מלכים ב, פרק כ״ד, פסוק י׳

The assault on Jerusalem and the subsequent isolation of its people marked a pivotal moment of crisis for the kingdom. The Babylonian army marched on the capital and imposed a heavy blockade as a direct retaliation for the rebellion previously led by Jehoiakim, the father of the currently reigning King Jehoiachin [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This devastating invasion took place at the very beginning of the year, a timing confirmed by parallel historical records [רד״ק].

The progression of the attack unfolded in distinct stages, reflecting a gradual escalation in the Babylonian command. Initially, the military forces, led by the officers and servants of the empire, advanced upon Jerusalem to begin the assault [מנחת שי]. It was only later in the campaign that King Nebuchadnezzar himself arrived at the city. Upon his arrival, he found his troops already firmly entrenched and actively pressing their attack on the capital [רד״ק].

The reality of this military action meant that the Babylonians had fully established their formations around Jerusalem with the clear goal of conquering it. The resulting siege plunged the residents into a state of severe hardship, leaving them completely trapped and in deep distress as the enemy forces closed in from all sides [מצודת דוד].