Neheziah

Neheziah was a king of Judah who ruled during a period of significant religious and political turmoil. His reign is primarily known through the Book of 2 Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible, where he is mentioned in the 36th chapter. Neheziah ascended to the throne around 715 BCE, following the death of his father, Josiah. His reign was relatively short, lasting only three years, and ended in 712 BCE.

Neheziah's reign is marked by his efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, which had been disrupted during the reign of his father, Josiah. He initiated a campaign to remove the high places and idols that had been erected during the reign of Manasseh, Josiah's predecessor. This was part of a broader effort to purify the nation and restore its religious practices.

However, Neheziah's reign was also marked by military defeats. In 712 BCE, the Assyrian king Sennacherib invaded Judah, leading to the siege of Jerusalem. Neheziah, along with his officials, was taken captive by Sennacherib. This event marked the beginning of Judah's exile in Babylon, which lasted for over two decades. Neheziah's capture and the subsequent exile had a profound impact on the kingdom of Judah, leading to a significant decline in its political and religious influence.