King James Version
2 Kings 25
30 verses with commentary
The Fall of Jerusalem
And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The reference to kingshi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
XXV.
(1) **And it came to pass.**—With the account which follows comp. Jeremiah 52:4 *seq.,* Jeremiah 39:1-10, Jeremiah 40-43.
**In the ninth year . . . tenth day.**—Comp. the similarly exact dates in 2Kings 25:3; 2Kings 25:8. Ezekiel 24:1-2, agrees with the present. The days were observed as fasts during the exile (Zechariah 7:3; Zechariah 7:5; Zechariah 8:19).
**Came . . . against Jerusalem.**—A...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-13. his might wherewith he fought against Amaziah--**(See on 2Ki 14:8-14). The usual summary of his life and reign occurs rather early, and is again repeated in the account given of the reign of the king of Judah (2Ki 14:15).
And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic warnings and demonstrate that God's patience...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Unto the eleventh year.**—The siege lasted altogether one year, five months, and twenty-seven days (2Kings 25:1 compared with 2Kings 25:8). The Chaldæans raised the siege for a time, and marched against Pharaoh-Hophra, who was coming to the help of the Jews (Jeremiah 37:5 *seq.;* comp. Ezekiel 17:17; Ezekiel 30:20 *seq.*)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-13. his might wherewith he fought against Amaziah--**(See on 2Ki 14:8-14). The usual summary of his life and reign occurs rather early, and is again repeated in the account given of the reign of the king of Judah (2Ki 14:15).
And on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic warnings and demonstrate that God's patience with covenant violation is not infinite. <br><br>T...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **And on the ninth day of the fourth month.**—The text is supplemented from Jeremiah 39:2; Jeremiah 52:6. The Syriac, however, has, “And in the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, *in the fifth month,* on the ninth day of the month, the famine prevailed,” &c.; which may be original. (Comp. 2Kings 25:1.)
**The famine prevailed.**—Not that the scarcity was first felt on that day, but that it then ha...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-19. Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died--**Every man's death is occasioned by some disease, and so was Elisha's. But in intimating it, there seems a contrast tacitly made between him and his prophetic predecessor, who did not die.
**Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face--**He visited him where he was lying ill of this mortal sickness, and exp...
Read full commentary →And the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city round about:) and the king went the way toward the plain.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city round about:) and the king went the way toward the plain.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The reference to kingship reminds readers t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Broken up.**—Comp. 2Chronicles 32:1. A breach was made in the wall with battering-rams, such as are depicted in the Assyrian sculptures. The Chaldæans forced their entry on the north side of the city, *i.e.,* they took the Lower City (2Kings 22:14). This is clear from Jeremiah 39:3, where it is said that, after effecting an entrance, their generals proceeded to assault “the middle gate,” *i....
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-19. Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died--**Every man's death is occasioned by some disease, and so was Elisha's. But in intimating it, there seems a contrast tacitly made between him and his prophetic predecessor, who did not die.
**Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face--**He visited him where he was lying ill of this mortal sickness, and exp...
Read full commentary →And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. As Judah approaches exile, thes...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **In the plains of Jericho.**—In the neighbour. hood of Jericho, the Arabah expands to the breadth of eleven or twelve miles. The part west of Jordan was called the “plains” (*Arbôth* plural of *Arabah*) of Jericho; and that which lay east of the river was known as the plains of Moab (Joshua 4:13; Numbers 22:1). The depression between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Akaba still bears the old name...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-19. Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died--**Every man's death is occasioned by some disease, and so was Elisha's. But in intimating it, there seems a contrast tacitly made between him and his prophetic predecessor, who did not die.
**Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face--**He visited him where he was lying ill of this mortal sickness, and exp...
Read full commentary →So they took the king, and brought him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him. gave: Heb. spake judgment with him
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So they took the king, and brought him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic wa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **To the king of Babylon, to Riblah.**—2Kings 23:33. Nebuchadnezzar was not present at the storm of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 39:3). He awaited the result in his headquarters.
**And they gave judgment upon him.**—Or, *brought him to trial.* (Comp. Jeremiah 1:16; Jeremiah 4:12.) Nebuchadnezzar with the grandees of his court, perhaps including some dependent princes of the country, held a solemn trial...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-19. Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died--**Every man's death is occasioned by some disease, and so was Elisha's. But in intimating it, there seems a contrast tacitly made between him and his prophetic predecessor, who did not die.
**Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face--**He visited him where he was lying ill of this mortal sickness, and exp...
Read full commentary →And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon. put: Heb. made blind
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic warnings and demonstrate that God's patience with covenant violation i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **And** **they slew . . .**—The verbs are all singular in Jeremiah 39:6; Jeremiah 52:10-11; so that the acts in question are attributed directly to Nebuchadnezzar, to whose orders they were due. (So the versions, except that the Targum has “they slew.”) The blinding of Zedekiah need not have been done by the conqueror himself, although in the Assyrian sculptures kings are actually represented ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-19. Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died--**Every man's death is occasioned by some disease, and so was Elisha's. But in intimating it, there seems a contrast tacitly made between him and his prophetic predecessor, who did not die.
**Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face--**He visited him where he was lying ill of this mortal sickness, and exp...
Read full commentary →The Temple Destroyed
And in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which is the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, unto Jerusalem: captain: or, chief marshal
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which is the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzar-adan, captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, unto Jerusalem:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human autho...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **On the seventh day** **. . .**—An error for the *tenth* day (Jeremiah 52:12), one numeral letter having been mistaken for another. The Syriac and Arabic read *ninth* (perhaps, because, as Thenius suggests, the memorial fasts began on the evening of the ninth day).
According to Josephus the second Temple also was burnt on the tenth of the fifth month (*Bell. Jud.* vi. 4.8).
**The nineteenth y...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-19. Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died--**Every man's death is occasioned by some disease, and so was Elisha's. But in intimating it, there seems a contrast tacitly made between him and his prophetic predecessor, who did not die.
**Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face--**He visited him where he was lying ill of this mortal sickness, and exp...
Read full commentary →And he burnt the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man's house burnt he with fire.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he burnt the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man's house burnt he with fire.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **He burnt the house . . . king’s house.**—Which were in the upper city. (There should be a semicolon after “king’s house.”)
**And every great man’s house.**—Omit *man’s.* The phrase limits the preceding one, “all the houses of Jerusalem,” *that is to say, *“every great house” (2Chronicles 36:19, “all her palaces”). The common houses were spared for the poor who were left (2Kings 25:12).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-21. Elisha died--**He had enjoyed a happier life than Elijah, as he possessed a milder character, and bore a less hard commission. His rough garment was honored even at the court.
**coming in of the year--**that is, the spring, the usual season of beginning campaigns in ancient times. Predatory bands from Moab generally made incursions at that time on the lands of Israel. The bearers of a c...
Read full commentary →And all the army of the Chaldees, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And all the army of the Chaldees, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic warnings and demonstrate that God's patience with covenant violation is not infinite. <br><br>The n...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **With the captain.**—The preposition, though wanting in the common Hebrew text, is found in many MSS. and the old versions, as well as Jeremiah 52
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-21. Elisha died--**He had enjoyed a happier life than Elijah, as he possessed a milder character, and bore a less hard commission. His rough garment was honored even at the court.
**coming in of the year--**that is, the spring, the usual season of beginning campaigns in ancient times. Predatory bands from Moab generally made incursions at that time on the lands of Israel. The bearers of a c...
Read full commentary →Now the rest of the people that were left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away. fugitives: Heb. fallen away
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now the rest of the people that were left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard carry away.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **The fugitives that fell away**—i.e., the deserters. (See Jeremiah 27:12; Jeremiah 37:13 *sea.,* Jeremiah 38:2; Jeremiah 38:4; Jeremiah 38:17; Jeremiah 38:19.)
**The multitude.**—Probably the rank and file of the fighting-men (Judges 4:7). The word is *hāmôn,* strictly *a shouting throng.* (The Syriac has “the rest of the army.”) Jeremiah 52:15, spells the word with *the light breathing *(*‘...
Read full commentary →But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen .
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic warnings and demonstrate that God's patience with covenant violation is not infinite. <br><br>The narrative demonstrates God's j...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Of the poor of the land.**—2Kings 24:14 (Comp. Jeremiah 39:10.)
**Husbandmen.**—Or, *plowmen.* The word (Hebrew text, *gābîm*) occurs here only. Jeremiah 52:16 has a cognate form (*yôg’bîm*) also unique.
