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 men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city round about:) and the king went the way toward the plain.

5 And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him.

6 So they took the king, and brought him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him.

7 And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.

8 And in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which is the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, unto Jerusalem:

9 And he burnt the house of the Lord, and the king's house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man's house burnt he with fire.

10 And all the army of the Chaldees, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about.

11 Now the rest of the people that were left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away.

12 But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen.

13 And the pillars of brass that were in the house of the Lord, and the bases, and the brasen sea that was in the house of the Lord, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon.

14 And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away.

15 And the firepans, and the bowls, and such things as were of gold, in gold, and of silver, in silver, the captain of the guard took away.

16 The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the Lord; the brass of all these vessels was without weight.

17 The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and the chapiter upon it was brass: and the height of the chapiter three cubits; and the wreathen work, and pomegranates upon the chapiter round about, all of brass: and like unto these had the second pillar with wreathen work.

18 And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door:

19 And out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war, and five men of them that were in the king's presence, which were found in the city, and the principal scribe of the host, which mustered the people of the land, and threescore men of the people of the land that were found in the city:

20 And Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:

21 And the king of Babylon smote them, and slew them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away out of their land.

22 And as for the people that remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler.

23 And when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, there came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Careah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.

24 And Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon; and it shall be well with you.

25 But it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, came, and ten men with him, and smote Gedaliah, that he died, and the Jews and the Chaldees that were with him at Mizpah.

26 And all the people, both small and great, and the captains of the armies, arose, and came to Egypt: for they were afraid of the Chaldees.

27 And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison;

28 And he spake kindly to him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon;

29 And changed his prison garments: and he did eat bread continually before him all the days of his life.

30 And his allowance was a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jerusalem besieged, Zedekiah taken.
Jerusalem was so fortified, that it could not be taken till famine rendered the besieged unable to resist. In the prophecy and Lamentations of Jeremiah, we find more of this event; here it suffices to say, that the impiety and misery of the besieged were very great. At length the city was taken by storm. The king, his family, and his great men escaped in the night, by secret passages. But those deceive themselves who think to escape God's judgments, as much as those who think to brave them. By what befell Zedekiah, two prophecies, which seemed to contradict each other, were both fulfilled. Jeremiah prophesied that Zedekiah should be brought to Babylon, (Jeremiah 32:5; 34:3); Ezekiel, that he should not see Babylon, (Ezekiel 12:13). He was brought thither, but his eyes being put out, he did not see it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Came - To chastise Zedekiah for his rebellion and perjury. Built - To keep all supplies of men or provisions from entering into the city: and that from thence they might shoot darts, or arrows, or stones.
McArther Bible Commentary
ninth year. Responding to Zedekiah's rebellion (2Ki 24:20), Nebuchadnezzar sent his whole army to lay siege against the city of Jerusalem. The siege began in the ninth year of Zedekiah's reign, Jan., 588 B.C. The siege wall was comprised of either wood towers higher than the walls of the city or a dirt rampart encircling the city.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 25:2 2 Chronicles 36:17 Jeremiah 4:17 Jeremiah 6:3 Jeremiah 21:2 Jeremiah 32:1 Jeremiah 34:1 Jeremiah 34:2 Jeremiah 39:1 Jeremiah 50:17 Jeremiah 52:4 Ezekiel 21:14 Ezekiel 21:22 Ezekiel 24:2 Ezekiel 40:1

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jerusalem besieged, Zedekiah taken.
Jerusalem was so fortified, that it could not be taken till famine rendered the besieged unable to resist. In the prophecy and Lamentations of Jeremiah, we find more of this event; here it suffices to say, that the impiety and misery of the besieged were very great. At length the city was taken by storm. The king, his family, and his great men escaped in the night, by secret passages. But those deceive themselves who think to escape God's judgments, as much as those who think to brave them. By what befell Zedekiah, two prophecies, which seemed to contradict each other, were both fulfilled. Jeremiah prophesied that Zedekiah should be brought to Babylon, (Jeremiah 32:5; 34:3); Ezekiel, that he should not see Babylon, (Ezekiel 12:13). He was brought thither, but his eyes being put out, he did not see it.
McArther Bible Commentary
eleventh year. Jerusalem withstood the siege until the eleventh year of Zedekiah, July of 586 B.C. Hezekiah's tunnel guaranteed the city an uninterrupted supply of fresh water (2Ki 20:20), and an Egyptian foray into Judah gave the city a temporary reprieve from the siege (Jer 37:5).
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 25:1 2 Kings 25:3 Jeremiah 32:1 Jeremiah 52:5

