King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 25:28 Mean?
“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”
2 Kings 25:28 · KJV
Context
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
29
And changed his prison garments: and he did eat bread continually before him all the days of his life.
30
And his allowance was a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd he spake kindly to him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon;
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 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. 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 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 · 12 wordsוַיְדַבֵּ֥ר1 of 12
“And he spake”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אִתּ֖וֹ2 of 12
H854properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
טֹב֑וֹת3 of 12
“kindly”
H2896good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
וַיִּתֵּן֙4 of 12
“to him and set”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת5 of 12
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מֵעַ֗ל7 of 12
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 12
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אִתּ֖וֹ11 of 12
H854properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
בְּבָבֶֽל׃12 of 12
“that were with him in Babylon”
H894babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
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 25:28 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 25:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge