Biblical texts recount ancient conflicts in Judah and Jerusalem

Religious texts from the books of Jeremiah and 2 Chronicles detail historical and spiritual conflicts involving the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

In the passage from Jeremiah, the Lord declares that Jerusalem will be delivered to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and the Chaldeans. The text attributes this impending destruction and the burning of the city to the spiritual transgressions of the people, including the worship of Baal and the defilement of the temple.

In the account from 2 Chronicles, King Hezekiah of Judah prepares for an invasion by Sennacherib, the King of Assyria. To defend Jerusalem, Hezekiah's forces blocked external water springs to prevent the Assyrian army from accessing them, repaired city walls, and built towers. Hezekiah encouraged his people to remain courageous, stating that divine assistance would be against the arm of flesh.