Theme: The LORD is faithful to his promises, he exalts and brings low; keep your vows and submit to his providence

King Jehoiachin ruled in Judah for three months and ten days (2 Chronicles 36:9) in 597 BC before he was taken captive to Babylon. Ezekiel and the exiles to whom he ministered were most likely also taken at this time (cf. 2 Kings 24:14; Ezekiel 1:2). Zerubbabel, the grandson of Jehoiachin, would eventually return to Israel and serve as governor of Judah under Persian rule (1 Chronicles 3:19; Haggai 1:1).

King Zedekiah was the uncle of Jehoiachin. His original name was Mattaniah but it was changed by Nebuchadnezzar when he installed him as a vassal king over Judah in 597 BC. Zedekiah ruled for 11 years. Throughout his rule, he was constantly looking for help from other nations in order to throw off the yoke of the Babylonians. In particular he hoped that the Egyptians would come to his aid. According to 2 Chronicles 36:13 he swore an oath of loyalty to Nebuchadnezzar in the name of God.

Psammeticus II was the Pharaoh of Egypt from 595-589 BC. He united the upper and lower provinces and sent his army into Palestine around 591 BC. This served as a challenge to the authority of Babylon and would’ve stirred Judean (and exilic) hope of possible future military aid against Nebuchadnezzar.

Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7): A promise from the LORD to David that his dynasty would continue and that an obedient son would come from his line. This obedient son would build a house/people for the LORD and his throne will last forever.