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jerusalem besieged, Zedekiah taken.
Jerusalem was so fortified, that it could not be taken till famine rendered the besieged unable to resist. In the prophecy and Lamentations of Jeremiah, we find more of this event; here it suffices to say, that the impiety and misery of the besieged were very great. At length the city was taken by storm. The king, his family, and his great men escaped in the night, by secret passages. But those deceive themselves who think to escape God's judgments, as much as those who think to brave them. By what befell Zedekiah, two prophecies, which seemed to contradict each other, were both fulfilled. Jeremiah prophesied that Zedekiah should be brought to Babylon, (Jeremiah 32:5; 34:3); Ezekiel, that he should not see Babylon, (Ezekiel 12:13). He was brought thither, but his eyes being put out, he did not see it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The people - For the common people, but only for the great men. Now they eat their own children for want of food, (Lamentations 4:3) , &c. Jeremiah in this extremity, earnestly persuaded the king to surrender; but his heart was hardened to his destruction.
McArther Bible Commentary
famine. After a siege of over two years, the food supply in Jerusalem ran out (Jer 38:2-3).
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 6:24 2 Kings 6:25 2 Kings 25:2 Jeremiah 37:21 Jeremiah 52:6 Lamentations 4:9 Lamentations 4:10 Zechariah 8:19

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jerusalem besieged, Zedekiah taken.
Jerusalem was so fortified, that it could not be taken till famine rendered the besieged unable to resist. In the prophecy and Lamentations of Jeremiah, we find more of this event; here it suffices to say, that the impiety and misery of the besieged were very great. At length the city was taken by storm. The king, his family, and his great men escaped in the night, by secret passages. But those deceive themselves who think to escape God's judgments, as much as those who think to brave them. By what befell Zedekiah, two prophecies, which seemed to contradict each other, were both fulfilled. Jeremiah prophesied that Zedekiah should be brought to Babylon, (Jeremiah 32:5; 34:3); Ezekiel, that he should not see Babylon, (Ezekiel 12:13). He was brought thither, but his eyes being put out, he did not see it.
McArther Bible Commentary
the city wall was broken. The two walls near the king's garden were probably located at the extreme southeast corner of the city, giving direct access to the Kidron Valley. This gave Zedekiah and his soldiers an opportunity to flee for their lives to the east.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 25:5 2 Chronicles 32:5 Nehemiah 3:15 Isaiah 22:11 Jeremiah 4:17 Jeremiah 4:29 Jeremiah 32:4 Jeremiah 34:3 Jeremiah 38:18 Jeremiah 39:2 Jeremiah 39:4 Jeremiah 44:30 Jeremiah 52:7 Lamentations 1:3 Lamentations 1:6 Ezekiel 12:4 Ezekiel 12:12 Ezekiel 12:14 Ezekiel 33:21 Zechariah 8:19

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jerusalem besieged, Zedekiah taken.
Jerusalem was so fortified, that it could not be taken till famine rendered the besieged unable to resist. In the prophecy and Lamentations of Jeremiah, we find more of this event; here it suffices to say, that the impiety and misery of the besieged were very great. At length the city was taken by storm. The king, his family, and his great men escaped in the night, by secret passages. But those deceive themselves who think to escape God's judgments, as much as those who think to brave them. By what befell Zedekiah, two prophecies, which seemed to contradict each other, were both fulfilled. Jeremiah prophesied that Zedekiah should be brought to Babylon, (Jeremiah 32:5; 34:3); Ezekiel, that he should not see Babylon, (Ezekiel 12:13). He was brought thither, but his eyes being put out, he did not see it.
McArther Bible Commentary
plains of Jericho. Zedekiah fled toward the Jordan rift valley. Babylonian pursuers caught him in the Jordan Valley south of Jericho, about twenty miles east of Jerusalem.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 25:4 2 Kings 25:6 Jeremiah 21:7 Jeremiah 34:3 Lamentations 1:3 Lamentations 1:6 Ezekiel 12:14 Ezekiel 17:21 Ezekiel 19:1

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jerusalem besieged, Zedekiah taken.
Jerusalem was so fortified, that it could not be taken till famine rendered the besieged unable to resist. In the prophecy and Lamentations of Jeremiah, we find more of this event; here it suffices to say, that the impiety and misery of the besieged were very great. At length the city was taken by storm. The king, his family, and his great men escaped in the night, by secret passages. But those deceive themselves who think to escape God's judgments, as much as those who think to brave them. By what befell Zedekiah, two prophecies, which seemed to contradict each other, were both fulfilled. Jeremiah prophesied that Zedekiah should be brought to Babylon, (Jeremiah 32:5; 34:3); Ezekiel, that he should not see Babylon, (Ezekiel 12:13). He was brought thither, but his eyes being put out, he did not see it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Riblah - Where Nebuchadnezzar staid, that he might both supply the besiegers with men, and military provisions, as their occasions required; and have an eye to Chaldea, to prevent or suppress any commotions which might happen there in his absence. They - The king's officers appointed thereunto, examined his cause, and passed the following sentence against him.
McArther Bible Commentary
Riblah. Located on the Orontes River about 180 miles north of Jerusalem, Riblah was Nebuchadnezzar's military headquarters for his invasion of Judah. This location was ideally situated as a field headquarters for military forces because ample provisions could be found nearby (cf. 2Ki 23:33). The captured traitor Zedekiah was brought to Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah, where he was blinded after witnessing the death of his sons. The execution of the royal heirs ensured the impossibility of a future claim to the throne or rebellion from his descendants. The blinding made his own future rebellion or retaliation impossible. Jeremiah had warned Zedekiah that he would see Nebuchadnezzar (see notes on Jer 32:2-5; Jer 34:3), while Ezekiel had said he would not see Babylon (see note on Eze 12:10-13). Both prophecies were accurately fulfilled.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 23:33 2 Kings 25:5 Jeremiah 32:4 Jeremiah 34:3 Jeremiah 34:21 Jeremiah 34:22 Jeremiah 52:9

