Day 40

The Fall of Jerusalem



Jeremiah 52:1-34, 2 Kings 24:10-20, John 2:19-21

BY Bailey Gillespie

Growing up, our family had two favorite traditions on Friday nights: homemade tacos and movies. It was a celebratory way to signal the end of a work/school week with two things that we could all get behind, although agreeing on taco ingredients was far easier than agreeing on a film choice. One night, we chose How Green Was My Valley, based on the 1939 novel by Richard Llewellyn.

We had absolutely zero context going into it. Spoiler alert: after spending two hours immersed in heartbreaking conflict, death, and thwarted love set in a grueling coal-mining village, we breathed a sigh of relief and pronounced it “the most depressing thing we’d ever seen.” The movie later became an inside joke in our family. Being more of the Singin’ in the Rain type, any time one of us would suggest another film showing, we’d shout from across the room, “As long as it’s not How Green Was My Valley, right?”

Whether or not our unprofessional critique was a fair and accurate depiction of the story, this is what much of the book of Jeremiah feels like. It’s a rough read. The fall of Jerusalem is the last account in our Lenten study before entering into Holy Week, and in it an army sieges the city, and people are slaughtered right and left. However, though destruction, exile, and death are emphasized themes, the book ends with Judah’s King Jehoiachin getting released from prison and re-established in the presence of the king of Babylon (Jeremiah 52:31–33). Whew! Yes! At last! After such a heartbreaking saga, we end with gestures of kindness and mercy. But is it enough?

Maybe it’s a bit of a leap, but we could say that Jeremiah’s conclusion foreshadows our knowledge this side of the cross that just when things look darkest, hope is on the move. God did not abandon His plan for redemption. Although Nebuzaradan burned the Lord’s temple (Jeremiah 52:13), Jeremiah and the people of Judah, Israel, and Babylon are just a few key players on a long timeline of history. Remember that God came as Jesus and allowed the temple of His own body to be destroyed so it could be raised and restored for our salvation (John 2:19–21).

Going into today’s reading with this knowledge frames the story in hope. Friends, as we finish Jeremiah’s story, let’s choose to find the incomparable hope nestled among the pages of its conclusion. Because, really, it’s only a temporary conclusion. Mercy is not forgotten. Jesus Christ came, and He is coming again.

Post Comments (45)

45 thoughts on "The Fall of Jerusalem"

  1. Melissa Mcronney says:

    Amen…powerful, we are so blessed

  2. Jamie Campbell says:

    Kat will pray for you. Thanks for sharing your heart.

  3. Daniella Moore says:

    I cried at this. Gosh- this book during this time has been a lot for my soul. And there is a part of me that selfishly wants to read something happy and uplifting. But the glimpse of mercy at the end is a beautiful foreshadowing of what is to come in holy week. I am thankful for this community and that SRT encouraged us to go through this book. Like this crisis we are walking through and in the end we live in the hope that God is good and that we will endure.

    Blessings Family!

    Daniella Moore

  4. Churchmouse says:

    Alexxa, how exciting! So happy to hear your great news! Praying for you all of course!

  5. Alexxa Reed says:

    Hi, SRT ladies! I am so thankful to be a part of this amazing community, and to read the Word with you all. I would like to ask for prayer for my husband and I! We just found out we’re expecting and we are VERY excited, but also very anxious.. we miscarried our first back in December and that was very hard on us. I’m just asking for prayers of peace and health for all three of us! I thank you ladies for your daily words and thoughts. I have learned so much from you all! You all are in my thoughts ❤️ and I thank you in advance for the prayers!

    1. Jamie Campbell says:

      Praying for His peace that passes all understanding

    2. K D says:

      Praying for you!

  6. Jennifer Anapol says:

    I love that God is in the business of rebuilding, whether it be his temple, our lives or himself. I’m so glad we serve a God who keeps us on our toes.

  7. Meredith Ashley says:

    Cyndi, thank you for sharing about your journey with eating during this season! I relate so much. I just finished a book, Tasting Grace by Melissa d’Arabian, that was such a blessing to me on this topic. It’s written with so much authenticity and vulnerability, and reminds us that although our relationship with food is a complex one, food is ultimately a gift from God and an invitation to a deeper relationship with Him and others. If you have the time to give it a read, I pray it blesses you!

    1. Bessie H says:

      Meredith, I read that book also and really enjoyed it. I especially loved how she emphasized that food is to be shared. Breaking bread with others is something that is precious. It doesn’t have to be perfect.

  8. Claudia says:

    Mari V, I totally understand what you are saying concerning your mom. Mine is the same way, stuck in the traditions of Mexico. She is a Christian as well. At times she can be very trying but I’m trying really hard to extend grace.

    1. Mari V says:

      Thank you Claudia! And trust me I fall short all the time. Yesterday my sister who lives in Florida called to check on me and I was able to vent. All my siblings and I were born here in California.

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