1 Chronicles 6:15

KJV

And Jehozadak went [into captivity], when the LORD carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jehozadak {H3087} went {H1980} into captivity, when the LORD {H3068} carried away {H1540} Judah {H3063} and Jerusalem {H3389} by the hand {H3027} of Nebuchadnezzar {H5019}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and Y'hotzadak went into captivity when ADONAI carried Y'hudah and Yerushalayim away at the hands of N'vukhadnetzar.

Berean Standard Bible

Jehozadak went into captivity when the LORD sent Judah and Jerusalem into exile by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

American Standard Version

And Jehozadak went into captivity, when Jehovah carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:15 serves as a concise yet profoundly significant historical marker within the extensive priestly genealogy of the Levites, specifically noting that Jehozadak, a high priest in the lineage, was taken into captivity. This verse pinpoints the moment when the divine judgment of the Babylonian Exile befell Judah and Jerusalem, explicitly attributing the cataclysmic event to the sovereign hand of the LORD, even as it was executed through the military might of Nebuchadnezzar. It underscores the theological conviction that Israel's suffering was a direct consequence of their covenant unfaithfulness, yet it is recorded within a genealogy that ultimately affirms God's enduring faithfulness to His promises and the continuity of the priestly line despite severe disruption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and meticulously detailed genealogy of the Levites, spanning [1 Chronicles 6:1-81](/1_chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - The Priestly and Levitical Genealogies"). The Chronicler, writing in the post-exilic period, dedicates significant space to the priestly and Levitical lines, emphasizing their legitimacy and continuity from Aaron through the return from exile. The inclusion of Jehozadak's captivity in verse 15 is a crucial historical anchor within this otherwise uninterrupted list of names. It marks a profound disruption—the temporary cessation of temple worship and the physical presence of the high priest in Jerusalem—yet it is presented as a singular, pivotal event within an unbroken lineage, thereby reinforcing the Chronicler's overarching purpose: to demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly concerning the priesthood and the Davidic monarchy, even through periods of national catastrophe. The meticulous record of this lineage, despite the exile, provides a sense of hope and continuity for the returning community, validating their heritage and their right to re-establish temple worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "when the LORD carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar" refers to the Babylonian Exile, a series of deportations culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple in 586 BCE. Nebuchadnezzar II was the powerful king of Babylon who orchestrated these campaigns, effectively ending the Judahite monarchy and scattering the Jewish population. Culturally, this was an unprecedented catastrophe for Israel, as their national identity was inextricably linked to the land, the Davidic king, and the Temple, which served as the dwelling place of God. Theologically, the prophets (e.g., [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity") and [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - Vision of God's Glory")) had long warned that such an event would be the consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, particularly their rejection of the Mosaic Law. Thus, the exile was not merely a military defeat but was understood as divine judgment, a period of purification and discipline orchestrated by God Himself.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment**, explicitly stating that "the LORD carried away Judah and Jerusalem," underscoring that Nebuchadnezzar was merely an instrument in God's hands. This emphasizes God's ultimate control over history and His justice in punishing sin, fulfilling the warnings found in books like [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Secondly, it illustrates the **Consequences of Disobedience**, as the captivity of the high priest and the entire nation serves as a stark reminder of the severe repercussions of covenant unfaithfulness. The loss of land, temple, and spiritual leadership was a direct result of Israel's rebellion against God's commands. Thirdly, despite the tragedy, the very act of recording this event within an unbroken genealogy points to **God's Enduring Faithfulness and the Continuity of His Promises**. The Chronicler's meticulous attention to lineage, even through the exile, conveys a message of hope: God preserves a remnant and maintains His covenant, ensuring the eventual return and re-establishment of the priesthood, as seen in the post-exilic period described in [Ezra](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree and Return from Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jehozadak (Hebrew, _Yehoṣādāq'_):** This name, meaning "Yahweh is righteous," belongs to the high priest who was taken into captivity. He was the son of Seraiah, who was executed by Nebuchadnezzar in Riblah (cf. [2 Kings 25:18-21](/2_kings/25-18 "2 Kings 25:18-21 - Execution of Seraiah and Zephaniah")). Jehozadak's son, Jeshua (or Joshua), would later return from exile with Zerubbabel and play a crucial role in the rebuilding of the Temple (cf. [Ezra 3:2](/ezra/3-2 "Ezra 3:2 - Jeshua and Zerubbabel rebuild the altar")). The mention of Jehozadak specifically highlights the disruption of the high priestly office, a central institution in Israel's worship, yet his inclusion in the genealogy ensures the continuity of the line, affirming God's preservation of the covenant even through judgment.
* **Captivity (Hebrew, _gālûṯ'_):** This term refers to the forced displacement and exile of a people from their homeland. For Israel, "captivity" or "exile" was the ultimate covenant curse, signifying the loss of their promised land, their king, and most devastatingly, the Temple, which was the physical manifestation of God's presence among them. It was a period of national humiliation, suffering, and spiritual reflection, intended by God as a disciplinary measure to purify His people and bring them back to Himself.
