovah.
Notwithstanding God’s faithfulness to Israel for all He had done for His people, Israel often turned against the Lord and even against one another and eventually formed two separate “kingdoms.” The division began when the tribe of Judah, from whom King David was descended and included the small tribe of Benjamin, allied together, forming the “Southern Kingdom,” also referred to as “Judah.” Then, nine tribes formed the “Northern Kingdom” and appointed their own “king.” The lone tribe of Levi that God had appointed to be the “Levitical Priesthood” were scattered throughout both kingdoms; however, they only exercised a failing, compromised, weak form of ministry as “priests” of the Lord. This sad situation in Israel’s history is referred to as the era of “The Divided Kingdom.” The Southern Kingdom, under King David, followed by his son Solomon, remained faithful to the Lord. Unfortunately, however, there were subsequent kings who failed to whole-heartedly follow the Lord God by committing much idolatry. The Northern Kingdom, in particular, comingled with some of their former enemies and worshipped the gods of the very enemies they had defeated and whom God had deposed from Cannan Land – the very land given by God to Abraham and his descendants forever! After many years and with many prophetic warnings for the Israelites to repent and turn back to the Lord, the Lord raised up one more man, the Prophet Jeremiah, who for some 23 years continued pleading with the Jews to cease their idolatrous ways. God finally instructed Jeremiah to cease His warnings, and God, having no alternative, brought forth His judgment upon His people, Israel.
The Judgement of Captivity Announced
Babylon: One of the most famous cities of early civilization and the capital of southern Mesopotamia, including Assyria. It was located on the Euphrates River about 55 miles (88 km) south of Baghdad, near the modern town of Al-Hillah in the present country of Iraq. While under the Nebuchadnezzar dynasty, it was the largest city in the world, covering approximately four square miles (10 square km.) In 539 B.C., the Persian Dynasties, under Cyrus II, attacked Babylon, which fell quickly and almost without resistance.
Jeremiah 25:1-21 gives us the prophecy concerning the “captivity,” while in 2 Kings chapters 17 & 25, we find the background and the events leading to what has been typically referred to as “The Seventy Years Babylonian Captivity.” We read in Jeremiah 23:1-8 of God’s great love and compassion for Israel and His intention to restore them to their land once He had chastened them. Even more wonderful news was included in the future restoration in that a King, a Ruler of His people, would come through the linage of the tribe of Judah (King David) and referred to as “The Righteous Branch,” as also recorded by Isaiah chapters 4, 11, & 53; Acts 13; Romans 15:12; Revelations 22:16, Jesus Christ the Lord!
God used both the treacherous and highly feared Babylonian Empire – the Chaldeans – and then the Assyrian Nation to chasten and bring judgment upon Israel. The Babylonians entered Jerusalem, where the Temple of the Lord had been built by David and his son Solomon, and they completely destroyed it. They removed all the precious valuables, including the golden utensils and accessories in the Temple that were used by the priests in service to the Lord, and placed them in the temples of their own heathen gods. They leveled Jerusalem to the ground, burning it with fire and killing men, women, and children, as well as all livestock. The Jews who remained alive and strong enough were taken into captivity while leaving only the incredibly old and feeble behind. Thereafter, and for the next 70 years, men, women, and children were held captive in the capital city of Babylon.
Interestingly enough, one of those children taken captive was named Daniel, yes, the same Daniel of the book of Daniel!
