6th Century BC (During the Babylonian Siege of Jerusalem)
The Kingdom of Judah was under threat from the Babylonian Empire, and the people were experiencing political and social turmoil.
The Babylonian Empire, under King Nebuchadnezzar, was expanding its territory and had laid siege to Jerusalem. Judah was a vassal state under Babylonian control.
Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, was the focal point of the Babylonian siege. The surrounding regions, including Lachish and Azekah, were also involved in the conflict.
The chapter highlights the practice of releasing Hebrew slaves, which was a commandment in the Mosaic Law (Exodus 21:2-6, Deuteronomy 15:12-18). The failure to uphold this law is condemned by Jeremiah.
Zedekiah
Nebuchadnezzar
King of Babylon, leading the siege against Jerusalem.