The Abiding Gift of Prophecy

The Consummation

“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand.” Daniel 1:1, 2. AGP 143.3

The city was not yet destroyed. Vessels from the house of God were taken to be placed in the temples of Babylon. The prediction made to Hezekiah by Isaiah was now fulfilled. Certain of the royal seed were taken to Babylon, as eunuchs in the king’s palace. From this time is reckoned the seventy years of Jewish captivity, though it was not till twenty-two years later that the folly of the kings of Judah in resisting the kingdom of Babylon resulted in the final overthrow of the nation, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the wholesale captivity of the people of the land. AGP 143.4

The prophet Jeremiah stayed in Judah, and continued to witness for God to those who remained. He also wrote letters of encouragement to the captives in Babylon, reminding them of the promises of God for their restoration. He warned them against sedition, and gave them the following wise counsel: AGP 143.5

“Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; … that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.” Jeremiah 29:5-7.