* **Nebuchadnezzar (Hebrew, _Nəḇūḵaḏneṣṣar'_):** The king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire (reigned c. 605–562 BCE), he was the primary human agent through whom God executed judgment upon Judah. While a formidable earthly ruler, the Chronicler's phrasing "by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar" emphasizes that his actions were ultimately subservient to the divine will. He was an unwitting instrument in God's sovereign plan to discipline His disobedient people, fulfilling prophetic warnings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jehozadak went [into captivity]":** This clause focuses on the individual high priest, Jehozadak, whose personal fate symbolizes the fate of the entire priestly institution and, by extension, the nation of Judah. The KJV's bracketed "into captivity" clarifies the implied destination, as the Hebrew simply states he "went." His going into exile signifies the temporary cessation of the high priestly ministry in Jerusalem and the profound disruption of Israel's religious life.
* **"when the LORD carried away Judah and Jerusalem":** This is the theological heart of the verse. It explicitly attributes the exile not to the superior military power of Babylon, but to the direct, sovereign action of Yahweh. The phrase "the LORD carried away" uses active, agentive language, making God the primary actor behind the national catastrophe. This underscores the Old Testament understanding that historical events, even those involving foreign powers, are ultimately under God's control and serve His divine purposes, in this case, judgment for covenant breaking.
* **"by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar":** This final phrase identifies the human instrument of God's judgment. While God is the ultimate cause, Nebuchadnezzar is the means through which the divine will is executed. This acknowledges the historical reality of the Babylonian conquest while maintaining the theological truth of God's overarching sovereignty. It demonstrates that even the most powerful earthly rulers are subject to God's authority and can be used to accomplish His will, whether they acknowledge Him or not.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 6:15 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Metonymy** is evident in the mention of "Jehozadak," who stands in for the entire high priestly line and, symbolically, the nation of Judah itself. His personal "captivity" represents the national subjugation and exile. The phrase "the LORD carried away Judah and Jerusalem" utilizes **Divine Passive** or **Agentive Language**, where God is explicitly named as the direct agent of the action, even though human instruments (Nebuchadnezzar) are involved. This emphasizes God's ultimate sovereignty and control over historical events. The verse also functions as a **Historical Marker** or **Pivot Point** within the genealogy, signaling a significant turning point in Israel's history—the end of an era and the beginning of the exile—without dwelling on the tragedy's details. Its **Conciseness** is striking; a single, brief statement encapsulates a period of immense suffering and national upheaval, allowing the reader to grasp the magnitude of the event by its very brevity within the larger, unbroken genealogical record.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:15 is a potent theological statement embedded within a historical record. It asserts God's absolute sovereignty over human history, demonstrating that even the rise and fall of nations, and the suffering of His own people, are ultimately under His control and serve His divine purposes. The exile, though a period of immense suffering and loss, was understood as a just consequence of Israel's persistent rebellion and idolatry, a fulfillment of the covenant curses outlined in the Law. Yet, the Chronicler's inclusion of this event within an unbroken priestly lineage speaks volumes about God's enduring faithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and maintains His promises, ensuring that the line of the priesthood, essential for future worship and atonement, would continue, thus holding out the hope of restoration and the eventual re-establishment of His people in the land.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 25:11-12](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11-12 - Prophecy of 70 Years of Exile")
* [Ezra 1:1-3](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-3 - Cyrus's Decree and the Return from Exile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 6:15, though a single verse in a genealogy, offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that God is not a distant deity but an active participant in human history, orchestrating events—even through seemingly hostile nations—to accomplish His righteous purposes. The Babylonian captivity was a period of intense suffering for Israel, but it also served as a time of spiritual purification and a catalyst for renewed covenant faithfulness. For us today, this verse highlights the solemn reality that God holds individuals and nations accountable for their actions and that there are indeed consequences for persistent disobedience to His commands. It challenges us to examine our own lives and societies for areas of unfaithfulness and to recognize that God's justice is an immutable aspect of His character. Yet, it also offers immense hope: even in the midst of severe judgment and disruption, God remains faithful to His promises, preserving a remnant and ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan. This encourages us to trust in God's ultimate faithfulness even when our circumstances seem bleak or His purposes are unclear, knowing that He works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty in judgment (as seen in the exile) challenge or comfort your perspective on difficult circumstances in your own life or in the world today?**
* **What are some contemporary "captivities" or consequences of disobedience, both personal and societal, that we might observe and how does this verse inform our understanding of them?**
* **The Chronicler emphasizes continuity despite disruption. How does this perspective encourage you to find hope and purpose even in times of crisis or significant change?**

