Jeremiah 39:1-9 ▼

1 In the ninth year of Zedekiah (YHWH is righteous) king of Judah (praised), in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar (may Nebo protect the crown) king of Babylon (confusion by mixing) marched against Jerusalem (city of peace) with his entire army and laid siege to the city.

2 And on the ninth day of the fourth month of Zedekiah’s (YHWH is righteous) eleventh year, the city was breached.

3 Then all the officials of the king of Babylon (confusion by mixing) entered and sat in the Middle Gate: Nergal-sharezer of Samgar, Nebo-sarsekim the Rabsaris (chief eunuch), Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag (chief soothsayer), and all the rest of the officials of the king of Babylon.

4 When Zedekiah (YHWH is righteous) king of Judah (praised) and all the soldiers saw them, they fled. They left the city at night by way of the king’s garden, through the gate between the two walls, and they went out along the route to the Arabah (the Jordan Valley).

5 But the army of the Chaldeans (the Babylonians) pursued them and overtook Zedekiah (YHWH is righteous) in the plains of Jericho (city of palms). They seized him and brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar (may Nebo protect the crown) king of Babylon (confusion by mixing) at Riblah (fertility) in the land of Hamath (fortress), where he pronounced judgment on him.

6 There at Riblah (fertility) the king of Babylon (confusion by mixing) slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah (YHWH is righteous) before his eyes, and he also killed all the nobles of Judah (praised).

7 Then he put out Zedekiah’s (YHWH is righteous) eyes and bound him with bronze chains to take him to Babylon (confusion by mixing).

8 The Chaldeans (clod-breakers) set fire to the palace of the king and to the houses of the people, and they broke down the walls of Jerusalem (city of peace).

9 Then Nebuzaradan (Nebo has given seed) captain of the guard carried away to Babylon (confusion by mixing) the remnant of the people who had remained in the city, along with the deserters who had defected to him.