Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king's garden. They headed toward the Arabah, Then the city was breachedThe Hebrew word for "breached" is "בָּקַע" (baqa), which means to split or break open. This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the history of Jerusalem, symbolizing the culmination of God's judgment upon the city due to its persistent disobedience and idolatry. The breaching of the city walls signifies not only a physical defeat but also a spiritual one, as the protection of God was lifted due to the people's unfaithfulness. This event fulfills the prophetic warnings given by Jeremiah and other prophets, emphasizing the seriousness of turning away from God's commandments. and all the men of war fled by night
The phrase "fled by night" indicates a sense of urgency and desperation. The Hebrew word for "fled" is "נָס" (nas), which conveys a hurried escape. The cover of night suggests an attempt to avoid detection, highlighting the fear and chaos among the defenders. This action reflects the collapse of human strength and strategy in the face of divine judgment. The men of war, who were once the city's protectors, are now reduced to fugitives, underscoring the futility of relying on human might without God's favor. by way of the gate between the two walls
This specific route, "between the two walls," suggests a strategic but ultimately futile attempt to escape. Archaeological findings indicate that Jerusalem had complex fortifications, and this escape route was likely a lesser-known passage. The mention of "two walls" may refer to the double-layered defenses of the city, which were meant to provide extra security. However, even the best human defenses are insufficient when God allows judgment to proceed. This detail serves as a reminder of the limitations of human ingenuity in the face of divine sovereignty. near the king’s garden
The "king’s garden" was likely a place of beauty and tranquility, now overshadowed by the chaos of the city's fall. This location, possibly situated near the Kidron Valley, symbolizes the loss of peace and prosperity that comes with disobedience to God. The garden, once a symbol of royal luxury and divine blessing, now witnesses the flight of the city's defenders. This contrast serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's path. though the Chaldeans were surrounding the city
The Chaldeans, synonymous with the Babylonians, were the instruments of God's judgment. Their surrounding of the city signifies the inescapable nature of divine retribution. Historically, the Chaldeans were known for their military prowess and strategic sieges. This phrase highlights the completeness of the siege, leaving no room for escape or negotiation. It serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God's justice. They fled toward the Arabah
The "Arabah" refers to the desert region south of the Dead Sea, a place of desolation and barrenness. Fleeing toward the Arabah symbolizes a movement from the city of God to a place of emptiness, reflecting the spiritual desolation that accompanies rebellion against God. This direction of flight underscores the theme of exile and separation from God's presence, a recurring motif in the narrative of Israel's disobedience and subsequent punishment. It serves as a call to repentance and a return to the Lord, who alone can restore and redeem. Persons / Places / Events 1. The City (Jerusalem)The capital of Judah, under siege by the Babylonians (Chaldeans) during this event. 2. Men of WarThe soldiers and defenders of Jerusalem who attempted to escape the city at night. 3. The Gate between the Two WallsA specific exit point in Jerusalem, indicating a strategic but desperate escape route. 4. The King’s GardenA location near the escape route, possibly a royal or significant area within the city. 5. The Chaldeans (Babylonians)The invading force led by King Nebuchadnezzar, surrounding and besieging Jerusalem. 6. The ArabahA desert region toward which the fleeing soldiers aimed to escape, indicating a direction away from the city. Teaching Points The Inevitability of God's JudgmentDespite human efforts to escape, God's judgment, as prophesied, will come to pass. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and repentance. The Consequences of DisobedienceThe fall of Jerusalem and the desperate escape attempt illustrate the severe consequences of turning away from God. It calls believers to examine their own lives for areas of disobedience. The Futility of Human Plans Without GodThe soldiers' escape plan failed because it was not aligned with God's will. This teaches us to seek God's guidance in our plans and decisions. Hope in DesperationEven in dire situations, there is hope for redemption and restoration through repentance and faith in God. This encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate plan for their lives. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the escape attempt by the men of war reveal about their understanding of the situation and their reliance on God? 2. How does the fall of Jerusalem serve as a warning for us today regarding the consequences of ignoring God's commands? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our plans align with God's will, avoiding the futility seen in the escape attempt? 4. How can we find hope and assurance in God's promises, even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges? 5. Reflect on a time when you tried to "escape" a difficult situation on your own. How might seeking God's guidance have changed the outcome? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 39:4-5This passage provides a parallel account of the escape attempt and subsequent capture of King Zedekiah, offering additional context to the events in 2 Kings 25:4. Ezekiel 12:12-13This prophecy foretells the escape and capture of the king, highlighting the fulfillment of God's word through the events described in 2 Kings 25:4. Lamentations 4:19-20Reflects on the swiftness and inevitability of the capture, emphasizing the futility of escape from God's judgment. 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 Arabah, Army, Babylonians, Beside, Breach, Broken, Chaldaeans, Chaldeans, Chalde'ans, Chaldees, Direction, Doorway, Fled, Flight, Garden, Gate, King's, Leads, Opening, Plain, Round, Sides, Stationed, Surrounding, Though, Towards, Town, Wall, Walls, WarDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 25:4 4468 horticulture
5604 walls 2 Kings 25:1-4 5256 city 2 Kings 25:1-7 1429 prophecy, OT fulfilment 2 Kings 25:1-11 5529 sieges 2 Kings 25:1-12 7245 Judah, kingdom of 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 25:4 NIV2 Kings 25:4 NLT2 Kings 25:4 ESV2 Kings 25:4 NASB2 Kings 25:4 KJV
2 Kings 25:4 Commentaries
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