but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was separated from him. but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the kingThe 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 KingRefers to King Zedekiah of Judah, the last king before the Babylonian exile. His reign ended with the fall of Jerusalem. 2. The ChaldeansAnother 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 JerichoA 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 ChaldeansThe military force of Babylon, which pursued and captured Zedekiah, leading to the final collapse of the Kingdom of Judah. 5. The Scattering of TroopsRepresents 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 DisobedienceThe 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 JudgmentThe 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 WarningsThe 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 FrailtyThe 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 JudgmentWhile 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. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the capture of Zedekiah illustrate the consequences of ignoring God's warnings? Reflect on a time when you experienced consequences for not heeding wise counsel. 2. In what ways does the scattering of the troops demonstrate the futility of relying on human strength? How can you apply this lesson to your current challenges? 3. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in this passage encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty and plan for your life? 4. What can we learn from the fall of Jerusalem about the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God? How can you apply this lesson in your daily walk with Christ? 5. How does the theme of hope beyond judgment in the broader account of Scripture encourage you in times of personal failure or discipline? Consider how God's discipline has led to growth or restoration in your life. Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 39:5This passage provides a parallel account of Zedekiah's capture, emphasizing the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies regarding the fall of Jerusalem. Ezekiel 12:13This verse prophesies Zedekiah's capture and exile, highlighting the inevitability of God's judgment due to the nation's persistent disobedience. Lamentations 1:3Describes the suffering and scattering of the people of Judah, echoing the themes of loss and exile found in 2 Kings 25:5. 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 Army, Chaldaean, Chaldeans, Chalde'ans, Chaldees, Direction, Flight, Force, Jericho, Lowlands, Overtake, Overtook, Plains, Pursue, Pursued, Scattered, Separated, SoldiersDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 25:5 5544 soldiers 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 25:5 NIV2 Kings 25:5 NLT2 Kings 25:5 ESV2 Kings 25:5 NASB2 Kings 25:5 KJV
2 Kings 25:5 Commentaries
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