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jerusalem besieged, Zedekiah taken.
Jerusalem was so fortified, that it could not be taken till famine rendered the besieged unable to resist. In the prophecy and Lamentations of Jeremiah, we find more of this event; here it suffices to say, that the impiety and misery of the besieged were very great. At length the city was taken by storm. The king, his family, and his great men escaped in the night, by secret passages. But those deceive themselves who think to escape God's judgments, as much as those who think to brave them. By what befell Zedekiah, two prophecies, which seemed to contradict each other, were both fulfilled. Jeremiah prophesied that Zedekiah should be brought to Babylon, (Jeremiah 32:5; 34:3); Ezekiel, that he should not see Babylon, (Ezekiel 12:13). He was brought thither, but his eyes being put out, he did not see it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Slew, &c. - Tho' they were but children, that this spectacle, the last he was to behold, might leave a remaining impression of grief and horror upon his spirit. And in slaying his sons they in effect declared, that the kingdom was no more, and that he nor any of his breed were fit to be trusted: therefore not fit to live. Babylon - Thus two prophecies were fulfilled, which seemed contrary one to the other, that he should go to Babylon, (Jeremiah 32:5) , (Jeremiah 34:3) , and that he should never see Babylon: which seeming contradiction, because Zedekiah the false prophet could not reconcile, he concluded both were false, and it seems Zedekiah the king might stumble at this difficulty.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 28:36 Jeremiah 34:3 Jeremiah 38:23 Jeremiah 39:6 Jeremiah 39:7 Jeremiah 52:10 Ezekiel 12:13

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The temple burnt, The people carried into captivity.
The city and temple were burnt, and, it is probable, the ark in it. By this, God showed how little he cares for the outward pomp of his worship, when the life and power of religion are neglected. The walls of Jerusalem were thrown down, and the people carried captive to Babylon. The vessels of the temple were carried away. When the things signified were sinned away, what should the signs stand there for? It was righteous with God to deprive those of the benefit of his worship, who had preferred false worships before it; those that would have many altars, now shall have none. As the Lord spared not the angels that sinned, as he doomed the whole race of fallen men to the grave, and all unbelievers to hell, and as he spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, we need not wonder at any miseries he may bring upon guilty nations, churches, or persons.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Months, &c. - So the Chaldeans did not put all to fire and sword, as soon as they had taken the city: but about a month after, orders were sent, to compleat the destruction of it. This space God gave them to repent after all the foregoing days of his patience. But in vain; they still hardened their hearts: and therefore execution is awarded to the utmost.
McArther Bible Commentary
seventh day. See note on Jer 52:12. This was August of 586 B.C., one month after the Babylonian breakthrough of Jerusalem's walls (2Ki 25:2-4). Nebuzaradan. He was the commander of Nebuchadnezzar's own imperial guard, sent by the king to oversee the destruction of Jerusalem. The dismantling and destruction of Jerusalem was accomplished by the Babylonians in an orderly progression.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 5:12 Nehemiah 2:3 Jeremiah 39:8 Jeremiah 39:10 Jeremiah 52:12

