1. It was time to make a decision (1-7)

King Nebuchadnezzar and his army were waging battles against Jerusalem in the countryside. God told King Zedekiah not to escape. He was to submit to exile. God promised that things would go well with him, if only he obeyed God's will. The king had to make a decision because the enemy was at the two last towns holding out. What would the king do?

2. Sin that was so entrenched (8-22)

King Zedekiah had a chance to obey God. It was time to set the slaves free. This was part of God's law, for slaves were to be freed every seven years. At first the king and his officials said that they would obey God's word. They made a covenant. But they changed their minds. They had a total disregard for the word of God. King Zedekiah could have been blessed, but his rebellion proved that he would face judgment.