Children’s Bible Program – Level 3: Lesson 49 “Jeremiah and the Captivity”
Featured Passage: Jeremiah 39-44, 52
After the death of Josiah, the people returned to their pagan ways. Therefore, God had allowed Egypt to subdue them. Soon, Egypt was conquered by the great empire of Babylon which meant that soon all of Judah would be under Babylon’s control. Jerusalem had not yet been captured and Jeremiah and other prophets continually warned Judah of impending doom if they did not repent. The people refused to listen. Since God’s temple was in Jerusalem they felt God would not allow the beloved city to be destroyed. Just as Jeremiah warned, God had enough of Judah’s evil practices. He knew that it was time to teach His rebellious people a hard lesson.
Discuss:
- Who was King of Judah when the city of Jerusalem was captured by the Babylonians? What did the Babylonians do to him?
- What did King Nebuchadnezzar do with Jeremiah when Jerusalem was captured? What did God say He would do for Ebed-Melech? Why do you think God protected Jeremiah and Ebed-Melech from being killed by the Babylonians?
- Judah was taken in stages. Who was taken In the first wave of captives? Who was left behind to stay in the land? What did Nebuchadnezzar do to the temple?
- What scheme did the remaining people in Judah present to Jeremiah in order to ask his advice? Did they listen to Jeremiah’s advice? What did the group of people end up doing?
- What happened to the remnant of Israelites who went to Egypt? Does the Bible indicate what happened to Jeremiah? In what other places in the Bible can you read about the fall of Jerusalem and the captivity of Judah?
Memory Challenge:
Jeremiah 40:3
Now the Lord has brought it, and has done just as He said. Because you people have sinned against the Lord, and not obeyed His voice, therefore this thing has come upon you.