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The temple burnt, The people carried into captivity.
The city and temple were burnt, and, it is probable, the ark in it. By this, God showed how little he cares for the outward pomp of his worship, when the life and power of religion are neglected. The walls of Jerusalem were thrown down, and the people carried captive to Babylon. The vessels of the temple were carried away. When the things signified were sinned away, what should the signs stand there for? It was righteous with God to deprive those of the benefit of his worship, who had preferred false worships before it; those that would have many altars, now shall have none. As the Lord spared not the angels that sinned, as he doomed the whole race of fallen men to the grave, and all unbelievers to hell, and as he spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, we need not wonder at any miseries he may bring upon guilty nations, churches, or persons.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
(2 Chronicles 36:19; Jeremiah 39:8). Failure as Missionaries
—Why did the Lord permit Jerusalem to be destroyed by fire the first time? Why did He permit His people to be overcome by their enemies and carried into heathen lands?—It was because they had failed to be His missionaries, and had built walls of division between themselves and the people round them. The Lord scattered them, that the knowledge of His truth might be carried to the world. If they were loyal and true and submissive, God would bring them again into their own land (The General Conference Bulletin, April 7, 1903).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Burnt the house of the Lord - One of the apocryphal writers tells us, that Jeremiah got the ark out of the temple, and conveyed it to a cave in mount Nebo, 2 Maccabees 2:4-5. But this is like the other tales of that author, who has no regard either to truth or probability. For Jeremiah was at this time a close prisoner. By the burning of the temple God would shew, how little he cares for the outward pomp of his worship, when the life and power of religion are gone. About four hundred and thirty years the temple of Solomon had stood. And it is observed by Josephus, that the second temple was burnt by the Romans, the same month, and the same day of the month, that the first temple was burnt by the Chaldeans.
McArther Bible Commentary
First, Jerusalem's most important buildings were burned.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 9:8 2 Chronicles 36:19 Psalm 74:3 Psalm 74:7 Psalm 79:1 Isaiah 64:11 Jeremiah 17:27 Jeremiah 39:8 Jeremiah 41:5 Jeremiah 52:13 Ezekiel 16:41 Amos 2:5 Amos 6:11

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The temple burnt, The people carried into captivity.
The city and temple were burnt, and, it is probable, the ark in it. By this, God showed how little he cares for the outward pomp of his worship, when the life and power of religion are neglected. The walls of Jerusalem were thrown down, and the people carried captive to Babylon. The vessels of the temple were carried away. When the things signified were sinned away, what should the signs stand there for? It was righteous with God to deprive those of the benefit of his worship, who had preferred false worships before it; those that would have many altars, now shall have none. As the Lord spared not the angels that sinned, as he doomed the whole race of fallen men to the grave, and all unbelievers to hell, and as he spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, we need not wonder at any miseries he may bring upon guilty nations, churches, or persons.
McArther Bible Commentary
Second, the Babylonian army tore down Jerusalem's outer walls, the city's main defense.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 14:13 Nehemiah 1:3 Psalm 79:1 Psalm 144:14 Jeremiah 39:8 Jeremiah 52:14 Ezekiel 33:21

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The temple burnt, The people carried into captivity.
The city and temple were burnt, and, it is probable, the ark in it. By this, God showed how little he cares for the outward pomp of his worship, when the life and power of religion are neglected. The walls of Jerusalem were thrown down, and the people carried captive to Babylon. The vessels of the temple were carried away. When the things signified were sinned away, what should the signs stand there for? It was righteous with God to deprive those of the benefit of his worship, who had preferred false worships before it; those that would have many altars, now shall have none. As the Lord spared not the angels that sinned, as he doomed the whole race of fallen men to the grave, and all unbelievers to hell, and as he spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, we need not wonder at any miseries he may bring upon guilty nations, churches, or persons.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
People - Whom neither the sword nor famine had destroyed, who were eight hundred and thirty two persons, (Jeremiah 52:29) , being members and traders of that city: for it is likely, there were very many more of the country people fled thither, who were left with others of their brethren to manure the land. Multitude - Of the inhabitants of the country.
McArther Bible Commentary
Third, Nebuzaradan organized and led a forced march of remaining Judeans into exile in Babylon. The exiles included survivors from Jerusalem and those who had surrendered to the Babylonians before the capture of the city. Only poor, unskilled laborers were left behind to tend the vineyards and farm the fields.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 28:36 2 Chronicles 36:20 Ezra 2:1 Psalm 144:14 Jeremiah 32:28 Jeremiah 39:9 Jeremiah 52:15 Jeremiah 52:30 Ezekiel 17:21

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The temple burnt, The people carried into captivity.
The city and temple were burnt, and, it is probable, the ark in it. By this, God showed how little he cares for the outward pomp of his worship, when the life and power of religion are neglected. The walls of Jerusalem were thrown down, and the people carried captive to Babylon. The vessels of the temple were carried away. When the things signified were sinned away, what should the signs stand there for? It was righteous with God to deprive those of the benefit of his worship, who had preferred false worships before it; those that would have many altars, now shall have none. As the Lord spared not the angels that sinned, as he doomed the whole race of fallen men to the grave, and all unbelievers to hell, and as he spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, we need not wonder at any miseries he may bring upon guilty nations, churches, or persons.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Left of the poor - So while the rich were prisoners in a strange land, the poor had liberty and peace in their own country! Thus providence sometimes humbles the proud, and favours them of low degree.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 24:14 Jeremiah 39:10 Jeremiah 40:7 Jeremiah 52:16

