Jeremiah 39:5
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. They seized him and brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on him.
But the army of the Chaldeans
The Chaldeans, also known as the Babylonians, were a dominant force in the ancient Near East. The Hebrew term for Chaldeans is "Kasdim," which refers to a Semitic people who rose to power in Babylon. Historically, the Chaldeans were known for their military prowess and strategic conquests. This phrase sets the stage for the unfolding events, highlighting the might and determination of the Babylonian forces as they pursued their objectives.

pursued them
The act of pursuit indicates a relentless chase, emphasizing the determination of the Chaldean army. In Hebrew, the word "radaph" conveys a sense of urgency and intensity. This pursuit is not just a physical chase but also symbolizes the inescapable judgment of God upon Judah for their disobedience, as prophesied by Jeremiah.

and overtook Zedekiah
Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, is a tragic figure. His name means "Yahweh is righteousness," yet his reign was marked by rebellion against God’s commands. The Hebrew word "nasag" for "overtook" implies a successful capture, signifying the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy that Zedekiah would not escape the consequences of his actions.

in the plains of Jericho
Jericho, known as the "City of Palms," is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Its mention here is significant, as it was the first city conquered by the Israelites upon entering the Promised Land. Now, it becomes the site of Zedekiah’s capture, symbolizing a reversal of fortune and the loss of divine favor.

They captured him
The capture of Zedekiah marks the end of his reign and the beginning of Judah’s exile. The Hebrew word "lakad" means to seize or take hold of, indicating the finality of Zedekiah’s downfall. This moment is a poignant reminder of the consequences of forsaking God’s covenant.

and brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar, a powerful and ambitious ruler, is a central figure in the Babylonian Empire. His name means "Nabu, protect my heir," reflecting the Babylonian pantheon. The phrase underscores the shift in power from Judah to Babylon, as Zedekiah is brought before the king who orchestrated the siege of Jerusalem.

at Riblah in the land of Hamath
Riblah, located in modern-day Syria, served as a military headquarters for Nebuchadnezzar. The mention of Hamath, a region known for its strategic importance, highlights the geopolitical dynamics of the time. This location is where significant decisions and judgments were made, underscoring the gravity of Zedekiah’s situation.

where he pronounced judgment on him
The pronouncement of judgment signifies the culmination of Zedekiah’s rebellion against Babylon and, more importantly, against God. The Hebrew word "shaphat" means to judge or govern, indicating a legal and authoritative decision. This moment fulfills Jeremiah’s prophecy and serves as a sobering reminder of divine justice. The judgment pronounced is not just a political verdict but a spiritual reckoning for the nation of Judah.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zedekiah
The last king of Judah, who reigned during the time of the Babylonian conquest. He was captured while trying to escape the siege of Jerusalem.

2. Chaldeans
Another name for the Babylonians, who were the dominant power in the region and responsible for the conquest of Judah.

3. Jericho
A city located near the Jordan River, known for its historical significance in Israel's history. It was in the plains of Jericho that Zedekiah was captured.

4. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon, known for his military conquests and the destruction of Jerusalem. He played a pivotal role in the judgment against Judah.

5. Riblah
A city in the land of Hamath, which served as a military headquarters for Nebuchadnezzar. It was here that Zedekiah was brought for judgment.
Teaching Points
The Inevitability of God's Judgment
Zedekiah's capture illustrates that God's warnings through the prophets are not to be taken lightly. His judgment is certain and just.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Zedekiah's fate serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands and the rejection of His prophets.

The Sovereignty of God in World Events
The capture of Zedekiah and the fall of Jerusalem demonstrate God's control over nations and leaders, fulfilling His divine purposes.

The Importance of Heeding Prophetic Warnings
The events leading to Zedekiah's capture underscore the importance of listening to and acting upon God's warnings through His prophets.

Trust in God's Plan Despite Circumstances
Even in dire situations, believers are encouraged to trust in God's overarching plan, knowing that He works all things for His glory and our good.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the capture of Zedekiah illustrate the fulfillment of God's prophetic word, and what does this teach us about the reliability of Scripture?

2. In what ways can the consequences faced by Zedekiah serve as a warning for us today regarding obedience to God's commands?

3. How does the sovereignty of God, as demonstrated in the events of Jeremiah 39:5, provide comfort and assurance in our current world events?

4. What lessons can we learn from Zedekiah's attempt to escape, and how can we apply these lessons to our own lives when facing difficult situations?

5. How can we better heed the warnings and guidance found in Scripture to avoid the pitfalls of disobedience and rebellion against God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 25:4-7
This passage provides a parallel account of Zedekiah's capture and the subsequent events, offering additional details about his fate.

Ezekiel 12:13
This prophecy foretells the capture of Zedekiah, emphasizing the inevitability of God's judgment despite attempts to escape.

Jeremiah 52:8-11
Another account of Zedekiah's capture, which highlights the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies regarding the fall of Jerusalem.
Siege and SavageryD. Young Jeremiah 39:1-8
The Retribution of GodS. Conway Jeremiah 39:1-8
Non-Acceptance of ChastisementP. B. Power, M. A.Jeremiah 39:1-10
The Downfall of JudahG. F. Pentecost, D. D.Jeremiah 39:1-10
Too LateS. Conway Jeremiah 39:4-7
People
Ahikam, Ebedmelech, Gedaliah, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Nebushasban, Nebuzaradan, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, Rabsaris, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Shaphan, Sharezer, Zedekiah
Places
Arabah, Babylon, Hamath, Jericho, Jerusalem, Riblah
Topics
Army, Babylon, Bring, Captured, Chaldaean, Chaldeans, Chalde'ans, Forces, Hamath, Jericho, Judged, Judgment, Judgments, Lowlands, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Nebuchadrez'zar, Overtake, Overtook, Passed, Plains, Prisoner, Pronounced, Pursue, Pursued, Riblah, Seized, Sentence, Speaketh, Zedekiah, Zedeki'ah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 39:1-7

     1429   prophecy, OT fulfilment

Jeremiah 39:1-10

     4215   Babylon
     5529   sieges

Jeremiah 39:5-10

     8795   persecution, nature of

Library
Ebedmelech the Ethiopian
'For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in Me, saith the Lord.'--JER. xxxix. 18. Ebedmelech is a singular anticipation of that other Ethiopian eunuch whom Philip met on the desert road to Gaza. It is prophetic that on the eve of the fall of the nation, a heathen man should be entering into union with God. It is a picture in little of the rejection of Israel and the ingathering of the Gentiles.
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

Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
(Jerusalem and Bethlehem, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 1-12. ^a 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem [It lies five miles south by west of Jerusalem, a little to the east of the road to Hebron. It occupies part of the summit and sides of a narrow limestone ridge which shoots out eastward from the central chains of the Judæan mountains, and breaks down abruptly into deep valleys on the north, south, and east. Its old name, Ephrath, meant "the fruitful." Bethlehem means "house of bread." Its modern
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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

'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

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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