Nigerian Baptist Convention Sunday School Manual For November 9, 2025: Title - JUDAH TAKEN CAPTIVE

Nigerian Baptist Convention Sunday School Manual For November 9, 2025: Title - JUDAH TAKEN CAPTIVE 

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (NBC)

Sunday, November 9, 2025

JUDAH TAKEN CAPTIVE

Devotional Reading: Lamentations 1:18-22

Background Scripture: 2 Kings 23:1-25:21

Lesson Scripture: 2 Kings 24:18-25:9

GOLDEN TEXT

it was because of the Lord's anger that all this happened to Jerusalem and Judah, and in the end He thrust them from His presence. 2 Kings 24:20

Objectives: By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to: 

I. State why God was angry with Judah and Jerusalem and what became of them. 

II. Mention two ways believers can reach out to those experiencing pain and hopelessness. 

III. Decide to be committed to serving God and doing His will.

*INTRODUCTION*

To be kings of Israel were used as examples of causes that led Judah and all Israel to their ruin (2 Kings 16:3), for evil bears fruit, which continues long to reproduce itself. Jehoiakim, powerless and without God, came under the dominion of Nebuchadnezzar. His son Jehoiachin rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar and was carried captive to Babylon. Though the kingdom and the temple still exist, Zedekiah, having broken the oath with the God of Israel and allowing himself to be governed by the princes, persisted in his rebellion and was taken as a prisoner. His sons were slain before his eyes; his eyes were plucked out, and he was carried away to Babylon. The temple was burnt; the walls of Jerusalem were broken down; God's temple was trodden under the foot of the Gentiles. Our lesson today focuses on how the disobedience of King Zedekiah led to the captivity of the nation Judah.

*THE LESSON EXPLAINED*

*A. Zedekiah's Evil Reign. 2 Kings 24:18-20*

After Nebuchadnezzar had captured Jerusalem, he appointed the third and youngest son of Josiah, Zedekiah full brother of Jehoahaz, and uncle of the captive Jehoiachin and gave him a new name, that is, "The righteous of God." Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king. His heart towards God was the same as that of Jehoiakim - impenitent and heedless of God's Word (2 Kings 24:19). He rebelled against the king, Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 52:3). He sinned against God by turning away from Him and disobeying His Words through the prophet. He was instigated by ambassadors from the neighbouring states who came to congratulate him on his ascension to the throne and, at the same time, got him to join them in a rebellion to throw off the Assyrian yoke. Though warned by Jeremiah against this step, the obsessed Zedekiah persisted in his revolt.

Zedekiah's attitude is a replica of some leaders in our society today, from the family to the nation at large. Many public office-holders today are sometimes power-drunk and too self-conscious. This has been dragging our country, churches, and individual families behind. It has made us unable to satisfy God in our relationship with Him.

DISCUSSION TIME

1. Discuss why God was angry with Zedekiah

2. What can a leader do in order not to incur the wrath of God?

B. Jerusalem Besieged. 2 Kings 25:1-3

In the ninth year of Zedekiah's reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar marched with all his forces against Jerusalem and commenced the siege after he had taken the rest of the fortified cities of the land. The siege lasted a year and a half, and this resulted in famine in the land. There was no food for the people. War always comes with serious effects, and the survival rate is always uncertain.

There is no sin without consequence, and the consequence sometimes far outweighs whatever pleasure we might have derived from the sin. We must always remember that sin is a reproach to any nation. Therefore, let us run away from sin and pray for our leaders.

DISCUSSION TIME

1. Mention a few ways believers can cope with the country's current difficult economic situation. 

2. Compare the experience of the people of Judah with the current situation in our country.

C. The Destruction and Captivity of Judah. 2 Kings 25:4-9*

After the famine had lasted for some time, a breach was made in the city wall on the ninth day of the fourth month. Zedekiah fled when the Chaldeans encamped around the city. The Chaldean army pursued him and overtook him in the plains of Jericho. In contrast, his army was dispersed just as Ezekiel had foreseen earlier (Ezekiel 12:3). Zedekiah was taken to the king of Babylon in the Chaldaean headquarters at Riblah (2 Kings 23:33), and there he was tortured.

His sons and all those who had fled with the king were slain before his eyes. He was then blinded and led away to Babylon in chains of brass, and kept there as a prisoner till his death.

The punishment of Zedekiah was the consequence of breaking his oath and hardening his heart against the counsel of the Lord, as proclaimed by Jeremiah during the siege. If Zedekiah had heeded the warning, he would have saved his own life and Jerusalem from destruction. The sin of a leader could lead the whole land into captivity. Believers must learn to heed God's warning and not depend on the strength and promises of men. You will be better off if you obey God's Word sent by His servants.

DISCUSSION TIME

1. List some ways to prevent invasion of enemies or war in our lives and country. 

2. What steps must a believer take to avert or minimise punishment for his sin and that of the country?

Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity

Let class members share one ugly experience in their lives that resulted from their sin and what they did before God saved them.

Prayer

• Pray that God will deliver our leaders from the consequences of breaking God's law.  

• Pray for the salvation of all citizens of Nigeria.

*Take Home:* Write down three lessons you are taking home from today's lesson.

*Commitment:* Based on today's lesson, make a commitment that you will always do what God says at all times.