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The temple burnt, The people carried into captivity.
The city and temple were burnt, and, it is probable, the ark in it. By this, God showed how little he cares for the outward pomp of his worship, when the life and power of religion are neglected. The walls of Jerusalem were thrown down, and the people carried captive to Babylon. The vessels of the temple were carried away. When the things signified were sinned away, what should the signs stand there for? It was righteous with God to deprive those of the benefit of his worship, who had preferred false worships before it; those that would have many altars, now shall have none. As the Lord spared not the angels that sinned, as he doomed the whole race of fallen men to the grave, and all unbelievers to hell, and as he spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, we need not wonder at any miseries he may bring upon guilty nations, churches, or persons.
McArther Bible Commentary
Fourth, the items made with precious metals in the temple were carried away to Babylon. See notes on 1Ki 7:15-49 for a description of these temple items.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 7:15 1 Kings 7:23 1 Kings 7:27 2 Kings 20:17 2 Kings 24:13 2 Chronicles 3:15 2 Chronicles 4:2 2 Chronicles 36:18 Isaiah 39:6 Jeremiah 27:19 Jeremiah 52:17

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The temple burnt, The people carried into captivity.
The city and temple were burnt, and, it is probable, the ark in it. By this, God showed how little he cares for the outward pomp of his worship, when the life and power of religion are neglected. The walls of Jerusalem were thrown down, and the people carried captive to Babylon. The vessels of the temple were carried away. When the things signified were sinned away, what should the signs stand there for? It was righteous with God to deprive those of the benefit of his worship, who had preferred false worships before it; those that would have many altars, now shall have none. As the Lord spared not the angels that sinned, as he doomed the whole race of fallen men to the grave, and all unbelievers to hell, and as he spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, we need not wonder at any miseries he may bring upon guilty nations, churches, or persons.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 27:3 1 Kings 7:47 2 Kings 25:15 2 Chronicles 4:16 Jeremiah 52:18

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The temple burnt, The people carried into captivity.
The city and temple were burnt, and, it is probable, the ark in it. By this, God showed how little he cares for the outward pomp of his worship, when the life and power of religion are neglected. The walls of Jerusalem were thrown down, and the people carried captive to Babylon. The vessels of the temple were carried away. When the things signified were sinned away, what should the signs stand there for? It was righteous with God to deprive those of the benefit of his worship, who had preferred false worships before it; those that would have many altars, now shall have none. As the Lord spared not the angels that sinned, as he doomed the whole race of fallen men to the grave, and all unbelievers to hell, and as he spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, we need not wonder at any miseries he may bring upon guilty nations, churches, or persons.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 7:50 2 Kings 25:14 2 Kings 25:16 Jeremiah 52:19 Daniel 5:2

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The temple burnt, The people carried into captivity.
The city and temple were burnt, and, it is probable, the ark in it. By this, God showed how little he cares for the outward pomp of his worship, when the life and power of religion are neglected. The walls of Jerusalem were thrown down, and the people carried captive to Babylon. The vessels of the temple were carried away. When the things signified were sinned away, what should the signs stand there for? It was righteous with God to deprive those of the benefit of his worship, who had preferred false worships before it; those that would have many altars, now shall have none. As the Lord spared not the angels that sinned, as he doomed the whole race of fallen men to the grave, and all unbelievers to hell, and as he spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, we need not wonder at any miseries he may bring upon guilty nations, churches, or persons.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 7:27 1 Kings 7:47 2 Kings 25:15 Jeremiah 52:20

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The temple burnt, The people carried into captivity.
The city and temple were burnt, and, it is probable, the ark in it. By this, God showed how little he cares for the outward pomp of his worship, when the life and power of religion are neglected. The walls of Jerusalem were thrown down, and the people carried captive to Babylon. The vessels of the temple were carried away. When the things signified were sinned away, what should the signs stand there for? It was righteous with God to deprive those of the benefit of his worship, who had preferred false worships before it; those that would have many altars, now shall have none. As the Lord spared not the angels that sinned, as he doomed the whole race of fallen men to the grave, and all unbelievers to hell, and as he spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, we need not wonder at any miseries he may bring upon guilty nations, churches, or persons.
McArther Bible Commentary
three cubits. See note on Jer 52:22.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 7:15 Jeremiah 27:19 Jeremiah 52:21 Jeremiah 52:22

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The temple burnt, The people carried into captivity.
The city and temple were burnt, and, it is probable, the ark in it. By this, God showed how little he cares for the outward pomp of his worship, when the life and power of religion are neglected. The walls of Jerusalem were thrown down, and the people carried captive to Babylon. The vessels of the temple were carried away. When the things signified were sinned away, what should the signs stand there for? It was righteous with God to deprive those of the benefit of his worship, who had preferred false worships before it; those that would have many altars, now shall have none. As the Lord spared not the angels that sinned, as he doomed the whole race of fallen men to the grave, and all unbelievers to hell, and as he spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, we need not wonder at any miseries he may bring upon guilty nations, churches, or persons.
McArther Bible Commentary
Fifth, Nebuzaradan took Jerusalem's remaining leaders to Riblah, where Nebuchadnezzar had them executed. This insured that they would never lead another rebellion against Babylon.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 23:4 1 Chronicles 6:14 Ezra 7:1 Jeremiah 20:1 Jeremiah 21:1 Jeremiah 21:7 Jeremiah 29:25 Jeremiah 29:29 Jeremiah 34:21 Jeremiah 52:24 Ezekiel 11:7

