King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 25:26 Mean?
“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.”
2 Kings 25:26 · KJV
Context
24
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.
25
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
26
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.
27
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 ;
28
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
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd 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.
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.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.
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.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 25 takes place during the final collapse of Judah and Babylonian exile, early 6th century BCE, 605-586 BCE. The chapter's theme (Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction) reflects the historical reality of the final collapse of Judah, destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and exile to Babylon as covenant curses are fully realized. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 25 regarding covenant curses fulfilled completely?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 14 wordsוַיָּקֻ֨מוּ1 of 14
“arose”
H6965to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
כָל2 of 14
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֜ם3 of 14
“And all the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מִקָּטֹ֤ן4 of 14
“both small”
H6996abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
וְעַד5 of 14
H5704as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַֽחֲיָלִ֔ים8 of 14
“of the armies”
H2428probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
כִּ֥י11 of 14
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִפְּנֵ֥י13 of 14
“of”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כַשְׂדִּֽים׃14 of 14
“the Chaldees”
H3778a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
2 Kings 25:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 2 Kings 25:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge