These two chapters deal with the final chaotic years of Judah, the siege and fall of Jerusalem, and the destruction of the nation. This is a sober section of scripture that reminds us that God will judge those who refuse to obey Him. Yet, even in this sad account, God retains a remnant and through them will restore the nation again at the proper time.
Ab is the Jewish name for the fifth month in the religious calendar and the eleventh month of the civil calendar. This non-biblical name began to be used during the Babylonian captivity. The Bible simply calls this month the “fifth month.” This designation is found ten times in the Bible. The month of Ab begins with the new moon of August and always has thirty days. Agriculturally, the month of Ab is known in Israel as the time for the ripening of grapes, figs, and olives.