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The temple burnt, The people carried into captivity.
The city and temple were burnt, and, it is probable, the ark in it. By this, God showed how little he cares for the outward pomp of his worship, when the life and power of religion are neglected. The walls of Jerusalem were thrown down, and the people carried captive to Babylon. The vessels of the temple were carried away. When the things signified were sinned away, what should the signs stand there for? It was righteous with God to deprive those of the benefit of his worship, who had preferred false worships before it; those that would have many altars, now shall have none. As the Lord spared not the angels that sinned, as he doomed the whole race of fallen men to the grave, and all unbelievers to hell, and as he spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, we need not wonder at any miseries he may bring upon guilty nations, churches, or persons.
Bible Cross References
Esther 1:14 Jeremiah 52:25

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The temple burnt, The people carried into captivity.
The city and temple were burnt, and, it is probable, the ark in it. By this, God showed how little he cares for the outward pomp of his worship, when the life and power of religion are neglected. The walls of Jerusalem were thrown down, and the people carried captive to Babylon. The vessels of the temple were carried away. When the things signified were sinned away, what should the signs stand there for? It was righteous with God to deprive those of the benefit of his worship, who had preferred false worships before it; those that would have many altars, now shall have none. As the Lord spared not the angels that sinned, as he doomed the whole race of fallen men to the grave, and all unbelievers to hell, and as he spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, we need not wonder at any miseries he may bring upon guilty nations, churches, or persons.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 23:33 2 Kings 25:8 Jeremiah 39:9 Jeremiah 52:26

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The temple burnt, The people carried into captivity.
The city and temple were burnt, and, it is probable, the ark in it. By this, God showed how little he cares for the outward pomp of his worship, when the life and power of religion are neglected. The walls of Jerusalem were thrown down, and the people carried captive to Babylon. The vessels of the temple were carried away. When the things signified were sinned away, what should the signs stand there for? It was righteous with God to deprive those of the benefit of his worship, who had preferred false worships before it; those that would have many altars, now shall have none. As the Lord spared not the angels that sinned, as he doomed the whole race of fallen men to the grave, and all unbelievers to hell, and as he spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, we need not wonder at any miseries he may bring upon guilty nations, churches, or persons.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Out of the land - This compleated their calamity, about eight hundred and sixty years after they were put in possession of it by Joshua.
McArther Bible Commentary
Judah … carried away captive. Exile was the ultimate curse brought upon Judah because of her disobedience to the Mosaic covenant (cf. Lev 26:33; Deu 28:36, Deu 28:64). The Book of Lamentations records the sorrow of Jeremiah over this destruction of Jerusalem.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 28:64 1 Kings 8:46 2 Kings 23:27 Jeremiah 52:27

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The rest of the Jews flee into Egypt, Evil-merodach relieves the captivity of Jehoiachin.
The king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah to be the governor and protector of the Jews left their land. But the things of their peace were so hidden from their eyes, that they knew not when they were well off. Ishmael basely slew him and all his friends, and, against the counsel of Jeremiah, the rest went to Egypt. Thus was a full end made of them by their own folly and disobedience; see Jeremiah chap. 40 to 45. Jehoiachin was released out of prison, where he had been kept 37 years. Let none say that they shall never see good again, because they have long seen little but evil: the most miserable know not what turn Providence may yet give to their affairs, nor what comforts they are reserved for, according to the days wherein they have been afflicted. Even in this world the Saviour brings a release from bondage to the distressed sinner who seeks him, bestowing foretastes of the pleasures which are at his right hand for evermore. Sin alone can hurt us; Jesus alone can do good to sinners.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Gedaliah - A righteous and good man, and a friend to the prophet Jeremiah.
McArther Bible Commentary
The books of Kings conclude with this brief epilogue. Despite the punishment of the Lord experienced by Israel and Judah, the people were still rebellious (2Ki 25:22-26). However, due to the Lord's mercy, the house of David endured (2Ki 25:27-30). The books of Kings end with a note of hope.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 22:12 Jeremiah 39:14 Jeremiah 40:7

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The rest of the Jews flee into Egypt, Evil-merodach relieves the captivity of Jehoiachin.
The king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah to be the governor and protector of the Jews left their land. But the things of their peace were so hidden from their eyes, that they knew not when they were well off. Ishmael basely slew him and all his friends, and, against the counsel of Jeremiah, the rest went to Egypt. Thus was a full end made of them by their own folly and disobedience; see Jeremiah chap. 40 to 45. Jehoiachin was released out of prison, where he had been kept 37 years. Let none say that they shall never see good again, because they have long seen little but evil: the most miserable know not what turn Providence may yet give to their affairs, nor what comforts they are reserved for, according to the days wherein they have been afflicted. Even in this world the Saviour brings a release from bondage to the distressed sinner who seeks him, bestowing foretastes of the pleasures which are at his right hand for evermore. Sin alone can hurt us; Jesus alone can do good to sinners.
McArther Bible Commentary
Mizpah. Located about eight miles north of Jerusalem, Mizpah became the new center of Judah. Mizpah might have been one of the few towns left standing after the Babylonian invasion.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 18:26 2 Samuel 23:28 2 Kings 25:24 Jeremiah 40:5 Jeremiah 40:7 Jeremiah 40:8

