24:1 Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar II was king of Babylon from 605–562 b.c. Babylon defeated Neco of Egypt in a major battle at Carchemish (Jer. 46:2), and Judah was now ruled by Babylon instead of Egypt.

came up. According to Babylonian records, Nebuchadnezzar II subdued the “Hatti land,” including the “city of Judah” (that is, Jerusalem).

three years. That is, 604–602 b.c.

he turned and rebelled. Going against Jeremiah’s counsel (Jer. 27:9–11), Jehoiakim’s decision to rebel may have been influenced by Egypt’s successful defense against Nebuchadnezzar in 601 b.c.