Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, over the people he had left behind in the land of Judah. Now over the people who remained in the land of JudahThis phrase refers to the remnant of the population in Judah after the Babylonian conquest. Historically, the Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar, had taken many of the Judeans into exile, but some were left behind. The Hebrew word for "remained" (שָׁאַר, sha'ar) often implies a remnant that is preserved by God for a purpose. This remnant concept is significant throughout the Bible, symbolizing hope and continuity of God's covenant with His people despite judgment and exile. whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left
Nebuchadnezzar, the powerful king of Babylon, is a central figure in the narrative of Judah's fall. His decision to leave a portion of the population in Judah was strategic, ensuring that the land remained productive and under Babylonian control. The historical context here is crucial; Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns against Judah were part of a larger imperial strategy to dominate the Near East. The phrase underscores the sovereignty of God even in the actions of foreign rulers, as Nebuchadnezzar's decisions ultimately serve God's larger redemptive plan. he appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan
Gedaliah's appointment as governor is significant. His lineage is noteworthy; Ahikam, his father, was a supporter of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 26:24), and Shaphan, his grandfather, was a scribe during King Josiah's reign who played a role in the discovery of the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:8-10). This lineage suggests a legacy of faithfulness to God and His law. Gedaliah's appointment can be seen as a continuation of this legacy, offering a glimmer of hope and stability for the remnant in Judah. His role was to govern and provide leadership during a tumultuous time, reflecting God's provision and care for His people even in exile. Persons / Places / Events 1. NebuchadnezzarThe king of Babylon who conquered Jerusalem and appointed Gedaliah as governor over the remaining people in Judah. 2. GedaliahSon of Ahikam, appointed by Nebuchadnezzar as governor over the remnant in Judah. Known for his efforts to stabilize the region post-exile. 3. AhikamFather of Gedaliah, previously known for protecting the prophet Jeremiah. 4. ShaphanGrandfather of Gedaliah, a scribe during King Josiah's reign, involved in the discovery of the Book of the Law. 5. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which had been conquered by Babylon, leaving a remnant of people in the land. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipEven in times of judgment and exile, God remains in control, appointing leaders like Gedaliah to guide His people. Faithfulness in AdversityGedaliah's appointment reminds us to remain faithful and seek peace, even when circumstances are challenging. The Importance of HeritageGedaliah's lineage shows the impact of a godly heritage, as his family had a history of supporting God's work. The Role of RemnantsGod often works through a faithful remnant, as seen in the people left in Judah under Gedaliah's leadership. Trust in God's PlanDespite the destruction and exile, God's plan for His people continued, encouraging us to trust His long-term purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Gedaliah's appointment by Nebuchadnezzar demonstrate God's sovereignty over political affairs? 2. In what ways can we see the influence of Gedaliah's family heritage in his leadership? 3. What lessons can we learn from Gedaliah's governance about maintaining faithfulness in difficult circumstances? 4. How does the concept of a "remnant" in Judah relate to other biblical instances where God preserves a faithful group? 5. How can we apply the principle of trusting in God's long-term plan to our personal lives today, especially in times of uncertainty? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 40-41These chapters provide a detailed account of Gedaliah's governance and the challenges he faced, including his assassination. 2 Kings 22Shaphan's role in the discovery of the Book of the Law during King Josiah's reign, highlighting the spiritual heritage of Gedaliah's family. Jeremiah 26:24Ahikam's protection of Jeremiah, illustrating the family's history of supporting God's prophets. Lamentations 1:1-3Describes the desolation of Jerusalem, setting the context for Gedaliah's appointment. Ezra 1:1-4The eventual return from exile, showing the continuation of God's plan for His people despite the exile. 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 Ahikam, Ahi'kam, Appointed, Appointeth, Babylon, Behind, Gedaliah, Gedali'ah, Governor, Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnez'zar, Ruler, ShaphanDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 25:22-23 5327 governors
7145 remnant 2 Kings 25:22-24 7245 Judah, kingdom of 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 25:22 NIV2 Kings 25:22 NLT2 Kings 25:22 ESV2 Kings 25:22 NASB2 Kings 25:22 KJV
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