Vv. 12-16 The warning the prophet made to Israel was fulfilled as it was foretold. Jeremiah the prophet had already made the prophecy to the Israelites; the day the king of Babylon would take additional things would come in 597 (27:19-22). According to the word, the temple that they boasted of and relied on was burnt and the remnant were carried into exile. The army of Babylon set fire to the temple of the Lord and all the main buildings. They tried to completely incapacitate the function of the city. This was the result of their failure to listen to the repeated warnings of the Lord. Do I have anything held close to my heart despite the repeated warnings of the Lord? What is my sin from which I must return to the Lord quickly?
V. 14 All the walls around Jerusalem were broken down. The ruined walls remained for about 140 years. Several people, as well as Ezra, attempted to rebuild the walls, but all of them failed. It was finally rebuilt in approximately 440 B.C. by Nehemiah, cupbearer to king Artaxerxes of Persia. Until then, the ruins remained as a symbol of the cost paid by those who acted against the will of God. Vv. 17-23 They took all the valuables from the temple of the Lord and carried them to Babylon. The things they plundered are described in detail because these articles are consecrated to the Lord (cf. Ezra 8:24-30). Each article had an important function and meaning. It was not acceptable for godly Jews to be plundered by the gentiles. This was another tragedy brought on them by their disobedience.
