In King Yechonya - The Captive King (Part 2), we revisit the mass deportation known as the exile of the Cheresh U’Masger, Jerusalem’s spiritual elite who were forced into Babylon along with their young king. The episode explores Yechonya’s personal suffering as he is imprisoned, while the throne is transferred to his uncle, King Tzidkiyahu. Though initially loyal to Babylon, Tzidkiyahu ultimately rebels against Hashem’s warning delivered through the prophets, a decision that seals the fate of Jerusalem. Nevuchadnezzar returns in fury and, in retaliation for the rebellion, destroys the Beis Hamikdash.
Amid devastation, the podcast reveals a parallel story of endurance, Yechonya fathers a child from within prison walls, ensuring the survival of the royal line even in captivity. We then learn the dramatic tradition of Nevuchadnezzar’s descent into madness, his insanity, and eventual death. After his passing, Yechonya is released, honored, and elevated in Babylon. The episode closes by following his descendants, Shaltiel, Zerubavel, and the rebuilding leader born from his bloodline.
00:00 - Intro and Recap
02:59 - Exile of the Cheresh Umasger
09:03 - King Yechonya is Imprisoned
10:05 - King Tzidkiyahu becomes King
14:31 - King Tzidkiyahu Rebels
19:45 - Nevuchnezzer Destroys the Beis Hamikdash
21:08 - King Yechonya has a Child in Jail
26:57 - Nevuchnezzer Becomes Insane
32:57 - Nevuchnezzer Dies and King Yechonya is Freed and honored
38:15 - Shaltiel and Zerubavel
