2 Kings 24

The final destruction of Judah begins. Jehoiakim is made king by Pharaoh Necho, but later becomes a vassal of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. After a brief rebellion, the Babylonians invade. Jehoiakim dies and his young son, Jehoiachin, reigns for only three months before surrendering. Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem and deports King Jehoiachin, the royal family, and ten thousand leading citizens and craftsmen to Babylon, along with the Temple treasures—the first major exile. Nebuchadnezzar places Zedekiah on the throne as a puppet king.