Josiah: Best king of Judah, pursued God at 16, reformed nation at 20, destroyed idols completely (ground to powder).
Died at 39 in unauthorized battle at Megiddo against Pharaoh Neco (Egyptian king en route to aid Assyria).
Principle: Avoid battles God doesn't call you to fight.
Succession of Evil Kings
Jehoahaz (Josiah's son): 23 years old, reigned 3 months in Jerusalem; did evil; imprisoned by Neco at Riblah (Syria); tribute: 100 talents silver (3.75 tons), 1 talent gold (75 lbs).
Jehoiakim (Eliakim, renamed by Neco): 25 years old, reigned 11 years; did evil; taxed people to pay Neco; vassal to Nebuchadnezzar (Babylon) for 3 years, then rebelled.
Jehoiachin (Jehoiakim's son): 18 years old, reigned 3 months; did evil; city besieged (597 BC, 2nd deportation: incl. Ezekiel); Nebuchadnezzar took him, family, treasures, 10,000 captives (leaders, craftsmen); left poorest.
Zedekiah (Mattaniah, Jehoiachin's uncle, renamed): 21 years old, reigned 11 years; did evil; rebelled against Babylon.
Babylonian Judgment and Providence
Nebuchadnezzar rises (605 BC); God uses Babylon (and raiders: Chaldeans, Syrians, Moabites, Ammonites) as discipline for idolatry, innocent blood (esp. Manasseh's child sacrifices).
1st deportation (606 BC): Daniel and friends.
Providence: God positions Daniel (influence kings), Ezekiel (preach to exiles), Jeremiah (guide remnant in Judah).
Principle: Trust God's unseen providence (invisible hand) as much as visible miracles.
Fall of Jerusalem (586 BC)
Siege: 588-586 BC (2 years); famine led to cannibalism; wall breached July 16.
Zedekiah: Fled, captured at Jericho; sons killed before him, then blinded; taken to Babylon.