Question:What was happening between Egypt & Judah between 605 BC and 586 BC?
Answer: This sad episode in Judah’s history is chronicled in Jeremiah chapters 32-42.
In 612 the balance of power shifts in the region to Babylon after they defeat the Assyrians.
Babylon continues it strategic military goal toward domination of the entire middle east. It defeats Egypt in 605 B.C. It is during this time that Daniel is taken captive and sent to Babylon along with other Judean refugees. Nebuchadnezzar ascends to the throne of Babylon.
King Jehoiakim played politics with Babylon and Egypt, expediently switching allegiances from Eqypt to Babylon in 605 B.C and back to Egypt in 601 B.C when Eqypt defeats Nebuchadnezzar ! So, what does Nebuchadnezzar do? In 597, he attacks Jerusalem and sacks the city! So much for Judah’s diplomacy! This is when Daniel is take captive to Babylon (Dan. 1:1-6). Jehoiakim is killed and Jehoiachin rules briefly. In 597 B.C, Judah is then led by a series of unstable leaders; Zedekiah leads from 597 to 588B.C. He flees when Babylon sacks Jerusalem in 586 B.C. and Gedaliah briefly reigns. Just before this time Jeremiah is imprisoned (587B.C.). The remnant of believing Jews seek Jeremiah for direction as to whether they should flee to Egypt to avoid the rule of Babylon or stay. Jeremiah seeks God’s word and tells them not to flee but stay faithful to their God. Sadly,they disobey and flee to Egypt against God’s clear direction in 586 B.C.
So, sadly Israel follows the dictates of their own wisdom and disobedient hearts and suffer the severe consequences foretold by Jeremiah (Jer. 40-42).
