ירמיהו, פרק נ״ב, פסוק ב׳

The evaluation of King Zedekiah's leadership rests on his public actions and the devastating results of his reign, rather than his private character. Although history records his actions as evil, this does not mean he was fundamentally a bad person. He was actually a complex figure who genuinely wanted to do good. However, he ultimately gave in to the intense pressure from his ministers and advisors, steering the nation toward total destruction [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

His specific wrongdoings involved ignoring divine guidance and breaking international agreements. He refused to listen to the warnings of the prophet Jeremiah, and he violated his sworn oath of loyalty to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon.

Yet, this rebellion against Babylon was not simply a foolish political choice or a moment of personal weakness. Instead, it was a sequence of events set into motion by God. Because God was angry at the wickedness of that entire generation, He orchestrated the situation so that the king would rebel, thereby bringing about the ultimate punishment upon the people [מלבי״ם].