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The rest of the Jews flee into Egypt, Evil-merodach relieves the captivity of Jehoiachin.
The king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah to be the governor and protector of the Jews left their land. But the things of their peace were so hidden from their eyes, that they knew not when they were well off. Ishmael basely slew him and all his friends, and, against the counsel of Jeremiah, the rest went to Egypt. Thus was a full end made of them by their own folly and disobedience; see Jeremiah chap. 40 to 45. Jehoiachin was released out of prison, where he had been kept 37 years. Let none say that they shall never see good again, because they have long seen little but evil: the most miserable know not what turn Providence may yet give to their affairs, nor what comforts they are reserved for, according to the days wherein they have been afflicted. Even in this world the Saviour brings a release from bondage to the distressed sinner who seeks him, bestowing foretastes of the pleasures which are at his right hand for evermore. Sin alone can hurt us; Jesus alone can do good to sinners.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Sware - Assured them by his promise and oath, that they should be kept from the evils which they feared. This he might safely swear, because he had not only the king of Babylon's promise but also God's promise deliver'd by Jeremiah. And it might seem, a fair prospect was opening again. But how soon was the scene changed! This hopeful settlement is quickly dashed in pieces, not by the Chaldeans, but by some of themselves.
McArther Bible Commentary
oath. As governor, Gedaliah pledged to the remaining people that loyalty to the Babylonians would ensure their safety.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 25:23 2 Kings 25:25 Jeremiah 40:9

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The rest of the Jews flee into Egypt, Evil-merodach relieves the captivity of Jehoiachin.
The king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah to be the governor and protector of the Jews left their land. But the things of their peace were so hidden from their eyes, that they knew not when they were well off. Ishmael basely slew him and all his friends, and, against the counsel of Jeremiah, the rest went to Egypt. Thus was a full end made of them by their own folly and disobedience; see Jeremiah chap. 40 to 45. Jehoiachin was released out of prison, where he had been kept 37 years. Let none say that they shall never see good again, because they have long seen little but evil: the most miserable know not what turn Providence may yet give to their affairs, nor what comforts they are reserved for, according to the days wherein they have been afflicted. Even in this world the Saviour brings a release from bondage to the distressed sinner who seeks him, bestowing foretastes of the pleasures which are at his right hand for evermore. Sin alone can hurt us; Jesus alone can do good to sinners.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Came - Moved with envy to see so mean a person advanced into their place. Ten men - Ten captains or officers, and under each of them many soldiers.
McArther Bible Commentary
seventh month. October of 586 B.C., two months after the destruction of Jerusalem (cf. 2Ki 25:8). Ishmael. Elishama, Ishmael's grandfather, was a secretary under Jehoiakim (Jer 36:12; Jer 41:1). Ishmael probably assassinated Gedaliah because he wished to reestablish the kingship in Judah with himself as king, since he was of royal blood (cf. Jer 41:1).
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 25:24 Jeremiah 41:1 Jeremiah 41:2 Zechariah 8:19

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The rest of the Jews flee into Egypt, Evil-merodach relieves the captivity of Jehoiachin.
The king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah to be the governor and protector of the Jews left their land. But the things of their peace were so hidden from their eyes, that they knew not when they were well off. Ishmael basely slew him and all his friends, and, against the counsel of Jeremiah, the rest went to Egypt. Thus was a full end made of them by their own folly and disobedience; see Jeremiah chap. 40 to 45. Jehoiachin was released out of prison, where he had been kept 37 years. Let none say that they shall never see good again, because they have long seen little but evil: the most miserable know not what turn Providence may yet give to their affairs, nor what comforts they are reserved for, according to the days wherein they have been afflicted. Even in this world the Saviour brings a release from bondage to the distressed sinner who seeks him, bestowing foretastes of the pleasures which are at his right hand for evermore. Sin alone can hurt us; Jesus alone can do good to sinners.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Egypt - And here they probably mixt with the Egyptians by degrees, and were heard of no more as Israelites.
McArther Bible Commentary
went to Egypt. Fearing reprisals from the Babylonians, the people fled to Egypt.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 25:4 Jeremiah 43:4

