2 Kings 24 describes the events that occurred during the reign of Jehoiakim, the king of Judah. The chapter begins by noting that Jehoiakim did evil in the sight of the Lord, causing Jerusalem and its people to fall under the domination of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah, besieged Jerusalem, and eventually took Jehoiakim captive.
During Nebuchadnezzar's invasion, he looted the treasures of the temple in Jerusalem and took captive many of the leading citizens of Judah, including the king, his mother, his officers, and skilled workers. Nebuchadnezzar also appointed Jehoiakim's uncle, Mattaniah, as the new king of Judah, changing his name to Zedekiah.
Zedekiah's reign in Judah was marked by continued rebellion against Babylon. However, the chapter concludes by stating that the Lord brought judgment upon Judah because of their sins, leading to their exile from their land.