Of those still in the city, he took a court official who had been appointed over the men of war, as well as five royal advisors. He also took the scribe of the captain of the army, who had enlisted the people of the land, and sixty men who were found in the city. From the cityThis phrase indicates the specific location from which the individuals were taken. The city in question is Jerusalem, which had been under siege and was now conquered by the Babylonians. Historically, Jerusalem was the center of Jewish life, both politically and spiritually. Its fall marked a significant moment of judgment and exile for the people of Judah, fulfilling the prophecies of earlier prophets like Jeremiah. he took
This action signifies the authority and control exercised by the Babylonian forces over Jerusalem. The Hebrew root for "took" (לָקַח, laqach) often implies a forceful taking or capturing, reflecting the dire circumstances of the city's fall. It underscores the complete subjugation of Judah under Babylonian rule. a court official
This individual was likely a high-ranking member of the king's administration. The Hebrew term used here can refer to someone who served in the royal court, possibly involved in governance or military affairs. This highlights the dismantling of the existing political structure and the removal of those who held power and influence. who had been appointed over the men of war
This phrase identifies the court official's role as a military leader. The appointment suggests a position of trust and responsibility, indicating that this person was integral to the defense and military strategy of Judah. The removal of such leaders was a common practice in ancient conquests to prevent any organized resistance. five royal advisors
These advisors were likely part of the king's inner circle, providing counsel on matters of state and policy. The number five may symbolize completeness or sufficiency in their advisory role. Their capture signifies the dismantling of the king's support system and the end of any semblance of royal governance. the chief officer
This term refers to a high-ranking official, possibly the head of the king's personal guard or a senior military commander. The Hebrew word used here can denote someone with significant authority and responsibility. His capture would have been a strategic move to ensure the complete submission of the city's defenses. who was the commander of the conscripted men
This phrase describes the chief officer's specific role in leading conscripted soldiers, likely those drafted for military service. The conscription indicates a state of emergency and the need for additional manpower to defend the city. The removal of their commander would have demoralized and disorganized any remaining military forces. and sixty men from the people of the land
These men represent a broader cross-section of Jerusalem's population, possibly including influential citizens or those capable of leading a rebellion. The number sixty may not be literal but rather symbolic of a significant group. Their capture ensured that any potential leaders among the common people were also neutralized. who were found in the city
This phrase emphasizes the thoroughness of the Babylonian search and capture operation. It suggests that these individuals were specifically targeted and identified as potential threats to Babylonian control. The phrase also implies a sense of inevitability and divine judgment, as these events were prophesied as consequences of the nation's disobedience. Persons / Places / Events 1. Court OfficialA high-ranking officer in the royal court, likely responsible for military or administrative duties. 2. Five Royal AdvisorsThese were likely counselors to the king, providing guidance and strategic advice. 3. Secretary to the Commander of the ArmyThis individual would have been responsible for military communications and record-keeping. 4. Sixty Men of the LandThese were likely influential or notable men within the city, possibly leaders or elders. 5. The CityRefers to Jerusalem, which was under siege and eventually captured by the Babylonians. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceThe capture and deportation of Jerusalem's leaders illustrate the severe consequences of Israel's disobedience to God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience in our own lives. Leadership in CrisisThe removal of key leaders from Jerusalem highlights the vulnerability of a nation without strong, godly leadership. It challenges us to pray for and support our leaders, especially in times of crisis. God's Sovereignty in JudgmentDespite the tragic events, God's sovereignty is evident. He uses even foreign nations to accomplish His purposes, reminding us that He is in control, even in difficult circumstances. The Importance of RepentanceThe fall of Jerusalem underscores the need for genuine repentance. It encourages us to examine our hearts and turn back to God before facing severe consequences. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the capture of Jerusalem's leaders in 2 Kings 25:19 reflect the broader theme of judgment in the book of Kings? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the events described in 2 Kings 25:19? 3. How does the removal of Jerusalem's leaders challenge us to consider the importance of godly leadership in our communities today? 4. What lessons can we learn from the consequences faced by Jerusalem that apply to our personal walk with God? 5. How do the events of 2 Kings 25:19 connect with the broader account of Israel's exile and eventual return, and what hope does this offer us today? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 52:25This passage parallels 2 Kings 25:19, providing additional details about the capture of Jerusalem and the people taken by the Babylonians. 2 Kings 24:14-16Describes the earlier deportation of the elite and skilled individuals from Jerusalem, setting the stage for the events in 2 Kings 25:19. Daniel 1:3-4Highlights the Babylonian practice of taking the best and brightest from conquered lands, similar to the individuals mentioned in 2 Kings 25:19. People Ahikam, Babylonians, Careah, Elishama, Evilmerodach, Gedaliah, Ishmael, Jaazaniah, Jehoiachin, Johanan, Kareah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuzaradan, Nethaniah, Seraiah, Shaphan, Solomon, Tanhumeth, Zedekiah, ZephaniahPlaces Arabah, Babylon, Egypt, Hamath, Jericho, Jerusalem, Mizpah, RiblahTopics Advisers, Appointed, Army, Captain, Chamberlain, Charge, Chief, Command, Commander, Conscripting, Council, Enrolled, Eunuch, Face, Fighting, Friends, Getting, Host, King's, Military, Mustered, Mustereth, Officer, Official, Order, Overseer, Presence, Principal, Responsible, Royal, Scribe, Secretary, Seeing, Servant, Sixty, Threescore, Town, Unsexed, WarDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 25:19 5266 conscription
5514 scribes
5519 secretary 2 Kings 25:1-21 4215 Babylon
7217 exile, in Babylon 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 ScriptureThe 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 Links 2 Kings 25:19 NIV2 Kings 25:19 NLT2 Kings 25:19 ESV2 Kings 25:19 NASB2 Kings 25:19 KJV
2 Kings 25:19 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
