And it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, in the ninth month, that they proclaimed a fast before the LORD to all the people in Jerusalem, and to all the people that came from the cities of Judah unto Jerusalem.
In the fifth year of King Jehoiakim's reign (son of King Josiah who ruled Judah), during the ninth month, the leaders called for a fast before the LORD. This fast was proclaimed to all the people living in Jerusalem and to all those who had come to Jerusalem from other cities in Judah.
The writer is describing a time when the leaders of Judah called all the people together for a special fast to seek God's help during a crisis.
📚 Historical Context
This took place around 604 BC during King Jehoiakim's reign, when the Babylonian Empire was threatening Judah. The ninth month would have been around November/December, and fasting was often proclaimed during times of national emergency or when seeking God's intervention. This was the same time period when Jeremiah dictated God's warnings to his scribe Baruch, which would soon be read publicly and then burned by the king.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.