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The rest of the Jews flee into Egypt, Evil-merodach relieves the captivity of Jehoiachin.
The king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah to be the governor and protector of the Jews left their land. But the things of their peace were so hidden from their eyes, that they knew not when they were well off. Ishmael basely slew him and all his friends, and, against the counsel of Jeremiah, the rest went to Egypt. Thus was a full end made of them by their own folly and disobedience; see Jeremiah chap. 40 to 45. Jehoiachin was released out of prison, where he had been kept 37 years. Let none say that they shall never see good again, because they have long seen little but evil: the most miserable know not what turn Providence may yet give to their affairs, nor what comforts they are reserved for, according to the days wherein they have been afflicted. Even in this world the Saviour brings a release from bondage to the distressed sinner who seeks him, bestowing foretastes of the pleasures which are at his right hand for evermore. Sin alone can hurt us; Jesus alone can do good to sinners.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Seven and twentieth - Or, on the twenty fifth day, as it is, (Jeremiah 52:31) . For then the decree was made, which was executed upon the twenty seventh day.
McArther Bible Commentary
thirty-seventh year. March of 561 B.C. Jehoiachin was about fifty-five years old (cf. 2Ki 24:8). Evil-Merodach. The son and successor of Nebuchadnezzar, he ruled as king of Babylon from 562-560 B.C. To gain favor with the Jews, the king released Jehoiachin from his imprisonment and gave him special privileges.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 40:13 Genesis 40:20 2 Kings 24:12 2 Kings 24:15 Jeremiah 28:4 Jeremiah 38:17 Jeremiah 52:31

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The rest of the Jews flee into Egypt, Evil-merodach relieves the captivity of Jehoiachin.
The king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah to be the governor and protector of the Jews left their land. But the things of their peace were so hidden from their eyes, that they knew not when they were well off. Ishmael basely slew him and all his friends, and, against the counsel of Jeremiah, the rest went to Egypt. Thus was a full end made of them by their own folly and disobedience; see Jeremiah chap. 40 to 45. Jehoiachin was released out of prison, where he had been kept 37 years. Let none say that they shall never see good again, because they have long seen little but evil: the most miserable know not what turn Providence may yet give to their affairs, nor what comforts they are reserved for, according to the days wherein they have been afflicted. Even in this world the Saviour brings a release from bondage to the distressed sinner who seeks him, bestowing foretastes of the pleasures which are at his right hand for evermore. Sin alone can hurt us; Jesus alone can do good to sinners.
McArther Bible Commentary
spoke kindly to him. This good word from the king of Babylon to the surviving representative of the house of David served as a concluding reminder of God's good word to David. Through the curse of exile, the dynasty of David had survived. There was still hope that God's good word to David about the seed who would build God's temple and establish God's eternal kingdom would be fulfilled (cf. 2Sa 7:12-16). The Book of 2 Kings opened with Elijah being carried away to heaven, the destination of all those faithful to God. The book ends with Israel, and then Judah, being carried away to pagan lands as a result of failing to be faithful to God.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 52:32 Daniel 2:37 Daniel 5:18 Daniel 5:19

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The rest of the Jews flee into Egypt, Evil-merodach relieves the captivity of Jehoiachin.
The king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah to be the governor and protector of the Jews left their land. But the things of their peace were so hidden from their eyes, that they knew not when they were well off. Ishmael basely slew him and all his friends, and, against the counsel of Jeremiah, the rest went to Egypt. Thus was a full end made of them by their own folly and disobedience; see Jeremiah chap. 40 to 45. Jehoiachin was released out of prison, where he had been kept 37 years. Let none say that they shall never see good again, because they have long seen little but evil: the most miserable know not what turn Providence may yet give to their affairs, nor what comforts they are reserved for, according to the days wherein they have been afflicted. Even in this world the Saviour brings a release from bondage to the distressed sinner who seeks him, bestowing foretastes of the pleasures which are at his right hand for evermore. Sin alone can hurt us; Jesus alone can do good to sinners.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 9:7 Jeremiah 52:33

Verse 30

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The rest of the Jews flee into Egypt, Evil-merodach relieves the captivity of Jehoiachin.
The king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah to be the governor and protector of the Jews left their land. But the things of their peace were so hidden from their eyes, that they knew not when they were well off. Ishmael basely slew him and all his friends, and, against the counsel of Jeremiah, the rest went to Egypt. Thus was a full end made of them by their own folly and disobedience; see Jeremiah chap. 40 to 45. Jehoiachin was released out of prison, where he had been kept 37 years. Let none say that they shall never see good again, because they have long seen little but evil: the most miserable know not what turn Providence may yet give to their affairs, nor what comforts they are reserved for, according to the days wherein they have been afflicted. Even in this world the Saviour brings a release from bondage to the distressed sinner who seeks him, bestowing foretastes of the pleasures which are at his right hand for evermore. Sin alone can hurt us; Jesus alone can do good to sinners.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
All the days of his life - Let none say, they shall never see good again, because they have long seen little but evil. The most afflicted know not what blessed turn providence may yet give to their affairs.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 11:23 Nehemiah 12:47 Jeremiah 52:34