End of the Monarchy in Yehuda

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1. The Fate of the Kings of Yehuda

   Dr. Tova Ganzel

   Yehezkel’s prophecy to the kings of Yehuda in this chapter is conveyed through two parables: in the first, the royal family of Yehuda is compared to a family of lions; in the second, to a vine. To understand the significance of the first parable, the prophecy is compared with the historical events to which it refers.

   This second parable does not appear to be directed at any specific king of Yehuda; rather, it marks the end of the monarchy of the kings of Yehuda collectively. This parable is noticeably harsher than the previous one. The outcome in the first parable is the capture of the kings alive, whereas in the second parable nothing remains of the vine at all.

   This prophetic unit is entirely devoid of any mention of God’s Name. The parable does not mention His Name, and – unlike the other parables that Yehezkel uses to convey his messages – no interpretation is supplied at its conclusion. This omission is especially glaring given the many instances in which Yehezkel’s prophecy is attributed to God.

   The description of the fate of the last king of Yehuda, Tzidkiyahu, appears as part of a series of prophecies in Chapter 21 that describe the end of the kingdom of Yehuda. The message it suggests is that the kings of Yehuda have been arrogant; they have not maintained, along with their role as kings, their subjugation to God and His charge. They have not upheld God’s sanctity. In this way they have brought about the Destruction of Jerusalem and of the Temple.

2. Self Study Questions for Tisha B'Av

   "Houses and fields and vineyards shall yet again be bought in this land" (Jer. 32:15)

   Rabbi Dr. Yehoshua Reiss

   Below is a series of questions related to the "Destruction to Restoration" chart. These questions facilitate an in-depth study of the chart and an understanding of the general historical outlook on the period of the final kings of Yehuda, the destruction of the Temple, and the return to Zion.

   Please download the attached file for a formatted question sheet.

3. Answers for Self Study Questions

   "Houses and fields and vineyards shall yet again be bought in this land" (Jer. 32:15)

   Rabbi Dr. Yehoshua Reiss

   Please see the attached answers for the self study questions for Tisha B'Av.

   The chart below displays the story of Am Yisrael during the last 300 years of the Biblical era. It depicts the dramatic story of the transition between the destruction of the kingdoms of Israel and Yehuda and the Temple to the return to Zion and the building of the second Temple. The optimistic conclusion of the Tanakh reflects the prophetic perception of the revival and rebuilding of Am Yisrael in its land.