2 Kings 25:5
New International Version
but the Babylonian army pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho. All his soldiers were separated from him and scattered,

New Living Translation
But the Babylonian troops chased the king and overtook him on the plains of Jericho, for his men had all deserted him and scattered.

English Standard Version
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was scattered from him.

Berean Standard Bible
but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and his whole army deserted him.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king, and they overtook him in the plains of Jericho. All his army was scattered from him.

New American Standard Bible
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was scattered from him.

NASB 1995
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho and all his army was scattered from him.

NASB 1977
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho and all his army was scattered from him.

Legacy Standard Bible
But the military force of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho and all his military force was scattered from him.

Amplified Bible
The army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho. Then his entire army was dispersed from him.

Christian Standard Bible
the Chaldean army pursued him and overtook him in the plains of Jericho. Zedekiah’s entire army left him and scattered.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
the Chaldean army pursued him and overtook him in the plains of Jericho. Zedekiah’s entire army was scattered from him.

American Standard Version
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.

Contemporary English Version
but the Babylonian troops caught up with them near Jericho. They arrested Zedekiah, but his soldiers scattered in every direction.

English Revised Version
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army was scattered from him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Babylonian army pursued King Zedekiah and caught up with him in the plain of Jericho. His entire army had deserted him.

Good News Translation
But the Babylonian army pursued King Zedekiah, captured him in the plains near Jericho, and all his soldiers deserted him.

International Standard Version
but the Chaldean army pursued the king and overtook him in the Jericho plains, where his entire army was scattered.

Majority Standard Bible
but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and his whole army deserted him.

NET Bible
But the Babylonian army chased after the king. They caught up with him in the plains of Jericho, and his entire army deserted him.

New Heart English Bible
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the army of the Chaldees pursued the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him.

World English Bible
But the Chaldean army pursued the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the force of the Chaldeans pursue after the king, and overtake him in the plains of Jericho, and all his force have been scattered from him;

Young's Literal Translation
And the force of the Chaldeans pursue after the king, and overtake him in the plains of Jericho, and all his force have been scattered from him;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the strength of the Chaldees will pursue after the king, and they will overtake him in the sterile region of Jericho: and all his strength was scattered from him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all the warriors that were with him were scattered, and left him:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king, and they overtook him in the plains of Jericho. And all the warriors who were with him were dispersed, and they abandoned him.

New American Bible
But the Chaldean army pursued the king and overtook him in the desert near Jericho, abandoned by his whole army.

New Revised Standard Version
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho; all his army was scattered, deserting him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the King, and they overtook the King in the plain of Yerikho, and all the army were scattered from him.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the force of the Chaldeans pursued the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army was dispersed from about him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Nebuchadnezzar Besieges Jerusalem
4Then 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, 5but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was separated from him. 6The Chaldeans seized the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah, where they pronounced judgment on him.…

Cross References
Jeremiah 39:4-5
When Zedekiah king of Judah and all the soldiers saw them, they fled. They left the city at night by way of the king’s garden, through the gate between the two walls, and they went out along the route to the Arabah. / But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. They seized him and brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on him.

Jeremiah 52:8-9
but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, and his whole army deserted him. / The Chaldeans seized the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on Zedekiah.

Lamentations 4:19-20
Those who chased us were swifter than the eagles in the sky; they pursued us over the mountains and ambushed us in the wilderness. / The LORD’s anointed, the breath of our life, was captured in their pits. We had said of him, “Under his shadow we will live among the nations.”

Ezekiel 12:13
But I will spread My net over him, and he will be caught in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon, the land of the Chaldeans; yet he will not see it, and there he will die.

2 Chronicles 36:17-20
So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, / who carried off everything to Babylon—all the articles of the house of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king and his officials. / Then the Chaldeans set fire to the house of God and broke down the wall of Jerusalem. They burned down all the palaces and destroyed every article of value. ...

