1. The king who was taken to Egypt (1-4)

Israel was like a lioness with strong, promising cubs (Nu 23:24). But God's wrath was poured out on Israel because of her sins. King Josiah was a good man who tried to please God, but his sons were evil. His first son, Jehoahaz, was an evil king. He was deposed by Pharaoh Neco and taken to Egypt, where he died (2Ki 23).

2. The kings who lived under Babylon (5-14)

King Jehoiakim was reigning when the Babylonians invaded. He was as evil as his brother. He tried to solve the problem of his nation's weakness by politics and he failed. God punished Judah for her sins (2Ki 24). His son, Jehoiachin, surrendered and was taken captive to Babylon, where he died. His roar was heard no more (9). Israel had had many great kings and promising leaders, but because of their sins the rich and fruitful country had become like a desert. There was no one fit to be a ruler. Every country needs wise, brave, faithful, and moral leaders.

Application: Lord, grant godly and courageous men to be the leaders of our country.
One Word: A lament for our country