And the pillars of brass that were in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that was in the house of the LORD, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the pillars of brass that were in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that was in the house of the LORD, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **And the pillars of brass.**—From this point Jeremiah 39 ceases to be parallel with the present narrative. (See the Notes on 1Kings 7:15 *seq.,* for the objects enumerated in this and the following verses.) Instead of *“*brass” we should probably understand *copper* throughout.
And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic warnings and demonstrate that God's patience with covenant violation is not infinite...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **The** **snuffers.**—Jeremiah 52:18 adds: *and the sprinkling-bowls.* The account there is in general more detailed than the present. (See 1Kings 7:40; 1Kings 7:50.)
**Ministered.**—*Used to minister.* Things belonging to the service of the brazen altar are enumerated in this verse.
And the firepans, and the bowls, and such things as were of gold, in gold, and of silver, in silver, the captain of the guard took away.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the firepans, and the bowls, and such things as were of gold, in gold, and of silver, in silver, the captain of the guard took away.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic warnings and demonstrate that God's patience with covenant violation is not infinite...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Firepans.**—See 1Kings 7:50. Besides “firepans” and “bowls” five other sorts of vessel are given in Jeremiah 52:19.
**Such things as were . . . silver.**—A general expression intended to include all other objects of the same material as the two kinds mentioned. The verse treats of the utensils of the holy place. Many such had doubtless been carefully concealed by the priests on the occasion...
Read full commentary →The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the LORD; the brass of all these vessels was without weight. one: Heb. the one sea
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the LORD; the brass of all these vessels was without weight.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. As Judah approache...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **The two pillars,** (*the*) **one sea** **. . .**—A *nominative absolute.*
**All these vessels** **. . .**—Those just mentioned, the two pillars, &c.
**Without weight.**—A natural hyperbole closely resembling one which we often meet with in Assyrian accounts of the plunder carried off from conquered towns: “spoils *without number* 1 carried off.”
The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and the chapiter upon it was brass: and the height of the chapiter three cubits; and the wreathen work, and pomegranates upon the chapiter round about, all of brass: and like unto these had the second pillar with wreathen work.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and the chapiter upon it was brass: and the height of the chapiter three cubits; and the wreathen work, and pomegranates upon the chapiter round about, all of brass: and like unto these had the second pillar with wreathen work.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. A...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Three cubits.**—An error of transcription for *five.* Five cubits was the height of the capital according to 1Kings 7:16; Jeremiah 52:22; 2Chronicles 3:15.
**The wreathen work.**—*Lattice-work* (1Kings 7:17).
**With wreathen work.**—*Upon the lattice-work.* Thenius says this is the residuum of a sentence preserved in Jeremiah—namely, “And the pomegranates were ninety and six towards the out...
Read full commentary →And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door: door: Heb. threshold
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic warnings and demonstrate that God's patience with covenant violation is not infinite. <br><br...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18, 19) List of the chief personages taken by Nebu-zaradan in the Temple and the city of David. This notice may be regarded as an indirect proof that the upper city was not captured before.
(18) **Seraiah the chief** (*high*) **priest.**—And grandfather or great-grandfather of Ezra (1Chronicles 6:14; Ezra 7:1).
**Zephaniah the second priest.**—See 2Kings 23:4, Note; and Jeremiah 21:1; Jeremiah 29...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Ki 14:1-6. Amaziah's Good Reign over Judah.
**3-6. He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, yet not like David his father--**The beginning of his reign was excellent, for he acted the part of a constitutional king, according to the law of God, yet not with perfect sincerity of heart (compare 2Ch 25:2). As in the case of his father Joash, the early promise was belied by...
Read full commentary →And out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war, and five men of them that were in the king's presence, which were found in the city, and the principal scribe of the host, which mustered the people of the land, and threescore men of the people of the land that were found in the city: officer: or, eunuch were in: Heb. saw the king's face principal: or, scribe of the captain of the host
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war, and five men of them that were in the king's presence, which were found in the city, and the principal scribe of the host, which mustered the people of the land, and threescore men of the people of the land that were found in the city:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **The** **city.**—Thenius is probably right in explaining *the city of David.*
**An officer that was set over the men of war**—*i.e.,* a royal officer commanding the garrison of the city of David. He was probably not an eunuch (2Kings 20:18; 2Kings 24:12), though in the Byzantine empire, at all events, eunuchs were sometimes great soldiers—*e.g.,* the heroic Narses.
