the book does not construct a theology of its own, nor does it present in any systematic way the standard theology of its time. It assumes the “theology of destruction” in which destruction and exile are the punishment for sin (cf. Deut 4:26–27; 28:32–67; 29:23–27; 30:17–18). The sin that warranted such severe punishment is idolatry, the code word for the rejection of God and his commandments. Now that punishment has arrived. It marks the most horrendous national catastrophe in the history of Judah,