### FAQ

**Why is Jehozadak specifically mentioned in this genealogical record?**

Answer: Jehozadak is singled out because his "going into captivity" marks the pivotal moment of the Babylonian Exile for the high priestly line. While the genealogies typically list names without comment, this historical note is crucial for the Chronicler's post-exilic audience. It affirms that even through the devastating exile, the high priestly lineage, which was central to Israel's worship and identity, remained intact. Jehozadak's son, Jeshua (Joshua), would later return to Jerusalem and play a vital role in the rebuilding of the Temple, demonstrating the continuity of God's covenant and the re-establishment of the priesthood (cf. [Ezra 3:2](/ezra/3-2 "Ezra 3:2 - Jeshua and Zerubbabel rebuild the altar")).

**Does "the LORD carried away" mean God directly caused the suffering of the exile?**

Answer: Yes, from the biblical theological perspective presented in Chronicles and throughout the Old Testament, "the LORD carried away" explicitly means that God was the ultimate agent behind the exile. While Nebuchadnezzar was the human instrument, the text emphasizes God's sovereign control over history and His use of nations to accomplish His purposes. This highlights God's justice in bringing judgment upon His disobedient people, fulfilling the warnings of the covenant (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). It's not about God being cruel, but about His holiness and His commitment to His covenant, which included both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

**What is the broader significance of the "captivity" in the book of Chronicles?**

Answer: For the Chronicler, the "captivity" (exile) is presented as a profound low point, a direct consequence of Israel's prolonged sin and covenant unfaithfulness. However, it is not the end of the story. Rather, it is a period of divine discipline and purification, intended to bring the people back to God. The Chronicler's meticulous tracing of genealogies through the exile, including Jehozadak, underscores God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and His promises. The exile ultimately sets the stage for the return and the rebuilding of the Temple, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His people and His redemptive plan, even in the face of their failures (cf. [2 Chronicles 36:20-23](/2_chronicles/36-20 "2 Chronicles 36:20-23 - The Exile and Cyrus's Decree")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 6:15, with its stark declaration of the high priest Jehozadak going into captivity, vividly portrays the brokenness and vulnerability of the Old Covenant priesthood. This historical moment, where the very representative of God's presence among His people is taken captive, underscores the temporary and imperfect nature of the Levitical system. It points forward to the profound need for a High Priest who could never be taken captive, whose ministry would be eternal and whose sacrifice would be perfectly efficacious. Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of this need, serving as our great High Priest, "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Jesus, the Perfect High Priest")). Unlike Jehozadak, who was subject to earthly powers and the consequences of sin, Jesus, through His once-for-all sacrifice, entered "not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption" ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). His "captivity" was not one imposed by an earthly king like Nebuchadnezzar, but a voluntary submission to the cross, where He bore the ultimate "captivity" of sin and death for humanity. Through His resurrection and ascension, Jesus established a priesthood that is "permanent, since he continues forever" ([Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Jesus' Permanent Priesthood")), offering true liberation from the spiritual exile of sin and ushering in an eternal covenant of grace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 25:18

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

Haggai 2:2

Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying,

Haggai 1:1

¶ In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,

Haggai 1:14

And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,

2 Kings 25:21

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.

Jeremiah 52:28

This [is] the people whom Nebuchadrezzar carried away captive: in the seventh year three thousand Jews and three and twenty:

2 Chronicles 36:17

Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave [them] all into his hand.