Returning to Yerushalayim Yirmiyahu could see smoke rising from the city. Getting closer he could see Hashem’s beautiful beloved city in ruins. The majestic walls that had once surrounded the city were broken the towering Beis HaMikdash was in flames. The city once full of life and teeming with thousands of people was still and only the sound of weeping and death could be heard. It had been destroyed by the Bavlim under the leadership of their king Nebuchadnezzar and his general Nevuzaradan. Everything had happened just as Yirmiyahu had said it would just as Hashem had shown him would happen if the Yidden did not do teshuvah for their sins.

Though the Jews had not listened to him still Yirmiyahu wanted to be with his people. Instead of running away from the enemy soldiers who had taken the Jews into captivity Yirmiyahu tried to find them! He wanted to share the Yidden’s fate. Yirmiyahu looked around — which way had the Bavlim deported the Jews? Seeing a path covered with blood stains Yirmiyahu followed it. He found the captive Jews being driven into exile. Walking along the road were a group of young men with their necks in chains. Yirmiyahu hugged them cried and joined them.