Jeremiah 38:23
All your wives and children will be brought out to the Chaldeans. And you yourself will not escape their grasp, for you will be seized by the king of Babylon, and this city will be burned down.”

Jeremiah 32:4
Zedekiah king of Judah will not escape from the hands of the Chaldeans, but he will surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and will speak with him face to face and see him eye to eye.

Ezekiel 17:20
I will spread My net over him and catch him in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon and execute judgment upon him there for the treason he committed against Me.

Jeremiah 21:7
‘After that,’ declares the LORD, ‘I will hand over Zedekiah king of Judah, his officers, and the people in this city who survive the plague and sword and famine, to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to their enemies who seek their lives. He will put them to the sword; he will not spare them or show pity or compassion.’

Jeremiah 34:3
And you yourself will not escape his grasp, but will surely be captured and delivered into his hand. You will see the king of Babylon eye to eye and speak with him face to face; and you will go to Babylon.

Matthew 24:16-18
then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. / Let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve anything from his house. / And let no one in the field return for his cloak.

Luke 21:20-24
But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. / Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. / For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. ...

Mark 13:14-16
So when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. / Let no one on the housetop go back inside to retrieve anything from his house. / And let no one in the field return for his cloak.

Matthew 26:56
But this has all happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.

Luke 17:31-33
On that day, let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve his possessions. Likewise, let no one in the field return for anything he has left behind. / Remember Lot’s wife! / Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

and overtook.

Isaiah 30:16
But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.

Jeremiah 24:8
And as the evil figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so evil; surely thus saith the LORD, So will I give Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and them that dwell in the land of Egypt:

Jeremiah 39:5
But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gave judgment upon him.

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Army Babylonian Chaldaean Chaldeans Chalde'ans Chaldees Direction Flight Force Jericho Lowlands Overtake Overtook Plains Pursue Pursued Scattered Separated Soldiers
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Army Babylonian Chaldaean Chaldeans Chalde'ans Chaldees Direction Flight Force Jericho Lowlands Overtake Overtook Plains Pursue Pursued Scattered Separated Soldiers
2 Kings 25
1. Jerusalem is besieged.
4. Zedekiah taken, his sons slain, his eyes put out.
8. Nebuzaradan defaces the city, exiles the remnant, except a few poor laborers;
13. and carries away the treasures.
18. The nobles are slain at Riblah.
22. Gedaliah, who was over those who remained, being slain, the rest flee into Egypt.
27. Evil-Merodach advances Jehoiachin in his court.














but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king
The Chaldeans, also known as the Babylonians, were a dominant power in the ancient Near East during this period. Their pursuit of King Zedekiah represents the fulfillment of God's judgment against Judah for their persistent idolatry and disobedience, as prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 21:7). The Chaldeans were known for their military prowess and strategic capabilities, which allowed them to effectively pursue and capture fleeing enemies.

and overtook him in the plains of Jericho
The plains of Jericho, located near the Jordan River, were a significant geographical area in biblical history. Jericho was one of the first cities conquered by the Israelites under Joshua (Joshua 6). The capture of Zedekiah in this location symbolizes the reversal of Israel's fortunes due to their unfaithfulness. The plains provided little cover for escape, making it an ideal location for the Chaldeans to overtake the fleeing king.

and his whole army deserted him
The desertion of Zedekiah's army highlights the complete collapse of Judah's military and political structure. This abandonment fulfills the warnings given by the prophets, such as Jeremiah, who foretold the consequences of Judah's rebellion against God (Jeremiah 38:22). The desertion also underscores the isolation and helplessness of Zedekiah, contrasting with the faithfulness of Jesus Christ, who, despite being abandoned by His disciples, remained steadfast in His mission (Matthew 26:56).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The King
Refers to King Zedekiah of Judah, the last king before the Babylonian exile. His reign ended with the fall of Jerusalem.

2. The Chaldeans
Another name for the Babylonians, who were the dominant power in the region and responsible for the conquest of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem.

