Someone in Jerusalem at the fall

Nebuchadnezzar’s army is round the city. King Jehoiachin, eighteen, three months on the throne, has gone out and surrendered, with his mother and his officials. They’re taking ten thousand to Babylon: the officers, the soldiers, every craftsman and metalworker. Only the poorest people are left.

Tenth day of the tenth month, the ninth year of Zedekiah. Nebuchadnezzar’s whole army is outside. They’re building a siege wall right round the city.

Replying to @jerusalem.fall

Still here, into Zedekiah’s eleventh year. There’s no food left in the city.

Seventh day of the fifth month. Nebuzaradan, commander of Nebuchadnezzar’s guard, set fire to the house of the LORD. And the palace. And every house in Jerusalem. The army is pulling down the walls.

Replying to @jerusalem.fall

They’re taking the rest of us to Babylon. Just a few of the poorest are being left behind, to look after the vineyards and fields.