**And five men of them** *...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Ki 14:1-6. Amaziah's Good Reign over Judah.
**3-6. He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, yet not like David his father--**The beginning of his reign was excellent, for he acted the part of a constitutional king, according to the law of God, yet not with perfect sincerity of heart (compare 2Ch 25:2). As in the case of his father Joash, the early promise was belied by...
Read full commentary →And Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Nebuzar-adan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic warnings a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Ki 14:1-6. Amaziah's Good Reign over Judah.
**3-6. He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, yet not like David his father--**The beginning of his reign was excellent, for he acted the part of a constitutional king, according to the law of God, yet not with perfect sincerity of heart (compare 2Ch 25:2). As in the case of his father Joash, the early promise was belied by...
Read full commentary →And the king of Babylon smote them, and slew them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away out of their land.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the king of Babylon smote them, and slew them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away out of their land.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. As Judah approaches exile, these events f...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **The king of Babylon smote them** **. . .**—He was too irritated by the obstinacy of their defence to admire their bravery.
**So Judah was carried away** **. . .**—This sentence evidently concludes the whole account of the destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of the people (comp. 2Kings 17:23; Jeremiah 52:27); and not merely that of the proceedings of Nebuzaradan. The prophecy of Oba...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 14
2Ki 14:1-6. Amaziah's Good Reign over Judah.
**3-6. He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, yet not like David his father--**The beginning of his reign was excellent, for he acted the part of a constitutional king, according to the law of God, yet not with perfect sincerity of heart (compare 2Ch 25:2). As in the case of his father Joash, the early promise was belied by...
Read full commentary →Gedaliah Appointed Governor
And as for the people that remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And as for the people that remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultima...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22-26) An extract from Jeremiah 40-63, relating to the people left in the land.
(22) **Gedaliah the son of Ahikam.**—Ahikam was one of Josiah’s princes (2Kings 22:12). In the reign of Jehoiakim he saved the prophet Jeremiah from the popular fury (Jeremiah 26:24). Nebuzaradan committed the prophet to the care of Gedaliah, who probably, like his father, sympathised with Jeremiah’s views (Jeremiah 3...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand--**In the reign of Joram the Edomites had revolted (see 2Ki 8:20). But Amaziah, determined to reduce them to their former subjection, formed a hostile expedition against them, in which he routed their army and made himself master of their capital.
**the valley of salt--**that part of the Ghor which comprises the salt and sandy plain to the ...
Read full commentary →And when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, there came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Careah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, there came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Careah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme o...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **The captains of the armies.**—Rather, *the army captains;* or, *the captains of the forces.* They and their men had fled with the king, and dispersed themselves over the country (Jeremiah 40:7). Now they came out of hiding.
**Their men.**—The Hebrew text has *the men,* but all the versions, and Jeremiah 40:7, read rightly, *their men.*
**Mizpah.**—See 1Kings 15:22. It was well suited to be ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, king of Israel--**This bold and haughty challenge, which was most probably stimulated by a desire of satisfaction for the outrages perpetrated by the discharged auxiliaries of Israel (2Ch 25:13) on the towns that lay in their way home, as well as by revenge for the massacre of his ancestors by Jehu (2Ki 9:1-37) sprang, ther...
Read full commentary →And Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon; and it shall be well with you.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon; and it shall be well with you.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to Go...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **fear not to be the servants.**—Rather, *Be not afraid of the servants.* By “the servants of the Chaldees” Gedaliah probably means those who recognised the Chaldeans as their masters—that is to say, himself and those who adhere to him. He promises immunity for the past if only the captains and their men will settle down quietly as subjects of the conqueror.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah--**People in the East very often express their sentiments in a parabolic form, especially when they intend to convey unwelcome truths or a contemptuous sneer. This was the design of the admonitory fable related by Joash in his reply. The thistle, a low shrub, might be chosen to represent Amaziah, a petty prince; the cedar, the powerful sovereign of I...
Read full commentary →But it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, came, and ten men with him, and smote Gedaliah, that he died, and the Jews and the Chaldees that were with him at Mizpah. royal: Heb. of the kingdom
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, came, and ten men with him, and smote Gedaliah, that he died, and the Jews and the Chaldees that were with him at Mizpah.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. As Judah approaches exile, these events ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **In the seventh month.**—Only two months after the fall of Jerusalem (2Kings 25:8).