3. The Plains of Jericho
A geographical area near the city of Jericho, known for its strategic location and fertile land. It is significant as the place where Zedekiah was captured.

4. The Army of the Chaldeans
The military force of Babylon, which pursued and captured Zedekiah, leading to the final collapse of the Kingdom of Judah.

5. The Scattering of Troops
Represents the disintegration of Judah's military resistance and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings about the consequences of disobedience to God.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Disobedience
The capture of Zedekiah and the scattering of his troops serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. It underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's word.

The Sovereignty of God in Judgment
The events leading to the fall of Jerusalem illustrate God's sovereignty in executing judgment. Despite human plans and resistance, God's purposes prevail, reminding us to trust in His ultimate plan.

The Importance of Heeding Prophetic Warnings
The fulfillment of prophecies concerning Zedekiah's downfall highlights the importance of listening to God's messengers. It encourages us to be attentive to God's guidance and warnings in our lives.

The Reality of Human Frailty
The scattering of Zedekiah's troops reflects the frailty of human strength and plans without God's support. It calls us to rely on God's strength rather than our own.

Hope Beyond Judgment
While this passage depicts judgment, it also sets the stage for eventual restoration. It reminds us that God's discipline is not the end, but a means to bring about repentance and renewal.(5) In the plains of Jericho.--In the neighbour. hood of Jericho, the Arabah expands to the breadth of eleven or twelve miles. The part west of Jordan was called the "plains" (Arboth plural of Arabah) of Jericho; and that which lay east of the river was known as the plains of Moab (Joshua 4:13; Numbers 22:1). The depression between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Akaba still bears the old name of the Arabah; between the Dead Sea and the Lake of Tiberias it is called the Ghor.

Verse 5. - And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king. When the escape of Zedekiah and the soldiers of the garrison was discovered, hot pursuit was made, since the honor of the great king required that his enemies should be brought captive to his presence. The commanders at Jerusalem would fuel this the more sensibly, since Nebuchadnezzar had for some time retired from the siege, and left its conduct to them, while he himself exercised a general superintendence over military affairs from Riblah (see ver. 6). They were liable to be held responsible for the escape. And overtook him in the plains of Jericho. The "plains of Jericho" (עַרְבות יְרֵחו) is the fertile tract on the right bank of the Jordan near its embouchure, which was excellently watered, and cultivated in gardens, orchards, and palm-groves. It is probable, though not certain, that Zedekiah intended to cross the Jordan, and seek a refuge in Moab. And all his army were scattered from him (comp. Ezekiel 12:14). This seems to be mentioned in order to account for there being no engagement. Perhaps, thinking themselves in security, and imagining that they were not followed, the troops had dispersed themselves among the farmhouses and homesteads, to obtain a much-needed refreshment.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
but the army
חֵיל־ (ḥêl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

of the Chaldeans
כַּשְׂדִּים֙ (kaś·dîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3778: Chaldeans -- a region of southern Babylon and its inhab

pursued
וַיִּרְדְּפ֤וּ (way·yir·də·p̄ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute

[the king]
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

and overtook
וַיַּשִּׂ֥גוּ (way·yaś·śi·ḡū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5381: To reach, overtake

him
אֹת֖וֹ (’ō·ṯōw)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

in the plains
בְּעַרְב֣וֹת (bə·‘ar·ḇō·wṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 6160: Arabah -- a steppe or desert plain, also a desert valley running south from the Sea of Galilee

of Jericho,
יְרֵח֑וֹ (yə·rê·ḥōw)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3405: Jericho -- a city in the Jordan Valley captured by Joshua

and all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his army
חֵיל֔וֹ (ḥê·lōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

was separated
נָפֹ֖צוּ (nā·p̄ō·ṣū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6327: To be dispersed or scattered

from him.
מֵעָלָֽיו׃ (mê·‘ā·lāw)
Preposition-m | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against


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OT History: 2 Kings 25:5 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 25:4
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