2 Kings 25:28
And he spoke kindly to Jehoiachin and set his throne above the thrones of the other kings who were with him in Babylon.
And he spoke kindly to him
The phrase "spoke kindly" in Hebrew is "וַיְדַבֵּר אִתּוֹ טוֹבוֹת" (vayedaber ito tovot). The root word "דבר" (dabar) means "to speak" or "to declare," and "טוֹבוֹת" (tovot) translates to "good" or "kind." This phrase indicates a shift in the treatment of Jehoiachin, the exiled king of Judah. Historically, this reflects the practice of ancient Near Eastern monarchs who often showed clemency to captive kings, possibly to maintain political stability or as a diplomatic gesture. Spiritually, this act of kindness can be seen as a reflection of God's grace, even in times of judgment and exile.

and set his throne above the thrones of the kings
The word "throne" in Hebrew is "כִּסֵּא" (kisse), symbolizing authority and honor. The act of setting Jehoiachin's throne "above" (מֵעַל, me'al) the thrones of other kings signifies a restoration of status and dignity. In the context of Babylon, where multiple vassal kings were present, this elevation is significant. It suggests a special favor or recognition by the Babylonian king, possibly indicating Jehoiachin's favorable disposition or political acumen. From a theological perspective, it can be seen as a foreshadowing of God's ultimate restoration of His people, even when they are in foreign lands.

who were with him in Babylon
The mention of "Babylon" (בָּבֶל, Babel) is crucial, as it was the center of power and culture in the ancient world. The phrase "who were with him" indicates that Jehoiachin was not alone in his captivity; other kings and nobles were also present. This setting in Babylon highlights the fulfillment of prophetic warnings given to Judah about exile due to their disobedience. However, it also underscores the theme of hope and redemption, as even in Babylon, God’s providence is at work. Theologically, it serves as a reminder that God’s plans and purposes transcend geographical and political boundaries, offering hope to His people regardless of their circumstances.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehoiachin
The former king of Judah who was taken captive by the Babylonians. He represents the Davidic line during the exile.

2. Evil-merodach
The king of Babylon who succeeded Nebuchadnezzar. He showed favor to Jehoiachin by releasing him from prison.

3. Babylon
The place of exile for Jehoiachin and many Israelites. It symbolizes both judgment and the hope of restoration.

4. Throne
Represents authority and honor. Jehoiachin's elevation above other kings signifies a restoration of dignity.

5. Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, marking a time of judgment and eventual hope for return.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Exile
Even in captivity, God is in control and can change the hearts of rulers to fulfill His purposes.

Restoration and Hope
Jehoiachin's release is a reminder that God can restore and elevate us, even after periods of judgment or hardship.

Kindness and Favor
The kindness shown by Evil-merodach is a reflection of God's grace, teaching us to extend grace and kindness to others.

Endurance in Trials
Jehoiachin's long wait in prison encourages believers to remain faithful and hopeful during difficult times, trusting in God's timing.

The Davidic Line Preserved
Jehoiachin's elevation signifies the preservation of the Davidic line, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jehoiachin's release from prison illustrate God's ability to bring about restoration in our lives?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the events of 2 Kings 25:28, and how does this encourage us in our current circumstances?

3. How can the kindness shown by Evil-merodach inspire us to show grace and kindness to those around us, even in unexpected situations?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jehoiachin's endurance during his time in captivity, and how can we apply these lessons to our own trials?

5. How does the preservation of the Davidic line through Jehoiachin point to the hope we have in Christ, and how can this hope impact our daily lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 52:31-34
This passage parallels 2 Kings 25:28, providing additional details about Jehoiachin's release and the kindness shown by Evil-merodach.

Psalm 126:1-3
Reflects the joy and restoration experienced by the Israelites, similar to Jehoiachin's release from captivity.

Isaiah 40:1-2
Speaks of comfort and the end of punishment, resonating with the theme of Jehoiachin's release and restoration.

Lamentations 3:22-23
Highlights God's mercies and faithfulness, which can be seen in the unexpected kindness shown to Jehoiachin.
Jehoiachin as a Victim of Tyrannic DespotismD. Thomas 2 Kings 25:27-30
Jehoiachin as a Victim of Tyrannic Despotism and as an Object of Delivering MercyD. Thomas, D. D.2 Kings 25:27-30
Jehoiachin's RestorationJ. Orr 2 Kings 25:27-30
People
Ahikam, Babylonians, Careah, Elishama, Evilmerodach, Gedaliah, Ishmael, Jaazaniah, Jehoiachin, Johanan, Kareah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuzaradan, Nethaniah, Seraiah, Shaphan, Solomon, Tanhumeth, Zedekiah, Zephaniah
Places
Arabah, Babylon, Egypt, Hamath, Jericho, Jerusalem, Mizpah, Riblah
Topics
Babylon, Higher, Honor, Kind, Kindly, Kings, Putteth, Seat, Seats, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke, Throne
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 25:28

     5581   throne
     8291   kindness

2 Kings 25:27-30

     7217   exile, in Babylon

2 Kings 25:28-29

     5573   table

Library
The End
'1. 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. 2. And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah. 3. 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. 4. And the city was broken up, and all the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Last Agony
'In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they besieged it. 2. And in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, the city was broken up. 3. And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, Sarse-chim, Rab-saris, Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'As Sodom'
'Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 2. And he did that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that Jehoiakim had done. 3. For through the anger of the Lord it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. 4. And it came to pass, in the ninth year of his reign,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

How those who Use Food Intemperately and those who Use it Sparingly are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 20.) Differently to be admonished are the gluttonous and the abstinent. For superfluity of speech, levity of conduct, and lechery accompany the former; but the latter often the sin of impatience, and often that of pride. For were it not the case that immoderate loquacity carries away the gluttonous, that rich man who is said to have fared sumptuously every day would not burn more sorely than elsewhere in his tongue, saying, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Backsliding.
"I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away."--Hosea xiv. 4. There are two kinds of backsliders. Some have never been converted: they have gone through the form of joining a Christian community and claim to be backsliders; but they never have, if I may use the expression, "slid forward." They may talk of backsliding; but they have never really been born again. They need to be treated differently from real back-sliders--those who have been born of the incorruptible
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

The Iranian Conquest
Drawn by Boudier, from the engraving in Coste and Flandin. The vignette, drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a statuette in terra-cotta, found in Southern Russia, represents a young Scythian. The Iranian religions--Cyrus in Lydia and at Babylon: Cambyses in Egypt --Darius and the organisation of the empire. The Median empire is the least known of all those which held sway for a time over the destinies of a portion of Western Asia. The reason of this is not to be ascribed to the shortness of its duration:
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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