Jeremiah 52:28

These are the people Nebuchadnezzar carried away: in the seventh year, 3,023 Jews;

Study Bible

These are the people
This phrase introduces a specific group of individuals who were directly affected by the Babylonian conquest. The Hebrew word for "people" here is "עַם" (am), which often refers to a community or nation. In this context, it emphasizes the collective identity of the Jews as God's chosen people, who are now experiencing the consequences of their disobedience and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings.

Nebuchadnezzar
Nebuchadnezzar II was the king of Babylon from 605 to 562 BC. His name in Hebrew, "נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּר" (Nebuchadnetzar), is often associated with his role as an instrument of God's judgment against Judah. Historically, Nebuchadnezzar is known for his military conquests and the expansion of the Babylonian Empire. His actions, as recorded in the Bible, serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and rulers.

carried away
The phrase "carried away" is translated from the Hebrew "הִגְלָה" (higlah), meaning to exile or deport. This reflects the historical practice of the Babylonians, who would relocate conquered peoples to prevent rebellion and assimilate them into their empire. Spiritually, this exile represents a period of purification and reflection for the Jewish people, as they are removed from their land and temple, prompting a return to faithfulness and reliance on God.

in the seventh year
This refers to the seventh year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, around 598 BC. The specificity of the timing underscores the precision of God's prophetic word, as Jeremiah had foretold the exile. The seventh year also holds symbolic significance in the Bible, often associated with completion and rest, suggesting a divinely ordained period of judgment and eventual restoration.

3,023 Jews
The number "3,023" is a precise count of those taken into exile, highlighting the historical accuracy and attention to detail in the biblical record. The term "Jews" (יְהוּדִים, Yehudim) identifies the exiles as members of the tribe of Judah, the southern kingdom. This remnant represents the continuity of God's covenant people, even in the midst of judgment, and foreshadows the eventual return and rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon who led the conquest of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people. His actions were part of God's judgment on Judah for their disobedience.

2. Jews
The people of Judah who were taken into exile. This group represents the first wave of exiles taken to Babylon, highlighting the beginning of a significant period in Jewish history.

3. Seventh Year
This refers to the seventh year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, marking a specific time in the historical timeline of the Babylonian exile.

4. Exile
The forced removal of the Jewish people from their homeland to Babylon, a pivotal event in the Old Testament that fulfilled prophetic warnings and shaped the future of Israel.

5. Babylon
The empire that conquered Judah and Jerusalem, serving as the instrument of God's judgment and a place of refining and transformation for the Jewish people.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The exile was a direct result of Judah's disobedience, yet it was also under God's control. Believers can trust that God is sovereign even in times of discipline.

The Faithfulness of God
Despite the judgment, God promised restoration. This teaches us about His faithfulness and the hope we have in His promises.

The Importance of Obedience
The exile serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God. It encourages believers to live in accordance with His will.

God's Presence in Exile
Even in Babylon, God was with His people, guiding and protecting them. This reassures us that God is present in our own times of trial and displacement.

Historical Context and Its Lessons
Understanding the historical context of the exile helps us appreciate the depth of God's plan and the lessons He teaches through history.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the exile in Jeremiah 52:28 reflect God's justice and mercy?

2. In what ways can the experience of the Jewish exiles in Babylon encourage us in our own times of trial?

3. How does the prophecy of the seventy-year exile in Jeremiah 25:11-12 demonstrate God's control over history?

4. What lessons can we learn from the obedience and faithfulness of figures like Daniel during the Babylonian exile?

5. How can understanding the historical context of the Babylonian exile deepen our appreciation for God's redemptive plan throughout the Bible?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 24:12-16
This passage provides a parallel account of the exile, offering additional details about the deportation and the treasures taken from the temple.

Jeremiah 25:11-12
These verses prophesy the seventy-year exile in Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the eventual restoration of His people.

Daniel 1:1-7
Describes the experiences of some of the exiles, including Daniel, highlighting how God continued to work through His people even in a foreign land.