**Smote Gedaliah.**—At a friendly meal in the governor’s own house (Jeremiah 41:1-2). Perhaps, as Josephus says, when he and his followers were overcome with wine.
**Of the seed royal.**—Perhaps this reveals Ishmael’s motive. He thought his claim to the government of the community was greater than Gedaliah’s....
Read full commentary →And all the people, both small and great, and the captains of the armies, arose, and came to Egypt: for they were afraid of the Chaldees.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And all the people, both small and great, and the captains of the armies, arose, and came to Egypt: for they were afraid of the Chaldees.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic warnings and demonstrate that God's patience with covenant violation is not infinit...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **Arose and came to Egypt.**—They took Jeremiah with them (Jeremiah 43:6). This verse only gives the end of the story as it is told in Jeremiah.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-14. But Amaziah would not hear--**The sarcastic tenor of this reply incited the king of Judah the more; for, being in a state of judicial blindness and infatuation (2Ch 25:20), he was immovably determined on war. But the superior energy of Joash surprised him ere he had completed his military preparations. Pouring a large army into the territory of Judah, he encountered Amaziah in a pitched b...
Read full commentary →Jehoiachin Released
And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison ;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison;</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27-30) The captivity of Jehoiachin ameliorated by the new king of Babylon. (See Jeremiah 52:31-34.)
(27) **In the seven and thirtieth year** **. . .**—Jehoiachin was now fifty-five years old (2Kings 24:8; 2Kings 24:12).
**On the seven and twentieth day.**—Jeremiah 52:31 : *five and twentieth,* which is probably right. (See Note on 2Kings 25:19.)
**Evil-merodach.**—In Babylonian *Amil-marduk,* “ma...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-14. But Amaziah would not hear--**The sarcastic tenor of this reply incited the king of Judah the more; for, being in a state of judicial blindness and infatuation (2Ch 25:20), he was immovably determined on war. But the superior energy of Joash surprised him ere he had completed his military preparations. Pouring a large army into the territory of Judah, he encountered Amaziah in a pitched b...
Read full commentary →And he spake kindly to him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon; kindly: Heb. good things with him
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he spake kindly to him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon;</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic war...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **Set his throne above the throne of the kings** **. . .**—Gave him precedence of the other captive kings who were kept at the Babylonian court by way of enhancing its glory (comp. Judges 1:7), and probably marked this precedence by allowing him a higher chair of state in the royal hall. So Cyrus kept Croesus king of Lydia at his court (Herod, i. 88). We may remember also the chivalrous behav...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-14. But Amaziah would not hear--**The sarcastic tenor of this reply incited the king of Judah the more; for, being in a state of judicial blindness and infatuation (2Ch 25:20), he was immovably determined on war. But the superior energy of Joash surprised him ere he had completed his military preparations. Pouring a large army into the territory of Judah, he encountered Amaziah in a pitched b...
Read full commentary →And changed his prison garments: and he did eat bread continually before him all the days of his life.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And changed his prison garments: and he did eat bread continually before him all the days of his life.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic warnings and demonstrate that God's patience with covenant violation is not infinite. <br><br>The narrative demonstrat...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **And changed.**—Rather, *and he *(*i.e.,* Jehoiachin) *changed* his prison garments—that is to say, he discarded them for others more suitable to his new condition. Joseph did the same when taken from prison to the Egyptian court (Genesis 41:14).
**He did eat bread continually before him** **. . .**—Jehoiachin became a perpetual guest at the royal table. (Comp. 2Samuel 9:10-13.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-14. But Amaziah would not hear--**The sarcastic tenor of this reply incited the king of Judah the more; for, being in a state of judicial blindness and infatuation (2Ch 25:20), he was immovably determined on war. But the superior energy of Joash surprised him ere he had completed his military preparations. Pouring a large army into the territory of Judah, he encountered Amaziah in a pitched b...
Read full commentary →And his allowance was a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And his allowance was a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **His allowance.**—For the maintenance of his little court. Literally, *And *(*as for*)* his allowance a continual allowance was given him from the king, a day’s portion in its day.*
**All the days of his** (*Jehoiachin’s*) **life.**—He may have died before Evil-merodach was murdered. There would be nothing strange in this, considering his age and his thirty-seven years of imprisonment.
The w...
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