There at Riblah in the land of Hamath, the king of Babylon struck them down and put them to death. So Judah was taken into exile, away from its own land. Then the king of BabylonThis phrase refers to Nebuchadnezzar II, the powerful ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Historically, Nebuchadnezzar is known for his military conquests and the expansion of his empire. The Hebrew root for "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek) signifies a ruler with authority and power, emphasizing Nebuchadnezzar's dominance over the region. His actions were part of God's judgment on Judah for their disobedience, as prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets. struck them down
The Hebrew verb used here, נָכָה (nakah), means to strike, smite, or kill. This action signifies the execution of the Judean officials and leaders, a brutal demonstration of Babylonian power. It reflects the fulfillment of God's warnings through the prophets that judgment would come upon Judah for their idolatry and rebellion against Him. and put them to death
This phrase underscores the finality and severity of the judgment. The Hebrew word for "death" (מוּת, muth) is often used in the context of divine retribution. The execution of these leaders was not only a political act but also a spiritual consequence of the nation's sins, highlighting the seriousness of turning away from God's covenant. at Riblah
Riblah was a strategic location in the land of Hamath, serving as a military headquarters for Nebuchadnezzar. Archaeological findings suggest it was a significant site during this period. Its mention here indicates the place where judgment was executed, symbolizing the reach of Babylonian control and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings. in the land of Hamath
Hamath was a region north of Israel, often associated with foreign powers in the Bible. Its mention here situates the event geographically, emphasizing the extent of Babylon's influence. Historically, Hamath was a center of political and military activity, making it a fitting location for such a significant event. So Judah went into exile
The exile of Judah marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, fulfilling prophecies of judgment due to the nation's persistent sin. The Hebrew word for "exile" (גָּלָה, galah) conveys the idea of being uncovered or removed, symbolizing the loss of God's protection and the consequences of disobedience. This event led to a period of reflection and transformation for the Jewish people. away from her land
The phrase highlights the deep loss experienced by Judah, as the land was integral to their identity and covenant with God. The Hebrew word for "land" (אֶרֶץ, eretz) often signifies not just physical territory but also a place of divine promise and blessing. Being removed from the land was a profound judgment, yet it also set the stage for eventual restoration and return, as promised by God through the prophets. Persons / Places / Events 1. King of BabylonThis refers to Nebuchadnezzar II, the powerful ruler who led Babylon to conquer Jerusalem and Judah, fulfilling God's judgment against the nation for their disobedience. 2. RiblahA strategic location in the land of Hamath, used by Nebuchadnezzar as a military headquarters. It was here that the captured leaders of Judah were executed. 3. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which was taken into exile as a result of their persistent idolatry and rebellion against God. 4. ExileThe forced removal of the people of Judah from their homeland to Babylon, marking a significant moment of judgment and a turning point in Israel's history. 5. Land of HamathA region in present-day Syria, significant as a place of judgment and execution for the leaders of Judah. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceThe exile of Judah serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent disobedience and idolatry. God is patient, but His justice will ultimately prevail. God's Sovereignty in JudgmentDespite the tragic events, God's sovereignty is evident. He uses even foreign nations to accomplish His purposes and fulfill His prophetic word. Hope in ExileWhile the exile was a time of judgment, it was also a period of refining and hope. God promised restoration and a future return to the land, as seen in the prophecies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Faithfulness in AdversityThe account encourages believers to remain faithful to God even in difficult circumstances, trusting in His ultimate plan and purpose. The Importance of RepentanceThe exile underscores the need for genuine repentance and turning back to God, both individually and collectively. Bible Study Questions 1. What lessons can we learn from the fall of Judah about the importance of obedience to God in our own lives? 2. How does the account of Judah's exile challenge us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when facing difficult or seemingly hopeless situations? 3. In what ways can the experiences of Daniel and his friends in Babylon inspire us to remain faithful to God in a culture that may not share our values? 4. How can we apply the theme of repentance found in the account of Judah's exile to our personal spiritual journey? 5. What are some modern-day "exiles" or challenges that believers face, and how can we find hope and encouragement in God's promises during these times? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 52This chapter provides a parallel account of the fall of Jerusalem and the exile, offering additional details about the events and the fate of the people. 2 Chronicles 36Chronicles the same events, emphasizing the spiritual reasons for Judah's downfall, including their rejection of God's prophets. Lamentations 1Expresses the sorrow and lament over Jerusalem's destruction and the exile, highlighting the deep emotional and spiritual impact on the people. Daniel 1Describes the beginning of the exile and the experiences of those taken to Babylon, including Daniel and his friends, who remained faithful to God. 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 Babylon, Captive, Captivity, Carried, Death, Executed, Exile, Hamath, Judah, Led, Prisoner, Putteth, Removeth, Riblah, Slew, Smiteth, Smote, Struck, ThusDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 25:21 5339 home
5483 punishment
5607 warfare, examples 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 25:21 NIV2 Kings 25:21 NLT2 Kings 25:21 ESV2 Kings 25:21 NASB2 Kings 25:21 KJV
2 Kings 25:21 Commentaries
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